Replacing the factory default infotainment in a 2016 eGolf

[fakegeordie]

Very soon to be a new owner of a 2016 eGolf which I'm very excited about. However, I was a bit disappointed (I thought I'd researched) to discover when taking it for a spin yesterday, that the infotainment system is not the one I anticipated with Android Auto, gesture etc. I think the videos I'd seen on YouTube were for the upcoming 2017 one at the time. Never mind.

I suspect this isn't simple, but how easy is it to upgrade the interface so you can have that Android Auto (and potentially screen mirroring), are there any manufacturers to avoid/gravitate to? or is this something that requires the work of a genius...?

thanks and good to be here...

EDIT

Even better, is there a way to just update the software?

 

[miimura]

I may be wrong, but I thought the 2015 was the only year that didn't have CarPlay and Android Auto. I assume you're talking about the US version. European cars have completely different telematics software and communication than the US cars.

The 2016 SE has a smaller screen than the SEL, but it should be able to do Android Auto. It is the saving grace for not having built-in GPS navigation like the SEL.

 

[fakegeordie]

I may be wrong, but I thought the 2015 was the only year that didn't have CarPlay and Android Auto. I assume you're talking about the US version. European cars have completely different telematics software and communication than the US cars.

thank you for your response, yes sorry this is a US import

The 2016 SE has a smaller screen than the SEL, but it should be able to do Android Auto. It is the saving grace for not having built-in GPS navigation like the SEL.

OK, thank you, so what does this mean for me?
Am I about to go on a journey full of frustration and hair pulling if I try to upgrade, or is it not too bad?

 

[JoulesThief]

Probably not worth the effort, unless you are a VW Guru or nut with the skills and a Ross TEch cable and software package to get the coding right. Otherwise, buy something else with an entertainment system that you already like.

 

[fakegeordie]

Noted thanks, so I guess my next question would be what model is generally recommended (and affordable) that gives me the likes of Android auto, and ideally means to display video

 

[f1geek]

If you have a US 2016 e-Golf SE, then your car has Android Auto built in. Have you tried to use it? If it works, why do you need to change it?

 

[James “Jamie” Womack]

If you have a US 2016 e-Golf SE, then your car has Android Auto built in. Have you tried to use it? If it works, why do you need to change it?

I have a 2016 e-Golf SE and it doesn't have Android Auto, it's got a very limited infotainment system. I gave up and just play music from my phone thru Bluetooth. Since all the setup of functions in the car are done thru this same radio unit, I've also pretty much given up on changing/upgrading it. There are a lot of units available that say they're compatible, but I think this is more of a fitment issue and not the programming options.

Does anyone have any answers/options/solutions for me? I really want to upgrade it but don't want to lose functionality.

 

[f1geek]

I have a 2016 e-Golf SE and it doesn't have Android Auto, it's got a very limited infotainment system. I gave up and just play music from my phone thru Bluetooth. Since all the setup of functions in the car are done thru this same radio unit, I've also pretty much given up on changing/upgrading it. There are a lot of units available that say they're compatible, but I think this is more of a fitment issue and not the programming options.

Does anyone have any answers/options/solutions for me? I really want to upgrade it but don't want to lose functionality.

Sorry. I was mistaken. I think better infotainment was included starting in 2017 model year.

Have you looked at Crutchfield?

 

[James “Jamie” Womack]

Sorry. I was mistaken. I think better infotainment was included starting in 2017 model year.

Have you looked at Crutchfield?

Sure... I've looked at a lot of radios online and elsewhere. And none of them, without exception, have the car setup/programming that I'm talking about. Not a single one mentions it.

I'm looking for a newer stock unit, I guess, from a later model Golf or e-Golf. A moot point at the moment since I can't afford it, but hopefully early next year I'll swap it out.