Boo!

Just bought a Bolero (PART NO. SK-1Z0 035 156 F apparently) to replace the Stream MP3, in my '07 Elegance.

Thought I'd ask a few questions up front:

Other than the facia, which I suspect I'll have to replace, should the unit be Plug'n'Play (once the code has been entered)? Or am I going to need some coding? (If so, what coding will I be asking my friendly VCDS coder to do?)

Will I get the CANBus battery-drain problem?

Thinking, whilst the unit is out and the dash is apart....of installing an MDI into the glove box (maybe top touch box). Have seen many cables for less than a tenner on eBay. are about 6" long, with a 90 degree connector at one end and USB at the other. Will these do the job? (Can't find a picture of the back of a Bolero though)

There also seem to be a few MDI boxes that mount above.below my OE boot-changer. Will a bog standard USB extension so the job from front to back? (Having it in the boot isn't essential though.)

I have been told the Bolero should drive the OE boot-changer (giving 12 discs in total), is this right?

The changer in the h/u itself: 6 x MP3 cds? (That would be a lotta Pink Floyd!)

Rear parking sensors: again Plug'n'Play? Front ones supported? (another part of the wish list)

Can't think of anything else, although all suggestions and observations greatfully received.

Aparently the facia surround is the same shape from Stream to Bolero and only the Columbus is different.

You might need to upgrade your CAN gateway to a prefix with a K on the end.This unit is behind your glovebox and can easily be checked for the number on it with an end prefix letter.

The Bolero can run with the CD changer in the boot and can also load 6 CD,s into the Bolero also.

It is basically a plug and play depending on your CAN gateway and will need a little coding after to make all functions avaliable.I,m not sure about the parking sensors but someone else will be able to tell you this.

I,m doing a bit of research also about this as i want to upgrade from my Stream MP3 to a Bolero soon in a 2006 Ambiente.

You can also use an SD card with these too so won,t really need a CD changer.

Theres also quite a number of useful videos on youtube about Bolero upgrades.Sorry i can,t help you with the MDI part.

Cheers dude. I'll check the Gateway. (along with the Bolly's firmware)

I'll make sure I make notes and grab some fun photos. Mine's an Elegance, but I don't think it'll make much difference. (Maybe coding? Not sure of the differences between Ambiente and Elegance)

The screen image of the parking sensors won't work, just the bleeps cos it's a seperate speaker.

AFAIK, the leads for MDI you're seeing at a tenner are just the end bit; you need the module AND leads to read the i-pod/HD. You're looking at over a ton for that, it ain't that easy.

The MDI cables you see on eBay are the ones that adapt the MDI socket to a USB socket.

My car with Amundsen+ came with MDI and the iPod adapter cable as standard.

Ah, okies. What would I need to get the image running on the screen? (Or is that not going to be worth it? Would it work with a reverse camera?)

When you say about MDI module, is that the bit that sits where the boot-changer is? Or is it a proper electrical module?

Cheers

Edited 27 June, 201213 yr by RainbowFore

So I'd need this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-SKODA-SEAT-MDI-AMI-MULTI-DEVICE-INTERFCE-iPod-iPad-iPhone-BRAND-NEW-GENUINE-/270942298967?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item3f156b6357

....this....

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-SEAT-SKODA-MDI-MEDIA-IN-IPOD-MP3-USB-ARMREST-ADAPTOR-/160830051568?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item257237d4f0

....and this......

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Skoda-Seat-MDI-AMI-MMI-USB-Media-Cable-Adapter-Connect-iPod-3G-3GS-4-3-iPhone-/320931517174?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item4ab90252f6

...to make it all work?

Kinda get the feeling this idea will be dropped quite quickly now.

Thanks guys.

Speak to Ben at Shark performance if you want to be put off rewiring the sensors to get them work onscreen. Only two physical wires and a new module, but a LOT of work tweeking!! Wouldn't bother unless you have deep pockets or a lot of time & electircal nouse.

Cheers Blackspaven (again )

Ok, I think getting the rear sensors to work is a bad idea as well then

Am thinking I'll stick the Stream MP3 in a box until it's time to sell the car anyway (2nd hand Bolly value is always going to be better than S/MP3), so too much effort and money could be wasted on getting it all to work.

Thanks

Edited 27 June, 201213 yr by RainbowFore

Not all Bolero's will work with the boot mounted CD changer - it depends on the revision of the Bolero

Will I get the CANBus battery-drain problem?

Maybe - see below - Just depends upon what CAN you have installed.

Thinking, whilst the unit is out and the dash is apart....of installing an MDI into the glove box (maybe top touch box). Have seen many cables for less than a tenner on eBay. are about 6" long, with a 90 degree connector at one end and USB at the other. Will these do the job? (Can't find a picture of the back of a Bolero though)

There also seem to be a few MDI boxes that mount above.below my OE boot-changer. Will a bog standard USB extension so the job from front to back? (Having it in the boot isn't essential though.)

No. You'll need a loom to go from the back of the HU to the MDI box and a cable to go from the MDI box to your phone/USB drive/etc. (see below for more info.)

The VW armrest / MDI combo should fit in above the boot 6 disc change - it was designed as a direct replacement for the armrest 6 disc changer in the VW Golf. Unfortunatley, there is no way (easy) of getting it into the Jumbo Box on an Octavia as the Golf & Octavia have the handbrake on different sides and Skoda never wanted the Octavia to have it fitted there.

The changer in the h/u itself: 6 x MP3 cds? (That would be a lotta Pink Floyd!)

There's never enough Pink Floyd!

Rear parking sensors: again Plug'n'Play? Front ones supported? (another part of the wish list)

If you have factory fitted rear parking sensors, then possibly.

I coded a Bolero rear PDC controller (5J0 919 465 A) that worked with the Bolero (1Z0 035 156 F) and showed the OPS on the screen. The guy had to run the wires from the bumper to the controller, then to the CAN before it could be coded in.

I have a Columbus with new CAN and retrofitted PDC (front & rear) that also works - PDC & OPS.

If you have factory fitted, or retro fitted, VAG PDC then it might just be a case of changing the PDC controller in the boot to a newer one (if you want to add front ones you will have to change it anyway). Cost? About £45 for a new PDC.

You might need to upgrade your CAN gateway to a prefix with a K on the end. This unit is behind your glovebox and can easily be checked for the number on it with an end prefix letter.

Some Revision K CAN Gateways will work (at least with the Columbus - so can't see why Bolero should be different on this one) - it just depends upon the software version. Some can also be software upgraded by the dealer! Have a look at the Ross Tech Wiki for full details. I'd advise going for revision Q or later.

Many MY'07 CAN gateways are located on the driver's side above the fuses! Don't bother going from the driver's footwell, remove the wiper arm and scuttle and go that way - so much easier...

So I'd need this:

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3f156b6357

....this....

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item257237d4f0

....and this......

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item4ab90252f6

...to make it all work?

If you buy the first one, you won't need the second one...

If you buy the second one, you can look on the My GTI website and it shows you how to make your own wiring loom from the MDI box to the HU.

The loom on the first one will not be long enough to get anywhere near the boot!

HTH

Thanks KB Everything helps (good or bad)

I think the MDI is a washout, just because of all the faffing around really. (Although the loom and connectors (first link) might be a thought for later. £100 for getting music another way, is a lil' steep, considering there's not shotrage of ready-fitted ways.)

plus.....

The parking sensors. Well, if I only get a beep, it's better than nothing. (Although she does have OE sensors, so maybe that can be looked at later. )

Especially.....

as I'll stick the Stream back in when it's time to sell. The Bolero could be useful in the next car.

When I take the dash apart, I'll have a look for the CANBus.....unless I can see the revision with VCDSLite?

If the boot-change doesn't work, it's not a biggie, just a bonus if it works. If it's a hit/miss thing, then at least I know that, and no head-scratching and swearing at something that should be working (if that makes sense)

Agreed about Pink Floyd, although, now, there is only so much Pink Floyd one can get. (Except the unlreleased stuff, and I think Roger will want stupid amounts of money to release those)

Thanks for the My GTI links, I think I'll be nosing around there a bit from time to time too

One of the pictures on My GTI shows a "Video" button in the bottom left of the screen. Is this another "Bolero model dependant" thing? Does it have a video input?

Thanks

If you have factory fitted rear parking sensors, then possibly.

I coded a Bolero rear PDC controller (5J0 919 465 A) that worked with the Bolero (1Z0 035 156 F) and showed the OPS on the screen. The guy had to run the wires from the bumper to the controller, then to the CAN before it could be coded in.

I have a Columbus with new CAN and retrofitted PDC (front & rear) that also works - PDC & OPS.

If you have factory fitted, or retro fitted, VAG PDC then it might just be a case of changing the PDC controller in the boot to a newer one (if you want to add front ones you will have to change it anyway). Cost? About £45 for a new PDC.

You're making this sound quite easy although i've spoken to Ben @ shark & someone else on here who did it themselves and they both concurred they'd never want to do it again (Ben said unless the customer KNEW how much work was involved and realised the obvious cost!) since it was VERRRRY time consuming.

Did you manage to do it easily or are you omitting that it IS do-able but is a right faff? (just seen you didn't actually fit the wiring so do you know what it involves cos I certainly don't and I think that's the pain in the @rse bit)

Edited 28 June, 201213 yr by blackspaven

I've fitted the wiring to mine from scratch (front & rear) and the guy who's car I coded had very similar experiences to me. We both have OPS. Mine on Columbus and his on Bolero.

With a parking sensor kit to fit, it's time consuming (I'd allow two days so as not to rush), but not too difficult. 'Hardest' parts were being confident enough to cut into the CAN wires and also to drill the bumper holes.

Both of us did it for a lot less than £200 from scratch. Bearing in mind I have front and back sensors!

I can't comment on getting on getting factory fitted kits to work with OPS, but can't see why they would have two different sets of PDC controllers & wiring in production at the same time...

I'd suggest that whether it works or not is down to when the wiring was installed (I don't know if anyone with factory fitted sensors prior to MY'08 has OPS) and also down the the HW/SW combinations of their three relevant controllers (HU, CAN & PDC).

The wire swapping is well documented on My GTI forum, but only applies to fitted controllers looking to upgrade to OPS. I've not had to do this, but it seems to be a lot less hassle than taking out the interior trim to fit from scratch.

I'm not saying it is easy, but I am saying that it is in the grasp of a confident DIY'er with the right information and tools.

Ah, I think that might be the difference then. The two examples who managed to do it to factory fit sensors said it was a right ballache!

Take a look at this - because it doesn't sound like too much hassle to be honest!

Yes, there is going to be some trim removal for wiring, changing controller and getting to the CAN Gateway, but none of it is hard. I did most of my interior trim removal / refitting (to run cables from boot to glovebox) in a car park as I had about 2 hours to spare!

Accessing the CAN Gateway (if not behind the glovebox) is less than an hour if you are handy with a soldering iron.

If you need CAN repair wires or CAN cable, I have plenty left here. Just ask.

Think you need an aerial adapter as well. I needed one for my Bolero.

My car had an old CAN (06 plate) but a newer car MIGHT have a newer one. You should be able to read this with VCDS (Save you taking the glovebox apart)

My Dad's car is an 05 plate, he has an "F" revision CAN!

Personally, I wouldn't bother with the aerial adapters - they get very mixed reviews as to whether they work or not.

If your car had a Stream MP3 factory fitted, it will indeed only have one aerial. The Bolero does have two.

Options are, plug just one aerial in - it will work fine if you use the socket to the right (as you look at the back of the HU) but it will throw an 'Open Circuit' fault on the other aerial. Not a problem - mine has been like that for several months now.

Second option, add a second aerial. I'm part way through that and it has so far cost me about £24 for parts, a lot of time in research and, for the next bit, quite a bit of time and patience to remove trim and make a second aerial.

I've posted threads on this forum which I will update when I have made significant progress.

My car is an '07 and it has the only non-up-dateable K revision of the CAN...

Aerials are largely a mute point really......I have a DAB unit so I can listen to 4Extra. Only ever listen to R2 for about 10 minutes in the evening (Homework and Confessions)

Considering the lack of DAB, why should it need two aerials? :S

Considering the lack of DAB, why should it need two aerials? :S

Apprently so it can choose the strongest signal, although I don't know how on earth that works when the reciever is in the same place. Only assumption is that they are slightly different forms of aerial as one is the roof one and the other is the wire type mounted in the glass on the rear offside quarter panel on my estate.

Apprently so it can choose the strongest signal, although I don't know how on earth that works when the reciever is in the same place. Only assumption is that they are slightly different forms of aerial as one is the roof one and the other is the wire type mounted in the glass on the rear offside quarter panel on my estate.

So if you don't have the estate, there's only a choice of 1 aerial then. :S :S

If you don't have an estate, the second aerial is in the rear window. Look for the vertical 'demister' lines.

The 'receiver' is the aerial, and there is a powered amp (phantom power from the HU) attached to this. The aerial cable runs from the amp to the HU.

Some cars like the Touran have two rear side window aerials (FM only & an AM/FM one). The FM one also receives TMC updates (traffic) on the Columbus and Amundsen sat nav units.

The Golf (and Octavia) can have two aerials (and amps) attached to the rear windscreen: one each side.

In both cases a roof mounted aerial for radio reception is not needed and a 'shark fin' for GOS, GSM, Webasto, etc. can be fitted in lieu of a 'whip' aerial (which has an amplified base powered by Phantom Power).

If you want to understand why there are two aerials, go on to Wikipedia and search for 'diversity aerial'. That should bring it up.

I'd post a link, but I'm on my phone at the moment.

Ok, unit was picked up and installed this morning. No problems.

The only thing I needed to get was a 'proper' torx-driver as a 'bit' in a multi-driver was too wide to fit the screws through the bolero.

Doesn't fire-up the boot changer, nor does the climatronic stuff display, but I think that's a coding thing, so that'll be on my list for when I next see my friend with VCDS.

Label on top says Firmware 040, so that's way out of date. Will have a word with the local dealer about that, unless there's another way to update it?

When the unit is off, it's dead quiet.....no fan noise. When the radio is on, the fan is on. Will check CANBus version soon.

Bolero diags say that aerial 2 is connected whilst 1 is not, as expected. Can get Radio 2, so that's ok

Thanks for the advice guys. Will let you know the final outcome with the coding and CANBus stuff.

Edited 1 July, 201213 yr by RainbowFore

If you want to understand why there are two aerials, go on to Wikipedia and search for 'diversity aerial'. That should bring it up.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antenna_diversity

Was a good read too! Thanks KB

No problems. Enjoy.

I'll update a thread on this forum as I get the second aerial working. I have all the bits now, just need to find the best configuration.