andraski wrote: Sat Oct 06, 2018 10:14 am
So let's go to the facts!
My 2015 Polo GTI is an early 2015, so it left the factory before App-Connect was released. In VW words it means my car doesn't have the right head unit and wiring. The truth is that its head unit and USB port are not compatible with App-Connect and its functions (CarPlay and Android Auto).
Just to clarify, the Polo can have various versions of the Composition Media (just radio) or Discover Media (with satellite navigation). Here's a list of all those units:
These are NOT compatible with App-Connect:
- 3Q0 035 820 (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 820 A (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 820 B (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 820 C (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 842 (Composition Media, can have MirrorLink only)
- 3Q0 035 874 (Discover Media, can have MirrorLink only, it's the one my Polo has)
These units are compatible with App-Connect:
- 3Q0 035 842 A (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 842 B (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 842 C (Composition Media)
- 3Q0 035 874 A (Discover Media)
- 3Q0 035 874 B (Discover Media)
- 3Q0 035 874 C (Discover Media)
The only way to have App-Connect working on a car fitted with the units that are not compatible with it it's to replace the head unit for one of the ones that are compatible. If it left the factory before App-Connect was released (early 2015) you also have to replace the USB port for a newer compatible version. If you want an upgrade from Composition Media to Discover Media you have to replace the screen unit as well.
The real problem is that VW doesn't do that, for them it's straightforward: if your car left the factory after the release of App-Connect you can have it, otherwise they can't help. They can get you a newer head unit but they will not change the USB port to retrofit App-Connect on you vehicle. The only option is this case is to look for external companies that can do the job.
I got the head unit and the USB port of my Polo replaced for a newer version by Satnat Systems, just outside London, in Surbiton. I totally recommend them since they're very professional and extremely polite. You'll only find good reviews about them, no matter where you look. It's a bit pricey but worth the investment (specially if you have the Composition Media and want satellite navigation).
Hopefully this will be helpful to someone in the future.
Cheers
.