I Installed Apple CarPlay in my 2007 GTI for Less Than $200

"Matthew Keyser" (teisco15)
04/23/2019 at 19:17 • Filed to: gti, Diy, Stereo, CarPlay, Apple, Volkswagen

As my beloved MK5 Volkswagen GTI closes in on 200,000 miles, I’ve decided to do a few things to spruce the old girl up.

This includes but is not limited to replacing several worn or missing pieces, installing an OEM European short throw shifter and this new stereo.

I found this later-model Volkswagen head-unit on eBay for less than $200 and while it did take a while to arrive, installation was a breeze and the end result gives my slightly elderly German hatchback a feature that many new cars still don’t ship with.

I’ll share more about my journey with this car eventually but for now, I’m quite happy bringing my car into the modern age.

DISCUSSION (24)

Chariotoflove > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 19:28

That’s a big upgrade, IMO. I think having CarPlay is better than most OEM infotainment systems.

ttyymmnn > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 19:31

So, this is just a little bit better than when I played my portable CD player through a cassette adapter in my 2001 Golf.

Well done. I miss my Golf .

PowderHound > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 19:32

At first I thought it was an aftermarket HU like a parrot or something and was thinking that fit was immaculate! Makes sense that it’s a newer OEM model though. Looks great! I was looking in to getting a bluetooth head unit but opted for a fm transmitter with bluetooth as it was cheaper and I like the subtlety of the stock radio.

EngineerWithTools > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 19:37

Ooooh! I upgrade to a newer OEM unit in the CC, plus a Bluetooth module, several years ago. So glad I did, but I get jealous of CarPlay now.

I’ve seen the VW eBay CarPlay units, produced for old-model cars built today in China and elsewhere. Is it one of those? Did it require coding? A security code? Does it include a built-in BT module? Questions abound!

Kiltedpadre > ttyymmnn
04/23/2019 at 19:42

I had a car that had been upgraded to an 8-track from a factory AM radio (I’m old but not that old; the car was over 20 years old at the time).

I had an 8-track to cassette adapter in it and a cassette to CD adapter for my discman. It sounded horrible, but I didn’t care.

Pich, with Z32 now featuring Civic [Si] / No > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 19:54

Sweeet! , i just got a Civic with it and love it!

syaieya > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 20:30

I’m still trying to look for a oem looking single din option for my 90's car.

Is it so hard to ask for not blaring leds and chrome with piano black plastic on my bluetooth/ usb enabled device?

Tristan > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 20:34

How does the sound quality compare to stock? I wouldn't mind this setup for my MKV GLI, but I'm just a bit apprehensive about spending money and ending up with something that's just not that good. My aux cord gets the job done, after all.

412GTI > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 20:35

Wow that looks super clean, very oem+.

boredalways > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 20:46

Very nice!

Steve > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 22:19

What car was this head unit from originally?

lscrx > Matthew Keyser
04/23/2019 at 23:17

Cool! I have wanted to add an RCD330 to my 2017 Jetta S ever since I got it, jealous of the Android Auto in my wife's Forester. I have a factory backup camera, and I'm not 100% sure if it'll be plug-and-play. I may not wait until after I get an obdeleven in case I need to code anything. No big rush, my podcasts play well over Bluetooth with the OEM system. Nice installation!

Future Heap Owner > Tristan
04/23/2019 at 23:54

If anything it should be better than an aux cord, because you’ll have a digital connection all the way until the DAC in the head unit.

Matthew Keyser > Tristan
04/24/2019 at 02:45

If anything it sounds even better. I always thought the standard system was a little dry so I always boosted everything on the EQ knobs. I have to do less of that with this unit, which is nice considering it’s buried in a submenu rather than a physical knob.

Matthew Keyser > EngineerWithTools
04/24/2019 at 02:48

I believe it is one of those. No coding required, plug and play. Needed one adapter to ensure the buttons on the steering wheel would work (they do) and it does have Bluetooth, as well as a microphone which is a big upgrade over the original 2007 Bluetooth mic

traumadog > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 08:17

Do we know which model year radios work?

Thomas Donohue > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 14:41

Damn you. I see a unit that allegedly fits my 05 Touareg. I looked at these a year or two ago, but now they seem much more legit.

Might be worth $200 even if I only have the Treg for another few months.

Thomas Donohue > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 14:41

Where did you get the adapter?

Thomas Donohue > Thomas Donohue
04/24/2019 at 15:00

I have Nav, which is still not supported. CANBUS and digital amp are compatible with nothing.

Please check whether your car’s original CD player comes with big screen and navigation function, if it is, XTRONS PCD77TGV is not compatible.

Howard ny > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 16:11

What adapter did you need for the steering wheel buttons to work?

Matthew Keyser > Thomas Donohue
04/24/2019 at 16:49

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323581613016

I’ve seen then for less but this is the adapter

Matthew Keyser > Howard ny
04/24/2019 at 16:50

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fulk%2Fitm%2F323581613016

Thomas Donohue > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 17:36

Thanks. I think that lets the radio work w/steering wheel controls, but isn’t an adapter for the NAV/CANBUS radio that I have. I’ve seen other adapters that allow newer OEM radios to work but that gets pricey. Will have to research some more.

Mini Guy- Now has a 4Runner > Matthew Keyser
04/24/2019 at 19:47

wish i could do this with my car but since my dash is dominated by one big ass speedo, i cant do anything