New infotainment system needed

[Salty]

Hello all. Our Infotainment system, sat nav system is on the blink. And the ACC not working, warning lights randomly coming on, generally not very well. I’ve taken it to Yeomans VW and they’ve just called to say I need a new system, cost £1800 plus vat plus fitting. They can’t tell me what’s wrong with it, it just needs replacing. the van is a Cali Beach, 2016, 40000 miles. It seems a bit feeble that it needs a new one, and that can’t tell me why. Please can anyone advise what my options are, can I order one myself get it cheaper maybe, or any experiences. Thank you in advance.

 

[Wildcamper]

Speak to Absolut5 based in Amesbury. They are Forum members.

 

[Salty]

Will do, thank you very much.

 

[dspuk]

Hello all. Our Infotainment system, sat nav system is on the blink. And the ACC not working, warning lights randomly coming on, generally not very well. I’ve taken it to Yeomans VW and they’ve just called to say I need a new system, cost £1800 plus vat plus fitting. They can’t tell me what’s wrong with it, it just needs replacing. the van is a Cali Beach, 2016, 40000 miles. It seems a bit feeble that it needs a new one, and that can’t tell me why. Please can anyone advise what my options are, can I order one myself get it cheaper maybe, or any experiences. Thank you in advance.

Sounds like twaddle to me. A 6 year old van should not need a "new infortainment system" - feels much more like some underlying electrictical/fuse issue. I'd put money that the issue would be similar with a new head unit.

 

[chockswahay]

Hello all. Our Infotainment system, sat nav system is on the blink. And the ACC not working, warning lights randomly coming on, generally not very well. I’ve taken it to Yeomans VW and they’ve just called to say I need a new system, cost £1800 plus vat plus fitting. They can’t tell me what’s wrong with it, it just needs replacing. the van is a Cali Beach, 2016, 40000 miles. It seems a bit feeble that it needs a new one, and that can’t tell me why. Please can anyone advise what my options are, can I order one myself get it cheaper maybe, or any experiences. Thank you in advance.

Do you have the extended warranty? It should be covered by that if so……

 

[Salty]

Do you have the extended warranty? It should be covered by that if so……

Thank you, but I don’t.

 

[RSMarco]

I may be changing my Kenwood DMX9720XDS if you are interested?

 

[petestackspeter]

Hello,

I may be interested in this unit of you are selling.

Seems compatible with a 2015 T6 Beach right?

 

[petestackspeter]

Thank you, but I don’t.

Have you replaced the head unit?

I'm in a similar situation with my van. Screen has failed and theres no warranty. Had thought about replacing just the screen but I think i'll just go ahead and upgrade the whole unit.

Would be interested to know what everyone else has done.

 

[BeanBus17]

Hello all. Our Infotainment & sat nav system is also on the blink..... And the ACC not working properly as well.
I’ve spoken with Yeomans VW Exeter (our local VW Dealer), and their response was that need a new system, cost over £2500....
They can’t tell me what’s wrong with it, it just needs replacing. the van is a Cali Beach, 2017, 58000 miles.
Reading the Forum this seems to be a common issue...
Can anyone recommend a company in the South West that could repair/replace it?
Thanks

 

[chockswahay]

Hello all. Our Infotainment & sat nav system is also on the blink..... And the ACC not working properly as well.
I’ve spoken with Yeomans VW Exeter (our local VW Dealer), and their response was that need a new system, cost over £2500....
They can’t tell me what’s wrong with it, it just needs replacing. the van is a Cali Beach, 2017, 58000 miles.
Reading the Forum this seems to be a common issue...
Can anyone recommend a company in the South West that could repair/replace it?
Thanks

Do you have VW warranty extension?

 

[BeanBus17]

Do you have VW warranty extension?

Sadly No - is there a link to a DIY fix or a good South West Based company?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

Is infotainment the stereo / headunit. If so what was the replacement cost? You could get a third party fitted which would be more reliable, same functionality (if not better) and alot cheaper.

 

[BeanBus17]

Yes, the whole unit isn't working - only way to use the system is via the buttons on the steering wheel

 

[WelshGas]

Yes, the whole unit isn't working - only way to use the system is via the buttons on the steering wheel

So the unit is working, but not the touch screen?

 

[chockswahay]

Sadly No - is there a link to a DIY fix or a good South West Based company?

Sorry I can't help in that case. All that I was going to say is that Yeomans Indian Queens replaced my sons 6 yr old head unit that had similar issues. He did have to 'push hard' however to get them to agree it was under warranty. I reckon your best course might be a non VW replacement, there is another recent thread with useful stuff for you, have a quick search

 

[Wildcamper]

Call Absolut5 on Amesbury. They are forum members and seem to be able to fix any head unit or replace it at reasonable cost - compared to VW!

 

[Abracadabra]

I have just replaced my original VW head unit, the RNS 510.
In consultation with Absolut I managed to self install a Kenwood DMX 8021 DABS.
I reported on this DIY installation in a post on here last month, Replacing Head Unit.
Check out my post to hear what is involved.
The new head unit is just what I wanted, except that I live so far from Amesbury I wasn't able to have Absolut do the fit. They were incredibly helpful.
Get them to fit if possible.
The RNS 510 would be a very simple swap if that is your current unit. Mine was working perfectly and at some point I will eBay it.
The reason for the update was to get Apple Car Play/Android Auto which are superb driving aids, imo.

 

[Aidy P]

I want to replace my infotainment system and have had the Kenwood 8021 recommended by a local dealer. How has this one been for you @Abracadabra? Any issues?

Has anyone installed an alternative?

 

[Ch1pbutty]

I want to replace my infotainment system and have had the Kenwood 8021 recommended by a local dealer. How has this one been for you @Abracadabra? Any issues?

Has anyone installed an alternative?

We had the 8019 in our old beach and it was excellent. 8021 is a newer version (as 8019 discontinued). Would recommend.

Our Joker has a Kenwood DNX518VDABS (in built Garmin satnav) which is a more expensive unit, but prefer the cheaper Kenwood 8019/8021 it’s far easier to use, looks less clunky & has wireless CarPlay.

Speak to @Absolut5; They give great advice.

 

[Abracadabra]

Hi
The Kenwood 8021 has now been in action for nearly a year.
Android Auto, voice activation for calls (easy) and nav fine.
Possibly a better sound from the speakers?
However.
Cold & moisture mornings create a 'cloud' middle screen which clears once vehicle warms up.
Poor screen visibility in sunshine.
Haven't found out how to turn off traffic announcements- anyone able to advise please?
Reverse camera picture OK but not as good as RNS it replaced.
You will lose some steering wheel controls features like voice activation.
Was it worth the change to get Android Auto?
On balance yes.
If the Kenwood is the best alternative then the others must be pretty poor. You will discern from above that I am generally happy with the Kenwood but not bowled over by it. Thought it pricey for what I got.
And, if you can get it professionally fitted then do so.

 

[Aidy P]

Thanks @Abracadabra. Pricewise I think it may have reduced recently as Amazon have got it listed at 25% off when I’ve looked today. £2k cheaper that what VW York quoted to replace the system that came with the van. Though that does include fitting.

 

[Aidy P]

https://amzn.to/3ZWpdRm

Thanks @Abracadabra. Pricewise I think it may have reduced recently as Amazon have got it listed at 25% off when I’ve looked today. £2k cheaper that what VW York quoted to replace the system that came with the van. Though that does include fitting.

View attachment 131296

Here’s the link on Amazon. Looks a good deal.

 

[Ch1pbutty]

https://amzn.to/3ZWpdRm

Here’s the link on Amazon. Looks a good deal.

You also need the Kenwood interface lead (£100 approx) for the steering wheel controls to work properly - do not buy a non Kenwood lead otherwise you will lose some functionality and will need to splice some wires!

Fairly easy DIY fit, will take about an hour or so. Need to run a new microphone wire behind the windscreen pillar (comes supplied with the unit, and disconnect VW Bluetooth module - sits under the glovebox).

 

[Aidy P]

You also need the Kenwood interface lead (£100 approx) for the steering wheel controls to work properly - do not buy a non Kenwood lead otherwise you will lose some functionality and will need to splice some wires!

Fairly easy DIY fit, will take about an hour or so. Need to run a new microphone wire behind the windscreen pillar (comes supplied with the unit, and disconnect VW Bluetooth module - sits under the glovebox).

Thank you @Ch1pbutty. I’ll probably get the local guys to fit it so I don’t mess it up. I’ll certainly mention these points though.