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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: dfm on 01 August 2021, 19:31

Title: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: dfm on 01 August 2021, 19:31
Hi, what is the most cost effective way to upgrade the head unit on a standard mark 7? I'm after Android Auto mainly whilst maintaining OEM look.

Cheers
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: willni on 01 August 2021, 20:54
Changing it to the facelift radio is fairly straight forward.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: My other womans a vw. on 02 August 2021, 06:45
You can buy facelift headunits for reasonable money on eBay,but you have to make sure the ‘component protection’ has been removed,to allow them to be coded to your car.
I was going to upgrade to a ‘Pro nav’ unit and contacted ‘VW Retrofits’ in Reditch-they were very helpful.
Didn’t bother in the end as i wasn’t comfortable about putting 2nd hand parts in such a new car.
It was going to be £1200 for both parts including fitting-sounds a lot until you price up new parts from VW.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: My other womans a vw. on 02 August 2021, 07:00
Just had a look on their website-it’s £850 for an 8 inch screen upgrade and £1200 for a 9 inch both include fitting.
They are ‘VW Retrofit’ and are based in Redditch (corrected from my last post).
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: dfm on 02 August 2021, 08:27
Oh that sounds like a great option as Redditch isn't too far from me.

Thanks for your help.

Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: itavaltalainen on 02 August 2021, 11:03
Alex behind VW retrofit is a knowledgeable guy, he'll sort you out.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Datboireal on 03 August 2021, 21:05
I can 2nd VW Retrofit.
I've got a 2014 GTD which come with mib1. Had Alex fit a mib2.5 unit with 8" screen for £850 back in May.
Unit works great haven't had any issues. DAB, nav, android auto/apple car play all work.
Retrofit took just over an hour.
Would definitely recommend!


(https://i.postimg.cc/dQyBwbz9/20210521-231051-resized-1.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/z3qWkcDL)

(https://i.postimg.cc/m23yFQZz/20210526-122201.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/BX6KrPK4)
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: dfm on 05 August 2021, 07:38
That looks good. Do they take the old unit in part exchange or is it up to you to sell that on?
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: fredgroves on 05 August 2021, 12:02
When you fit a Mk7.5 unit to a Mk7 does the MFD on the dash work?

It was of course designed to use the Mk7.5 AID...
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: willni on 05 August 2021, 15:32
When you fit a Mk7.5 unit to a Mk7 does the MFD on the dash work?

It was of course designed to use the Mk7.5 AID...

Pretty sure the MFD works as normal just you can't move the maps across. A lot of people choose to upgrade the radio along with adding in the AID at VW Retrofit.

Personally I like the old dials
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: fredgroves on 05 August 2021, 15:59
Actually, early on with the Mk7.5 you could delete the AID when you ordered and have dials.... so I guess the Mib2.5 does work with MFD too.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: willni on 05 August 2021, 18:09
Actually, early on with the Mk7.5 you could delete the AID when you ordered and have dials.... so I guess the Mib2.5 does work with MFD too.

I would happily trade them for a Heads Up Display instead.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Guzzle on 05 August 2021, 20:29
When you fit a Mk7.5 unit to a Mk7 does the MFD on the dash work?

It was of course designed to use the Mk7.5 AID...

Trim levels such as R Line, GT etc got the same sat nav as GTi/GTD but without the AID.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Lordie on 05 August 2021, 20:38
If it was a little bit cheaper I think I'd do mine. The fact that the MIB1 starts pressing buttons and opening stuff on it's own in cold weather drives me insane
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Datboireal on 06 August 2021, 10:35
That looks good. Do they take the old unit in part exchange or is it up to you to sell that on?

No part exchange unfortunately. Also I'm still using the original analogue instrument cluster (not the new digital AID), all works fine however couldn't get the nav compass to show up in the scrollable menus in the dash. Alex said this was most likely because my car was the first gen MK7 but would most likely work if I had a newer mib2 fitted from factory. No bother to me though just happy I've I've Android Auto now  :grin:
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Paul70 on 06 August 2021, 16:11
One of my favourite mods and easy to do if you have a MIB2 car; really updates the look and feel of the interior IMO and I like the contrast with the analogue dials.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: fredgroves on 06 August 2021, 21:48
It's still one hell of a pricey thing to get... Not much really. Not sure I'd bother.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: Paul70 on 06 August 2021, 22:05
It's still one hell of a pricey thing to get... Not much really. Not sure I'd bother.

Agree it’s pricey if you buy new but there are plenty head units on EBay but the trim is harder to source. I paid around £250 for both and 20 mins to do a DIY fit. I would never buy new parts.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: dfm on 07 August 2021, 08:32
I'm still on the fence about doing it. My phone with Google Maps and a USB thumb drive with music on is currently doing the job reasonably well apart from when the unit can't find the usb  :sad:

Android Auto is the main draw I wouldn't bother with the digital dash.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: willni on 07 August 2021, 19:56
Have some man maths: If you keep the car for 2 years 4 months that's £1 a day for the headunit upgrade.  :wink:

But seriously if you're keeping the car for a long period I'd do it, but if you have the feeling you'll change it in under 3 years, I wouldn't bother.
Title: Re: Modernising mk7 head unit
Post by: dfm on 07 August 2021, 21:12
I'm still very much in the honey moon period with the car (first real hot hatch) so I have a bit of time to consider. Seeing the more modern unit in my partner's T-Roc has me thinking though.

Cheers for the maths ;)