MDI
The Media Device Interface (MDI) offers support for USB devices (memory sticks and hard drives), iPod integration and Aux In along with displaying ID3 tags over the CANbus to the MFD and the RCD310, RCD510 and RNS510 headunit. The unit is available for the Passat which mounts in the glovebox and the Golf which mounts in the centre console replacing the 6 stacker cd changer. It is possible to mount the unit elsewhere in the car.
UPDATE: Volkswagen have released a retrofit kit that comes without the additional trim for the cd changer mounting and is designed for mounting behind the dash. See here for further information.
- Module with USB cable for Golf/Passat/Jetta: Part Number 5N0 035 341 B (5N0035341 B) - 1stvwparts.com USD$255.86
- Module with USB cable for Tiguan: Part number 5N0 035 341 (5N0035341) 1stvwparts.com USD$300.94)
- iPod cable: Part Number 000 051 446 C (000051446C) - 1stvwparts.com ~USD$51
- AUX in cable: Part Number 000 051 446 D (000051446D)
- Extension cable for MDI interface 000 051 447 (000051447)
If you want to install the unit into the cd changer location on a GTI with Anthracite trim that doesn’t have a changer installed in the console between the seats you will need the following parts
- CD Changer Center Console: Part Number 1K0 863 323A 71N (1K0863323A71N)
- CD Changer Insert: Part Number 1K0 863 328A 71N (1K0863328A71N)
- CD Changer Air Duct: Part Number 1K0 864 255C (1K0864255C)
MDI installed in CD Changer Location
To remove the CD Changer housing to make the MDI easier to mount (Glovebox for example) remove the two T20 screws and then press down on the two clips on the unit to release it.
Pinouts on Media Device Interface (MDI), Bold connections only used if CD changer being retained.
Pin 1: Ground
Pin 2: CAN Low
Pin 3: not used
Pin 4: NFR+/AUX R+
Pin 5: NFL+/CD Changer pass thru
Pin 6: NFR+/CD Changer pass thru
Pin 7: 12V
Pin 8: CAN High
Pin 9: NFL+/AUX L+
Pin 10: NF-/AUX -
Pin 11: NF-/CD Changer pass thru
Pin 12: Shield for CD Changer pass thru cable
Make custom harness for connecting to headunit
- 2m of 2 conductor shielded wire
- 2m of unshielded twister pair
- 4m of 18 guage wire
- 5 x 000 979 009 repair wire
- 8E0 972 112 housing
Place two connectors on the UTP for CAN High and CAN Low, two connectors on the 18guage wire for 12V and Ground and two connectors to the 2 conductor shielded wire. This is the end for the MDI and for the end on the head unit side you can splice these wires or use a bluetooth or similar harness.
MDI Interface Headunit
Pin 1 Ground – T16/12
Pin 2 CAN Low – T16/10
Pin 4 NFR+/AUX R+ – T12B/7
Pin 7 12V – T16/15
Pin 8 CAN High – T16/09
Pin 9 NFL+/AUX L+ – T12B/1
Pin 10 NF-/AUX- – T12B/2
Add Auxiliary input with MDI fitted.
- Aux in port: Part number 1K0 035 724B
- 3 wire connector housing: Part number 1C0 973 119B
- Terminals (2): Part number 000 979 009
Pin 1 of the 3 pin connector (R+) goes to Pin 4 of the MDI
Pin 2 of the 3 pin connector (-) goes to Pin 10 of the MDI
Pin 3 of the 3 pin connector (L+) goes to Pin 9 of the MDI
Kufatec sell this unit as a kit, click here for further information.
When using the USB with removable hard drive ensure that the drive is using a FAT32 file system, other types such as NTFS will not be usable.
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- MDI installed in CD Changer Location
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- MDI, cable and USB cable
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- MDI with RNS510 using USB
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- MDI with RNS510 using USB
Hey
Will this work with the RDC300? You only mentioned the 310
Otherwise was thinking of getting the Dension Gateway 100
http://www.dension.com/GW100.php
so this RCD310, when did they come into golfs? My GT is an 07 build, 08 spec.
the model isn’t on the blaupunkt website.
RCD310 is a new model, GT and GT Sports still come with the RCD300 in Australia and GTI’s with the RCD500 (6 stacker version).
I assume that the RCD310 will be the base head unit for the MK6 Golfs and the RCD510 for the MK6 GTI variants.
OK, cheers. Always helpful
Hi,
I have a MY08 (Built in August 2007) GTI Australian Delivered. Just want to get a couple of points straight before I purchase parts. If I get the Kufatec kit is that all i need. I haven’t removed the factory CD as yet it has been disconnected however due to stealer IPOD integration. If I order the kufatec kit is that all i need? The cable seems too short from the picture.
I also note you mention the following:
CD Changer Center Console: Part Number 1K0 863 323A 71N
CD Changer Insert: Part Number 1K0 863 328A 71N
CD Changer Air Duct: Part Number 1K0 864 255C
Do I need these? And with the CD Changer Insert 1K0 863 328A 71N should this be 1K5 863 323C 71N according to http://www.rns510.com/faqs/part_numbers_rns_510/ with my car being Anthracite Leather?
Look forward to your help many thanks.
Steve.
Hey Mav,
Hoping you can help me on this.
Firstly, if I were to be a lazy sod and buy the Kufatec kit, can I just pop out my CD changer and have it be plug & play?
Secondly, are there any issues in running a USB-powered HDD? I’ve read that 320GB drives seem to work fine. Larger capacity drives appear to be causing some trouble on resumed play. Something like this really:
http://freeagent.seagate.com/en-us/hard-drive/portable-hard-drive/Free-Agent.html
I’d look to get a drive small enough to fit into MDI armrest fascia if at all possible. 320GB is probably overkill anyway, but if it works, why not =). Can the RNS-510 handle the extra power demand of a drive like this as opposed to a thumb drive?
The CD Changer parts are only required if you don’t have one installed, by having one installed already you just remove this unit, run some additional wiring (CANBUS) to the rear of the headunit and drop the MDI into place.
Hi GTI_SS, because you already have the changed in place from memory all you would need to add is a CANBUS connection (twisted pair) to the rear of the headunit from the MDI. I’m pretty sure that everything else is already connected. The hard drive shouldn’t be an issue as the larger capacities don’t draw any more power generally, if you can I would go for best bang for buck which is the 160GB drives for AUD $99 at the moment, the life of a drive in the car will be reduced due to the vibration and shocks, whereas the RNS510 has a purpose built drive the standard notebook drives in the external enclosures aren’t designed for mobile use. Seagate’s offer a 3 year warranty so just get it replaced each time with a new one! (I would estimate at least a year maybe 2 from use in the car but hard to say as it depends on the mounting and type of roads)
When using the MDI the USB HDD must be formatted in FAT32. It wont recognize NTFS or any other partition systems.
Thanks I’ve updated this to reflect that.
What HDD:s works with this MDI? I have Western Digital Passport 160GB and it needs to disconnect every time after turning receiver off. Any other brands tested?
Part number 5N0 035 341 A is now 5N0 035 341 B.
What part number is de CANBUS cable? For the media-in to the RCD310?
Thanks in advance
What part number is de CANBUS cable? For the media-in to the RCD310? Or can this only be made custom? Im not that handy!
Thanks in advance
Sjoerd,
There was a cable for it but it’s not in the ETKA for some reason. It started with 1K5 something or another.
I bought a FISCON Bluetooth Basic Plus for my RCD 510. Would this work together with this Intephase Module ? Do I do the connection in series ? Would it work that way ?
http://fiscon-mobile.com/products/index.php
Oh…my ride is a 2008 GTI with RCD300 MP3 and a 6-CD changer under the arm rest. Ordered my RCD 510 from Europe and got hold of the FISCON from Germany. Intend to remove the changer since it would be of no further use. Would think this MDI module would be great to replace the changer. Please advise. Tks.
Hello again…my RCD 510 is under part number 1KO 035 195 AA . Cannot find my part number in the updated list of compatible and none compatible sets. Any way I can find out if my set is compatible before buying the kit ? Thanks.
Hi. Any news re use on a RCD500? Would be perfect for me if you can confirm a working install on one of these. Cheers!
No go with the RCD 500, only third generation head units will work with the MDI.
Yet another MDI version. Now it’s 5N0 035 341 C. This must be the 2010 version.
Does the 000 051 446 C support iPod video, or just audio? Does the USB HDD support video?
000 051 446 C doesn’t do video. USB also won’t playback video.
Can you have a working aux-in option as well as the MDI? How do you switch between the 2 sources? (RNS510)
Hi!
I just bought a MDI kit, but i got the type for retrofit in glove compartment.
I want to install the MDI in centre console where the changer is now.
Where can I find the plastic housing for the MDI interface? I need that to install it there, and my VW dealer doesnt find part number for just that part. He only finds number for MDI with housing complete.
I ordered the MDI “Retrofit” kit (without the extra plastic) in late august and I got part number:
5N0 035 342 A
I have had all sorts of problems with this and an iPod Classic – it doesn’t charge correctly if you plug in previous to turning on the car. Thus, you can’t just leave it in the car between starts, or if you do, you have to unplug the dock connector from the bottom of iPod each time if you want it to charge. (It will usually play fine even if it doesn’t charge!) I can’t figure out if this is a problem with the MDI itself or what, but it’s driving me nuts.
Ok thanks for help!
Is that part number for just the plastic housing without interface to slide down in the hole where the changer is as standard?
The retrofit kit can reach the center console. One person in the US did it and it works well.
hello, i have an 06 mk5 TDI 140 GT. i have fitted an RCD310 from a mk6 with the “s” revision can bus gateway…will this mdi kit work with my stereo or do you know of a kit that will?
these are the details i get from vag com regarding my stereo:
Address 56: Radio (J503) Labels: 5M0-035-1xx-56.clb
Part No SW: 1K0 035 186 AA HW: 1K0 035 186 AA
Component: Radio RCD310 013 0036
Revision: 01000000 Serial number: VWZ1Z2I6168720
Coding: 0100040004
thankyou
Hello, I wonder about the AUX in port part, that fit into the front of the top cover you replace. The Kufatec plug and play harness set, how can I get the AUX in port into that harness set?ore what I need?: Part number 1K0 035 724B. Are there somone that have done this and can give me a short explain of what I need and what to do. The 2009 and newer car has this with the MDI.
I hope somone have done this and can explain to me:D
cheers, Andy
Hi, I was wondering if anyone could explain how to get an iPod working through the vehicle stereo?
Not just the audio, being able to control the iPod through the car stereo aswell.
We’ve got a Passat CC 2.0TDI 140 CR, and when ordered, we requested MP3 compatible / 6CD autochanger / media. But soon found out that you cannot have the MP3/6cd changer in conjunction with the multi device interface.
So therefore have a aux input socket in the centre armrest compartment.
We have purchased a lead to connect the iPod, but can only get the audio. How do we control the iPod through the stereo aswell?
Let me know if anyone has any answers!
Thanks, Tammy.
Hi,
I have a Passat CC 2009 (3 weeks old) with the RNS-510 (running 266x firmware)
Should the 5N0 035 341 work in this configuration to integrate my iPhone with the RNS-510?
Thank you!
DJ
Hi
I’ve just bought a Golf TSI with the MDI installed and Ipod connector. I’m having a lot of trouble properly accessing music stored on my Ipod and was wondering if anyone had encountered the same problem?
The MDI will play tracks from my Ipod, however it completely looses the album/track structure. If I set my IPOD for the first track on an album, I can control the order tracks are played from the multi-function buttons on the steering wheel. But if I select “UP” or “TOP” I get one big folder of 5000+ tracks and no way of selecting an individual album or playlist.
I don’t think it’s an MDI problem, rather something that I need to do to my Ipod to get it to work with the MDI. However, having tried 3 different Ipod’s with the MDI and getting the same result each time, I figured I might not be the only one who has run into this.
Thanks
Bel
I had the same problem. After a firmware (1.1.3) upgrade provided by iTunes I was able to browse through artist/albums etc. by turning the right knob on my RCD 310. Hope this helps for you.
Hi I have a GTI golf 6 and there is an ipod connection but the ipod has a USN cable what adapter do I need to have to get the ipod working.
Thanks
Marcus
Marcus,
You need the ipod/iphone specific cable that plugs to the MDI on one side and to teh ipod on the other. with the USB cable you have you can only use flass/thumb/pen drives to put your mp3′s in.
google it and you will find the P/N
Hi Just took delivery of my new gt tdi mk6. i have tried to connect ipod in the multimedia connection in the arm rest. error message keeps saying “device not supported? its not the cable as it works when i sink with my computer . anyone got any ideas
Paul
Paul, you have to use the proper VW MDI to IPOD cable. The VW MDI to USB cable is only for USB devices like hard drives and memory sticks. The reason for this is the way that Apple allow connections to their device for control and the way the audio is transmitted (as analog down the VW MDI to IPOD cable). A USB cable only has four wires and these are used for power (2 wires) and data (2 wires) with none left for the Audio. The cable is around USD$50 and available from VW spare parts. Click on the MDI link on the left hand side category menu for more details on part numbers.
I’m afraid that’s not the reason. I used to have a Volvo with an iPod kit that used a USB cable and it was fully controllable from the dash/steering wheel interface. No special cable required – just the standard white iPod cable that comes with every iPod ever sold. The VW MDI cable is an extortionate, propriatory rip-off. There is no technical reason for it, it’s just there to earn $$ for VAG. I’ve boycotted the original part (which costs >$70 in Sweden) and would like to find a 3rd party alternative at a reasonable price. Like $10. The VAG part is even made in Rumania – not known for its high labour costs!
Actually it is the reason. The standard USB cable has no way of transmitting audio and only provides power (two wires) and data (two wires) and there is nowhere for the audio to be transmitted. Apple do not permit the audio to go over the data connection.
So how did Volvo do it with the standard Apple Connector to USB cable? Either Volvo got permission from Apple to use the data or something isn’t right with your understanding of the cable’s configuration. If it’s the former then VAG should do the same thing.
In any case, charging $75 for the cable (as it costs in Sweden today) is indefensible.
Hi
We have just had VW install MDI into new 2009 model pole. Odd problem: Stereo tracks are fine and play ok iwth old Ipod nano but I am seeing mono recordings (which come out of both channels on headset) only come out of left channel in car. Any ideas ?
Hi there. I have an MDI in my R36. I have 2 portable 2.5″ drives. One won’t spin up, the other spins up 3 out of 4 starts. Given these work OK on the PC, I assume they require more juice than the interface is supplying.
Can anybody recommend an Hdd being used successfully? (Probably needs to be a drive sold as an external with the enclosure as the power consumption of the USB to sata interfaces differs from one enclosure to the next. )
I suppose I could suppliment using the 12v supply in the glovebox, but am concerned with the less than clean shutdown when the ignition is turned off. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Steve
Thanks,
Steve
The 2.5″ portable drives that are solely powered via the USB cable usually require a very short USB cable. It’s best to stick with the cable that came with the drive. I just grabbed any old USB cable for my WD Passport and the drive wouldn’t spin up, had to stick with the original cable.
I think your best bet would be to buy a 32gig thumb drive and just use that. No moving parts, should be more tolarant to high temps in the car and what not. 32gigs is a LOT of music.
Hi Redrook,
I’m actually using a solid USB host to USB mini adapter. i.e. There is no appreciable loss.
The reason for the MDI is so I can put 100 GB+ of mp3′s in the car. 32GB means either low bit rates or I have a new hobby guessing what I might want to listen to the next day or week away.
Thanks for taking the time to make some suggestions. How old is the passport drive? If recent I’ll give one a go. I ask if it is recent because it appears most vendors have upgraded to 7200rpm drives. Just guessing, but they probably use more power on spin up than 5400s.
Thanks,
Steve
Steve
Hi All. I just had RNS510 and MDI retrofitted but sound quality is terrible, like singing underwater! Also, I only have song name displayed on screen, not artist. Is this normal? Could all this be related to firmware version incompatibility? If so, how do I find out the version of my RNS510?
Thanks!
Check the coding
Volkswagen RNS 510 coding when installing with a factory amplifier
In fact it was simply that my aux input level was set to high, causing distortion. Changed it to low in settings and it sounds great now.
Hi – wondering if anyone has run into this =
I got my GTI MK6 in December (RCD-510) with the correct MDI cable (fits iphone 3G). For about the first month, everything worked fine (steering wheel controls, playlist access, etc).
Then it started to work ‘occasionally’ (“Media-Initialization” would appear on screen – then “device not recognized” (repluging in would correct it sometimes)
Now nothing happens at all when I plug my phone (or even ipod nano).
I’ve been using the bluetooth audio from my phone instead (which is cool – but I’d like to charge phone while controlling what I’m listening to from the steering wheel).
Wondering if there has been any information about this situation appearing anywhere in the VW community and what kind of solutions have there been?
Thanks in advance!
Hi,
I wonder if someone can help me. I have a RNS510 satnav fitted. I bought the VW MDI interface and installed it in the glovebox. Everything is fine except that it has this whining noice that corresponds to my reving of the car. After searching the forums i discover that it is a grounding problem. Can someone please tell me how to GROUND the MDI? im desperate cause i cant enjoy my MDI fully
Hi, When retrofitting the MDI and retaining the CD changer which wires from the original CD Changer blue plug need to be moved over to the pins listed above?
On my original CD Changer blue plug I have a total 8 connected pins???
Thanks, Steve
Hello.
Any info about MDI with p/n 5N0 035 342 B. I’m having sound quality issues with RCD310 and MDI with that p/n. Anyone know if this is a correct p/n because dealer here in Finland shows p/n 5N0 057 342 for rcd310/rcd510/rns510. AUX setting is low so it’s not that and I have tried with different USB sticks and portable HDDs. No difference. Especially treble sound is bad. Maybe MDI isn’t grounded properly.
Have an Oz delivered MY08 R32 with MFD2 fitted. Am looking to purchase RNS510 with MDI in glove. Also have heard lots about the Kufatec DVD on the move option. Will these all work together?
I am having the same issues as jrmilt. Just bought my GTI MKVI about a month ago. My iPhone 3G worked intermittently for the first few days then got the errors “Device Not Functional”. Get the same results with a brand new iPod Classic 160GB. Downloaded and ran the update which was successful, but it did not fix anything. Could there be an issue with the cable being outdated? Has there only been on cable or are there other part numbers? Also, how can I tell where the part number is on the cable to confirm it is the current one. Really would like to get this addressed. Thanks.
I have the system in my Passat Variant Highline 2007 and it works great, but only with my iPod nano! I’d like to have it working with my iPhone. Is there a cable which goes into the MDI, and then into my iPhone? A little bit like the cable iPhone -> USB, but with another connection instead of the USB. Anyone?
Thanks from Denmark!
Lasse
lasse.andkjaer@me.com
Anyone know where I can source a 5N0035341B or 5N0035341C for a lower price than the dealer? I found one on ebay from Europe but the guy wants $269 + $50 to ship into the states; no thank you!
Anyone have any suggestions? I have a 2008 Passat Variant with Dynaudio and the Premium 7 head unit which is going to be replaced by a new RCD 510 soon.
Thanks,
Michael
I need some help here guys. I got the media in kit which goes in the center console/glove box (Passats). I upgraded the radio from Premium 7 to an RCD 510 unit and installed the MDI unit. The MDI unit powers up and successfully says “connected” when I insert my iPod. However, when I press MEDIA on the head unit it says no media available… ?
I logged into the MDI unit via Vag-Com and attempted to re-code the radio myself but it doesn’t allow me.
I’m at a major road block and don’t know what I’m doing wrong
The unit I got came with a harness which was all plug-n-play.
For reference this is a 2008 Passat Wagon with Dynadio Premium 7 head-unit and the old school AUX IN jack from factory.
Do I need to rearrange some cables in the harness or something?
my email is quailallstar@gmail.com
I have a 2009/10 Passat 2.0 TDI. Love it. It has an AUX input in the centre armrest, but when I plug my iPod into this (3.5 mm jack) there is only hissing. Has the blue-tooth mobile telephone accessory anything to do with my problems? Why can’t I just plug it in, click AUX on the radio and be blasted by the music?
Nick
Just bought a new GOld Mk6. Has anyone experienced this problem with an iPod Classic 160Gb connected to the RCD310 via the VW MDI cable:-
The systems works, I can select tracks via the artist/playlist folder structure, all sounds great. But when playing a playlist or whole album, the first half-second of most tracks tend to judder. This is particularly annoying when playing an album with continous music where tracks segue. One way round would be to connect via 3.5mm aux in instead, but then I lose the control of the ipod and track display etc.
Any help or suggestions greatly appreciated.
Cheers
The MDI installed into Mk6 Golf would intermittently say “Media No Found”. Unplug and replug….it may connect okay later.
Issue is the automatic pausing of the song after a couple of days with the IPOD plugged into the MDI. This sudden loss of the music would be shown on the RCD510 as the music counter is “frozen”. It can only be reset by manually pausing the song and then pressing play again.
The dealer changed a new MDI controller, connecting cable and IPOD cable but the issue comes back every other few days. Down right frustrating….
Jim