mk4 (2.3v5) Standard Audio Equipment Help

[stevieoneda]

someone has put a kenwood aftermarket cd player in my v5, but it's broken and not even wired in right (they've used a permanent live for the normal live I think) so I have to take the face off to turn it off.

I'll be happy with returning it to OEM, and the CD player bit is still there (directly above this kenwood unit) so assuming (whilst crossing fingers) that it still works ok...

Do I need a specific vw head unit - i've seen 'gamma' tape players on ebay go for £40 or under, is this about right? do they all have the ability to control the cd changer or do i need to be careful which I choose?
I've also seen a 'beta' system, would that work?
Thanks in advance

[Rhyso]

Gamma unit is what you need

Make sure the seller has the code for the unit otherwise it won't work unless you're able to get hold of the code from the dealers

[stevieoneda]

nice one, thanks
are the codes available from dealers only then?

I remember needing a code for a ford stereo a few years ago and there was a geezer with the software who would give you a code for 99p

bet a vw dealer would take £25 off me for a code at least

[Rhyso]

pretty much delaer only unless someone with some software can pull it up for you    Not sure if VAGCOM can do that

Might be worth a call to a local audio specialist OR keep searching for one provided with a code

IMO I'd spend £50 or so and get a decent H/U in there that can do MP3 etc etc 

[green gti]

you need the the number of ther side of the unit then you need the dealer to enter there cde with your car details then it gives you the radio code.this is all done on line now.hard to do on the qt.too many people see whats going on.better to change the head unit.hope this helps .the dealer will charge big money,and your not sure if the radio works untill this is done.

[stevieoneda]

as the mrs is the boss, and she wanted a factory look, she bought a gamma tape player from eBay for £29 with a code, I put it in and hey presto it works and so does the cd player that was in the car!

it's maybe a little more sensitive to bumps than a new one but still works fine!

very pleased with it overall, the kenwood unit the previous owner put in was a real dodgy job - no surround, cage all mashed up and visibly deformed, cd player didn't work, was wired to permanent live, etc etc etc

only issue now is I THINK one of the tweeters is blown or damaged in some way, can't seem to get good treble