Glad you're OK.

That is some big impact. Both your Octy and that trailer stood up very well indeed. Think I'm more impressed by the trailer TBH, as they're not exactly designed with these sorts of occasions in mind

To answer a few of your original questions, yes your old Columbus should be OK with the newest CAN gateway. You might want to take the opportunity to update to the latest firmware though, to get the later features such as 7-digit postcode support.

On the auto lights, it's a bit pointless if your replacement doesn't have a rain/light sensor. But the method is a 'repair' wire from the switch to the convenience module, and some VCDS tweaks. But I'd echo an earlier post and say that it's probably not cost effective trying to retrofit that.

Glad you're OK.

That is some big impact. Both your Octy and that trailer stood up very well indeed. Think I'm more impressed by the trailer TBH, as they're not exactly designed with these sorts of occasions in mind

To answer a few of your original questions, yes your old Columbus should be OK with the newest CAN gateway. You might want to take the opportunity to update to the latest firmware though, to get the later features such as 7-digit postcode support.

On the auto lights, it's a bit pointless if your replacement doesn't have a rain/light sensor. But the method is a 'repair' wire from the switch to the convenience module, and some VCDS tweaks. But I'd echo an earlier post and say that it's probably not cost effective trying to retrofit that.

The trailer was still usable!

Yeah I know what you mean - I was kinda up for a change of vehicle - Golf GTI or Merc or something else but Jane was like - "we're having another Skud" and if it's one thing I've learned in all my years is that when SWMBO has made a decision, there is very little point in trying to change her mind :-) To be fair, I thought it was going to hurt when I saw the what was going to happen but the cars are very very safe and strong. I think had we been in our previous Punto Multijet, 6 airbags or not, we would have been in trouble.

Seriously, there was very little on the market that jumped up and bit me and I've managed to secure a brand new one for £17.5K with DSG and parking sensors so I'm over the moon. I'm a little gutted abotut the wipers / lights as I found them really useful and I would genuinly pay somebody to retrofit!

Nice to know the Columbus is OK in the newer car but I'm not sure about updating the firmware - scared to brick the unit!!

Give Ben at Shark a shout - know he's not in your neck of the woods, but you might be able to sort something out. And he might be able to advise further on light/rain unit. I've seen a retrofit, but it was on a Mk4 Golf - so things have changed a little...

Fair enough on the Columbus - there should be no issue in running it how you have been doing.

Good deal on the new one too

Give Ben at Shark a shout - know he's not in your neck of the woods, but you might be able to sort something out. And he might be able to advise further on light/rain unit. I've seen a retrofit, but it was on a Mk4 Golf - so things have changed a little...

Fair enough on the Columbus - there should be no issue in running it how you have been doing.

Good deal on the new one too

Ihad been saving up like mad for a remap on the old octy and had been in touch with Ben regarding this and fitting a MFSW but of course thats all for nowt now and I think I should wait a little while before getting the new one remapped!

Thats said.................... :-)

Yeah it was an awsome price but I still tried knocking them down further........fail :-)

Wow that Caddy van has disintegrated. A good advert for the strength of the Octy and the trailer but I'd not fancy driving around in a VW Caddy.

The fractured skull sounds dramatic but its actually a fractured eye socket that will heal naturally (I hope). I've also got what appears to be permanent ringing in the ears from the airbag. Thankfully my parner was completely uninjured - she's smaller than me so missed the airbag.

I would think that it is still prudent to leave the vehicle but move well away from it as well. It was a freak accident unfortunately.

When I was in the car and the bags went off, my ears were ringing for about a week after. It will clear up.

Glad to see you're ok, they octavia (both MK I and II) are tough cars IMHO.

When I was in the car and the bags went off, my ears were ringing for about a week after. It will clear up.

Glad to see you're ok, they octavia (both MK I and II) are tough cars IMHO.

The exact words from the insurance inspector was "don't have an accident in anything other than a VAG car or a BMW" and he sees a few wrecks!