Hi,

I was going to fit a Bolero to my Octy but i thought i may as well go the whole hog and fit a Columbus instead.

I've been looking at this one on Ebay http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SKODA-COLUMBUS-satellite-navigation-system-RNS510-MFD3-/200590548729?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2eb420def9

It claims (half way down the page) that this will not drain your battery, guaranteed. Now i was under the impression that i will need to upgrade my CAN gateway which is rev F. But do i actually need to buy a new gateway for this unit?

Also, i have an Aux-in socket on my car, will this work with the Columbus? And can i connect the CD changer to it as well (i'm not too worried if i cant as i will have an SD card slot)

And will it need coding in with VCDS or is it simply plug and play?

I think the following is what i need: Columbus HU with GPS antenna

FAKRA ariel antenna

CAN Gateway (maybe?)

New silver fascia (if anyone knows part number and where to get one?)

Is there anything else that i've missed?

Thanks, Lee

you will need your fimware upgradeing if you have mfsw ,

but that unit sounds like its a recnditiond unit. check with seller before you buy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-ANTENNA-FAKRA-VW-RNS510-MFD2-GOLF5-AUDI-RNS-E-SKODA-/180643742479?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item2a0f34c30f

look at this one

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/184104-rns510-mfd3-skoda/

you will need your fimware upgradeing if you have mfsw ,

but that unit sounds like its a recnditiond unit. check with seller before you buy

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GPS-ANTENNA-FAKRA-VW-RNS510-MFD2-GOLF5-AUDI-RNS-E-SKODA-/180643742479?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item2a0f34c30f

look at this one

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/184104-rns510-mfd3-skoda/

Thanks, i dont have MFSW. So would you not recommend buying a re-con, is it better to buy used?

ive had no probblem with battery drain and my cars been parked up for weeks when ive been away (2007 octy ) maybe ive just been lucky,

but it is working on v7 mapping with full post code with firmware upgrade,

all im saying is make sure it has a good warrenty if its a recon unit. want like to see you loose any money

?

I think the following is what i need: Columbus HU with GPS antenna

FAKRA ariel antenna

CAN Gateway (maybe?)

New silver fascia (if anyone knows part number and where to get one?)

Is there anything else that i've missed?

Thanks, Lee

The new silver fascia will be provided by the seller himself >>>u just need to ask him for it !

Also if you have factory fitted parking sensors you may update your parking sensor controller to 1Z0919475B (if you have only rear sensors) and 1Z0919475C if you front and rear ...i.e. if you want the parking sensors to be displayed on the screen.....

Edited 7 April, 201115 yr by pz1811

On a 2007 model, you've probably already got a revision K or later gateway, that's why you've not got battery issues. The OP has a 2006 model, so will have the earlier gateway. I've changed gateways on a couple of 2006 models now, one had a revision H in it.

The OP really does need to get his car plugged into VCDS to find out what revsion of gateway is actually there, but I would be very, very surprised at that age if it's one that supports Columbus/Bolero with late firmware.

Mike

I checked the gateway manually its rev F so will need an upgrade. I'll go for a newer model as well as i want the up to date features, thanks for the advice

So does the Aux-in work on the Columbus and what about the CDC?

And apart from the new gateway does anything else need coding in? Or is it literaly plug and play? I've looked at Stu's guide on Octavia-vrs.com for the MFD2 and he coded the gateway, radio and navigation. Will the same codes apply to the MFD3?

Is there any real need to go to this expense, just to get a display on the radio? I missed my display for the first time I reversed, then forgotabout it -- I'drather be looking backwards whilst reversing, not at my radio screen!

Mike

50 pounds isn't a lot when you already are spending 500 pounds ....you are RIGHT should be looking backwards.... rather than at the radio screen.........but its a good indicator when backing up into tight parking spots and you don't know which side the sensor is beepin about !!!

Anyways thats my opinion .....

Also if you have factory fitted parking sensors you will need to update your parking sensor controller to 1Z0919475B (if you have only rear sensors) and 1Z0919475C if you front and rear ...i.e. if you want the parking sensors to be displayed on the screen.....

onmeheadson - you'd don't need to do this. It's optional. Just to be fully clear on this. The sensors will still function and give you audible warning.

If you want the display for parking sensors to be shown, then look at purchasing and fitting this updated module. But I agree with Mike and wouldn't bother personally.

Thanks guys. I dont have Maxidot unfrotunately, and the Parking sensors are after market so this should make things a little easier for me!

Has anyone had any issues with screen brightness on the Columbus similar to some have experienced on the Bolero?

Just out of interest have a look at oem retrofits they offer a completly fully fitted unit for 600 job done! seems a very good deal to me thats where my next 600 pounnds is going!!!! ha ha

Before you do go to oem retrofits, have a look at Multims in Manchester.

They are not on line at the moment, but are still trading. Last advert was for the Columbus at £450. I went to the premises in Manchester, and paid £400 cash for my Columbus.

The original one I had did have a problem in the screen kept switching itself off, but they replaced it no questions asked. Fabulous service.

Give Justin a ring on either of these numbers:

07779 966996 or 07824 775076

Skippy 41 has also used Multims, and has been very happy with the service.

Mike

I will do that thanks Im in manchester too so even better. Do they fit the units too?

Just out of interest have a look at oem retrofits they offer a completly fully fitted unit for 600 job done! seems a very good deal to me thats where my next 600 pounnds is going!!!! ha ha

I've just had a chat with them. The guy seemed really knowledgable and helpful. They travel down to London every 2-3 weeks and will come to me to fit it. They can install the unit with rev b firmware which means i wont have to change the gateway. I realise i'll lose a few of the newer features but to be honest i dont think i'd use most of them anyway.

Does the 'A' at the end of the part number refer to the firmware revision?

If i buy the Columbus with firmware A or B myself am i right in thinking that i wouldn't need to use VCDS for any coding?

It would litteraly be plug and play (i dont have maxidot or MFSW)?

If thats the case then this is the cheaper option. It could get a Columbus for less than £500 and fit it myself, saving £100.

I bought one of these from the same guy this week and took delivery on Tuesday. I was going to post a few questions myself about it as I'm having trouble getting it to work and it dosn't have all thge functions he says it dose (No Sound, No Speed cameras, No post code input to name a few) have spoken to him an he seems genuine but time will tell!! He's ordered another unit for me and I'm going to him to have it fitted so hopfully it'll work out ok. If you want more info then pm me and i'll give you my phone number.

I did pop into my local Skoda dealer and they said all these units are just plug and play and i definatly didn't need plugging into Vag-com but I'm not sure that i trust them

Edited 7 April, 201115 yr by Gadget6014

I bought one of these from the same guy this week and took delivery on Tuesday. I was going to post a few questions myself about it as I'm having trouble getting it to work and it dosn't have all thge functions he says it dose (No Sound, No Speed cameras, No post code input to name a few) have spoken to him an he seems genuine but time will tell!! He's ordered another unit for me and I'm going to him to have it fitted so hopfully it'll work out ok. If you want more info then pm me and i'll give you my phone number.

I did pop into my local Skoda dealer and they said all these units are just plug and play and i definatly didn't need plugging into Vag-com but I'm not sure that i trust them

Strange, it sounds like you have a faulty unit.

Did you read Mikes post about the map version from this seller? He posted this "Edit: Just looked at the ebay listing. Be aware that the map version offered isn't the official one, as speed cameras are not listed on the OEM disc. Points of interest are, just not the speed cameras.

Also, you are being offered a card with the code. VW group never gave this code out on a card, so be careful that the unit hasn't been tampered with and recoded. The card shown looks good, but is not genuine Skoda!"

So it seems like you're not supposed to have speed camera warnings anyway but postcode and sound should work!