Head unit for Android Auto / Apple Car Play

[colinthechemist]

Where do I begin with choosing a new head unit?!
I just want to be able to run Android Auto from my Phone or Apple Car Play from my wife's phone.
Happy to use wired connection (rather than the more expensive wireless option) but am overwhelmed by choice.
I can see units ranging from £90 to £900 so don't want to spend more than necessary but obviously don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't fit the T6 dash or isn't reliable.
Not looking for audiophile sound quality; can I get something for £200-£300 that will plug-and-play and do the job?

 

[Dav-Tec]

Where do I begin with choosing a new head unit?!
I just want to be able to run Android Auto from my Phone or Apple Car Play from my wife's phone.
Happy to use wired connection (rather than the more expensive wireless option) but am overwhelmed by choice.
I can see units ranging from £90 to £900 so don't want to spend more than necessary but obviously don't want to get stuck with something that doesn't fit the T6 dash or isn't reliable.
Not looking for audiophile sound quality; can I get something for £200-£300 that will plug-and-play and do the job?

You could go with an rcd330 they're not fantastic but they would be plug and play and around £300 they have Bluetooth, android auto and apple CarPlay but no DAB radio.

Alternatively check the Sony XAV-AV3250 out they're great for the money but need a little more money and time for installation especially if car electronics isn't something your comfortable with.

 

[colinthechemist]

I went ahead and ordered the Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB from Halfords basically because it was in stock and available for immediate collection so my wife will definitely have something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
But if there's a better option, I can always take this one back on Boxing Day and order something else.
What I haven't quite worked out is how easily this unit will fit the dash. I don't mind doing a bit of wiring, but if I have to spend another £100+ on fascia plates and fitting kits, I'd be tempted to swap it for something made to measure.
Finally, I can't work out whether any of these units are compatible with my reversing sensor. I don't have a camera so it's really important for the radar display to function correctly...

 

[Absolut5]

I went ahead and ordered the Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB from Halfords basically because it was in stock and available for immediate collection so my wife will definitely have something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
But if there's a better option, I can always take this one back on Boxing Day and order something else.
What I haven't quite worked out is how easily this unit will fit the dash. I don't mind doing a bit of wiring, but if I have to spend another £100+ on fascia plates and fitting kits, I'd be tempted to swap it for something made to measure.
Finally, I can't work out whether any of these units are compatible with my reversing sensor. I don't have a camera so it's really important for the radar display to function correctly...

You will need quite a collection of parts for the 160dab to fit into your T6 , and to retain the parking display, dash usb, fm, dab adapters and facia will cost considerably more than £100.00

drop us a call or pm if you want to go into greater detail

 

[Dav-Tec]

I went ahead and ordered the Pioneer SPH-DA160DAB from Halfords basically because it was in stock and available for immediate collection so my wife will definitely have something to unwrap on Christmas Day.
But if there's a better option, I can always take this one back on Boxing Day and order something else.
What I haven't quite worked out is how easily this unit will fit the dash. I don't mind doing a bit of wiring, but if I have to spend another £100+ on fascia plates and fitting kits, I'd be tempted to swap it for something made to measure.
Finally, I can't work out whether any of these units are compatible with my reversing sensor. I don't have a camera so it's really important for the radar display to function correctly.it won't be plug and play you'll need a facia adapter with aerials adapters, usb retention cable if you want the existing USB to continue working. You'll need a wiring harness to adapt from VW quadlock to ISO and if you have steering controls it needs to be one with that functionality retained. As for OPC connects2 do a lead that will retain the OPS function but it isn't cheap. Look up Connects2 CTUVW03. Your probably looking another couple of hundred ish I'm sorry to say

 

[colinthechemist]

You will need quite a collection of parts for the 160dab to fit into your T6 , and to retain the parking display, dash usb, fm, dab adapters and facia will cost considerably more than £100.00

drop us a call or pm if you want to go into greater detail

Thanks Jason. I did consider calling in on you while we were up in Bournemouth at the weekend but I thought that might give away the element of surprise for Christmas Day!
Are there any made-to-measure options available or does every possible replacement require bundles of extras?

 

[Absolut5]

Thanks Jason. I did consider calling in on you while we were up in Bournemouth at the weekend but I thought that might give away the element of surprise for Christmas Day!
Are there any made-to-measure options available or does every possible replacement require bundles of extras?

Just noticed your avatar is of a T5 …?

the only options are cheap Chinese units that represent a VW look alike , but would never recommend them.. a RCD330 as mentioned above , which is the closest to a vw unit but no dab, Kenwood dnx518dabs, but expensive, all others will require parts

 

[Emergingstates]

Hello all, I’m a bit fed up with the dreaded stuttering and general broken up audio when making calls or listening to music through my iPhone. Would upgrading to one of these 3rd party units fix my woes?

Many thanks .

 

[Tom G - 2008 T28]

Just noticed your avatar is of a T5 …?



the only options are cheap Chinese units that represent a VW look alike , but would never recommend them.. a RCD330 as mentioned above , which is the closest to a vw unit but no dab, Kenwood dnx518dabs, but expensive, all others will require parts

 

[Tom G - 2008 T28]

Will the Kenwood dnx518dabs fit a 2008 T28?

 

[Absolut5]

Will the Kenwood dnx518dabs fit a 2008 T28?

Not without a lot of work.. plastic needs cutting, brackets to be made to hold the radio as its held with 4 screws not a cage. New facia trim, preferably new air vents