Best iPhone / Media / Sat Nav Solution?

[Oyster]

Hi everyone,

I've got a 2004 Golf Mk5 2.0 FSI - not GTI I'm afraid (I'm only 26 and it's my first Golf and my first more "powerful" car) but it's a GT model with climate control, sportier seats, automatic headlights / wipers etc and I really like it! Only 60,000 miles on the clock too which isn't bad for 9 years old I guess. Anyway, back to the subject!

Just trying to figure out what the best setup would be for integrating an iPhone 4. Before anybody says it, yes, I have Googled it - I've been researching the subject (and many others!) for days now and read lots of previous threads, and whilst I've learnt a lot, my mind's in information overload and I just can't decide what's the best thing to do practically speaking, aesthetically speaking and value for money-wise.

My primary requirement is streaming music and charging but I've got a few other "wants" that would be nice but only for the right price. Essentially these include handsfree, Sat Nav and DAB radio.

At the moment, the XCarLink (unless there are any similar better alternatives?) at only around £100 is probably my best option. It means I can wirelessly stream music, charge, use handsfree and I believe I can even stream digital radio that way. Basically, it covers all of my needs, as I guess I could then mount my iPhone on the dashboard and also use it as a Sat Nav - any nice mounting solutions?

However, I do also like the idea of using neater, more integrated solutions. Currently I've got an RCD 300 head unit installed - I think it looks quite sleek and I'm in no hurry to replace it unless someone can convince me otherwise. I'd only really want to upgrade to OEM hardware - what kind of setup would anyone recommend? I presume an OEM head unit incorporating all my needs would cost ££££. Bearing in mind I'd also need to upgrade my CAN Gateway too? Having a head unit with Sat Nav and bluetooth would be cool, but I'd still need somewhere to charge it I guess.

My Mk5 doesn't currently have an armrest fitted, so I've been playing with the idea of getting one with a dock / MDI installed BUT then I'm thinking (similarly in the glovebox) it makes the phone a bit inaccessible for other tasks like Sat Nav.

Sorry, my post is a little bit all over the place. I'll probably go with the XCarLink option due to the cost, but I'm keen to get as much functionality as I can, for the best price and keep things looking neat and tidy (minor OCD here!)

Thanks in advance.

[MrDo]

Keeping your current unit and buying the addon will be cheapest option.

Here's what I did to my 06 GTI. Might not be right for you, but does everything I wanted.

Canbus upgrade can be done by EddieNL (forum guru) for under £100. I installed mine, thought it would be a nightmare and it was actually not hard to physically install.

If you do want OEM touch screen DAB with SD card slot you can get a an RCD510 for £200 on eBay seller turboherbie. This takes a 32Gb SD card that costs approx £15. Also allows MDI to be fitted later if you wish. Go to £400 and you could get RNS510 that has SatNav if that appeals.

Another £150 to £200 will allow phone function, bluetooth audio streaming where you can control your iphone via bluetooth. You can also get the iPhones SatNav to come through the car speakers too (Tom Tom speed camera alerts can be useful).
Such as this http://www.carsystems.pl/vw-bluetooth-kit-7p6035730f-retrofit,id219.html

Mounting, I've gone through a few and found this rigid type to work best http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Mobile-Phone-PDA-In-Car-Windscreen-Suction-Mount-Holder-Cradle-Stand-/130839315926?pt=UK_Holders_Mounts&hash=item1e76a185d6

Good luck

[weztradamus]

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_875559_langId_-1_categoryId_265857   

[GTI-Ross]

Buy mine, comes with everything you need 

http://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,66274.msg729462.html#msg729462

[Oyster]

Thanks MrDo - certainly helped to clear a few thing up!

[Oyster]

@weztradamus - It looks a nice head unit, with good features and a great price, but I'm just too much of a sucker for official VW accessories!

[Oyster]

@GTI-Ross - Shameless plug, love it! 

[Oyster]

Bump (to get my post count up to 10)