Any head unit advertised as DIN (B5) or Double-DIN (B5.5) will fit.

 

Depends. If you mean a VW OEM radio from later models cars plugging straight in, I don't think so. If you mean an aftermarket radio, it'll certainly physically fit; it'll also need an adapter harness, antenna adapter, possibly a mounting kit, and most likely won't work with the trunk-mounted CD changer or steering wheel controls. (In some cases, expensive adapters will be available for those, too.)

 

If your just looking for Bluetooth they make decent Oem looking Bluetooth kits with dash switches and a mounted microphone. Fairly reasonable too. I have installed about a dozen of them and no complains and they are easier to use (so my older in age) customers tell me than the double din units.

 

Amazon.com : Kenwood DPX500BT Double DIN In-Dash Car Stereo Receiver : Vehicle Receivers : Car Electronics

i just installed this in my 2002 b5.5 let me know if you need any help

 

How is it?

 

I just installed this one in my daughters 04 passat tdi wagon. Soundstream VR-622HB DVD receiver at Crutchfield.com

Very high cool factor as they say but she says the sound sucks and shes somewhat of an expert. It was a surprise and turns out I probably should have spent some time with her searching for one with good sound verses cool features. Not much in the tuning capabilities. However, the install was slick due to the parts recommended by crutchfield.

Axxess ASWC-1 Steering Wheel Control Adapter Connects your car's steering wheel audio controls to select aftermarket car stereos at Crutchfield.com

PAC C2R-VW2 Wiring Interface Connect a new car stereo in select 2002-up Volkswagen vehicles at Crutchfield.com

Those last two items made it so the stereo mimicked the original monsoon interface with the car ie. the stereo stays on till the key is pulled from ignition and the steering wheel controls operate the stereo. I highly recommend them but the stereo is going back while we look for something with better sound.

 

I want a new single din radio as i will be putting a triple VDO gauge mount in there as well. Any suggestions as to a basic unit that would include a port i can plug in headphones or usb or audio jacks of some sort so i can attach my ipod? I dont want to spend much, just want more than the stock cassette player i have right now, which has been eating my favorite old cassettes...
maybe i can get something like this, there's one on ebay. here is the radio info
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=426219

 

I want a new single din radio as i will be putting a triple VDO gauge mount in there as well. Any suggestions as to a basic unit that would include a port i can plug in headphones or usb or audio jacks of some sort so i can attach my ipod? I dont want to spend much, just want more than the stock cassette player i have right now, which has been eating my favorite old cassettes...
maybe i can get something like this, there's one on ebay. here is the radio info
Boss Audio 637UA In-Dash Head Unit Car Stereo - CD Receiver, 240 Watts Total, MP3, AM/FM, Front AUX Input, USB at TigerDirect.com

Installing an aftermarket stereo in a Passat if not done correctly can cause unexpected electrical issues and battery drain problems. I would recommend you search crutchfield.com and use their install kit and wiring adaptors. They are also very good about customer service and help before and after the sale. Unlike Ebay or Amazon.

 

Good to know, thank you!

 

X2 on Crutchfield; they have exemplary customer service and while not rock bottom their pricing is fair. OTOH, I wouldn't buy rocks from TigerDirect, let alone an off-brand stereo. For aftermarket in VW, I've typically used Blaupunkt; their stuff is at least competent and looks good in the car.

In addition to the wiring harness adapter and mounting kit (if any) you'll need a powered antenna adapter. If you have a trunk mounted CD changer or steering wheel controls, you'll usually lose use of them, or at very least need a couple of additional, somewhat expensive adapters.

 

If you just want to add Bluetooth, check out GROM Audio. I used one in my Volvo XC90, and it worked great.

VW Seat Skoda 98-10 Bluetooth Hands Free Car Adapter Kit