Pinty

...is a retrofit that was coded to my car when Vrs Stu very kindly fitted my OEM bluetooth. I got the unit from vwnaviparts on ebay last August. It came with its seals intact and a skoda card with the security code on. It originally had v2 maps but now has v3 maps. I have no idea what firmware is inside or whether it is an A or B. But, it is a Skoda MFD3 as opposed to a VW RNS-510. I have tried to make sense of the threads that currently exist but some are so long that they have become quite confusing. Fellow briskodians, please could you help with the following questions! 1. Will v5 maps be much better than my current v3 maps? My house is almost 4 years old, yet my road doesn't exist on v3 maps! 2. Where can I get v5 maps from on an actual DVD!? I am guessing a Skoda dealer can help but I also know that will be very expensive! 3. How do I find out what firmware is installed? 4. Would anybody recommend me updating my firmware or should I be grateful to have a working unit rather than an expensive door stop!? All replies gratefully received! Ben

I am also struggling with the new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. Which is a fantastic phone in every respect other than it won't download the phonebook to my Columbus! The normal Nokia Car Kit software applications don't work on the 5800 (unlike on my old N95) because the 5800 uses the latest version of the Symbian software (v5). Anyone out there come up with a fix!?!?!

My CR has got 7k on the clock now and the mpg and performance seems to improve by the day. 50 is now the average for anything but start/stop journeys or high speed runs on the m-way. However, we didn't buy our vRS's to compare mpg!?!?!?! - we bought them because they are a practical sports car! I think it would be far more interesting to see how low we can get the CR's on a decent run. The best I did was 28 mpg on an early morning 10 miler on bendy hilly roads... Most pleasurable!

Stu fitted mine as well (top man that he is). I have to say that I didn't realise how useful it would be until after it was fitted and I am now considering the cradle so that the phone gets charged as well! I would recommend it to anyone.

I'm delighted with mine. Enough room for children, dogs, luggage but will still give you strong performance and 45 mpg! Would recommend to anyone that needs a load lugger and if you are not precious about the badge, then it makes difficult to see why you would spend the extra for an A4 Avant!?!?!

Ian, would be really interested to know how you get on with this. I have got a columbus and it is all ready to go for DAB in so much as DAB is even referred to in some of the hidden menus (just press "settings" for long enough and see what happens! The idea of simply slotting the DAB unit into the rack in the boot sounds great although routing the wire through to the head unit could be a bit stressful!

Just to add my bit, don't buy the Skoda BlueConnect device which Skoda UK tries to sell! It isn't up to much, takes the place of your sunglasses holder and someone told me that you can't even use it when the car is in motion! I have got the Skoda OEM Bluetooth capability - which can be purchased from eBay or from european sites. I had an expert fit it (vrSTU!) which was smooth and seamless. It integrates perfectly with my Columbus Sat Nav but it would work through maxidot if you don't have a columbus. The microphone is hidden in the interior light housing and there are no visible wires. It goes without saying that the radio is muted when you make a call... I can't recommend it enough! The terrible euro exchange rate is forcing up the cost of these kits but you can probably still get one for about £250 and have it fitted by someone who can follow Stu's blow by blow instructions on his web site.

The Skoda "Columbus" MFD3 sat nav (also known as a VW RNS 510) is easily retrofitted. It will also work without the "maxidot" dash pod although a "maxidot" dash pod can also be retrofitted if you want the full look! Skoda only sell the MFD3 with maxidot from the factory.... All I would say is that if you are buying the L&K then its pretty academic, as it will have maxidot and you may well find one with the "Columbus" fitted by the factory!

Paul, this isn't difficult is it - There is only one choice!!! And remember to respect the wishes of She Who Must Be Obeyed!!!!!

Jonno, How have the trials gone!? I have only ever used supermarket stuff (Sainsburys) and I am seeing an overall average of 44.9 mpg (since new - just over 4,000 miles). I am going to treat it to a New Years present of some "ultimate" fuel tomorrow but I am intrigued as to whether it has made any difference!?

Please count Pinty in for Number 14! Phew, wouldn't want to be the costly #13! Stand only though... I wouldn't trust myself let alone anyone else!!!

Andy, Mrs Pinty (not sure she will like that expression) is also expecting a bump. My first thought was to ban the baby from entering the vRS - too much risk of projectile vomitting - but Mrs Pinty has since reminded me that she only allowed me to buy the vRS in order for it to carry children and dogs (the Skoda dog guard works very effectively and has prevented any damage to the passenger compartment but apparently there is no equivalent for children). Anyway, if you do come up with a solution that isn't in this thread, please PM me as I will also find it useful!

You may have to be careful, because Skoda have used a couple of Sat Nav's since the launch of the Octy. If you are getting the MFD3 (otherwise known as a VW RNS510, or by its catalogue name, "Columbus"), then to answer your questions.... If its a MFD2 or an earlier version then the below won't apply! The latest version of the maps (v3) allows 5 digit postcode searches. Annoying to begin with but you soon get used to it. The maps are on a par with the Tom Tom's available in 2007 and the MFD3 includes Traffic Information. It won't be giving you 3D buildings but there are different options on the view and magnification. If you get the true Skoda bluetooth, then it fully integrates with the MFD3. Unfortunately, Skoda UK didnt supply the Skoda bluetooth (nobody really knows why!) in 2007, so this will be a retrofit. Not a 5 minute job but there are installation guides online (see vrsSTU's octavia-vrs.com site). Hope that helps!

...that Corrida Red is by far the best colour for a vRS! Especially after a wash this afternoon! 4000 miles since new and nothing but praise

I purchased my MFD3 off eBay and I have had it installed for 3 months or so. It is certainly a gamble in so much as you are not going to have the normal warranty safeguards of spending that much money on an electrical item but given that it was £900 less than what Skoda UK wanted - I decided it was worth the risk! Suffice it to say, I purchased it on a credit card using paypal - just in case the thing didn't work when it arrived! But, it did and I am delighted with it. The 20GB hard drive is enough for my music collection - although it is frustrating that when you store an album in a folder, it stores the tracks alphabetically rather than in track order - but, it is a small price to pay.... It is interesting that "magic62" comments about the faulty coding on some German units. My particular MFD3 had certainly been to Germany when I took delivery of it as this was the location of the home address and some favourite places!!! But, it has always worked perfectly for me. As for the coding, yes, VRStu did code mine for me but it did work before he coded it! The installation is a bit nerve wracking for those of us who aren't mechanics but it went smoothly and only took a few minutes... The only thing you need to consider is whether you will miss Radio 5 live or other MW stations. The MFD3 has two antenna inputs and if you want the best FM signal and TMC information, then you won't get MW as well. I think somebody is working on a fix for that but it didn't take long for me to get over it and installing a second aerial is going to be way over my skill level! Go on, spend the money - it will soon be Christmas!