Hi all I am somewhat of a VW enthusiast/specialist. There is a Chinese Market OEM VW Radio that has been becoming popular and I thought I would let you all know about it if you didn't already.
Things to note
While a Chinese Market unit, they are usually shipped running in English.
This works on 2006-2015 VWs (except 2015 Golf/GTI/R)
2006-2012 models *may* experience battery drain issues, this CAN be fixed by replacing your can gateway with a newer version or by purchasing a can simulator adapter.
Factory Rear View Cameras WILL need a RGB to CBVS Adapter to work as this unit only recognizes CBVS camera input.
*NO* Modifications are needed to fit or wire the radio, it is plug and play.
You WILL lose SAT Radio, but you can install the SiriusXM app and use it with CarPlay or Android Auto.
Steering Wheel Controls will NOT work in *most* 2006-2009 models.
On to the radio.
There are 5 Models
6RD035187A Desay SV | Hackable, allowing you to access the Windows CE desktop, update firmware to allow CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink, and EasyConnect, also allowing you to change the "theme" of the radio to Red to better match the lighting and add a dedicated GPS module. It has 512MB of Ram. Runs Windows CE
6RD035187A Crngiar/No Name | Not Hackable. 256MB of Ram in low end versions that do not come with CarPlay, only MirrorLink and Android Auto. Upgraded Versions that come with CarPlay added have 512MB upgraded from 256MB. Usually has worse Audio Quality. Runs Linux
6RD035187B Desay SV | 1GB of Ram, not hackable, usually comes only with CarPlay, MirrorLink, and Baidu Car Life (chinese). Runs Windows CE
6RD035187B Crngiar/No Name | 512MB of Ram, Not hackable, usually comes with CarPlay, MirrorLink, and Baidu Car Life (chinese). Usually has worse Audio quality. Runs Linux
6RD035187C Crngiar | The most powerful having 1GB of Ram, and slightly faster CPU, comes factory with CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink, not hackable. Runs Linux
All 5 Versions have built in Bluetooth and Microphone, AM/FM, and SD Card Slot.
Prices run from $110 for the 187A No Name w/o CarPlay to $250 for the 187C.
These Units can be found on eBay, Amazon, and Aliexpress.
Photo is the 187B Desay SV installed in my 2013 Beetle.
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