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!

How easy was it!? How expensive was it!? Have you got a "digital" feed?! Also, has anybody been able to get their Columbus to show a DVD (or the TV) whilst the vehicle is in motion!? There appears to be a box of tricks that you can buy from the continent but I don't know anyone who has got one or whether that is money well spent... PS - I realise it is both dangerous and illegal to watch TV whilst you are driving...

Sounds like I have got a very similar car to your own. Mine has done about 1300 miles now and I'm seeing an overall average of 44.7 mpg (with a good mixture of roads and driving). I'm off to Cornwall tomorrow - which will be good!!! I have also got the Skoda MFD3 Columbus Sat Nav. I used a Nafman in my last car and to begin with, I wasn't that impressed (given the high cost of the unit) as it doesn't take a full post code search (you should have the latest version 3 of the maps and that takes the first 5 digits of post code) but I am liking it more and more. It is really clever how it integrates with the maxidot screen and with about 8gb of mp3 tracks on the harddrive, I no longer need the autochanger or the CD Unit!! As for the car, with the exception of an over zealous "autolights" function - it is amazing. The best package of practicality, economy, power, style and handling. I am loving it!

My '58' plate CR TDi combi clocked 1k yesterday - the overall average since birth is 43.9 and that is with a few spirited drives, a bit of motorway and a couple of spells of heavy traffic - which I am chuffed with! I would echo the earlier comments - best car I have ever owned!

They are the 17 inch alloys. And, I think they look pretty good too! The 18's may look better still but I was grateful for the extra discount that was available by not ordering the 18's... I know the ride is often commented on when comparing 17's and 18's and I can't compare my car with one equipped with 18's but I can say that my car certainly gives a good ride that is comfortable around town and firm during the bends!

Mine has covered about 700 miles now and is the estate... It managed 52 on a 30 mile A road round trip in moving traffic (so it wasn't stop start but I didn't get any overtakes in!)... Its managed 46 on the motorway with cruise set at a bit (!!) more than 70... And it manages 41 on the way to work from cold (10 miles) and 44 on the way home from work (presumably when the ambient temp. is a bit higher!!!).

Thanks guys... I think Stu's point is the most valid. The reality is, I only occasionally listen to five live so I will stick with the inner!!! As well as the maps, where do you get hold of the latest firmware!?!? I found a .pdf of a VW user manual so thats a start!

Mannyo, fitted my MFD3 this afternoon - got it from the same supplier as you. Paid for the "upgraded - trackable" postage and had it within 5 days for under £700 all in! All went well, ish... I no longer get an am signal! I connected the aerial to the inner of the two sockets which I am now guessing is the diversity input and not the outer socket. If I am brave enough to take the dash trim off again, will try and swap it tomorrow... I think I also have version 2 of the maps... Where did you get your version 3 from!?!?! Finally, I don't have any instructions, when you say you did a system reset are you referring to the "factory reset" within the setup menus?!?

Thanks James. Forgot to add that autofinders chucked in an autoglym pack in order to make up for the change in the finance. A nice touch which helped. Thanks again.

3 years ago SWMBO told me to get rid of my first mid life crisis car (Mazda MX5 1.8 Sport) and get something that was more practical. A few weeks later, a Vectra CDTi arrived and has proved competent at carrying her, my daughter and my dogs (the Mazda could only do one at a time). There is nothing wrong with the Vectra, it does nothing badly but it is very much an "average" car... So as the Vectra nears the end of its lease (this Monday) the hunt began for something a little more exciting. SWMBO was equally appeased when I said that I was getting a Skoda (all the quality of an Audi for 10k less), an estate (suitable for not only dogs but also trips to Ikea) and another diesel (so sensible and economic).... Yesterday, my vRS arrived!!! It came via Autofinders who seem to have attracted a lot of discussion in this forum, so here are my observations... 1. They quoted the best price. My car with its toys has a mrrp of over 21k. Hopefully nobody pays that price but I have paid less than 17k for mine. 2. They replied to all communication (phone or email) that day or first thing the next day. 3. The finance deal I was quoted when the car was ordered (June) was not the same as the finance paperwork I signed this week. Paul (MD AF) has explained that this was due to the credit crunch and finance companies insisting on quotations being reproposed every month but the net effect is that although my monthly payments will be the same, the total cost of the car has risen by £200. 4. Would I purchase another car from them? In 3 years time, I will ask for a quote. Enough said! So, it has rained since the car arrived! Not good! But once it stops, I will be adding a Lithuanian eBay sourced MFD3 to the dash (same as mannyo's). Paid just over £600 for mine and it arrived in less than 5 days. I've posted a couple of pics on the "Wot no 58 plates" thread and here are 2 more for good measure!

Here is mine! Arrived yesterday afternoon - I'm just hating the weather though... It hasn't stopped raining since I left work!