Kenwood DNX520VBT

[Markydee]

After much deliberation I have ordered one of these units off eBay - think I got a pretty good deal- brand new with receipt/ warranty and everything included from Volkswagen in Cambridge for £475?
Was looking at the RNS but seems a minefield getting one off eBay and unfortunately can't afford a new one from eddie
Also wanted blue tooth and mdi so was looking at rocketing costs for the RNS.
Still not convinced the right decision but its done now.
Anyway my questions are:
Anyone had any experience with these?
Also ordered the iPod lead - has anyone got any suggestions as to how to minimise the look of cables coming out the front of the unit? (Stupid design and was almost a deal breaker) - was thinking of hiding iPod in cubby under steering wheel maybe?
May just get mini USB stick but how do I structure folders on disk - same as many do with sd card on RNS I assume - anyone know of a how to thread?

Cheers all

[Nodz]

Is this the VW approved kenwood unit?

If so they have loads of different accessories on the kenwood site for it, I think there is an ipod lead you get that goes in the back of the unit

[Markydee]

Hi yeah it's the VW approved one - ill take a look at the kenwood site.

Cheers

[rsreid2000]

Seriously looked at one of these before I went for the RNS510. They look great in the car and everything is there for you for a fraction of the price of the RNS. You'll love it.

[Shabba168]

Ihave fitted a few of these in customersvans.

One of the main reasons i havent put it in my car is the ipodlead out the front. they are also a little slow turning on and changing tracks on the ipod but you get used to it. it isnt too bad tho

When you fit it make sure you turn animation off in the menu as it slowsit down alot.

If anyone is looking to get one i would recommend the new DNX521DAB. Fitted a couple of these and they are so much better than the older one they are qwicker and smoother intergration also the ipod comes out the back of the unit.

[Markydee]

Cheers for the responses so far. Been looking on net at various forums some suggest the posibilty of connecting an iPod via the rear mini USB but can't find anything definate.
Can anyone suggest anywhere to fit in the midlands?
Also can I just copy playlist directly from iTunes to a USB stick or is it a but more complex than that?
Cheers again

[beetie]

We've been building the display units for the new vw Kenwood option for the Volkswagen dealers. The dab headunit with a next base head rest monitor and vw phone touchscreen kit. Good bit of kit the Kenwood headunit with everything on it, sure you can put an iPod lead in the back of it and route the cable to where you'd want.

[Randeep]

Ive just bought myself the new Dab version (DNX521DAB). Double the money but its a nice bit of kit. Has pretty much everything you want, only shame with the new one is that options such as climate control display and parking sensor display does not work on the MK5's. The Bt version is near enough the same though....enjoy :)

[Markydee]

Cheers Beetie
Looked at your unit - looks great - out of my price range though unfortunately.
How have you found the BT? Read some reports of issues with connection issues with iPhones but others state it faultless?
 

[Andy]

I was looking at the vw Kenwood approved  ones but  went for the alpine ine-s900r instead

[AutosoundBlackpool]

After much deliberation I have ordered one of these units off eBay - think I got a pretty good deal- brand new with receipt/ warranty and everything included from Volkswagen in Cambridge for £475?
Was looking at the RNS but seems a minefield getting one off eBay and unfortunately can't afford a new one from eddie
Also wanted blue tooth and mdi so was looking at rocketing costs for the RNS.
Still not convinced the right decision but its done now.
Anyway my questions are:
Anyone had any experience with these?
Also ordered the iPod lead - has anyone got any suggestions as to how to minimise the look of cables coming out the front of the unit? (Stupid design and was almost a deal breaker) - was thinking of hiding iPod in cubby under steering wheel maybe?
May just get mini USB stick but how do I structure folders on disk - same as many do with sd card on RNS I assume - anyone know of a how to thread?

Cheers all

£475!! Thats nearly half trade price!! Now thats a bargain  It is older model/stock but a great price. I spoke to Kenwood last tuesday and they're still selling them trade for over £700 plus vat.

[Markydee]

Not too bad a deal. Bit of haggling involved but thought too good to miss at that price. Even better when I received a genuine invoice/ receipt from VW Cambridge - seller said he was a dealer - thought he just meant an independent  audio dealer not VW main dealer.
I'm thinking can sell on if decide it doesn't live up to the RNS and not lose too much.
Am now starting to hear some very good reports though.
Just why on earth did Kenwood stick the USB on the front?!!!

[Randeep]

Not too bad a deal. Bit of haggling involved but thought too good to miss at that price. Even better when I received a genuine invoice/ receipt from VW Cambridge - seller said he was a dealer - thought he just meant an independent  audio dealer not VW main dealer.
I'm thinking can sell on if decide it doesn't live up to the RNS and not lose too much.
Am now starting to hear some very good reports though.
Just why on earth did Kenwood stick the USB on the front?!!!

Snap! I got my unit from him as well. Was a tad surprised when I went to pick it up,  thought someone was selling the units under the covers... Turned out to be the after sales manager of the branch! Was a nice enough chap,  very helpful and tells me they always have bits and pieces going and cheap prices.

[Markydee]

Yeah that the guy - seems a nice enough bloke.
Just had confirmation from ups it has been delivered today so will have a play after work.
Have you got yours installed yet? What are your thoughts on it ?

[Randeep]

I have had mine in for a couple of weeks now. Had a amp and sub etc installed which I have grounding issues with but thats in a different thread.  The unit looks good and integrates with the steering wheel, every button does something.  The unit can be a little laggy sometimes but nothing that wants to make me scream.  

You should get all the cables needed to fit the unit including iso Cambus etc. Mine also came with fitting instructions and highlighted what will integrate and what won't (climates control and asking sensors etc)

In terms of fitting it tells you to put the gps on to of the unit as it' magnetic but I found it took quite some time to find any satellites so I moved it on top of the plastic blower which works better.  The top grill should cover it out of sight.