RCD310 in 2006 B6 Passat SE

[terrymars]

Hi, apologies if this has been answered previously. I have just bought a 2006 Passat estate, i did not realise that the standard head unit RCD300 i believe will not play MP3 cd's can i change the unit to a RCD310 unit? Is it difficult to do yourself and finally will i need anything in addition to the head unit.
Big thanks in anticipation
TerryM

[richiemac]

I fitted an RCD 500 just last week, 6 disc in built changer and plays MP3 's. Plenty of them on ebay, thats where i got mine . Straight swap and nothing required only a torx 20 key and a flat screwdriver to pop off the surrounding trim. Hope this helps........Richie..

[terrymars]

Thank Richie, great help, looks like i'm off to e-bay now then!!
Thanks again for the quick reply

[redrolo]

Terry some of the newer RCD300's will play MP3's. They has the MP3 logo above the cd slot. The other option like Richie says is the RCD500, but again make sure you get the MP3 version.

You can not fit a RCD310 or 510 as it will cause battery drain in your car. Please see link:

http://www.my-gti.com/1101/upgrading-2nd-generation-radios-rcd-300-rcd-500-to-3rd-generation-rcd-210-rcd-310-rns-310-rcd-510-power-drain-issue

The other thing to remember is when you remove the old stereo and surround, the surround has an air bag sensor plug which can be disconnected, when removing. Don't turn the ignition back on with the airbag plug disconnected. It will cause an error which will only be reset with VAGCOM.

[richiemac]

The one i got has mp3 stamped above the loading slot and was brand new in box. Just make sure it does have mp3 playback with the seller as some don't have it marked on them and i'm not sure if it was a recently added function or if standard to all.......happy hunting ;)



And as redrolo just said, i was able to remove the trim around the head unit without disconnecting the air bag on/off light. Straight forward job.........

[patomlin76]

echoing the posts above, you can get the RCD300 with the MP3 logo on it, which will be far less hassle than having the RCD310 fitted, as you will also have to have the CANBUS updated too, or else your battery will drain. Think that the newer RCD300s were 2008 onwards with MP3 compatibility, also think they have the silver buttons too.

Paul

[redrolo]

I think the MP3 came in on the 57/08 models, but would not hang my hat on it :D

[patomlin76]

echoing the posts above, you can get the RCD300 with the MP3 logo on it, which will be far less hassle than having the RCD310 fitted, as you will also have to have the CANBUS updated too, or else your battery will drain. Think that the newer RCD300s were 2008 onwards with MP3 compatibility, also think they have the silver buttons too.

Paul
Also, forgot to add, why not look into adding an aftermarket unit if you want MP3 compatibility, as you'll also get more features like bluetooth and proper ipod integration... just a thought...

[james_tiger_woo]

Also, forgot to add, why not look into adding an aftermarket unit if you want MP3 compatibility, as you'll also get more features like bluetooth and proper ipod integration... just a thought...

That's what I did :)

[Cylon2007]

I think the MP3 came in on the 57/08 models, but would not hang my hat on it :D



The original headunit on my 57 plate SE is the 300 that plays MP3s so that sounds about right. My mate has an 06 SE and his dosen't play MP3s

[manity]

hi does the rcd 500 show track names when playing MP3s

[richiemac]

Yes it does. You can display the album/artist name , track name etc and have it scroll across the screen if you like..............Richie.

[terrymars]

Many many thanks for all the valuable information given from all of you. After speaking to an ICE installer, he recommended me to look at the Xcarlink, this will give Ipod integration and for an extra 40 quid Bluetooth phone capability. Link as follows http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/home.php?cat=2
I think i will be going that route.
Again many thanks to all who replied.
Terry

[redrolo]

Have a search on here as there are a few reviews of the xcarlink on this site and seems to get a thumbs up overall.

The only downer I have read is that if you like listening to the radio loud and the telephone rings, it doesn't mute the radio and let you know a call is incoming. If you are playing your ipod it does because of the direct link between the ipod and bluetooth modules.

If you want an ipod/bluetooth combo and dont want to change the stereo unit, also consider the Parrot mki9200. It worked a treat with my old RCD500 and was fully integrated with the radio. You can pick them up for a good price on fleabay and other online ICE establishments :D

[james_tiger_woo]

My Xcarlink was, I'm afraid to say, rubbish....

[richiemac]

[

If you want an ipod/bluetooth combo and dont want to change the stereo unit, also consider the Parrot mki9200. It worked a treat with my old RCD500 and was fully integrated with the radio. You can pick them up for a good price on fleabay and other online ICE establishments :D[/QUOTE]

I'm curious now about the parrot. How well integrated with the rcd500 is it , if you know what i mean ? Richie.....

[redrolo]

[

If you want an ipod/bluetooth combo and dont want to change the stereo unit, also consider the Parrot mki9200. It worked a treat with my old RCD500 and was fully integrated with the radio. You can pick them up for a good price on fleabay and other online ICE establishments :D

I'm curious now about the parrot. How well integrated with the rcd500 is it , if you know what i mean ? Richie.....[/QUOTE]
It was a really good set up. The only reason I got rid of it (for a ton on fleabay) was that the RNS510 I now have only likes the OEM bluetooth to get the full facilities e.g. touchscreen, etc.

The 9200 worked indepedently of the RCD, as I found out when I sold my old unit and was waiting for my new one and had a hole in the dash but still played music.! It did mute the stereo etc, when a call came in or you dialled out, and had voice control. It has a remote control which can go on the steering wheel or somewhere on the dashboard. I fitted the mic above the mirror, the ipod unit in the centre console and the display unit between the vents on a brodit clip.

[james_tiger_woo]

As above - my 9100 worked whether I had the OEM or Clarion stereo in place and cut the audio out properly - And it worked whether I had a stereo in or not too :)