New Head Unit

B

bigcarpjohn

Member
My touch screen was playing up, dead arround the edges but also now and again would freek out and select random things all by its self.

I've had the touch replaced, but its still messing about now and again, the software was updated also.

With that in mind im lookjng for reccomendatipnd of a decent head unit. I could keep with factory but wondered if there was a unit that let me keep all the sterring wheel functions and also is there any way of keeping sat nav on the MDF and caller id etc?
 
The touch screen on my OEM unit failed completely. I thought about replacing the screen, as it appears to be a reasonably simple job, but I remembered doing the same things on various phones but they never lasted very long and, after enquiring, some have reported similar with the VW head units.
My van has parking sensors and reversing camera as well as the steering wheel buttons and so I was concerned about retaining that functionality. Especially as, when I bought my van, I was told that the OEM camera was not compatible with aftermarket head units (I had a Kenwood sitting in a box that I wanted to fit - its still there!).
However, things have moved on, and I believe there are a few units that can retain all the functionality, starting with various cheap Chinese ones. The one I fitted in the end wasn’t cheap, but it works perfectly and retains all the functionality seamlessly. It is the Alpine Halo 9 that I bought as a complete fitting kit from @Absolut5. There is also a noticeable improvement in sound quality over the original unit (though I had already upgraded the speakers).
As I said, not cheap, but worth every penny for the functionality and quality.
 
Shaun Witts said:
The touch screen on my OEM unit failed completely. I thought about replacing the screen, as it appears to be a reasonably simple job, but I remembered doing the same things on various phones but they never lasted very long and, after enquiring, some have reported similar with the VW head units.
My van has parking sensors and reversing camera as well as the steering wheel buttons and so I was concerned about retaining that functionality. Especially as, when I bought my van, I was told that the OEM camera was not compatible with aftermarket head units (I had a Kenwood sitting in a box that I wanted to fit - its still there!).
However, things have moved on, and I believe there are a few units that can retain all the functionality, starting with various cheap Chinese ones. The one I fitted in the end wasn’t cheap, but it works perfectly and retains all the functionality seamlessly. It is the Alpine Halo 9 that I bought as a complete fitting kit from @Absolut5. There is also a noticeable improvement in sound quality over the original unit (though I had already upgraded the speakers).
As I said, not cheap, but worth every penny for the functionality and quality.
Click to expand...
You dint happen to have a photo if it in the van do you?
 
Wills

Thread 'Alpine Halo 9 vs 11 thoughts'

My old OEM head unit on the T6 needs replacing.
I’ve decided on an Alpine Halo but unsure on the 9 or 11. I’m aware they offer the same functionality. It’s the fit and cosmetics that I’m interested in.
Jason @Absolut5 mentioned the 9 fits nicer, which is backed up by an AI search. The 11 needs a bit of “personal positioning” and tilting I believe.
Any real life comments / experiences would be appreciated
 
Just replaced the screen on the Discover Media in my MY18 T6.
Went with the complete screen. (€116 including shipping via DE).
1 hour job.
For now all is good.
Of course unable to chip on longevity.
 
bigcarpjohn said:
It actually looks good!
Click to expand...
@Absolut5 is to sound systems as @CRS Performance is to suspension! Both are respected traders on this forum and recognised as experts in their respective fields. Both take the time to help members and frequently give free advice on here.

Given the miles you do, you’ve done the right thing having @CRS Performance fix your suspension. Time to treat yourself and have @Absolut5 work their magic with a sound deadening and system package!
 
Bav said:
You’re right — my wording was too broad. Better to be precise and not accidentally promise MFD nav behaviour that the kit may not support.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the tag mate.

Sorry for the slow reply on here — I could definitely do with someone on admin… or a well-trained Labrador with a laptop.

We’ve been flat out in the workshop, and we were also attending Round 1 of the UK EMMA Sound Quality competition, not competing ourselves — just there to support, learn, catch up with people and have a proper listen.

I believe I may have already spoken to the OP about this, as it sounds familiar from this week, but for anyone else following the thread.

The Alpine Halo is a very good option when fitted with the correct vehicle-specific kit and interface. On a T6, the right fitting kit can retain things like steering wheel controls, factory microphone, audio information, parking sensors and factory reverse camera integration.

The bit I’d be careful with is the MFD/nav side. I’m not aware of an aftermarket head unit or fitting kit that retains factory-style turn-by-turn navigation directions in the MFD in the same way the original VW unit does.

So if keeping the MFD nav prompts exactly as factory is the priority, staying OEM is usually the safer route. If the priority is a better screen, modern CarPlay/Android Auto, improved usability and better audio potential, then something like the Alpine Halo can be a strong upgrade when fitted properly.

As always, it depends on the exact van spec and what functions matter most to you, so it’s worth checking before buying anything rather than throwing a head unit at it and hoping the magic smoke stays inside.

Drop us a call if we haven’t already spoken and we can go through it properly.
07823 449588
 
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