Hi All,

First post here but been doing some ocasional research in background for a while.

Have got an Octavia 2006(56) TDI PD140 L&K with Nexus, CD changer, Maxidot, MFSW & integrated Parrot Bluetooth all original option/dealer fitted from new (I believe). Purchased car 12 months ago - & now a firm Skoda fan!

Have now taken plunge and bought 2nd hand Columbus (1Z0) and am here asking for (probably several of you) to offer practical help in fitting, updating software/firmware & maps, reprogramming & offering advice. I live in West Midlands (B90). The Columbus (according to previous owner) may have been updated to 6.1 maps and sw version 1020 but unit was not in car so couldn't/can't confirm. Disc (printed label dvdr - are originals dvdr?) supplied with 5.1? maps on.

Where I want to end up is with Columbus with up to date maps & sw interacting with all other units as now:

cd changer controlled from Columbus

Maxidot display of both audio & nav data

MFSW control of audio

Parrot integration (calls through speakers, automatic muting of audio for calls).

I've seen various "it's easy - just plug & play" but I'm nervous of starting this on my own partially due to number of connections & no tools but also basic mechanical incompetance :-)

I'm less nervous of applying software changes if I can get/borrow discs that have been proven but would appreciate the moral support.

What I think needs to happen:

remove Nexus (needs special tools?) & fit Columbus using identical connections (?) - I believe cd changer earth needs to be moved (in plug on head unit end of changer lead?)

update sw

update maps (or re-apply) & I don't have disc copy of 6.1 maps

get car reprogrammed for Columbus to use MFSW controls and control cd changer (& anything else not working I guess)

I'm happy to offer beer, pizzas, reasonable amount of money for help in achieving this painlessly.

Last resort I guess is to take it all to (friendly) local agent who I've had good experience with but I'm unsure if they'd do it (didn't get very +ve response when I made an enquiry about upgrading after first buying car (not "original spec" or similar comment)) & I guess it'd be pretty expensive if I did.

Over to you guys - Appreciate whatever you can offer - an all in one would be perfect of course!

Many Thanks in advance

Richard

Edited 10 November, 201015 yr by richws

Sounds OK to me, it's all easy. You just need VAGCOM to make the appropriate coding changes. 30 minutes work at the most, no specail tools apart from a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws holding in the headunit.

Applying maps and software updates takes a while but again, its easy to do.

If you can find someone to do the coding then I'm more than happy to assist in fitting (I've already had my dash apart a couple of times).

Do you have the new dash trim as isn't the columbus a different size to the nexus?

Stev

P.S. Just a thought, won't you need the Canbus upgrade too otherwise the Columbus will flatten the battery?

Edited 11 November, 201015 yr by Raglits

Modified software is now available that stops the battery drain issue on earlier cars, therefore no need to change the CAN gateway.

Sounds like it will be plug and play then along with a software upgrade on the Columbus to stop the battery drain.

As the car has a Nexus in it already, will any coding be required? I don't know anthing about this yet as I've not invested in VCDS (yet) but if the coding just says, "the car has sat nav" then no changes required, or is it a case of each Sat Nav unit has diferent coding?

Ideally you need to code the Columbus as well, it might have been in a car that a different sound system etc. It'll probably work OK but I'd check the coding anyways.

Many thanks for responses so far.

Raglits/Steve - thanks for your generous offer - appreciate if you can assist with install. I'm away this wkd but, depending on answers re need for immediate sw upgrade/VagCOM programming, am able to get together most evenings or weekends coming up as is convenient for you. I'm in Shirley so we're pretty close. I believe the surround trim for Nexus is same as Columbus (both double DIN). Can anyone else confirm?

I have a few more questions - please bear wth me.

Which is latest sw or last which adds significant value for a 1Z0? Will i be able to use 32GB card in my Columbus?

My Columbus was previously in a pre-FL Octavia and the seller was aware of battery drain issue and did not experience it (he thought only later sw introduced it). Does this mean I can "safely" install the Columbus without immediately updating sw? I would still want to get up to date sw installed but am thinking of logistics.

Would somebody be willing to burn me (or lend me) discs for latest sw version appropriate and for 6.1 maps (or 7 if they've appeared)?

is there anyone resonably local to B90 with VAG-COM willing to do necessary programming?

Thanks again,

Richard