Need Bluetooth Recommendation

[Martyn]

One of the things I wish my California has is Bluetooth .... I have it in my Audi and really miss it when driving the Cali.

So, my options are 1) Get it retro-fitted or 2) buy a decent Bluetooth headset.

I think I'd rather go for 1) if I'm honest. Can anyone recommend a unit? I think I recall seing an after-market one in the VW marketing catalogue but can't remember.

Martyn

 

[Stu]

Installing the proper OEM kit is the best way, I have done mine and a couple for other members here and it's not too difficult. There are some retrofit specialists who will also do it for you if you wish.

 

[Martyn]

Thanks Stu. So, I don't have the multi-function steering wheel - presume there has to be some sort of button/scroll wheel? Where does this mount?

Cheers

Martyn

 

[teeboy]

I think it will depend which stereo you have.

I have an RNS510 and I think I can do all the Bluetooth loveliness from the headunit. I assume this is the case for the RCD510 as well, and probably the RNS310.

But if you have the standard RCD310 then I am not sure you have the right buttons to make or receive calls.

Does anyone have an RCD310 with Bluetooth and no MFSW - if so how do you dial and make and receive calls?

Of course I guess you could get a dash mount for your phone and use the phone keypad to make and receive calls, and it will use Bluetooth to transmit the call over the headphones.

T

P.S. Remember you get the ability to stream music from your phone with Bluetooth as well which is my main use case in the van - as I don't want to talk to anyone when I am on holiday

 

[Martyn]

I have the RCD310 with the DAB option. I would love to have that ability to stream music via Bluetooth.

Martyn

 

[teeboy]

You should have a 3.5mm jack in the glove box to do it the old fashioned low tech way

And the purists would say you get better quality that way.

T

 

[Martyn]

Well, yes I have. Doesn't mean I don't want the Bluetooth option!

 

[KernowLad]

Is this for phone use (worthwhile) or music (hideous quality most of the time)?

 

[777111]

I suspect the cheapest option is an RNS 310/315 that includes the BT module. They seem to sell for about £300 on eBay and operating a phone from it directly is pretty easy. I guess you don't have the 3 roof mounted telephone buttons? Think they are an option as "BT prep"? IS there any roof mounted mic evident?
I have the RNS310 and the Cali seemed to be spec'ed with BT prep but as it was not customer factory ordered not sure what components are standard.
Failing that Pioneer / Kenwood do some very good double DIN Head Units with BT that works very well but depends whether you need any of the VW integration such as parking sensors.
Retrofit is do-able but not good value.

 

[Stu]

I can't recall that the RCD 310 supports Bluetooth telephone without a MFSW - Would need to check.

RCD 510/510 DAB is fine and has a phone button.

Upgrade to a MFSW is relatively cheap and quite simple if that was of interest. Steering Wheel original airbag fits this wheel.

Bluetooth Audio is supported on the RCD 310 if you have Bluetooth telephone installed but you may need to go into the menu to enable it as it is disabled by default.

It's a little known secret that the RNS 315 has bluetooth telephone built in already but it is disabled, a little tweak with VCDS can sort that out though. You just need to wire in a Microphone which is cheap enough. Microphone Kit

There are a number of OEM bluetooth kits here including ones with a WiFi hotspot facility if that floats your boat.

You will need to do some searching here but you'll find I posted the part number of the Microphone cover you need for the Cali.

If anyone needs/wants any VCDS coding carried out there are a couple of us with the tool.

 

[Martyn]

Thanks for all the advice, really appreciated.

Stu - I'm thinking that I may well go down the MFSW route, 199 euros seems a very reasonable price for that wheel and I do miss having it just for audio control. Is that precisely the same wheel as you have fitted to your van?

So - and this is probably a dumb question - if I was to fit the MFSW wheel, what else would I need to come up with a functional bluetooth setup? You mentioned an OEM kit, does that include mike etc?

Martyn

 

[777111]

Yes, very much agree about the cost of the MFSW - thought they would be dealer only and £££'s!
I have managed without but would pay £170 for one.

Stu - is there a likely to be connector somewhere for the MFSW that links it to DIS and audio or is this something that would need dealer involvement or some other pre-existing option?
And how about transferring the air bag without it going off in my face? Dealer job or competent DIY possible?

Interesting option - thanks.

 

[Stu]

There is a solution to do the MFSW without swapping the wheel and just by adding the buttons. Will did a guide here and we coded it at COTF last year.

According to his findings there is some wiring to be installed and I would think (if you are proceed and when I can find the time) I could look at the wiring diagrams for you to see where the factory solution would have been connected.

Removal of the airbag and steering wheel is quite a simple job, I have done hundreds of Cruise Control installations on VW/Skoda's which requires the steering wheel to be removed.

You need the MFSW airbag wiring loom as Will mentions, this image shows the subtle difference with the addition of the extra connector -

I posted some other info a couple of years ago here.

 

[Cooperman19]

Hi,

Been reading this with interest, I would recommend the Jabra cruiser 2 system, It is relatively cheap £50 - £60, is small and clips on to the sun visor, streams music and calls through the stereo, the sound quality is phenomenal and you can swap it over and use on any car also. I use mine in both my Cali and my car, it's as good as any manufacturers system. Battery life is excellent, lithium rechargeable battery, usb or mains to charge, fantastic piece of equipment, can't recommend it enough.