Replacement Head Unit for Cali T5 2007

[Chico]

Hi , i have a Cali T5 2007 with original CD player . Would like to replace with a powerful , good quality sound system , bluetooth , iPod connect , phone connect / bluetooth , for not too much £££ . Could anyone recommend an inexpensive or i would consider a second hand system off e bay etc . Perhaps one out of a newer model VW ?? Also would you recommend replacing the speakers throughout . Any suggestions . If you have links of where to get the item or shop please attach link . Thanks Chico .

 

[Sad]

I looked at doing this to our van (2008, before we sold last year), I eventually settled on an OEM like for like replacement for ease/low cost, as the main problem was that the CD player didn't work...
Not that this will help, but the options are endless, and in essence do just depend on your budget - I was tempted by some of the 'less expensive' Sony double DIN units for which you'd just need the appropriate facia plate and connectors. Or the other idea I quite liked was trying to get hold of a single DIN transporter fascia which also had an extra little storage bit for the central dash.
As far as I can remember the newer VW units are not a like for like changeover.
Can't help with the speakers I'm afraid...

 

[Sad]

Oh, and I believe the same era Toureg had the same fascia!

This is the sort of thing I meant with the single DIN:

Connects2 CT24VW05 VW Toureg TRANSPORTER Fascia Adaptor Single DIN for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Connects2 CT24VW05 VW Toureg TRANSPORTER Fascia Adaptor Single DIN at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[AndyFromTheBrac]

Worth thinking about how you play your music. If you use a lot of online services then the “mechless” head units are a very inexpensive way to get a great system. Leverages the music and nav capabilities of your phone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. As the phones update you also get a “new” head unit and the UI is so much nicer than the shonky-looking traditional head units which can date very quickly.

I changed to one when I got fed up with the traditional sat nav errors and lack of map updates/accuracy.

A side benefit is that you don’t really have to have Bluetooth or DAB (your phone IS the head unit) so these can be even cheaper, starting at £200-300. I’ve an Alpine ilx 700 which was around £400 (and about to upgrade to an ilx 903). Sony units start at £250 ish and there’s a lot of people on here and the T5 forums with the RCD 330 at similar money for the factory look.

Not ideal if you live in a remote area but I’ve never had issue with mine for over 3 years now camping in many hidden places and visiting Europe.

Speaker upgrade is a must if you like your music but is something you can do later.

 

[Chico]

Hello , thanks for the reply . Im not entirely sure what I’m meant to be buying . Theres a lot of radios out there from expensive to cheap from china? Could you send a link with some recommendations off e bay . Anything from £75-£300 . I just want to be able to press a button and talk on my phone without fiddling around . And listen to music through my I pod . Sat Nav yes that would be good . Currently i use my phone . I don't stream music really .That would be easier . Im not sure what will fit either ?? Its all a bit confusing !
I would like just a good sound which plugs in and slots straight back in to the empty hole when i get the original radio taken out . I don't want to be buying adaptors and messing around .

Something like this ??

Car Stereo RCD330 Bluetooth MirrorLink USB AUX for MQB VW Golf 7 MK7 Passat B8

Thanks anyhow .

 

[2into1]

Unless you want to go back to looking like a 17 year old, I'd go for one of these https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06Y2D1ZX8/?tag=unique09f-21
And keep your current unit. You'll need an aux in adapter too, about £20 on ebay.
This will allow calls and music streaming.
Edit - just noticed you don't want adapters, but once plumbed in, this set up is permanent and you keep your original looks (well your van does!).

 

[2into1]

I've got one of these hidden behind my 2006 OEM head unit which does Bluetooth streaming but doesn't do phone.... But hopefully useful to others considering the same problem...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FP6WNG8/?tag=unique09f-21

 

[Chico]

Hi, thanks for the reply and info
Unfortunately there is no aux socket on my current radio . So where would I plug it in??
Chico

 

[2into1]

Hi, thanks for the reply and info
Unfortunately there is no aux socket on my current radio . So where would I plug it in??
Chico

The £10/£20 adapter on ebay plugs into the (I think) the multi CD controller slot. You can check the listing for your particular head unit.

It's not a fully integrated solution... If the phone rings when you are listening to FM radio, you need to hit the 'cd' button to take the call on Bluetooth.... But it achieves most of the benefits at a fraction of the price.
If there was a reasonable cheap / tasteful replacement I'd go that way, but I've not found one. The Rcd330 gets closest but it won't fit our early vans.

 

[Chico]

Hello , thanks for the reply and help . So to clarify , i need to get an Aux lead that fits in to the back of my CD / radio in to the CD controller slot . This lead will have an aux female at end . The KInovo Bluetooth hands free car kit has a male Aux lead that plugs in to the lead connected to the back of the radio /CD . I then pair my phone. Is this correct . The only problem is i use my phone for calls and my iPod for music , both separately . Problem?? Id prefer to leave the i phone connected and charging in the car as i do now and play music or radio as i wish . The phone works on bluetooth and connects when you get in the car and overrides the music when you get a call . Any suggestions ??

 

[2into1]

I've no experience with 2 devices. Perhaps a museum would like your ipod? .
Check the kinovo listing and Q&A if mentions support for 2 devices?
If music and calls are on a single device, music will mute when the phone rings.
As for the physical connections - yep, you've understood. I had a quick glance at aux-in attachments for vw stereos. There's a much broader range now so shop carefully for compatibility with your head unit (delta?). Some are £39 which is more than I recall. You don't need one with a facia fitting as everything takes place behind the dash with just the kinovo button easily accessed and where it can pick up your voice. The mic is very sensitive.

 

[WelshGas]

Hello , thanks for the reply and help . So to clarify , i need to get an Aux lead that fits in to the back of my CD / radio in to the CD controller slot . This lead will have an aux female at end . The KInovo Bluetooth hands free car kit has a male Aux lead that plugs in to the lead connected to the back of the radio /CD . I then pair my phone. Is this correct . The only problem is i use my phone for calls and my iPod for music , both separately . Problem?? Id prefer to leave the i phone connected and charging in the car as i do now and play music or radio as i wish . The phone works on bluetooth and connects when you get in the car and overrides the music when you get a call . Any suggestions ??

I suggest you give Absolut5 a call. He is a Forum member and specialises in VW Transporter sound systems amongst other things and can supply a DIY kit if needed.

absolute new | Audio/Multimedia

Absolut5&6 are VW T5 and T6 specialists. Approved VW and Pendle Performance Agents.

absolut5.co.uk

 

[AndyFromTheBrac]

Unless you want to go back to looking like a 17 year old

There is no need to be rude, friend.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Big Ted]

See my posting about my Sony head unit in my 2008.
Very pleased with the unit, it ticked all my boxes.

6 months after buying an 2008 Cali....

This week sees 6 months and 10k miles have passed since picking up Sinbad, so I thought I’d post my experience to date as I read many many posts ahead of our purchase so wanted to help share our journey. I now watch on and see many posts of new Cali’s ordered with excitement of the new purchases...

vwcaliforniaclub.com

 

[Chico]

Hello all will a T6 radio, as pictured fit in my T5 California 2007

 

[Chico]

Hello all will a T6 or T7 radio, fit In a 2007 California?

 

[2into1]

My understanding is it won’t fit and also won’t code / work. That’s why the T6 units are so cheap. They won’t work in facelift T5s but they fit that dash.

 

[2into1]

There is no need to be rude, friend.

A bit thin skinned I think, but since you’ve started, it’s a pity you don’t apply your standards to your own posts, friend

so much nicer than the shonky-looking traditional head units

I think we were both using shorthand to illustrate our preferences.

 

[redhairjon]

My understanding is it won’t fit and also won’t code / work. That’s why the T6 units are so cheap. They won’t work in facelift T5s but they fit that dash.

Any ideas why they won't code or work?

 

[2into1]

Any ideas why they won't code or work?

I don't really understand but things have come along a lot since I used to swap stereos in my escort. Now it's all canbus controlled. It was a Cali owning auto electrician mate who told me and it certainly explains why such well specced modern units are so cheap on ebay.