I'm driving a VW Golf 2006 (MKV) and looking at AVIC-F900BT.

I would like to maintain my steering wheel controls and add Reverse CAM.

Can anyone recommend a good installer in Melbourne Australia. OR Is it OK to install myself.

I have installed head units before, but reading the forums I noticed that there are a few things I will have to buy to make it work... adapters etc...

Thanks

Anyone?

I am ready to move ahead with the install. Any recommendations to who is best in Melbourne?

Sorry, I'm in the U.S. so I can't recommend an installer, but having just done it myself, I can give you this advice if you decide to try to tackle the job:

1) Make sure you buy all the install parts before you start. You will need the steering wheel adapter module, a wiring harness adapter made for your car, and probably a bracket/faceplate kit.

2) Search on line for as much information as possible about how to install everything. You should be able to find detailed info on how to disassemble the dash. You may should also try to get details on how the current car radio is wired. When I did mine, I found a drawing of my car's wiring harness that detailed each pin and what each wire was for - that helped me get the right wires connected. It also revealed that the matching connector I got to connect to the Pioneer unit was missing the wires for the steering wheel controls. That made the install more complicated - although I still managed to do it. Also, if you buy a steering wheel control module, you'll want to visit the manufacture's web site to make sure they provide detailed instructions tailored for your Golf.

If the wiring harness you purchase has all the right pins and wires, you should be able to sit down at your desk or kitchen table and make all the connections before you even start to disassemble the car.

Finally - give yourself plenty of time. If everything goes smoothly, I could see completing the work in 3-4 hours. Mine did not go smoothly, and I think is spent 8-12 hours total. That was a big investment of time, but I saved $150 or more on install costs, and now I know how everything is hooked up, so if any changes or repairs are required, there's a good chance I can do them.

Thanks Lifterguy

I have a friend that installed his, and will help me.

Problem is I am really am concerned about rattling etc... so if someone does it ... and I paid for it... I can go back to them.

At the end, it will probably be better if I do it myself.

I noted your point on getting all the part s ready before install.

Can you help me with the Screen Resolution? I was told today by an installer I should look at the Eclipse AVN726e instead? But screen res seemed grainy...

The owners manual says the display resolution on the F90Bt is 800x400 and it's TFT Active Matrix. That's not high def, but it's not bad. I've only played a couple of DVDs in it so far, and I think the picture looks good, but not as good as on my HD set at home. I would not describe it as "grainy." I looked over some Eclipse models (online) when I was shopping, but I didn't know much about the manufacturer, and they were missing key features that I wanted. I liked that the Pioneer had bluetooth built in, and had the option of adding HD Radio and an interface for my steering wheel controls. I paid $627 (before all the add-ons) for my unit, which is very competitive with systems that have fewer features. I assume it was discounted because it is last year's model and is being phased out.

That is a good deal, over here in Australia the are close to $1200 US just for the Unit not installed.

Quotes I received for the AVIC F900BT installed, with Reverse Cam and maintaining steering wheel controls is $3500 AUD...

Will see how competitive the Eclipse people will be...