Folks, I'm just new to this Skoda banter so please bear with me.

Basically I have an 05 Octavia Elegance with no Maxidot or MFSW at present.  I'm looking to install a Columbus unit that will be compatible with both of these when I eventually get round to retro fit them.

I had an RNS 510 in my Mk5 Gti and things seemed to be a lot clearer in the VW. I had a Version A with 1100FW and this avoided any battery drain issues. However from what I can see on here theres different 1Z0, 3T0 etc etc.

Can anyone tell me what version of unit I will need? I'd rather not upgrade the can gateway and am happy enough with a version A and older software, just as long as it will work with Maxidot.

Thanks in advance.

Edited 8 February, 201115 yr by Lyonzo

I'm no expert in this, but I believe you'll need a 1Z0 model, esp if you want to use it with a MFSW (eventually) and dont want to upgrade your CAN gateway. 3T0s are for Superbs and newer Octavias (I believe)...but having said that I've just got a 3T0 and am going to be trying to get it to work in my 07 Octy!!!!

I'm hoping a combination of witchcraft and luck get me through! :S

Edited 8 February, 201115 yr by slicendice

Are 1Z0 just version A and 3T0 version B, or can they be both?

What are the differences?

ive got a 3t0 in my 07 octy works fine with firmware upgrade

Did it work fine prior to the upgrade?

Just another quick question; can you get a 1Z0 version with an LED screen?

If so I assume there's no way of telling which screen it has?

Was there a certain date the the LED screens were produced from that would even have a minimum firmware? I'm sure you can't get an LED on an 1104 unit for example?

1Z0 is for the pre face lift cars.....but you can get the 3T0 to work, but I gave up and changed mine for a 1Z0 when I had my Octavia. Not sure which is fitted to my Yeti. I just know it works.

What problems did you have with the 3T0?

What problems did you have with the 3T0?

I couldn't get the MFSW to work properly or the Maxidot either..so swapped unit with seller on eBay. It might have been ok if I had changed the CAN gateway, but I didn't want to, My octy was an '06 on a 55 plate.

Hmm, I'm changing the gateway too so I hope that makes things OK...

2006MY and earlier cars seem to struggle sometimes with the later Columbus and Bolero units - MFSW and Maxidot issues.

If you are retrofitting Maxidot and MFSW though you will have to upgrade the Steering Controller and it will be a newer Maxidot so you MAY be OK with a newer unit.

Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a definitive answer on this.

2007MY cars had different revisions of Maxidots and instruments (cruise control light for example) as well as slightly different wiring to the HU - CDC earth pin in a different place between Stream and Stream MP3 units for example.

Well, I'm changing the steering control module for MFSW purposes, getting maxidot at some stage and opting for a 3T0 Columbus when I find a suitably cheap 1, so I guess I'll just have to wait and see how things go!

Couple more questions;

I've seen a couple of units which don't say Columbus in the middle above the screen. Anyone have any idea why that would be? It's meant to be an LED version too.

Also, what era would V3 maps be from?