Bluetooth retrofit

TimR · Sep 3, 2015

Hi
I have a RCD310 in a 2011 SE and looking to retrofit Bluetooth. I'm no good with electrics so have been asking around for someone to assist with the installation. I'm getting mixed responses.

The latest from Happy Dayz is that I would need to answer the phone from the phone as there is no button on the left hand stalk to answer the phone. I had thought there was!

They have then suggested I might want to upgrade to the Multi-Function wheel so the phone can be controlled from it.

Perhaps naively I thought I could simply add the Bluetooth module and a mic then answer the phone by pressing said button below.

I realise the specification has changed so what applies now isn't necessarily right for 2011 but someone must have overcome this. Can it be that difficult?

Raggedroy · Sep 3, 2015

My Cali started the same spec as yours. I upgraded the stereo to the RCD510, it has phone controls. I then added the Bluetooth kit. It was all plug and play.

teeboy · Sep 3, 2015

Happy Dayz are right - there are no phone controls on the RCD310, and the buttons you have shown in the picture are just for the cruise control.

I think Raggedroys suggestion is the cheapest option - you can find RCD510s quite cheaply on ebay.

If you want navigation then consider an RNS315 or RNS510, but they are more expensive and quited dated these days.

Of course the RCD310 can support bluetooth as long as you make calls from the handset. I make very few calls from the van, but I do use the streaming audio feature for music and podcasts on the phone. I control that from the phone screen - so making the odd call via the phone is no issue. Of course if you are a heavy phone caller then a better solution would be a replacement stereo, or maybe a Brodit Phone mount so you can mount the phone on the dashboard and control it with one hand.

T

TimR · Sep 4, 2015

Thanks, not a big phone user, mainly for music and podcasts but will look into Brodit as that looks like a cheap option and might also allow satnav to be operated from the iphone. So Brodit + Bluetooth kit would get me up and running by the sound of it. Cheapest I've been quoted for the Bluetooth kit installed is £325!

teeboy · Sep 4, 2015

It is a pretty easy retrofit - it comes with a wiring loom which is just plug and play. The hardest part is running the wire for the microphone above the drivers head. See this thread http://vwcaliforniaclub.com/threads/bluetooth-microphone.293/

Bit scary removing your glovebox and stereo, but pretty easy.

Think you can get a VW BT module 2nd hand from ebay for < £100

Think you will need to get the van coded - to tell it that it has bluetooth installed as well - but loads of people on here have VCDS to do that.

Bluestone · Sep 4, 2015

I totally agree with Teeboy, but the RNS510 is currently fitted to the latest spec T5's, being replaced for the T6 of course. It is a little dated though and it shows now, but I would recommend putting a late spec (LED) RNS510 in as the cost difference between this and a RCD510 is probably minimal.

Annoyingly (unless it's changed) the Bluetooth is another separate module - I would recommend getting a Fiscon one instead of the VW one as they are a lot better - it's all about cost at the end of the day - good old ebay (although I hate it!!) is the place to look, and remember that these bits are common for all VW/Skoda/Seat platform - the RNS510 is the same for all models (although the bezel is slightly different for the transporter and also Toureg but I'm sure it's easily changed

The same is true for the multi function steering wheel - the one in the Cali seems to be the same as a Golf MK6 - again someone correct me if I'm wrong on this!!

teeboy · Sep 4, 2015

Problem is this is where "Man Maths" take over

£100 for the BT module attached to the current stereo.

Ah but, I could change the stereo for an RCD510 and control the phone from the touch screen = £100 + £100

Ah but then I could add Nav and DVD playback = £100 + £300

Ah but then I could add steering wheel controls = £100 + £300 + 300

All the above prices are for DIY installs and ebay prices (rounded to the nearest £100)

Not sure how complex the steering wheel is to fit your self as they may be a bit of wiring loom to change and then you have airbag excitement. But I think quite a common mod over on the T5 forums. Especially if you have DSG and you can get hold of a Golf wheel with "flappy paddles"

teeboy · Sep 4, 2015

You could also get a DAB version of the RCD310, RCD510 or RNS510 for another £100, and then stick a 3rd party DAB aerial to the windscreen.....

Am I helping

Bluestone · Sep 4, 2015

DAB is great in this country, but I couldn't find a single station in Europe

There must be some though, but even in Germany it wouldn't find any - unless I was doing something wrong - which is highly probable!!

With regard to the SatNav on the RNS510 - you can get a GPS aerial which sits above the unit behind the dash so no worries about fitting one - I don't know where they fit the standard one on a Cali - no 'shark fin' of course.

teeboy · Sep 4, 2015

Standard Cali aerial for GPS and DAB is in the drivers side mirror, so retro fitting is a shocker.

So your solution for GPS is the preferred option (and works perfectly), and a stick on windscreen aerial for DAB.