$300 VW RCD330 - 4 Year Ownership Update! (Carplay/Android Auto)

This is the Volkswagen RCD-330: A plug-and-play Apple CarPlay/Android Auto-Compatible Head-Unit for under $300! Even though I already made a video detailing the various models, where to get them from, and the full installation in my 2020 video, I wanted to make an update since I've had mine installed for almost 4 years. Has it been reliable? What advantages/disadvantages are there? What features does it have? And what alternatives are available for our cars? Find out in this video!
RCD-330 In-Depth Info & Installation Video
• Add Apple CarPlay/Andr...
2016 VW Passat Review (MIB2 PQ In-Depth Demo at 3:54)
• Here’s Why You Want a ...
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[@lilahkessler6730]

I followed you back when we went to high school together and I just gotta say, youve got the perfect radio voice. 10/10

[@tristan.z]

Thank you so much for reaching out! I'm really trying to perfect my "Radio Voice" :P

[@abhijotsingh9024]

Can we install amplifier and subwoofer on this head unit ?? Because i am currently running one with the retro head unit ?

[@DaMonsterMonster]

There are modules that convert a signal from a speaker source to go to an amplifier, so really you can put an amp in any headunit ever made. Had one in my 2013 wrangler grabbing signal off the rear speaker.

[@mattscave]

I just installed this radio plus the flip logo backup cam for my wife's 2014 Beetle. Installing the RCD-330 was incredibly straightforward, though wiring up the camera was a challenge. Sound quality is slightly worse than her old RCD-510 was, but convenience is way better.

[@privatesender2036]

Where did you source the camera from? Were you able to get the trajectory lines to move with the steering wheel?

[@velvetrooster5569]

Same here man. I also have a 2014 beetle with this radio and the flip logo backup camera. It’s amazing how incredibly modern the car feels with the Apple CarPlay on screen. I had a 2003 Dodge neon, and I sold it and bought my 2014 VW Beetle. It came with the basic radio, which is fine and they had Bluetooth. But it just felt outdated and to be honest I didn’t like my phone blocking one of the air vents on the right side of my steering wheel. Yes I do also realize the alternative that I could’ve gotten a selection cup from the windshield or a rear view mirror clip mount. That being said, I also wanted a back up camera. I got the RCD 330 first then a year later I got the logo camera. So the radio was easy. I was able to take the old one out and put the new one in all by myself. It was pretty straightforward plug and play. With the flip up logo camera, I got a mechanic to help me also known as my older brother. He helped me swap out the logo latch with the camera latch and he helped me route the cable for the camera around the car, which was a lot more work than I thought it would be but well worth it. I really love the way it makes my car feel. I love my 2014 Volkswagen Beetle. I love my 16 inch wheel. I love my 1.8 L engine. I remember thinking that my 2003 Dodge neon felt dated and I loved the Volkswagen beetle when I bought it and I still do because I still drive it it did give me those real outdated vibes. The radio is reliable and it connects to my phone every time which I only mentioned because I’ve seen the CarPlay in my friends. Subaru act up and not connect to their phone every time and that’s annoying so having a CarPlay unit that just connects every time and doesn’t give me any problems is perfect. I’m glad you like it. I’m glad your wife likes it. I’m glad you have a beetle and I’m glad you and your wife like the beetle. You’re more importantly I’m glad you got your logo camera and your Apple CarPlay radio working together. I’m happy for you. I’m happy for me. Volkswagen come on man. Awesome

[@Rakeeten]

Hi Tristan! Very nice videos you’ve made about this topic. I have a 2011 Skoda Superb and the original Columbus radio have broken. I am considering ordering the one you show. Did some research and my Skoda has something called “Sound system”. Not 100% sure what it means but I think the speaker system is somewhat upgraded or a more high quality option.. I have heard that this sound system can make the third party radio you show not compatible with my car. Do you have any details on this? I know it is only 300$, but still it is quite a lot money to take the risk. Thanks again for your nice videos!

[@muhamadelsudany3767]

Is that works with VW golf 2005 ?

[@ATOTO-Zoe]

Dear friend, we watched your KZbin video carefully and found it very interesting. Are you interested in reviewing our Atoto car radio? Looking forward to your reply🥰

[@GamBar64]

I wonder, since my car (Skoda Octavia II) has proximity sensors on the back, if that would work with this or simular head unit

[@oscarmu901]

Thanks for info bro I’m getting an mk6 and definitely picking one up

[@_chan.burn.21_]

The RCD330 has been one of the best upgrades I've made to my 2015 Beetle 1.8T, and I even recently installed a flip-badge backup camera to compliment it. I would highly recommend anyone with an older VW to look into this upgrade if they want more connectivity, and also would like to add that buying a short braided cable and a good MagSafe dashboard or A/C vent mount to go with it cleans up everything nicely!

[@ivan.orsolic]

Hi, does it display rear camera together with sensors like it does on rns 510?

[@Miss_Goldenweek-1]

You can even buy a wireless USB connection to connect to your phone to CarPlay from Bluetooth

[@allenadkins2240]

Any suggestions on where to pick one up? So many versions on Amazon...not clear which one works with the flip badge camera...but looks like a nice option.

[@velvetrooster5569]

@@Miss_Goldenweek-1 yes there are many products that allow you to plug-in play into the USB port and give your car wireless Apple CarPlay, Amazon and eBay have several but do some research of your own just to make sure you’re getting the right one

[@velvetrooster5569]

Hey man, I put one of these in my Volkswagen beetle as well. I had a 2014 VW beetle with the 1.8 L engine and I put this radio in and completely updated the car.

[@fakenorwegian4743]

It's like a mini restomodification for your interior.

[@igorzaborskyi4808]

My wife’s iphone 15 pro doesn’t work with carplay in this rcd330. Comparing to my iphone 14 pro everything is fine. Do you know if there is a possibility to update software to support latest iphones?

[@jamescross1989]

Reddit says to restore the radio to factory settings and make sure your bluetooth is turned off

[@igorzaborskyi4808]

@@jamescross1989 thanks for advise and I apologize for misleading: There was a bad type C cable. I changed to a new one and everything is working now.

[@aniketmehendale]

where to buy it from

[@McMacker4]

You mentioned that the CAR button is gone in the RCD330 but that stuff is configured through the gauge cluster. My Polo 6R (PQ25) has the Car button with System settings like Set Wheel Pressure, Car Locking Settings, Service Reminders, etc. You show that the options are available on the gauge cluster screen but I don't think I have that option, neither do I have buttons on my steering wheel. Are these options not available in the RCD330? I wouldn't know how to change these settings without the CAR screen on the infotainment system.

[@McMacker4]

Ok Nevermind. Turns out my Polo is the facelifted 6C version which runs on the PQ26 platform and has a different trim. This means i would need a trim replacement because the hole for the screen is not square and the rotary knobs are part of the trim area, not the infotainment "square area" as they are in the 6R version.

[@MagicPowerPuff]

Hey. What if a car has parking sensors? If I replace an inferior radio unit with this, would RCD330 still display parking sensor information?

[@damianjarosz5826]

hey, yeah, if you put in revers, the radio will show park pilot screen and you will see your sensors information. But only if your stock radio have that option.

[@-pndax3]

Yo this is dope! Looking forward for buying this. For my Polo r6 2013. Going to the US (La) this year, but sending it home to Norway is 500$ extra on eBay. Where is the safest place to buy this?

[@JamesWaldoTV]

I definitely have to say I love mine. I like that is looks stock and mine functions about as good as yours. While I do not have the power surge issue you do, a couple of problems mine has is when its cold, generally below 40ºF it will shutdown and boot back up again and again until the interior gets warm. They other issue and probably the most annoying, is if I start the car and it is in reverse, the backup camera does not work. It usually takes being parked for sometime before it resets. I back into my spot at home and do a fair amount of parallel parking. But otherwise, a freaking fantastic purchase.

[@nikolapeky]

Only thing i hate about this no name models from aliexpress is that when i save the fm station on homescreen i only get numbers saved not the name of the station, do you know is this possible? maybe with some dab+ extender

[@pavanambareeshiragavarapuv4800]

How can I get The part number for the RCD 330 plus or RCD 340

[@pupaloveme7195]

Please how to get one please from nigeria I have 2012 Jetta anybody please

[@HarvLiz]

Will this work with a VW's factory backup camera?

[@taddb9810]

does anyone know if this specific head unit works for a 2010 vw golf gti?

[@michaelh5416]

yes it does (ie 6RD 035 187B Noname)

[@velvetrooster5569]

Yes it will

[@RubyDash_]

great review and thanks for it too! so excited for this to arrive to replace my rns510

[@diniconights]

Is there a way to get reliable wireless android auto?

[@maker_kutz]

will this work in a 2015 Skoda Yeti >?

[@scaleartsg]

any link on aliexpress or amazon?

[@turb48]

Will this fit an Audi a3 8p ?

[@mattmt3105]

Can I play music with bluetooth only? Or do I have to be connected with a usb as well?

[@ConchobharOTiarnaigh]

USB for CarPlay, separate Bluetooth menu like stock vw

[@navpreetsingh7835]

Where to buy?

[@Blueprint.Success]

i cant find rcd330 online can someone help?

[@phiIIIII]

How does this compare to the Avison Radios? I want to have the wireless android auto since my phone has a unrelieable usb-port + the cable is bugging me. But the RCD330 seems to be more "solid" / original which is important to me. Can somebody help?

[@velvetrooster5569]

You can buy a USB plug that gives you wireless Apple CarPlay

[@phiIIIII]

@@velvetrooster5569 nice, thanks

[@tamwestwater]

Does it work without steering wheel controls?

[@menamesimtrash6644]

Can you pinch to zoom on google maps / any naivgation app on these headunits?

[@velvetrooster5569]

No, the Google maps CarPlay requires you to push the plus button to zoom in

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

Will this support my mk 5 us version of jetta

[@MrInternFTL]

Yes but it could cause battery drain in some cases, read up on it

[@JoãoTeixeira-r1w]

Link to buy?

[@h.4355]

I will install today 🤗

[@chandree]

what about the sound quality?

[@MrJess-el8ku]

Does anyone know if the radio show climate changes? Like a on and off etc?

[@MikeCioffoletti]

Mine does not have automatic climate control, but from what I have read, this unit does not display any other info beyond radio, Bluetooth, CarPlay, etc.

[@MrJess-el8ku]

@@MikeCioffoletti I see, thanks for your quick response bro.

[@mashaly5686]

does show up the car menu, I have vw cc 2013

[@Miss_Goldenweek-1]

No

[@johnathon8293]

Where is a reliable place to purchase one?

[@beatzzgaming1086]

Amazon but expensive

[@OriginalDanHD]

@@beatzzgaming1086Amazon won’t have the CarPlay and Android

[@MBand71]

Does AM radio still work?

[@MikeCioffoletti]

Not in the USA. Just all static

[@Wilkeh1]

EDIT: Ignore me, I've found the answer

[@progredior0]

You can delete the comment instead of editing then.