Kenwood DNX5120 Install

[GPeaslee]

For those of you that didn't see these pix in another thread, here is my Kenwood DNX5120 install. I highly recommend this unit especially for the Touraeg. You can upload a custom start up screen as well as custom wallpaper. There are many VW or Touraeg images posted on avic411.com where I found my start up screen. The image should be 510 X 264 pixels to completely fill the screen. In addition, you can fine tune the blue color lights to exactly match the Touraeg's dash lights. The trim kit is from Metra and looks very good, although I wish it had a smooth finish rather than the rough finish. A Metra harness (#70-9003) was used to connect the unit to my base audio system. The sound quality is definitely better and can be fine-tuned with a 3-band eq and loudness control. I opted to add the iPod interface cable, Bluetooth module (#KCABT200), and rear-view camera (#CCD2000). Here are some observations so far:

1) iPod interface - is very fast, very easy to use, and shows album art on the screen. The only glitch I have encountered is that sometimes when starting the car, the iPod does not connect. This is easily corrected by re-starting the car or by disconnecting and re-connecting the iPod.
2) Bluetooth - is made by Parrot. The incoming sound quality is very good, but the outgoing sound quality is just OK. There is no problem being understood when calling from the car, but I wish the sound fidelity was better. I think this is a common problem with most bluetooth units. With bluetooth enabled on the phone, it connects automatically when the car is started. Your phone book will automatically download as well, if your phone is compatible. Many phones will not do this, so you will have to test your phone to see if it works. My Samsung Sync (A707) and the LG Shine did not work, but the new Samsung SLM (A747) does. However if you have multiple numbers for a contact, only one number will transfer. Kenwood is aware of this and is working on a bluetooth firmware update to fix this.
3) Navigation - is by Garmin, so if you have used a portable Garmin unit, the Kenwood works exactly the same. So far, it has worked perfectly in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. An optional traffic receiver is available if you want real time traffic.
4) Rear view Camera - works perfectly and is a very nice add-on for the Touraeg. Be aware that there is a few seconds delay after starting the car until the rear-view camera's image appears on the screen.
5) Sound Quality - is a definite improvement over the stock unit with all sources I have tried: AM, FM, iPod, CD, and DVD. Optional modules are available for Sirius and XM radio.

I considered waiting for one of the new Pioneer AVIC F-series units, but I am glad I didn't, since the initial units had so many problems. I can highly recommend the Kenwood DNX5120 for any Touraeg owner looking to upgrade.

[jmansmann]

Nice to see you using my splash screen. I did that one and uploaded it to Avic 411.

[Kyleg]

How does this affect the Dash Display?

[JMcGowan]

Yes, what Kyleg said, Is it touch screen and what was the total price.

Thanks.

John

[GPeaslee]

jmansmann - Thanks for posting your splash screen! And yes, I found it over on avic411.com.

Kyleg - you will lose the top part of the dash display which normally shows the FM frequency, etc.

JMcGowan - the Kenwood unit is $899, the bluetooth module is $150, the backup camera is $200, and you will need the dash kit, harness, GPS antenna, and the iPod cable if you are going to hook up an iPod. My total with labor was under $2000. Fry's Electronics is advertising this unit today for $999 installed without the camera and bluetooth. That seems like a very good price if you can find a good installer there.

[JMcGowan]

Thanks GP! Did you lose your steering wheel controls?

John

[GPeaslee]

Yes, you will lose the volume up and down on the steering wheel unless you add a $200 interface. For that price, I chose to reach over and use the volume knob on the Kenwood.

[KTreg04]

Nice setup. Where is your antenna mounted for the GPS?

[GPeaslee]

It's mounted in the center of the dash near the windshield. It's probably only 1/2 square inches, so it's not very noticeable.

[holger]

how did you connect the radio antenna? i just got a DDX 5032 together with a G420AT gps and have a lot of trouble... my radio reception is very poor, the shop guys telling me they have problemsto connect the original antenna coz its in reality 2 and they have to 'customize' splitter, filter, booster connection... after that, the reception was even worse than before, connecting only one part of the antenna.

further i had big problems with the GPS, antenna was placed on the windshield, above mirror... very bad ... we tried other positions whit minor success. finally i placed the antenna on the roof.. now it seems to work ... further the system is hanging at least once a day... whenever i go to a road construction area with temporary detour (and we have a lot here in dubai) the systems hangs... i have to stop and shut down the engine complet for a restart. does somebody has a solution? help would be much appreciated! thanks