Hi there, looking for advice. Just bought a Rapid Spaceback from 2014 which I’m very happy with. Sadly, despite having a USB socket it won’t recognise my iPhone and also there is no Bluetooth despite being told car came with it. Looks like system is a Swing 1z0. Love the car so don’t want to send it back... question is what are best options for replacing head unit so can enable iPhone and Bluetooth functionality? Don’t want to spend too much obviously!

many thanks in advance 

The USB interface  on early Rapids is notoriously finicky.

 

It wont recognise a USB to Lightning connection, but it will recognise a USB to Apple 30-pin (with a 30/Lightning adaptor on the end).

But it's all about getting the correct connecting leads. @chrisgreen was the guy who got this working all those years ago.

 

Bluetooth was a bugger too. I'm not sure if Swing has Bluetooth internally, or if the BT module is under the driver seat, or if your problem is just old phone profiles that need clearing out to allow the new phone to connect.

Hello!

 

The Swing on the 2014 model does not have integrated Bluetooth. The Bluetooth interface is a separate module located under the carpet below the drivers seat. If you don’t have that module, it’s a pig to retrofit. Your better option is to source an RNS315 Amundsen nav unit (which comes with or without Bluetooth built-In). With that unit with built-in Bluetooth, it’s a simple and cheap job to then reinstate the microphone in the light cluster. 

 

As for the USB port - you have the MDI interface (USB port next to a 3.5mm headphone jack, on a module just below the heater controls). You will need an MDI Y Cable - It will not work with a standard Lightning cable!

 

You have one option - the Genuine BMW/Mini cable (which I use).

 

BMW: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016KC0W04/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_sAKjDb5SREG8H

 

Do not waste your time with the cheap copy cables. They don’t work. The above is the ONLY one that works. 

 

Search for my old posts about the fussy order that things need to be plugged in to make them work. 

 

But seriously, consider getting the RNS315. It will add Nav and Bluetooth (and value) to your car, and it sounds so much better than the Swing audio-wise. 

 

Thanks

Chris

Thanks guys. Great help as I am a total novice in such matters!

 

Regarding the RNS315, have had a look and not sure where is a good place to purchase one. 

 

A local car audio store has quoted £537 to fit a unit which will have Bluetooth and CarPlay, not sure what make it is but does that sound reasonable?

 

As for the USB, so it’s not just a a simple plug in fix, even with cable as described by Chrisgreen? And if I just opt to get RNS315 or something similar, can I just ignore USB problem or will I have to sort it to use in conjunction with new head unit?

 

Thanks in advance and apologies  for being so clueless!

If you get the USB cable I linked to, your iPhone will work. The MDI port on the car is just “quirky” and throws a strop unless you plug things in using a certain order. And don’t start the car with everything plugged in! If you do, the MDI interface usually won’t initialise and you’ll have to switch the car off and then on again (I’m not joking) to reset the MDI.

 

Best place to buy an RNS315 is used via eBay. You won’t get a new one! Expect to pay between £150-250. Most likely £250 as you need the one with built-in Bluetooth. 

 

You can fit it yourself (easy to do, takes less than 5 mins, just remove and unplug the Swing, plug in the RNS315 and fit into place). You do not need a car audio store. 

 

Again, search my old posts for how to source and fit the microphone. 

Thanks! Jeez, what a ballache with the USB.

 

Not keen on buying used from eBay. And regards fitting, does the RN315 not need a new fascia as well or does it simply slot in?

 

What about just buying a simple single Pioneer or Sony etc head unit from Halfords with all I need plus it will include a USB socket? 

 

many thanks again!

As previously explained, the RNS315 is a drop in replacement, as well as being original VW hardware, that is designed to fit the dashboard. No facia adapters requires. 

 

A cheapo stereo from Halfords will not integrate with the Rapid’s information display, system warnings, factory-fitted reversing sensors (if you have them) or steering wheel controls. Also, it will look rubbish.

 

There is a RNS315 with built-in Bluetooth on eBay for £180 right now - that’s an excellent price. 

 

All of us who replaced our Swing head units with RNS315 units bought them used on eBay. Mine came from a seller in Lithuania for example. I do not see what the issue is?

I have a VW RNS315 in the sales section on here. Also has DAB radio if that floats your boat.

There you go @Raymondofox1982 a unit from a member with an even higher spec. Result. 

OK, convinced to go for RNS315 only to find car DOES have bluetooth after all!!!! No option for BT on head unit but found it through steering wheel controls. Quirky.

Anyways, happy now that there is simple way to play audio (even though have to used phone to skip tracks). Once I get aforementioned cable for USB think I can live with the set up. Or is it still worthwhile getting RNS315?

 

Cheers 

Yes, Bluetooth set up is always via the steering wheel controls and information display in the dial cluster. This is all explained in the car’s manual.

 

In order to get full Bluetooth functionality, you still need to upgrade to an RNS315 (you just need one without Bluetooth, which are the more common ones out there). The Swing limits Bluetooth to the most basic of streaming, and as I mentioned earlier, the audio quality the Swing outputs is actually poor. You really notice the improvement with the 315. 

Car didn't come with a manual so still working my way round...

OK, going to source an RNS315 and get aforementioned USB cable.

Cheers  

Manual downloads here:

 

https://manual.skoda-auto.com/004/en-com/Models

 

You can choose the one for the correct age of Rapid, and I believe the HeadUnit manuals are in there too.

 

 

 

I really liked the RNS315 (Amundsen plus) but the only down side was I could never get speed camera warnings on to it. maybe @Rustynuts knows how, if you get hold of one (or buy his - he is the Skoda HeadUnit specialist on here)

Edited 11 July, 20196 yr by camelspyyder

Thanks! Definitely heading to @Rustynuts to get RnS315

30 minutes ago, camelspyyder said:

I really liked the RNS315 (Amundsen plus) but the only down side was I could never get speed camera warnings on to it. maybe @Rustynuts knows how, if you get hold of one (or buy his - he is the Skoda HeadUnit specialist on here)

 

Not possible to put speed cameras on the RNS315/Amundsen+ unit I'm afraid. Although, you've just given me a new project to think about....

 

Edit: Well, that was short and sweet. I say again, it's not possible to put speed cameras on the RNS 315/Amundsen +. At least if it is it's gonna take some fair old engineering to embed them into the maps in a way they can be used and accessed by the unit.

Edited 11 July, 20196 yr by Rustynuts

As an alternative when using RNS315, I put CamerAlert on my phone and let it send the warning tones through Bluetooth to the Amundsen.

 

These days I have a post 2015 facelift Rapid/Toledo which will accept a camera POI database on the HU.