Completed project: Autodrop multimedia upgrade on a VW Passat B7

The owner of this Volkswagen Passat B7 wanted the dashboard brought up to date without losing anything that worked from the factory. The answer was the Autodrop AD-BGS Lite with a 2K display.

An upgrade done properly does not look added on. It looks as if the car left the factory that way — and that is exactly what we aim for on every project.

Where we started from

The dashboard held the RNS 510 navigation with a 6.5 inch screen. The kind of equipment that did its job in its day, but that now leaves you using your phone in a cradle instead of the car's own screen.

A dedicated system means the frame drops into the exact place of the original part and the connectors plug into the factory sockets. No improvising in the wiring.

The configuration fitted

• ✓Autodrop AD-BGS Lite multimedia system
• ✓True 2K display, 2000×1200P resolution
• ✓Quad-Core processor
• ✓Dedicated fascia AD-BGRKIT025
• ✓Apple CarPlay & Android Auto – wireless
• ✓Works with the original factory camera

THE ORIGINAL CAMERA, KEPT AND WORKING

The OEM camera does not match the image quality of a modern AHD camera, but it works perfectly with the new system. For anyone who wants to keep the factory setup, this is the right answer.

The true 2K display, at 2000×1200 pixels, makes up for it through the clarity of the interface and of the maps on screen.

During the fitting and at the end of it:

How a dedicated installation goes

Checking the configuration

Before anything else, we confirm the year of manufacture, the type of original system and the equipment: amplifier, factory camera, parking sensors, steering wheel controls. From that we know which frame, which harness and which interfaces are needed.

Removal and the fitting itself

The original part comes out undamaged and the new system sits in its dedicated frame. Everything plugs into the factory connectors, so the job is reversible: the car can be put back to its original state at any time.

Setup and testing

At the end we check point by point: the steering wheel controls, the camera, the sound on every speaker, the information in the instrument cluster and the absence of errors. The car only leaves once everything responds correctly.

Why it is worth it

• ▪true 2K resolution, a clear and detailed image
• ▪replaces the outdated RNS 510 navigation
• ▪the original camera kept and working
• ▪wireless connection for your smartphone
• ▪dedicated fascia, a clean fit in the dashboard

Frequently asked questions

Does the existing reversing camera still work?

Yes, if the car has a factory camera it is carried over. If it does not, a dedicated AHD camera can be fitted, with a noticeably better image than the older cameras.

Can I buy just the system and fit it myself?

Yes. The kit contains everything needed: frame, harnesses and interfaces. If you prefer professional fitting, we will put you in touch with a partner near you.

Do the steering wheel controls stop working?

No. On a system dedicated to the Volkswagen Passat B7, the steering wheel controls are carried over through the interface included in the kit and work as before: volume, track change, answering calls.

How long does the installation take?

Normally between three and five hours, depending on the car's equipment. If a reversing camera or a DVR camera is added, a few more hours are needed, because cable has to be run through the car.

Will I lose the car's warranty?

No. The installation is done on the original connectors, with no cutting into the wiring, and the system can be removed at any time, returning the car to its factory state.

Where can it be fitted in the Brașov area?

This project was carried out by our partner in Brașov. We have fitting partners across the country — write to us with the model and year of your car and we will tell you who is closest to you.

The installation was carried out by our partner in Brașov, whom we thank for their professionalism. If you are in the Brașov area and want the same system on a Volkswagen Passat B7, we will put you in touch.

Want the same upgrade for a Volkswagen Passat B7?

We have dedicated systems for every model and year of manufacture, with the matching frame, harnesses and interfaces, plus a network of fitting partners across the country.

Products used: AD-BGS100042K · AD-BGRKIT025