Hi all - i recently bought a VW head unit that has bluetooth functionality to swap for my Swing. However, since receiving it i have had the odd discovery that it doesn't appear to have a serial number on it anywhere - the label that usually carries it doesn't seem to show it, and its not stamped anywhere else on the unit...

serial numbers start with VW, but this doesn't have any numbers like that, so i am wondering how am i supposed to get the radio code? unless this is a straight plug and play (i havent installed it yet).

ive contacted the ebay seller to ask for it on the off chance, but don't hold out any hope.

Would local VW dealers be able to help?

any help would be appreciated.

I'm not sure - but isn't that just the screen unit?

AFAIK, the head unit for the MIB2 is in the glove compartment. Do you have any SD card slots in the unit located there?

Yeah it's got a CD slot and an SD slot at the lower left of the fascia. I've messaged the guy about the radio code, so I could at least get the Car VIN to confirm it and gets code that way.

According to the internet:-

"This is MIB2 By LG and have Component protection.Not have code."

Also, this may be of help :- https://forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/41942/

1 hour ago, tetley said:

According to the internet:-

"This is MIB2 By LG and have Component protection.Not have code."

Also, this may be of help :- https://forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/41942/

well apart from not understanding 99% of what those people are talking about, i get the feeling this radio probably wont work. so that's great.

this 'component protection' seems a lot like proprietary bullsh*t from manufacturers who don't want people to own anything. i wish i'd looked into this more. i'll see if i can return the radio to the seller, this sounds like too much trouble for what i thought (and i think quite rightly should be) a straight swap....

its a shame because aftermarket radios have ZERO user interface design and horrible menus. i like the simplicity of these radio systems.

You could try flagging @pab567 for advice on whether that would be plug and play.

Unfortunately I don't know these units. WHat features would you like to get with such retrofit?

10 hours ago, pab567 said:

Unfortunately I don't know these units. WHat features would you like to get with such retrofit?

My car is poverty spec, so all I really was after was Bluetooth connectivity and a CD player. That's all....I've got a janky set up that is unreliable when it comes to Bluetooth.

Look for RCD 330 / RCD 360 units with green backlight. Or MIB STD2 PQ series.

2 hours ago, pab567 said:

Look for RCD 330 / RCD 360 units with green backlight. Or MIB STD2 PQ series.

thank you dude!

One more idea - assuming you are NOT interested in Android AUto and/or Apple CarPlay you could also use Amundsen+ (RNS315) but you have to make sure it is the version with BT buil-in (as they were units with and without BT).

On 12/11/2025 at 12:17, pab567 said:

One more idea - assuming you are NOT interested in Android AUto and/or Apple CarPlay you could also use Amundsen+ (RNS315) but you have to make sure it is the version with BT buil-in (as they were units with and without BT).

thanks for the info - its super confusing trying to find one that doesnt have this massive pitfall of component protection - is there a 'date stamp' that can help identify when this component protection came in so i can avoid this? ive ended up buying myself an aftermarket Sony headunit for £30. although i'm dubious as i hear a lot of issues with batteries being drained as the 'permanent live' seems to be an issue. All i was after was reliable bluetooth connection and bit of an upgrade on sound quality....it was such an easy job back in the late 90s/early noughties.....

Only MIB units are covered with Component Protection

@pab567 Can you help plz

Edited 19 November, 202519 Nov by Max036

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My car can’t read it plz help

Edited 24 November, 202524 Nov by Max036