Hello

I wonder if anyone can help me?

I have just purchased and waiting on an order for a new VRS Facelift 2.0 TDI CR, and didn't go for the Columbus unit as it seemed way too expensive!

I've seen a few on Ebay and wondered how hard it would be to get one one these units and have it either retrofitted by someone, or possibly even do it myself if I feel brave enough lol !

Would consider adding to the order if it can't be done easily afterwards...

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

thanks

martin

Would consider adding to the order if it can't be done easily afterwards...

If your order has already been placed with the factory you will not be able to change it or add any extras, I know this from experience. No spare wheel and maxi dot for me :thumbdwn:

Did you spec maxidot on your order? I believe its a case of dropping in the new HU, connecting the GPS antenna and fixing it behind the HU, then coding the maxidot.

The Columbus is very easy to fit. I was advised that the 1Z0 unit is for pre-facelift Octavia and 3T0 unit for a facelifted Octavia. I have fitted mine and it integrates with the Maxidot. I have also fitted the OEM Bluetooth which also integrates with the Maxidot but I haven't been able to get it to show on the Columbus, I hope this is just a coding issue though. HTH

Will the 1Z0 units work in the facelift? I have an 1Z0 in my Elegance which I have taken out ready to put in to a Vrs FL, so I was hoping in would work OK with a little coding.:confused:

Just update the firmware to 266x, that changed mine into a 3T0 unit anyways!

Hi

thanks for the responses

I ordered it with the following options:

MFSW with paddle shift, bluetooth, maxidot (it's a DSG VRS)

Xenon

F+R parking sensors

Curtain Airbags

spare wheel

MDI

Do you have any recommendations on places to source the MFD3 from?

I will ring up dealer today and hopefully the order can be changed if the general consensus is that it's best to get from dealer?

Also is the GPS antenna built into the device or is it already in the car?

Apologies for the dumb questions, just first new car and want to make sure I get it right

thanks again for the response so far...

martin

You need to add a GPS aerial if you retro-fit the MFD3. (Goes under the dash so you wont see it)

It'll be a lot cheaper to source one from Ebay and fit it yourself.

hi keith

thanks very much for the responses.

I was thinking of approaching OEMRetrofits to get it done:

OEM Retrofits - VW MFD3/RNS510 Sat Nav System

seems like a good price include fitting.

Do you have any experience of the service from this company?

I don't really fancy the idea of taking apart my dash after only just getting the car.

Do you know if I will also need any different fascia panels for to accomodate the new unit?

I'm a little hesitant to do it myself. Guess I'm being a bit of a coward....haha

thanks again for the advice

martin

Just had another look at their site and it looks like they're only doing the VW version of the unit, i.e wrong colour ilumination, red not green

anybody got any other places apart from ebay for purchasing an MFD3, GPS Antenna and someone who can help with fitting??

thanks

martin

You can get the MFD3 for about 500 quid these days. I have no experience of that firm - call and see what the price is from them.

It takes ten minutes to fit and is VERY easy, you only need the trim surrounding the radio taking off - there are lots of guides and pictures on here about what to do. I dont know what radio you have ordered your car with but even if you do need a new trim they are only a tenner from your dealer.

Buy one from Ebay (I did) or check out the classifieds on here - there are often some for sale on here.

If you retrofit one, when you move the car on, you take out the Colombus and refit the factory fitted unit, then you can either sell on your colombus or fit it into the next car

I am getting it delivered with the Bolero unit - which I think is pretty good anyway, but seeing as it's my first new car I wanted to get the best unit I could find.

There are a few on Ebay which look ok.

although a few don't even say Columbus on the front which bothered me a bit. Guess I'm after it being as OEM as possible

I get lost going to the local shops so the sat nav will be much appreciated !

although a few don't even say Columbus on the front which bothered me a bit. Guess I'm after it being as OEM as possible

My 1Z0 unit doesnt say Columbus on it and its OEM!

I 'think' 1Z0 doesnt have it printed on but generally the 3T0 units do.

Only the later units had columbus written on, all the 1Z0 units will not have this. I know mine also does not say columbus on the front.

thanks for that.

good to know that the 1Z0 ones don't have this written...

make them easier to identify

thanks again

martin

Stupid question of the day.

Is the Maxidot a different display from the standard or is it just programmed differently? Mines a standard 2007 diesel Elegance, so I assume it hasnt got it.

Maxidot is different - displays radio and track info. Lots of info on here about it if you want it.

When I put Maxidot in the search it doesnt find any great info

When I put Maxidot in the search it doesnt find any great info

It does when I do it!

try here for starters...

http://briskoda.net/octavia-ii/maxidot-retrofit-hants-area/154251/

Will the Columbus work with the FL standard display or do you need Maxidot? took a cancelled order without it to save the wait . Not so sure now.

well I've taken the plunge and found someone selling a Columbus on the forums here and bought it!

I'm told it's a 3T0 unit, and is coming with the GPS antenna and code card too.

I'm really looking forward to fitting it to my facelift VRS which is arriving soon...

Now all I need to do is work out how to fit it :confused:

anybody got a few links to some decent fitting guide websites....

thanks again for all the posts, everyone has been really helpful.

thanks mate.

will take a look at the thread and get the dash surround ordered.

do you think I will need anything else, e.g aerial splitter, plastic tools for removing surround etc.

the MFD3 is coming with the GPS antenna and code card.

Will all the features work as if factory fitted?

I've ordered the car with DSG, the MFSW with Bluetooth, MDI interface, parking sensors etc.

thanks

Let us know how you get on, getting my FL next month and interested in dropping in an MFD3!

The part number for the Silver Columbus/MFD3 dash trim for Octavia II vRS facelift is :

1Z0 858 069 DK DF1 - light tonal brushed finish

I recently fitted a Columbus and it really is plug and play.