New DAB radio for VW with rear camera

Sam Russell

I have a fairly basic VW radio in my VW (2014) that I would like to replace with say a RCD 510 or something that will work with my bluetooth phone, and my smart steering wheel as the current one does. The main reason is to fit a rear view camera.

I see RCD 510 radios for sale on ebay and Adverts. Are these all the same? Could I get a sat nav one to work? Does it need programming to get to work properly?

I see some are Chinese clones - do they work properly?

Any help appreciated.

darragh o meara

Sam Russell wrote: »

I have a fairly basic VW radio in my VW (2014) that I would like to replace with say a RCD 510 or something that will work with my bluetooth phone, and my smart steering wheel as the current one does. The main reason is to fit a rear view camera.

I see RCD 510 radios for sale on ebay and Adverts. Are these all the same? Could I get a sat nav one to work? Does it need programming to get to work properly?

I see some are Chinese clones - do they work properly?

Any help appreciated.

A genuine radio should be easy enough to get setup once you have a gps antenna and access to vagcom. Some of the Higher end VW headunits will need a can gateway upgrade if you have battery drain issues after you fit it. A genuine reversing camera could be a challenge, my Passat has one from the factory and it’s great but I believe retrofitting isn’t for your standard diy er.

The Chinese clones are hit and miss, personally I’ve owned two of them and fitted a few more. I’ve yet to see one I liked, built quality was poor and the units were very fiddley if you wanted to do anything.. Save up and get an RNS510 and enjoy hassle free usage.

Alternatively Pioneer do a nice range of head units with Apple CarPlay and Android auto installed. They also do adapter plates to make your head unit blend in. I’m pretty certain a camera would be an easier install on one of those.

Sam Russell

So no to Chinese clones.

I will try and source a genuine VW RNS510. I get back when I get sorted that far.

Is fitting easy?

Harcrid

Fitting an RNS 510 is straight forward but be aware the RNS 510 does not have Bluetooth integrated into it. A separate Bluetooth module would be needed if your car does not already have one.

Sam Russell

My car has bluetooth - does that mean it already has a bluetooth module or is it part of the radio?

Harcrid

Not sure. Do you know the model of the head unit you currently have? Is it this one?

Sam Russell

No it is not as grand as that. I think it is a RCD 310, but no DAB.

Edit: Yes it is the RCD 310 without DAB.

Harcrid

RCD 310 has a seperate BT module so you should be good to go in that case.

MobileAudio

You can go OE or aftermarket. The aftermarket stuff from Pioneer and Alpine etc will be of far better quality with all the latest features and you will have the benefit of hanging on to it for your next car, something a lot of people don't consider.