📻 Volkswagen and Audi Factory Antenna Adapter: Metra 40-VW53 Aftermarket Radio Review

With parts like this, a part usually either works or it doesn't. Luckily this product does. It was the perfect part for my 2003 VW New Beetle. There really wasn't a need for instructions. Just slide this little thing between the radio and the antenna and connect the blue wire to +12VDC and you're done. zero problems. The product works just fine and does exactly what it is supposed to.

Monsoon VW system removed and Alpine UTE-42BT fitted. There is not much space behind the new receiver to store the adapter. The antenna booster is surprisingly large, which makes assembly difficult. The installation guide didn't clearly state when the blue power cord should or shouldn't be plugged in. The power cord could not be connected and the system is working properly

While Metra and other car radio manufacturers offer or recommend the 40-VW54 adapter for free to replace OEM HU. I originally installed a 40-VW54 in my 2001 Passat with HU Kenwood and Alpine and had a lot of background noise (on AM) and station bleed on FM. I replaced that 40-VW54 with a 40-VW53 and voila all the problems are gone. I can now pick up Seattle AM stations over 80 miles away - just like the original OEM Monsoon HU. Highly recommended for the model year VW Passat in the product…

Installed a new radio in the car, but I didn't have a power cable (blue) in the antenna adapter. This resulted in no AM radio and a fuzzy FM signal. I ordered this, connected the blue wire from the stereo to the blue wire from the antenna and got great AM/FM signal and sound. Since the adapter is bulky and doesn't fit well, if you do what other reviews say, it's not a problem. Run your hand over the existing antenna, you should notice a gap. The solid silver adapter piece fits well in the gap…

I used this when installing an aftermarket stereo on a 2000 Jetta TDI. You have active antennas and need such an adapter. First let me say that this adapter works as it should and I have not noticed any difference in radio reception compared to the stock configuration. So it works as it should. However, you may find that there is a slightly newer version on sale, but twice the price. As far as I know the new version is smaller. You can't tell from the picture but this adapter probably has a 6"…