CD Replacement DIY or pay pro?

ftlnn

Hi,

I have a faulty CD player on a stock unit in a VW passat 07. An option I have is to buy this upgrade:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120947427862#ht_10899wt_825

It's all bells and whistles or so it seems. And quiet cheap for what it is.

Questions:

Would this be a simple installation?
If not how much would installing such an item cost?
Any other opinions on an replacement?


Thanks,

ftlnn.

ironclaw

They arn't all that hard to install if your even remotely handy.

However, a TF Card and TFT display screams 'China' and its cheap for a reason. Personally I'd be wary (Reliability, sound quality, map quality etc) and you'd probably pick up a genuine unit in a breakers somewhere for the same money.

tossy

That is a Chinese rip off of the factory units i wouldn't touch it. Save your money for a good second hand OEM unti fo a nice aftermarket pioneer double din unit.

Installation is not hard. Just be tidy with the routing of GPs antenna etc.Is your current headunit single or double din ?

ftlnn

tossy,

it's double din. i haven't removed anything yet as it's just the cd player is not working so it's a preferred but non-essential upgrade. I'm guessing that it will be a straightforward job unplugging and replacing the connectors. I've done a bit of research and would be careful with the install. I just have a reservation about buying a replacement and then having to shell out for adapter cables. I also have a nokia handsfree which I will need to disconnect and reconnect (or not depending on the replacement) so I could do with a heads up on that if any info available. In addition I'd love to have the ability to connect an iphone, at least by means of an aux. in. Currently there is no aux. input on the unit or in the car like some other models.

Thanks for info on the Chinese product, I had my suspicions.

tossy

You will need an ISO adapter for fitting an aftermarket unit,readily available in Halfords etc.

You won't need one if you fit an second hand oem unit.

To make an ipod or iphone work you will need a VW ipone connection which just plugs int othe CD changer input at the back,a lot of OEM units need to be recoded to tell it to activate the CD changer input in the menu (classic VW but no biggie there are a few people here myself included who could code it no hassle) Just make sure you get the right cable from VW as there are different versions depending on iphone/ipod etc.

I am not expert by any means and you would get better info and indeed DIY guides from a passat specific forum like passat world or some car audio forums.

bazz26

This might be worth looking at if you are willing to spend the money:

http://www.advanced-incar.co.uk/volkswagen-rns-510-navigation

Or join one of the VW owner's forum where you might find a second hand unit for sale at a lot less.

mgbgt1978

It looked fairly "chinesey" and then I scrolled down the Ad and saw the sat-nav screenshot of the.....Mahatma Ghandi Ring Road.....
Probably buy it (or it's cousin) on deal extreme for €150, and still too dear at that.