VW Gamma head unit/cd player

**jameson80** · 25-02-2008,01:55 AM

Hi there

I am about to collect a 2000 Bora which I am looking forward to - my 1st VW!!
Currently there is a pioneer head unit installed, but being a traditionalist (and cos the unit is not illuminated until switched on - will be a nightmare to find in the dark!!) I have been looking at buying an original VW stereo with the cd player in the gap above.

Will this be difficult to do? And more importantly is the sound quality any good? Can I get the buttons on my pioneer to illuminate when off, so I can find them in the dark?

Thanks for your help....

J

**jameson80** · 26-02-2008,08:43 PM

can anyone help..... please!!

**Frelon** · 26-02-2008,08:52 PM

Sounds as though your Pioneer wasn't installed correctly!

You should be able to find an original VW Gamma radio on eBay for next to nothing!

**Sylvester** · 26-02-2008,09:02 PM

Fitting a gamma unit and cd unit is easy providing that the original wiring hasn't been tampered with. If buying the cd off ebay make sure the cd has the power cable and the plastic triangle shaped spacer, also the gamma radio has the code.

What model of pioneer?

**jameson80** · 26-02-2008,09:22 PM

thanks - not sure what model of pioneer it is.... pick up the car this weekend.

are the gamma units any good sound-wise?

**Sylvester** · 26-02-2008,10:39 PM

The gamma isn't too bad, but a good aftermarket headunit will be a lot better, the gamma is less attractive to the light fingered fraternity! The gamma is better than the rcd200 as fitted to current polo's.

**jameson80** · 26-02-2008,11:11 PM

thanks - does anyone know of any aftermarket units that LOOK like they were meant to be in a VW... ie same style, same colour illumation?

**sharc** · 27-02-2008,09:59 AM

I can't help you on your question about aftermarket units but the gamma has pretty decent sound quality for a factory fitted unit. If you're going to put a separate cd player or changer in above it, make sure that the correct wiring is in place. As well as the large ISO connectors that go into the back of the gamma, the CD changer needs a small 2-pin power lead that comes from the wiring loom. NOT ALL BORA's HAVE THESE INSTALLED! I wanted to take my in-dash changer out of my bora and put it into my wife's one but her car doesn't have the correct wiring. Apparently you can get a little adaptor for it that plugs into the ISO connector but my local dealer didn't know what I was talking about and I haven't been able to source one yet.

Look for a 2 pin connector with spring clips on it that should come out of the wiring loom on the right hand side behind the blank space above the radio.

I'm not sure if the single CD player needs this, but the 6-disc does.

Andy.

**chris.fulton** · 27-02-2008,11:24 AM

Originally Posted by jameson80

thanks - does anyone know of any aftermarket units that LOOK like they were meant to be in a VW... ie same style, same colour illumation?

I have the pioneer DEH-2900MPB in my Golf and it matches the dash colour scheme well as it has red buttons and a blue screen. It has very good sound quality as well and only cost me £100. Have a look at the link below.

http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products...MPB/index.html