Hello! Thank you for dropping by to read this.

 

i have got myself into a hell of a commute and I’m looking to make my life a bit easier through the use of Android Auto or iOS Carplay (I have one device of each brand - no loyalty). Currently if I want to switch from an audio book on audible to music on my Prime account or play a podcast I have to pull over/into services, sort out my ipad/phone, be careful to NOT nudge the damn sensitive Aux wire then get back on my way.

 

Call me lazy but I would really like to not have to do that.

 

Problem is I have the technical skills of a mildly demented mongoose and there’s so many choices I’m somewhat overwhelmed and I have no idea what’s compatible or not.

 

All advice and suggestions welcome!

I’ve been looking around at doing this too. I was eyeing up a Pioneer Apple CarPlay Wireless model, but as this is a new version of CarPlay the units were quite expensive and no one but Pioneer, from the aftermarket companies, sold them in UK yet.

 

Anyhow after scouring Briskoda, I came across a few people who had fitted readily available Chinese knock off esque of a VAG group headunit, the RCD 330. There are a number of companies who make this model, and lots of variants to boot! From my readings the best version and manufacturer seemed to be “Noname RCD330 Plus Model 6RD035187B”. This is the model that has higher onboard RAM for ease of use, can glow green as per many Skoda head units and also works with the multifunction steering wheel of my 2014 VRS.

 

I believe this unit is pretty much a straight swap for the old “Swing” unit I have at the moment for my circumstances.

 

I’ve ordered one from AliExpress and am waiting for delivery of it. Will try and remember to update how the fitting goes! 😱

 

For reference, here’s another thread for reference for you. Big shout to Rjg for the pics in their post. 👏

 

 

 

Awesome, thank you for the links! I’ll have a good look at the thread.

And please do let us know how the fitting goes, good luck!!

I'm having fitted today bought off fleabay  (£270) a Pioneer avh-z5100dab for the android auto option. Pioneer requires a cable connection kit and dash mounting kit, the one I've bought came out of a VW and has these kits. Saved me £40 to buy the kits.

Edited 19 July, 20196 yr by Kenrw8

So I looked into quite a few units before settling. I’m documenting the process here for those who come after me.

 

If you are one who has come after and you already know your ISO from your Quadlock then this may be beneath your expertise.

 

I checked out the RCD 330 and while it looks solid and a perfect fit without fascia and tinkering needed for some reason I was put off. I can’t quite quantify why, largely the vagueness of adverts. Some said ‘Yes android auto’ some yes ‘CarPlay’ yet more said nothing.... too confusing for me.

 

A friend recommended an XTRONS model which supported Mirrorlink (may be misspelled). Mirrorlink appears to be a predecessor to Android Auto but does allow the head unit to use your phone’s apps from the unit screen.

 

However, it is not compatible with Audible and Amazon Music which I use rather extensively.

 

In the end I settled on a Sony XAV AX100 at £290ish.

 

It arrived Saturday (WOO!)

 

Now you will need a fascia kit and an aerial adapter and... as it bloody turns out.... a Quadlock to ISO adapter.

 

Yeah I didn’t know XD

 

Anyway, I have ordered one. There is a USB port at the back for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. At the back of the....er....hole where the head unit goes there’s a small gap that you can push this port down (it’s on a wire) and your phone will sit nicely in the tray underneath (I hope).

I’m also going to feed the external mic (came with the unit) out of here and then figure out where to put it after that.

 

All in all rather pleased and will post once I have the damn thing installed properly.

 

Thank you to Chris688 and Kenrw8 for their input. It helped me get this far.

I'm happy You've got yourself sorted, happy listening

Glad you got yourself sorted!

 

I meant to update the post with pics from the install. In the end, I had to rush it, due to getting away with the family and didn’t get chance for any vids or pics! 

 

The RCD 330 was a really easy install for me in the end. Aerial adaptor was already in place when I received the unit. In my case, 2014 VRS, already a quad lock fitting. Pop off facia plate, undo four screws, remove aerial connector. New unit in attach quad lock and aerial, 4 screws back in. Facia plate fitted like a glove. The mic for hands free and USB socket all on front so no extra wiring needed.

 

It worked fine with steering wheel controls too.

 

I’ll take a pic when I get home from work to show end result.

Please do Chris! 

I’m installing mine on Thursday so I’ll post up what pictures I can after that too.

This is the photo of the after install. Where I’m pointing is to the line where you lever the facia off with a “trim removal tool” or other plastic/non scratch flat edged implement. Then the screws are located under fascia, 2 on left and 2 on right to remove unit. Same facia from original, no different one needed.

The reason some RCD330 units don't say they support Android Auto or Carplay is because some do and some don't. If you want an RCD330 with Android Auto, simply buy one which says it supports it. If it doesn't say it does, then that's not the one to buy.

1 minute ago, Rustynuts said:

The reason some RCD330 units don't say they support Android Auto or Carplay is because some do and some don't. If you want an RCD330 with Android Auto, simply buy one which says it supports it. If it doesn't say it does, then that's not the one to buy.

 

Well if you’re going to bring logic into this.....

 

I suppose I was trying to avoid spending unnecessarily and got myself confused. I have nothing against the RDC330 unit it’s just not the one I went for in the end.

 

Thank you the photo Chris 688!

Sorry for trying to help...

Sorry my man, that was supposed to be a jokey/sarcastic thing.

 

It clearly came across wrong,