I finally got round to doing the installation on my new Superb. Removing the centre console turned out to be a step too far, so I ended up housing the MDI control unit and a 4-port USB header (for charging) in the center console glove box. E.g., below the arm rest. This necessitated, cutting a small (2-x-2.5 cm) hole (drilled and then filed) in the front wall of the glovebox through which to pass the MDI, and an USB, cables, and in a position that will allow the MDI connector to pass back through the wall when the MDI control unit is seated in the glove box - it won't fit otherwise.Things I learned that may prove helpful:
An 3,5mm Aux to MDI cable did not work for me. It may have been a bad cable, or I may have a back-level MDI control unit.
An iPod will not function if connected through an iPod to USB to MDI cable pair. Again, I may have a back-level MDI control unit.
An iPod does function correctly using an iPod to MDI cable.
If you have a device plugged into the MDI control unit, there is no way other than disconnecting that device to play from the Aux socket.
Devices (e.g., an iPod, etc.) will remain alive (drawing power) but will not be charged if the head end is switched off. For this reason, I spliced a 12v socket to USB adaptor to USB extension cable into the rear cigarette lighter cicuit.
Make sure you have the right MDI wiring loom. There are several variants. Simplest - connects 8 (of 12) MDI pins to the head end, and does not bridge B connector pins 1, 2 & 7. (Aux).
Aux bridging - connects 8 (of 12) MDI pins to the head end, and does bridge B connector pins 1, 2 & 7. (Aux).
CD changer bridging - connects all 12 MDI pins to the head end, and may bridge B connector pins 1, 2 & 7. (Aux).
[*]I had the simplest, and added the 3 missing wires and pins myself. Not difficult if you have suitable parts and experience. I did!
Now to how I would have done the installation, knowing what I know now.
I used a belt sander to remove the clamp from the top cover of the MDI control unit, and glued my 4-port USB header to it in an appropriate position,
I made an appropriate hole in the globe comprtment front wall, large enough for the MDI cable connector to pass through easily, when the MDI control unit is seated.
I lifted out the entire gear lever surround (unit containing switches). This required an old (and redundant) credit card which is inserted into an outer edge, slid round a corner, and then used to lever out that corner. I repeated this for all four corners.
On an automatic, it was necessary to disconnect the plugs below the gear level surround, and place the lever in Drive, in order to gain access to the ashtray skrews. This required the ignition key to be inserted and turned to its first position
I removeed the two ashtray screws and raised it enough to get my hand below it.
IMPORTANT. On an automatic, you must return the gear lever to the Park position and remove the ignition key!!
I then removed the surround from around the head end again using the credit card trick. There is a plug attatched to the lower edge of the surround - remove it and the the surround. DO NOT INSERT AND TURN THE IGNITION KEY WITH THIS PLUG REMOVED, OR YOU WILL LOG AN AIRBAG FAULT!!
I then unscrewed the four head end srews and withdrew the head end, which I kept hold off (avoid the screen and on/off button when holding the head end).
I then unlocked and removed the main head end female connector from the head end. This required moving the lever on the botton edge of the connector outwards and upwards until the connector comes away with no effort from the head end.
I then inserded the female connector of the MDI wiring loom into the head end (no insertion effort should be required) and locked it, again using the lever
I then inserded the removed female connector into the male end of the MDI wiring loom and locked it. This again requires using the lever.
I then stowed the head end back into its opening.
The head end may switch on without the ignition key being inserted and turned. If it does not, you will have to replace the plug into the lower edge of the surround, before turning the ignition key to its first position and back (see warning above).
I then plugged in the MDI control unit, and verified that my AUX connection was still alive and that an iPod behaved correctly. It was, and it did. If you encouter a problem you will need to troubleshoot. Start with the connectors!
I then unplugged the MDI control unit, and pushed the MDI cable down behind the dash (there is a slot until it reached the area behind the ashtray.
I then used my hand to retrieve the cable from behind the ashtray and route it into the center console tunnel.
I then used a solid wire to drag the MDI cable from below the gearshift into the glove box (do not force it!) and re-connected it to the MDI control unit. I then repeated steps 12-13 above. If everything is still OK, proceed.
I then inserted and re-secured the head end and its surround. Insertion ws a bit tricky. I needed to slide the loom and its connectors up into the vent area above to make enough space to seat the head end. This took a while. Do not force it. REMEMBER TO RE-INSERT THE PLUG ON THE LOWER EDGE OF THE SURROUND!!
I then re-secured the ashtray, re-connected the plugs to the gear lever surround and re-inserted it.
I then removed the top unit (in my case clock and seat warmer controls, 12v socket) at the rear of the central console, again using the credit card trick, and spliced my additional 12v socket into the 12v wires leading to the rear socket. Remeber to check that you have right wires and polarity!
I then inserted and secured a 12v to USB adaptor and USB extension cable into by new 12v socket, and verified that it provided USB power by attaching my DAB radio and checking that it was being charged,
I then used a wire to fish the USB cable into the glove compartment and attach and secure it to my 4-port USB header. The fishing was fidley, and took about 30 mins.
I then re-inserted, the rear unit, and I was done.
I've been very happy with the results.
