Head Unit Help

[PaulRizzo]

Hi guys
I am a new member to this group. I want to get a OEM Head Unit for my VW Polo GT 2016 as the one i have hasn't got Android Auto on it.
I went to VW to see if there is a document to install on the head unit so i can have Android Auto. But they said it'll cost £300 approx and may not even work.
What one will fit my Polo GT? I would prefer to have one from VW as i know i don't have to mess around with adaptors etc.

Thankyou for the help.

[fleagal]

I have a 2015 GTi and the head unit is great, has hands-free, allows me to control iPod touch etc. However, integration of Android Auto is not possible.

There are other head units which have feature which can be unlocked but unless this ordered prior to first delivery, the ability to add this sees to be either patchy (lack of skill at dealerships) or non-existent (either the same lack of skill or the wrong version of the right head unit).

Even if you pay the money (the amount of which varies) functionality appears to be limited and certainly not the full-fat android auto that you might want/expect.

I rapidly came to the conclusion that there are 3 options:

1. Replace the head unit with a *decent* aftermarket android-capable unit which integrates with your current equipment - around £400 plus installation.
2. Get a new car with an Android Auto head unit.
3. Use your phone mounted appropriately.

In years gone by I would have gone for option 1 as I like to tinker about with these things but non-standard equipment is always a trade-off. Option 2 is more desirable but probably not cost-effective, not least because a new iteration of Android Auto will soon eclipse the version in your shiny new/new to you car.

So, option 3 is what I chose. I have my phone on a magnetic mount which clips to the air vent. It stays put, doesn't vibrate and the air-con keeps the phone cool in the Summer so it doesn't overheat. Even if you don't like the option it's worthwhile going with that whilst you assess your options. Charging is via a 3 foot USB cable which I run from the centre console between the steering wheel and the instrument cluster.

It's far from elegant but I'm not that precious about my car interior and I don't drive enough miles to bother shelling out for anything else.

FYI the mount I got (https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N68RY22/) is out of stock but the key feature is the ability to clip onto the horizontal part of the vent rather than use the gripping force of a couple of bits of rubber that eventually work loose.

[CarbonChaos]

This topic has a large and complex thread

viewtopic.php?p=504596#p504596

The ‘headunit’ in the centre of the dash is just a screen the brains are in the glove box called a 5F unit this can have a software upgrade to give you apple CarPlay and android auto,this is what your vw dealer has quoted you for ,the update.

Read the thread and it will give you a good idea what’s involved,most of us just accept what was factory spec

[Dink]

the units have had their software broken so it is possible to install a hacked unit into your car and get all the functions possible

if you find a compatible unit then you can get it unlocked for about £100-150

or you can buy an off the shelf unlocked unit for about £350-400

these are genuine headunits so retain all other functionality

[CarbonChaos]

Dink is there anyway you can post the company’s details to get the 5F unit unlocked on here ?

or tell me how to find them because my MY2016 GTI has a compatible unit for CarPlay but I’ve never wanted to go to the dealer and part with £300 or so to do this plus like said before some can do it others not so much ,if there is a good recommended company I may consider this update now.

Would this affect anything if it went to a dealer for diag work in the future? Ie not being coded correctly or in the mothership data base type thing ?
Thanks in advance

[Dink]

Dink is there anyway you can post the company’s details to get the 5F unit unlocked on here ?

or tell me how to find them because my MY2016 GTI has a compatible unit for CarPlay but I’ve never wanted to go to the dealer and part with £300 or so to do this plus like said before some can do it others not so much ,if there is a good recommended company I may consider this update now.

Would this affect anything if it went to a dealer for diag work in the future? Ie not being coded correctly or in the mothership data base type thing ?
Thanks in advance

https://northeastvagadaptions.co.uk/ this is the company i'm probably going to use to get it done (although i might try myself first as i downloaded the info to hack the unit )

[CarbonChaos]

Thanks for the reply dink I’ve owned the car from new and always been put off buy the costs and the fact that so many owners have had issues getting this done at VW dealers in the past.

But if this company can do this correctly with no issues it is more appealing as I could use CarPlay and google maps via the infotainment screen right ?

[Dink]

yeah i bought mine from new before you could get app-connect so always looked into changing to newer unit but vw refused to try and enable app connect after i got a new unit installed and got all fitted above board Via the vw database.

so my 2015 car has a unit from a 2017 car and just need app connect enabled and every thing else works as it should.