iPod connection - no longer compatible with RCD500?

[orangezorki]

Hello all,

I was contacted by my VW dealer today, saying that VW could not build my car with the iPod connector as it has the RCD500 (with Dynaudio, but that didn't seem to be the issue). Apparently, a technical bulletin says this, and that the price of the RCD500 is £35 higher for cars ordered since October the 5th. They have told me that they won't be charging me the extra, which at least is much better than BMW who raised the price of a car I ordered by £4k after I paid my deposit.

Does anyone know anything about this? I'm concerned that iPod connectors might not be compatible with the RCD500 any more - i.e. new OEM or they're putting the CD changer into the glove box instead of having it integrated into the head unit.

If it isn't anything apart from an inventory problem at the factory, this gives me a chance to get a better connection than the VW one. Does anyone know of one that will access the entire ipod, connect directly as an aux input and display info on the head unit?

Thanks for any replies,

David.

[orangezorki]

Forgot to mention - I've also ordered the bluetooth integration - might this be the problem?

David.

[orangezorki]

Another update - I've seen that VW have done a major revamp of the sat nav options for MY08. The sat nav now has a touchscreen, 30Gb HD, SD card slot, and an option for a usb and aux connection. But none of this is available for the RCD500, and the iPod preparation is only available for the RCD300, though there is a aux only connection available for both - anyone know if there is a new RCD 500 that won't accept an iPod adapter?

Thanks for any answers,

David.

[forge197]

I can't help directly, but the older RCD500 had a input for a disc changer as well as having one built in, it maybe that they have started to manufacture the RCD500 without this feature therefore you cannot add the IPOD. But the My08 pricelist is very specific that the RCD500 and IPOD do not work together But the RCD500 is MP3 compatible so you could copy stuff to CD (not an ideal solution)

Touchscreen DVD Nav sounds good though.

You other option would be find an older RCD500 on ebay and swap it out.

[Ben]

The latest RCD500 is a 6 disc ch build in to the head uint. It will also read mp3 cd's, the unit is not touch screen.

I cant see a problem as to why you cant have the ipod prep with the RCD 500.

The latest RCD 300 is only a single cd and also reads mp3's, also not touch screen.

both the above units can be mated to the armrest (golf v) mounted 6 disc non mp3 cd changer. however if you do opt for the cd you can't have the ipod prep.

go to xcarlinks section in the supporting companies section to save some money on this issue.

The touch screen dvd sat nav does soung good though.

[orangezorki]

Thanks to both of you for the answers - I called VW UK today, and my fears have been realised - the new RCD500 doesn't have a CD changer port! Apparently, there were some problems with the combo in the past, so they have got rid of the feature. Personally, this seems to me like a really stupid way to save 35p on component costs. Apart from the aux connector (which they very optimistically call a multimedia socket), there is no option. This sucks.

David.

[forge197]

That is bad news, if you have an ipod you could use a wireless adapator but it's not an ideal solution. I still think getting an older one used would be a good solution.

[orangezorki]

Yup, as I said, it sucks, though there is always the possibility that the RCD500 still has the connector, and they have no idea what's going on. By wireless adaptor, do you mean FM transmitter - because in London there are far too many radio stations for that to work well.

As for buying used - no way. My last (and current) car is a Toyota, and even that goes clonk when I turn left!

David.

[djsky]

Have you managed to get confirmation on this issue? I've got a brand new PAssat Estate, with RCD500 and Dynaudio... and until Kenwood release their new line of DVD/Nav units in MArch, i'm stuck with the RCD500 and a portable DVD Player... but need an AUX input....

Is there an Aux input on the RCD500? Or am I gonna have to pull the thing out and have a look myself?

IF there is an AUX input, Where do I get a simple lead to plug an aux input into it?

Cheers

[james_tiger_woo]

Pulling out the stereo should be pretty simple - and an Aux connector should just be a 3.5mm jack - unless VW define a new "standard" and go for 5.25mm