Bagpuss

Hi Anthony, I've got so say that I'm quite sceptical about the iPhone (any version) working correctly with a Superb Elegance. All the information I've got from Skoda indicates that the UK Elegance is only supplied with an rSAP bluetooth module (GSMIII as Skoda call it). It would be possible to get a Superb with the GSMII bluetooth if the dealer knew what the option code was, but this would definitely not be standard UK spec. Do you mind telling us which dealer this was, and what registration the car was that you tried? Even better would be if you could get the build week, as I'm not ruling out the possibility that Skoda might have done the intelligent thing and equipped new GSMIII bluetooth modules with the handsfree profile for those phones that don't do rSAP. That's the only thing I can think of that would account for your iPhone working. Incidentally, I finally got an update from Apple about rSAP support after logging a bug about 2 years ago. Apparently, they are now looking at rSAP as a possible feature for iPhoneOS 4.x, which has got to be a good thing. Cheers, Bagpuss.

Your firmware will be 1164, which is the latest for rev. A and B Columbus units. The rev. C Columbus (introduced in build week 45) has 2664 as standard, and I'm told that 2684 will shortly be introduced. You can get both 2664 and 2684 firmware for use with your Columbus, but installing it will void the Skoda warranty. Personally, I've just updated mine to 2664, and am very happy with it. I've also got a copy of the 1164 firmware CD, so that I can downgrade again if I ever need to take the car in for warranty work on the Columbus. Right now, I'd recommend avoiding the 2684 firmware CD that is available, as this is a factory CD and this wipes all map data and music from the HDD and also sets the coding back to default values. This can cause problems if you have the sound system, as you will no longer hear anything until you recode the Columbus with VCDS. Bagpuss.

In theory, it's possible to go from GSM2 to GSM3 and vice versa. From what I can tell, to go from GSM3 to GSM2 should be fairly straightforward. From looking at the connectors, I think you should be able to plug in the GSM2 module in place of the GSM3 one, and recode with VCDS. To go the other way, then you'd have to add the necessary GSM aerial and cabling, as the GSM3 module needs an external aerial to work. This would likely be more difficult. Personally, I've considered going from GSM3 -> GSM2 due to the lack of rSAP support from many manufacturers. On the plus side though, I got an e-mail from Apple today concerning the bug that I logged over rSAP support for the iPhone. It very much looks like they are working on it. Maybe we will see support in iPhone OS 4.x. Bagpuss.

Hi All, Just wondering if there is anyone out there who has taken delivery of a car built in week 45 or later, which has Columbus? If so, I'm trying to find out exactly what part number, HW version and firmware is on the Columbus. If you know someone with VAG-COM (VCDS), then they can extract this information. It should look something like: Address 37: Navigation (J0506) Labels: 1T0-035-680.lbl Part No SW: 3T0 035 680 HW: 3T0 035 680 Component: RNS-MID H03 0904 Revision: AB001001 Serial number: SKZxxxxxxxxxxxxx Coding: 040600000000008300 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 No fault code found. The above is an example from a very early Superb II. Cars built just before wk45 look like: Address 37: Navigation (J0506) Labels: 1T0-035-680.lbl Part No SW: 3T0 035 680 HW: 3T0 035 680 Component: RNS-MID H11 1164 Revision: AB001001 Serial number: SKZxxxxxxxxxxxxx Coding: 040600000000008300 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 No fault code found. I believe a week 45 and above unit should look like: Address 37: Navigation (J0506) Labels: 1T0-035-680.lbl Part No SW: 3T0 035 680 HW: 3T0 035 680 Component: RNS-MID H11 2664 Revision: AAN800001 Serial number: SKZxxxxxxxxxxxxx Coding: 040600000000008300 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000 No fault code found. but I'd really like to get some confirmation of this. Why do I want to know, you might ask. Well, it's because my Columbus is faulty, and I'm trying to persuade the dealer to order a replacement that is running the latest hardware and software (think SDHC support, voice commands etc.). I know I can achieve a similar result by flashing newer firmware myself, but it would be nice to have it done via an official route. Cheers, Bagpuss.

Hi Vanguard, Dealer can easily retrofit this kit to your Superb. Will give you full touchscreen control over the iPod, and you can also get different leads to allow Aux-in and USB connection as well. In actual fact, if you've any skill with a screwdriver, you might be better fitting it yourself. I've done several now, and it's really not that hard. Cheers, Bagpuss.

I know. I'm usually pretty chilled about these things. Not so mad now that I've had a few days to reflect on it. Still find it totally mind boggling that the car can be around for over a year, and still the dealerships can't work out how to code it properly. I'm not sure if it's their equipment, a lack of knowledge, or both. I thought the Superb was going to be the first car to benefit from 'call home' coding, where the diagnostic unit could connect to the factory to ensure that the correct coding was put on the car. It doesn't seem to work very well......... Just waiting for the dealer to confirm arrival of the correct trim panel, and then they'll be having another go at it. Bagpuss.

Just been checking the car out, and it's definitely a new Columbus as it's got the nice screen protector thingy on it. However, they've not done the job exactly right. The bezel surrounding the Columbus now has a really nasty scratch in it and the parking sensor display no longer appears when you engage reverse or push the button. On the plus side, the touch screen is definitely more sensitive than on my original unit and the new screen has no dead pixels (my old one had about 5 or 6). Not exactly much to show for 3 days of work....... Bagpuss.

Hi All, Just got to rant about my latest experience with Skoda. Took my car to a dealer near me (who shall remain nameless, as it's not their fault) about 4 months ago to try and get a really annoying rattle sorted out. The dealer worked out it was the drivers side B-trim, and ordered the parts. At the same time, I asked them to work out why there were ghosts in my Columbus unit, as it keeps switching itself on. It usually does it whilst I'm driving, but I've even had it happen after locking the car. It was the usual story, no fault found on the diagnostics, so nothing they can do. 3 months goes by, and the part finally comes in. I take the car to the dealer for it to be fitted and also ask them to try and re-code the car so that my parking sensor switch allows me to control the front and rear sensors independently. I know this can be done, as several members here have cars that work that way. I also ask them to look again at the Columbus unit, as it's now taken to turning itself on at maximum volume, which is f**king scary when you're driving along. It all sounds okay so far, except that the part that came in was the wrong one, the Columbus unit still says 'no fault found', and the coding information that came from Skoda Technical was useless. Firstly, the sensors work as they've always done (i.e. either all on or all off) and now my park assist is broken. When you press the button, it simply says 'Park Assist Finished' in the display and nothing else happens. Fast forward to three days ago. The cars goes in again for the trim to be fitted, the Columbus to be replaced (they now believe me as it did it when their delivery driver was at the wheel) and the park assist to be fixed. Be done the same day, they said. Later that day I get a call, and guess what....... - It was still the wrong trim part. - The replacement Columbus didn't work - The new coding from Skoda Technical still didn't fix the park assist. Give us another day, they said. We'll order another Columbus, we'll re-order the trim (with the correct part number) and keep trying to sort out the park assist. Well, they've had another two days, and guess what....... - The replacement Columbus apparently works, although I haven't tried it yet. - The trim part that came in was still wrong, but they fitted it anyway. - Skoda Technical don't have a clue why my park assist STILL doesn't work. I can't really fault the dealer, as they've done their best. Their master technician has been working on the car for 3 days straight. It's the rubbish support from Skoda UK that's the problem. How can they keep sending the wrong trim part, after the dealer has confirmed with them twice that the part number being used is for the drivers side (the passenger side part keeps arriving)? How is it that Skoda Technical can't simply talk to the factory and give the dealer the original coding information that the car had when it was built? Right, rant over. I feel much better now. Bagpuss.

Currently, no Android handset works with the premium bluetooth that's standard in the UK Elegance Superbs. It's a shame as I really liked the loan Hero that I've been evaluating for my company. Until Android supports rSAP then we are out of luck. There's no support for it in the upcoming Android 2.0 release, so we'll have to hope it makes it into the next version. Interestingly, there was a Google summer of code project this year to create an open source implementation of both rSAP client and server. I can only hope that this is adopted by Google. A great new handset that does work with the Superb is the HTC HD2. It might be Windows Mobile based, but it also has the same HTC Sense UI as the Hero (well, it's not exactly the same, but that's how HTC are marketing it). I've had one of these phones on loan for the last week or so, and it's absolutely brilliant. As soon as it's released at the end of this month, I'll be getting one. Bagpuss.

Looks to me like the dealer has ordered the wrong part. Take it back, and tell them that there are two different Swing units, and you want the newer one, as illustrated in your manual, and as originally supplied from the factory. This happened to me with my Octy vRS. The dealer replaced my Stream headunit, and the replacement didn't have MP3 CD support, whereas the original one did. I took the car straight back, and asked them to get the correct replacement. Bagpuss.

The image used in all of the brochures and the press pack for the Swing is the one attached below, which is what the dealer has just fitted to your car. I'm guessing that there was a different version, which is what the manuals are currently showing. Best bet is to go back to the dealer, show him the manual and get a definitive answer on the missing functionality compared to your original unit. It could just be a coding issue that the dealer can fix pretty easily. Bagpuss.

Just had my fog lights replaced this week too. Been waiting ages for them, though. Parts seem to be really scarce at the moment, as I've been waiting nearly 4 months for a new drivers side B-pillar trim (which the dealer broke). Bagpuss.

You need a little black box to get the signal from the canbus. Sorry. Bagpuss.

Sorry. Am away with work for a while, and my freedom membership has expired. I've gone from having space for 500 messages to only having 30 or so. Not good. Will sort it out when I get back. Bagpuss.

Me. I'm down Marazion way.

Hi Fomas, Can you tell us which version of the car kit you've got? There are 3 types available in Europe, GSMI, GSMII and GSMIII (or Premium). In the UK, we only have the Premium bluetooth, which comes as standard on Elegance models, but this is optional on LHD cars. Assuming that your car was supplied in the Netherlands, the premium bluetooth looks to be the only option available. Is this what you ordered? From what I can see, the 6233 does support rSAP, which explains why you can make calls. When connected to the car, do you see the network name and signal strength on the 'Phone' screen of the Columbus? Also, if connected via rSAP you will no longer be able to initiate calls or read SMS messages on the handset. Are these things disabled on your phone when in the car? According to VW, the 6233 must be running firmware v3.70 or above to work. On the phone keypad, type *#0000# and see what version you've got. If it's less than 3.70, you need to do a firmware upgrade. I'd also suggest copying your phonebook from the SIM into the phone memory, and then deleting all of the entries from the SIM card. On my E71, I don't have any contacts on the SIM card at all. Finally, it could be that your phone doesn't support the PBAP (phonebook access protocol). To test this, go to the following URL: Nokia Europe - Nokia 616 Car Kit - Support then download and install the appropriate phonebook downloader for the version of Symbian that your phone is running. Now, run the installed application and try to copy the phonebook across again. Can't think of anything else you can try at the moment. Bagpuss.

I looked at both, and decided the Elegance was worth the extra money. As jcblincs says, you do get an awful lot more for your money. It would cost way more to add those options to the SE. If you can, go look at both cars, and make up your own mind. I would also think that the Elegance would fare better from a resale perspective. It does have a lot of very desirable toys that a prospective buyer might be interested in. Bagpuss.

As Ray says, the DVD should have been included with the car. Mine was with the manual in the glovebox and the dealer made a specific point of showing it to me on collection. The DVD is not shipped with the car from the factory. The dealer has to order a copy for each car they sell. I'm guessing your dealer is trying to make a little bit more on the car by not supplying you with the disk. As for the difference between the v3 and v4 disks, then there's not much in it. The maps on the v4 disk are still woefully out of date (they are from November 2007). As the latest BMW navigation uses the same core software as the Columbus, then the Beemer mapping data is compatible. It takes a little bit of messing about, but you can make a DVD that works in the Columbus which contains the January 2009 BMW maps. At the same time, I've also added the latest PocketGPSWorld speed camera database, as well as a load of additional POIs for Supermarkets etc. If you want more information on this, just drop me a PM. Bagpuss.

Both front and rear turn off on mine. Got to be a coding issue, and one that should be easily sorted. My car is going in for a new Columbus unit next week, so I'll raise this issue then. Just as an aside, for those of you whose button turns off only the front sensors, does another press turn off the rears? Bagpuss.

If the 'system' doesn't let them order that code, then there is a manual process that they can follow which will. My car had to be ordered the manual way, as the option codes were messed up with regards to my heated rear seats and rear sunblinds. Keep putting pressure on the dealer, as they should know how to do this the old fashioned way. Bagpuss.

This is what Michelin had to say about it: Dear Mr XXXXXXXXX Thank you for your recent e-mail. We would advise that for your Skoda Superb (2008), unfortunately we do not have a fitment for your vehicle on an 18 inch tyre. However, when on a 16 or 17 inch tyre, the load rating as specified by the vehicle manufacturer is 91. Therefore, we would recommend that the load rating when on 18 inch should be 92, as we do not manufacture a 91 load rated tyre in this size. You may need to check with your insurance company, as to what they have as the load rating requirements for your vehicle. If you are on the wrong load rated tyre (too low) you may not be covered by your insurance policy. Skoda Superb tyre fitments:- Standard tyre fitment – 205/55 R16 91W Optional tyre fitment – 225/45 R17 91Y Our recommendation if going to an 18 inch tyre fitment – 225/40 R18 92Y We have allocated your message the reference number indicated above. If you need to contact us again regarding your message, we would be grateful if you could include the reference number. Once again thank you for your interest in Michelin. Yours sincerely Michelin Tyre Public Limited Company

ATS have reluctantly swapped the tyres. The 92Y rated tyres seem just about the same as the 88s. Will let you know once I've done a few more miles if they are an improvement over the Contis. It's very wet here at the moment, so I'll be able to test the wet weather handling..... Bagpuss.

Just got a definitive statement from Michelin on the load rating issue. The Skoda factory mandate 91Y for all tyre and wheel combinations on the new Superb. However, none of the mainstream tyre manufacturers make a 225/40/18 91Y. Therefore, Michelin say I should have 225/40/18 92Y, which is their closest equivalent. I've gone back to my leasing company, given them the e-mail from Michelin, and told them to sort it out. I have to say that the 88Y Michelins are much quieter then the Contis. However, this could be down to the fact that the sidewall is less stiff. Will let you know how they are once I've got the correct load rating fitted. Bagpuss.

That's a really interesting observation. I've got 4 sets of these near to my house, and I drive over them (centred) about 3 times a day. Sounds very plausible to me. Oh well, time to change my driving habits, I think. On a related note, I spoke to Skoda UK and my leasing company, and they've told me to go back to the tyre fitters and get the correct load rating fitted. The tyre fitters are swearing blind that it's irrelevant, but I'm not sure if that's them trying to avoid getting me new tyres in, or if they are actually correct. There seems to be a lot of conflicting information on this. From a few searches, it seems that the Eos was supplied with XL rated tyres, but that it didn't actually need them (according to VW). Who to believe, is the question. Bagpuss.

Wear was consistent on both fronts. 3 - 1 - 0 (outer, centre, inner). So, the inside edge definitely wore down first. Is there a specific problem you are thinking about? Bagpuss.