Integrating iphone into car

Too

Hi there

I know this was dealt with a few years back but technology was quite unsatisfactory. Have things moved on? Is there now a simple way to integrate iphone into car for music and handsfree that doesn't cost the earth? I have an 08 VW Passat that does not have bluetooth, USB or and AUX In jack. When you remove the head unit there is a spare connection point at the back for a multiCD changer to be plugged in and I know this can be used if the right connectors and adaptors are sourced but can't find these on this side of the Atlantic.

Any experience or ideas out there?

advertsfox

There a tonne of options here but I suggest these three (prices are estimated with shipping and exchange rates):

1. Aux-In Cable Only - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/AUX-Line-in-Adapter-Kabel-Interface-VW-Passat-3C-B6-Variant-fur-iPod-iPhone-MP3-/200845340711?pt=Kabel_Stecker&hash=item2ec350b027 ~ €33



2. iPod / iPhone Interface - http://www.ebay.com/itm/200775071094?item=200775071094&pt=Car_Audio_Video&cmd=ViewItem&hash=item2ebf207576&vxp=mtr ~ €55



3. USD / SD / Aux-In Adapter - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Yatour-12-pin-Car-Digital-Music-Changer-W-USB-SD-MP3-for-VW-AUDI-SKODA-UK-Stock-/221137491490?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item337cd25622 ~ €66



Number 3 by Yatour is one I am personally picking up soon for my own GP because you get the best of the lot EXCEPT it will have to charge your iPod via the USB (if that is required) and feed the audio through the Aux-In (but I don't have an iPhone so my music will be loaded via SD or USB). If you want a simple iPod / iPhone connection only (that is 30-pin, not lightning) that will feed through your stereo and charge it as well, then go for number 2.

PS: Options 2 and 3 can be controlled with your steering wheel controls, option 1 cannot.

Too

Thanks for the advice guys.

I quite like the first Aux-In Cable Only option for 3 reasons.

First is price.

Second, its the first adaptor I have seen where the schematic for installation is the same as the back of my headunit giving some reassurance that it will work with minimal hassle.

Third it could be rigged up like this guy has on youtube and so will charge (if I run the USB to the spare 12V between the back seats with a long USB cable - about 10 Euro for dock and extralong cable) and be hidden from sight and so prevent broken windows (I park on the street outside an inner city hospital 14 hours a day). It doesn't allow control of the phone via the radio but the phone is right there to do that and so I don't mind. It also won't do handsfree but I have a visor bluetooth that could be upgraded.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZqNw9MSg9k

Thanks for your help.

gerardk55

I bought and installed an Xcarlink unit for my Mazda 6 about 3 years ago, it came with a bluetooth unit as well which turned out to be pants. The ipod adaptor is very good in my opinion, charges the ipod/iphone and sound quality is excellent, playlists mapped to CD slot. CD slot 1 = all songs, CD Slot 2 = Playlist 1 etc. I believe they do one which is also compatible with the VAG head unit. Overall very happy with it though.

advertsfox

Too wrote: »

Third it could be rigged up like this guy has on youtube and so will charge (if I run the USB to the spare 12V between the back seats with a long USB cable - about 10 Euro for dock and extralong cable) and be hidden from sight and so prevent broken windows (I park on the street outside an inner city hospital 14 hours a day). It doesn't allow control of the phone via the radio but the phone is right there to do that and so I don't mind. It also won't do handsfree but I have a visor bluetooth that could be upgraded.

USB Cigarette Charger €3 - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Universal-USB-Car-Charger-Lighter-Adapter-ipod-ipad-/120777266405?pt=UK_MP3_Player_Accessories_Chargers_Docks&hash=item1c1ee2d4e5#ht_2344wt_1163

3 Meter iPhone Cable - €3 - http://www.ebay.ie/itm/3-Meter-USB-Charger-Data-Cable-for-Iphone-Ipod-Ipad-New-/320860572882?pt=UK_MP3_Player_Accessories_Cables_Adapters&hash=item4ab4c7ccd2

Del2005

gerardk55 wrote: »

I bought and installed an Xcarlink unit for my Mazda 6 about 3 years ago, it came with a bluetooth unit as well which turned out to be pants. The ipod adaptor is very good in my opinion, charges the ipod/iphone and sound quality is excellent, playlists mapped to CD slot. CD slot 1 = all songs, CD Slot 2 = Playlist 1 etc. I believe they do one which is also compatible with the VAG head unit. Overall very happy with it though.

I got an Xcarlink for my Accord. I find the Bluetooth is fine. There is a VW adapter.

There's also a program that creates 16 CDs, with 99 titles per CD, on a USB stick to use the cars built in controls.