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Tried asking the following on the VW T4 T5 forum with not much luck so far so thought id try on here
So my next upgrade to my 2011 T5.1 is all based around the steering wheel and controls
So I'm looking to do the following
Upgrade to a flat bottom GTI/ R steering wheel so I can control the stereo once I've upgraded that (next on the list after this little lot), fit cruise control, have a MFD so I can see mpg, distance to empty etc..
Right so first off I have a 86D BCM so straight away I need to upgrade this to a 87 BCM
Now if I buy a MFSW with cruise control buttons can this be made to work with the 87D BCM and do everything above including the scrolling through the MFD or do I have to get a Cruise control stalk and MFD stalk and do it that way? and then buy a steering wheel without the cruise controls? (current MFD shows little info and I have to press a button on the cluster to change to a 2nd screen)
Once all fitted I've got someone with VCDS who can reprogram the BCM with my keys and code all the new parts so they are working correctly
Anything I've missed?
Currently looking at a Polo steering wheel with the cruise control buttons
You’d get an answer from Darkside developments, they specialise in all things VW related
Sorry can’t help with the technicalities but having had both, I much prefer the cruise controls on a stalk compared to on the steering wheel. I have had steering wheel controls on my last two Golf’s since 2016 and I still find that I occasionally have to look at the wheel to be sure I have hit the right button whereas those on the indicator stalk are much more intuitive . Best controls by far that I have used are those used on Audi’s with a third dedicated stalk.
Fwiw My 2011 5.1 has cruise on the stalk and it is very intuitive to use
On a 2011 van, you need the BCM and stalks. Not aware of being able to code a newer wheel with cruise on it to the van (maybe I'm wrong about that though).
I did the following on mine:
- upgraded the clocks to a highline cluster (was cheap from Lithuania - took a gamble but the seller had loads of good feedback)
- steering wheel to a multi function one from a B7 VW Passat
BCM and cruise are on my list and my go-to for this kinda stuff is Chris @ Bellman Autos in Sheffield near Hillsborough.
Cheers for the replies
I'm currently on the hunt for an 87 bcm
Will prob go down the stalks route for the cruise and trip (dis/mfd whatever you want to call it) computer
I'm told the trip can be controlled by the steering wheel too so may not need the trip stalk and then ill try and find a steering wheel I like without the cruise buttons on it
Can I ask why you upgraded to the Highline cluster? what did it give you over your std cluster?
Honest answer? I'm a tart. Serious answer - gave me access to the hidden config hidden within the MFD which otherwise I think I could only access via VCDS programming. Big digital speedo, direction arrows on the MFD screen, names of who I'm calling etc etc.
For balance I had a B8 Passat with steering wheel cruise controls and it was much better than the stalky thing in my A4
Right so I now have the following on its way to me
T5.1 87 BCM
Cruise control stalk and associated wiring
MK6 Golf R flat bottom multi function steering wheel including airbag
VW repair wires, for connecting steering wheel buttons to the DIS/MFD
Anything I've missed before it all arrives, I fit it and then get someone to code it all?
FWIW I fitted the cruise stalk to my 2010 5.1 about 5 years ago so memory is hazy. The instructions took a little bit to get my head around but once tuned into them they were pretty good. The only difficulty I had IIRC was where there was some inconsistency as to which relay to tap into below the battery box. That, and running all the associated wiring. Not being that clued up on VCDS either it took me a while to figure out how to code it but got there in the end. I would perhaps suggest doing all the wiring for the cruise stalk and making sure that is all up and running before doing the wheel change and introducing a whole new level of complexity.