S
shambly
Guest User
We decided before delivery that we wanted to upgrade the radio in our California from a RCD310 (albeit with DAB) to one with Sat Nav and to add Bluetooth and MDI. We also managed to talk ourselves into a reversing camera.
The two companies we had to choose from to do this work were forum discount provider vag-tec and Hazzy Dayz.
Hazzy Dayz were much more responsive to my enquiries and questions and local enough to where I work for them to do the work at their premises (Reversing Camera = lots of dismantling) but more expensive; though after haggling and opting for a 'second-hand' head unit they were more or less on price parity. We nearly opted for the RNS315 as it supports DAB but the much higher resolution screen of the RNS510 (plus its factory fit status) swung it for us in the end; we have the option to part-ex the head unit they fitted for a DAB capable 510 unit when one becomes available from VW (expected soon; the USA market already has a sirius xm version).
The work took pretty much a full day and our California (3 weeks old) was returned exactly as when left with them.
Fitting the genuine VW reversing camera involved them replacing the rear number-plate trim, which was sprayed in the correct colour ahead of the appointment. All the camera wiring was run alongside the existing loom. We get the camera display complete with indicated path that moves with the steering wheel on the RNS510 screen whenever the vehicle is in reverse. Having finally seen a factory reversing camera on an edition25 Caravelle last weekend I can confirm that our install is indistinguishable.
The other installations (MDI, Bluetooth, RNS510) were less intrusive and the 2nd hand unit looks as new in the dash. Bluetooth, and MDI function through the steering wheel and with the MFD (including Navigation too) as the factory intended. We've also gained an electronic compass on the regular MFD display, and the optical parking and aircon controls look much nicer than on the original 310 display. They also enabled voice control for me.
I have only one disappointment from the install and that is the bluetooth microphone in the headliner where we have a black grill over an existing panel rather than the 'factory' panel I had expected. On picking Gareth up on this he immediately ordered the panel that I gave him the part number for and will be fitting it for me once it arrives; I think this was just a case of their being many variants to cope with and a lack of specialist knowledge on the California model in particular. i'll report back on the final solution.
The reversing camera was mainly to address my wife's concerns about reversing such a large vehicle but I have to say the that its been enabling me to park in spaces i'd previously have chosen to avoid…
Definitely a thumbs up for Hazzy Dayz.
Simon
some images follow:-
Reversing Camera location
Head unit
Bluetooth microphone (to be replaced with factory panel)
New MDI connector in glove box
Navigation screen on MFD (no route set)
Radio screen on MFD (note compass and TMC indication)
Bluetooth phone screen on MFD
The two companies we had to choose from to do this work were forum discount provider vag-tec and Hazzy Dayz.
Hazzy Dayz were much more responsive to my enquiries and questions and local enough to where I work for them to do the work at their premises (Reversing Camera = lots of dismantling) but more expensive; though after haggling and opting for a 'second-hand' head unit they were more or less on price parity. We nearly opted for the RNS315 as it supports DAB but the much higher resolution screen of the RNS510 (plus its factory fit status) swung it for us in the end; we have the option to part-ex the head unit they fitted for a DAB capable 510 unit when one becomes available from VW (expected soon; the USA market already has a sirius xm version).
The work took pretty much a full day and our California (3 weeks old) was returned exactly as when left with them.
Fitting the genuine VW reversing camera involved them replacing the rear number-plate trim, which was sprayed in the correct colour ahead of the appointment. All the camera wiring was run alongside the existing loom. We get the camera display complete with indicated path that moves with the steering wheel on the RNS510 screen whenever the vehicle is in reverse. Having finally seen a factory reversing camera on an edition25 Caravelle last weekend I can confirm that our install is indistinguishable.
The other installations (MDI, Bluetooth, RNS510) were less intrusive and the 2nd hand unit looks as new in the dash. Bluetooth, and MDI function through the steering wheel and with the MFD (including Navigation too) as the factory intended. We've also gained an electronic compass on the regular MFD display, and the optical parking and aircon controls look much nicer than on the original 310 display. They also enabled voice control for me.
I have only one disappointment from the install and that is the bluetooth microphone in the headliner where we have a black grill over an existing panel rather than the 'factory' panel I had expected. On picking Gareth up on this he immediately ordered the panel that I gave him the part number for and will be fitting it for me once it arrives; I think this was just a case of their being many variants to cope with and a lack of specialist knowledge on the California model in particular. i'll report back on the final solution.
The reversing camera was mainly to address my wife's concerns about reversing such a large vehicle but I have to say the that its been enabling me to park in spaces i'd previously have chosen to avoid…
Definitely a thumbs up for Hazzy Dayz.
Simon
some images follow:-
Reversing Camera location
Head unit
Bluetooth microphone (to be replaced with factory panel)
New MDI connector in glove box
Navigation screen on MFD (no route set)
Radio screen on MFD (note compass and TMC indication)
Bluetooth phone screen on MFD
- though my mic in the centre panel as per LHD seems to be picking up just fine...
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