RCD310 on 2005 Gti - Advice please :) Noob sorry :(

[MrACD]

Hi all,

Sorry if this is the 4.6 millionth time this has been asked.  But I think the RCD300 looks drab in the 2005 Gti so been looking at cheap alternatives and for £50 I can get the RCD310.  Happy days.  Until -

Battery drain? Canbus? Adaptors? whoooosh over my head... lol..

So in no uncertain terms could someone please tell me what I need to do when I want to fit the 310 please?  I also have the MFSW so wonder if this will work with no mods?  Thanks in advance. 

[MrACD]

Been looking and looking and looking and from what I can see I would need to update the CAN, the prices seem to be around £75 plus so all in all might be better off getting an aftermarket OEM looking item from Fleabay! - I'll get Sat Nav and other functions (might even go for an Android one and use Torque app etc) and be able to use the MFSW still..

Unless there is an RCD310 firmware update that retains the original CAN but stops the battery drain - I can't find this info out yet though!

I would prefer all OEM but don't mind tbh.

I'll continue to search.

[Degudodger]

Right.
For a 2005 you will need:
1 - New Gateway which @Eddie-NL can provide coded so it will be plug and play.
2 - FM aerial adapter - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Fakra-Radio-Antenna-Aerial-Adapter-RNS-RCD-510-310-315-Seat-Skoda-Columbus-/360808733867?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5401e05cab

[MrACD]

Right.
For a 2005 you will need:
1 - New Gateway which @Eddie-NL can provide coded so it will be plug and play.
2 - FM aerial adapter - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Fakra-Radio-Antenna-Aerial-Adapter-RNS-RCD-510-310-315-Seat-Skoda-Columbus-/360808733867?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item5401e05cab

Thank you sir! - I'll get on it 

[shoaybmakda]

@MrACD how did you get on with this? I'm interested in doing something similar

[MrACD]

@MrACD how did you get on with this? I'm interested in doing something similar

Still waiting to have the car to do anything!  Having a complete nightmare with it.

When I do, I'll get an updated canbus and look to get the 310 I think..

As soon as I do I'll post it up :)

[GTIEagles]

You can also remove your canbus, send it Eddie and he will upgrade the firmware to the latest version which cures the battery drain issue.

[MrACD]

You can also remove your canbus, send it Eddie and he will upgrade the firmware to the latest version which cures the battery drain issue.

I didn't know that! - thanks for the info :)

[shoaybmakda]

Any progress @MrACD ?

[MrACD]

Any progress @MrACD ?

@shoaybmakda Yeah got an updated CAN and Eddie coded it for me, that's installed.  My neighbour has sold me his RCD310 (cheap!) and going to install that when I can.  I also got the radio connector adaptor form eBay and also going to get an Aux in.  I have the 6cd changer in the arm rest, from what I can see this should work no probs.  Also exploring Bluetooth as well!

[MrACD]

@shoaybmakda

Fitted the Can Gateway and the unit.

Really easy to change to be fair and for the price you can't moan.  Looks so much better than the RCD300.  Here's a pic (not the best pics!).

[shoaybmakda]

Looking good @MrACD 

Have spoken to ed about getting the can sorted. Did you get the DAB version of the head unit? I changed my cd changer for the basic iPod connection but main reason I want to upgrade to the newer unit is to use the MDI connector as it charges the iPod. Would be good to have the track names come up on the display too!

[MrACD]

Looking good @MrACD 

Have spoken to ed about getting the can sorted. Did you get the DAB version of the head unit? I changed my cd changer for the basic iPod connection but main reason I want to upgrade to the newer unit is to use the MDI connector as it charges the iPod. Would be good to have the track names come up on the display too!

No it's not DAB, was going to go that way but picked this up for £49 new, it's the newer style one too, black screen and white font (I think LED).  At the moment it will do and looks so much better than the RCD300, plus it's got better sound, can control mid-range.  I've connected my changer to it but will be swapping for the MDI and a USB/Aux too (where the blanks are by the esp/tyre pressure). 

[GTIEagles]

I'm looking at upgrading to an RCD310 or 510 mainly due to the better sound quality. Question is, how much better is it? More bass and clarity? Less distortion at higher volumes? I'm not too bothered about the dated looks of the original headunit just want something that sounds better!

[MrACD]

I'm looking at upgrading to an RCD310 or 510 mainly due to the better sound quality. Question is, how much better is it? More bass and clarity? Less distortion at higher volumes? I'm not too bothered about the dated looks of the original headunit just want something that sounds better!

It's not amazingly better, but it is noticeably better.  You have adjustment over the mid-range on the EQ so you can tune in a better sound range.  I've found I can put a bit more bass in and it holds it better as it gets louder.  The unit all round, it's functionality too is better! - I would recommend it.