Ipod adaptor - R32OC

DylR32 · 7th July 2009, 12:39 PM

Hey all,

Just traded in my '05 M3 cab for an '09 MkV R32 - can anyone advise on what type the ipod connector is in the glove compartment?

Cheers

richard_nottm · 7th July 2009, 12:47 PM

Interesting trade in. I love those M3s!

Not sure what type the connector is. Im sure someone will be along to answer. Mines in the glovebox but i understand some have theirs under the armrest.

Rich

ajbell · 7th July 2009, 12:47 PM

Are you sure its in the glove compartment my 08 has it in the armrest.

richard_nottm · 7th July 2009, 12:50 PM

Yes its in the glovebox. Maybe its a cheaper aftermarket option. Came with the car.

Does the job though. I tend to leave the ipod lying on the silver tray behind the gearstick. Wouldnt mind a small cradle device for it.

burble · 7th July 2009, 01:40 PM

A pretty crap one to be honest. It plugs into the headunit by the CD changer interface so you are stuck to the limitations of that interface hence you have no track names showing on the headunit and limited control of the iPod itself.

Also depending on what iPod you have it won't charge using the adapter.

The same adapter can be installed in the glovebox or arm rest but you normally find that if it was fitted at the factory it would be in the arm rest and a dealer would retro fit it in the glovebox.

richard_nottm · 7th July 2009, 01:46 PM

Wonder if its dealer retro fit then.

It charges my Ipod Nano and plays through the CD interface. I can change tracks etc although cant see track names.

Wouldnt be bothered about paying for a new install though.

ChrisR32 · 7th July 2009, 01:55 PM

I was looking at fitting an ipod adaptor so that I can have full control & see track names and hopefully charge my video ipod as well.
I have the RNS 510 Sat Nav with 6 CD changer in the armrest.
I would like to keep the 6 CD changer functioning.
I was looking at the VW Media In kit 5N0057342 and lead for Ipod.

Burble, would this kit suit my needs.
Thanks

burble · 7th July 2009, 01:58 PM

Yep, that'll do you nicely. I've got a slightly different version of the Media In kit (it's just packaged differently but does the same job) and it works great.

From what I remember the iPod cable is about £25. I've got a spare one which is yours for a tenner if you want.

ChrisR32 · 7th July 2009, 02:01 PM

Thanks for confirming that. I will mount it in glovebox.
I will let you know soon regarding the lead.

burble · 7th July 2009, 02:05 PM

Do you know what firmware your RNS510 has? I believe you need at least v1000 for the MDI kit to work.

ChrisR32 · 7th July 2009, 02:21 PM

How do I check what firmware it has?
I was told it was version B, is that what you mean?

burble · 7th July 2009, 02:25 PM

Do you have VAGCOM? To check the firmware you need to access the test menu but you need to enable the menu with VAGCOM first.

If it is a B version then the MDI will work as they shipped with firmware > 1000. To check though, when you change the volume, where does the volume bar show on the screen? If it is at the bottom then it's all good.

ChrisR32 · 7th July 2009, 02:35 PM

Thanks for that.
The volume bar is at the bottom.
My car is registered Jan '09 and was specced with the RNS 510 from factory.
So I'm glad I have latest version.

DylR32 · 8th July 2009, 12:23 PM

thanks for the info - what I was told by the dealer is that (for newer models at least) the glovebox connection is standard but the armrest option is available for extra £££'s - typical.

p.s. richard, M3 was awesome but had it 3 years and wanted something new. that and the missus harping on about wanting a new car as well!

richard_nottm · 8th July 2009, 12:35 PM

Thanks interesting to know. How much was the armrest ipod out of interest?

The M3s are great too. My mates looking an an RS4 now which is probably in a similar bracket! Both fantastic but a bit expensive for me!

Enjoy the new car!

DylR32 · 8th July 2009, 12:41 PM

cheers rich - i've got the 'extras' list in front of me - armrest-mounted 'ipod preparation' costs £290 (more than most ipods!)

Test-drove an RS4 Avant which was pretty awesome, maybe that'll be the next car when she decides she wants dogs!

By the way, not that the handling is anything but awesome but curious whether you (or anyone) has lowered their MkV at all for 'aesthetic' purposes? If so can you recommend manufacturer? I want to keep the car pretty standard to be honest, and if its going to affect my warranty i'll keep it like it is.

burble · 8th July 2009, 12:41 PM

The cost for the armrest installation would vary. If you already have the a CD changer in the armrest then it would be cheaper than if you didn't because you already have the DIN slot there. I think the kit for glovebox installation is about £75 plus whatever labour they dealer would charge.

celica · 9th July 2009, 12:00 AM

how do you run the ipod lead to inside the glovebox? Are there any other suggestions where it could be routed to, i.e. ashtray, armrest etc.?

burble, do you have a pic of the lead? I have the 6disc multi headunit changer and no connections on the back i.e no seperate cd changer

burble · 9th July 2009, 08:24 AM

Running the lead is easy, all you need to do is undo a few screws then drop the glove box down. That'll give you enough room to run the cable to the back of the headunit.

The armrest installation is a bit more awkward because you need to run the cable along the handbrake and into the centre console from the underside. Not difficult though.

If you fancied a bit of fabrication then you could put it anywhere you liked. I know someone who took a standard Apple dock, put it in the ashtray and connected the VW iPod connector to it. You'd have to have the ashtray open when the iPod is plugged in so you'd be able to see the screen on the iPod, not that it gives any advantage because all it'll show is a VW logo.

I don't have any pictures but it's nothing exciting to look at anyway.

If it's the RCD500 you have (and you say it has a 6 CD changer built in so it most likely is) then you do have the external CD changer connection on the back - it's part of the big quadlock connector. Look at the wiring diagram on the top of the headunit:

That translates to these pins in the quadlock:

celica · 9th July 2009, 07:33 PM

thanks

but what do you mean on this:

Quote:

If you fancied a bit of fabrication then you could put it anywhere you liked. I know someone who took a standard Apple dock, put it in the ashtray and connected the VW iPod connector to it. You'd have to have the ashtray open when the iPod is plugged in so you'd be able to see the screen on the iPod, not that it gives any advantage because all it'll show is a VW logo.

only VW logo show? how do you choose music choice etc.?

is it plug and play?

burble · 9th July 2009, 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celica

only VW logo show? how do you choose music choice etc.?

Yep, only the VW logo:

How to you choose music? With a bit of difficulty. The iPod connector allows you to choose between 5 playlists by using the buttons on the headunit that you would use to choose a different CD in the multichanger. The 6th playlist is all the tracks on the iPod played in order. So if you decide that you want to listen to a certain track you're a bit stuffed.

Like I said, it's a pretty crap interface

Quote:

Originally Posted by celica

is it plug and play?

Yep.

celica · 9th July 2009, 09:03 PM

oh, thanks

think i'll pass then

can't believe the interface is like that