How to remove RCD 300 radio from Volkswagen Golf V (MK 5)

I spent this evening learning how to remove the CD / Radio head unit from my VW Golf V (MK 5) as I intended to fit the XCarLink iPod adaptor. I couldn't find much information about how to remove the radio, so thought I'd best fill the gap. I've added as many photographs as possible to illustrate each step.

My car is a VW Golf TDI SE (2005)

Remove the rubber anti-slip mat which you'll find in the tray on the top of the dashboard. It can be taken out by gripping between your fingers and lifting.
Underneath the mat there are two screws which have Torx screw heads. You'll need to have some Torx screwdrivers to unscrew both screws.
Gently prize the tray away from the dashboard. I found a couple of flat-head screwdrivers wedged in at each corner seemed to do the trick.
The top most section of the instrument facia can now be removed. This contains the ventilation grills. Lifting the section from the back, then work your way forward. Again, gentle persuasion with a flat-head screwdriver helped. The section is held firmly at the front with clips which can be released by sliding the panel upwards towards the roof. The section then separates and it can be lifted and placed to one side. Note that you can't remove it completely as a cable prevents you from doing so.
Two further screws are uncovered. Unscrew these to allow the front facia from around the CD radio head unit to be taken off. Again, working from the top, gently prize the facia forward working from top to bottom down one of the sides.
Four Torx screws hold the CD radio head unit in place. Once again, remove these screws and the CD radio can be pulled forwards.

After removing the CD radio head unit, I set about installing the XCarLink adaptor. Read my instructions for fitting the XCarLink adaptor and cables.

By Jonathan at 17 Sep 2009 - 10:58pm
in-car entertainment
iPod
music
Technology
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arry west

thanks for the info,picked up my mkv last week and am awaiting my cable now,have been intrigued how the head unit came out.found your blog useful.

By visitor at 22 Apr 2010 - 7:32pm
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Zaffar Iqbal

Great little guide. Will same me lots of time trying to figure it out. Thanks.

By visitor at 27 Apr 2010 - 7:07pm
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Iain stewart

Thanks very much but these instructions don't seem to match my dashboard in my 2004 GT TDI Mk 5. I have no

'rubber anti-slip mat or tray on the top of the dashboard and there are not two screws which have Torx screw heads.

I've just spent 45 mins trying to get top of instrument panel away from dash and don't want to force it.

This site seems to represent my Golf's dash more accurately:

http://www.enfigpix.com/tech_vw_mk5_icelink.html

Can't believe we are all spending hours of this rather than just plugging in pods. This is supposed to be the 21C! What are VAG group doing bu not having ipod access?!!!

By visitor at 2 May 2010 - 3:28pm
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Iain stewart

Just to add I finally was able to remove the up and bottom part of dash, head unit, cg lighter and everything you need to. VW cert don't make it easy!

Fitted a Connect2 ipod link cable (£33) to cd changer socket. Didn't work at first, so I fiddled to ensure a tighter connection and it worked fine, ipod sounded great, no track access but sound quality good. Then connection failed. Very frustrating. Attempted many times to improve connection by removing and re fitting cable to socket but it now completely fails to recognise ipod in CD changer mode. I reckon Connect2 cable (made in Uk...) is inferior prduct, feels very plastiky, I wd avoid. So a waste of a bank hol monday but still, will try again with another product.

By visitor at 3 May 2010 - 9:11pm
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Jonathan

Hi Iain,

That's very frustrating - I've had plenty of those sorts of experiences too.

Would recommend the XCarLink hardware. Give that a go. Bit more pricey, but solid and reliable.

Jonathan

By Jonathan at 4 May 2010 - 8:15am
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Roger Allison

Very handy - I was trying to figure out if I would need any special tools for this, obviously not! You don't have experience at fitting a bluetooth hands free kit I suppose? Just trying to make sure now that I have the correct adaptor cable for the RCD300 radio. I have the VW iPod interface already fitted from new.

By visitor at 8 May 2010 - 11:35am
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terry arnold

how can i put the radio code in my vw golf radio mk5,has i had to remove the battery to remove the gearbox.help,i have the code but cant work it out how to put the radio code in.

By visitor at 15 Jun 2010 - 6:53pm
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