BT remote control insert for VW golf 7 (and others) low spec steering wheel

thingiverse

If you ever owned a low-spec VW, you know the eternal struggle that is trying to tap on screen to change song during driving - since no buttons are available on the steering wheel. You may also know this from higher specs models with their touch screen buttons, so someone at VW is peddling this crap and although these are "1st world problems" I personally think this person should never ever be allowed to influence a design in their life again. Mind you, it is probably not a designer/engineer fault, but probably some bean counter's work who has too much voice in the company. Given VW latest track record of fraudulent emissions and bad user interface "buttons" and of course the mostly bad reliability I would say this company needs to get its act together. But enough of my ramblings. To solve the safety hazard that is tapping on screen while driving, a BT remote can be used to instruct a connected phone (via Bluetooth, Android auto), to change song. This is the unit I used: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32964211450.html?spm=a2g0o.order_list.order_list_main.138.21ef1802lTl3pA All that is needed to make a functional system is to somehow mount the BT remote. I have chosen the bottom steering wheel spoke as mounting point. You will need 4 2.5mm bolts with recessed head to screw the two parts together. Don't forget to put the BT remote inside :) The BT remote disconnects after a while so occasionally you need to wake it up first by key press and then issue another key press to actually change song. The volume controls will work with BT connections, but not with USB (Android auto) connection, but for volume we at least have a physical button. There are also some combinations to answer/reject the call, feel free to test. To conclude: VW, you can be ashamed of yourself, talking to you management and since we are on the subject, the GUI guys at Android Auto are not any better. Next update I will probably need a stylus to tap on my car screen. How ridiculous is that, Google? For the argument, "steering wheel controls are a 150€ option, which is small compared to car value", let me answer I know damn well how much VW pays to produce the solution so first of all - 150€ is what VW charges, not what this is worth, and second, young people, who will crash their car into you while attempting to tap on the screen, buy the cars used, and the old farts - like you - buying these vehicles new, do not have foresight to add this option. Save yours and possibly someone else's life by adding this to your low-spec VW. Print is ASA , PETG or Nylon.