FSE Premium Retrofit for Passat, Golf, Tiguan (Articles)

Retrofitting a hands-free system in a Golf V, VI, Touran, Tiguan, or Passat 3C.

Required materials.
Harness:
1* 4E0 972 144 - €2.26 - 54-pin connector for connecting to the FSE control unit.
7* 000 979 010 A - €4.40 - Single wires for the 54-pin connector.
1* 1J0 973 119 - €2.03 - Microphone connector
2 x 000 979 131 E - €2.20 each - Single cable for microphone connector.
8 m Cable, 1.5 mm²

Depending on the radio (all older models).
1* 3B7 035 447 B: Green Quadlock connector for telephone.
4* 000 979 009 Single-wire connection for audio, Quadlock connector.

Depending on the radio (RCD 310 / 510, RNS 510, etc.).
8X0 035 447 B - €1.16 - Green Quadlock connector for telephone.
4* 000 979 009 - €2.20 Single cable for audio connection, Quadlock connector.

Microphone:
1* 3B0035711B Ceiling microphone for ceiling light.

Antenna:
There are several options available, but the only important thing is the FAKRA connector; the rest is a matter of personal preference. I have a 4€ Chinese window-mounted antenna that works fine! However, the original roof antenna is much better.

Hands-free system control unit:
Okay, that's the million-dollar question. There are a few options, but let's focus on the premium versions of the latest generation. The "Mercedes" among VW FSEs is this one: 3C8 035 730 A. It can do everything (rSAP, Bluetooth Handsfree, which is the classic Bluetooth connection, UMTS, A2DP, touchscreen operation on the 510 models), but it only works with the white FIS (instrument cluster).
Those who only require rSAP can use these alternatives: 5N0 035 730 A / 5N0 035 730 B.
5N0 035 730 C. These can be used with white or red FIS (flat infotainment screens) and can also be operated via 510 touchscreens. The list goes on, but I think the 3C8 035 730 A should be preferred!

Creating the wiring harness:
Following the plan below, separate the individual wires from the VW harness and extend them by soldering on cables. The extension to the radio should be approximately 80 cm, I chose 2.5 m for the microphone cable, but that was a bit too long. The cable to the fuse box should be around 1.5 meters to allow for easy routing.

Here's how the connections should look after you've finished:
Pin 1 = +12V (Permanent)
Pin 2 = Ground.
Pin 4 = to pin 11 on the radio connector, slot 3, or C.
Pin 5 = to Pin 5 on the radio connector, slot 3 or C.
Pin 8 = to pin 12 on the radio connector, slot 3, or C.
Pin 9 = to Pin 6 on the radio, socket 3 or C.
Pin 11 = Microphone plus.
Pin 12 = Microphone ground.
Pin 17 = CAN High for Infotainment.
Pin 18 = CAN Low, Infotainment system.
Pin 20 = Ground.
Pin 39 = Ground.

I took the ground connection from the grounding point located below the A-pillar, as that's how I wired the harness. You can get the ignition power either by adding a new fuse in the fuse box, or, less elegantly, from the cigarette lighter/radio.

**achja: There is no warranty or guarantee, you are acting independently and at your own risk!!!