Just been a test-drive in the Octavia's cousin - not completely sold on it, but we were sold on the in-car entertainment.

It has bluetooth, the 'multi device interface' so that one's iPod can actually be docked and controlled through the stereo, and a DAB digital radio to boot. Possibly a bit similar to the system in the new Octavia SE Connect that Skoda announced earlier this week? Or to put it more simply, it's the system as found in Volkswagen's Golf Match.

Our VRS Octy already has the touch-screen. Does anyone know if it's possible to have that multimedia system installed by Skoda? I'm guessing there would be lots of wiring to do and of course there's the issue that a vRS doesn't have the steering-wheel mounted controls.

If anyone knows, it'd be a help!

Cheers.

Edited 8 September, 201213 yr by Octy09

Yes, it is called a MDI interface. There are also 3rd party versions made by Dension and others. I have a Dension Gateway 5 which does all of the MDI functions and also BT for the handsfree phone - it works very well and is a fair bit cheaper than going the MDI and BT kit route if you need both.

Some basic wiring needs to be done (all plug and play) and some coding of the car so it knows it has MDI and BT fitted.

Thanks. May well look into that. Would like to keep to Skoda equipment where possible. Do you know if, for the Bluetooth especially, you'd need to get a multi-function steering wheel? No worries if not.

No, you don't need the MFSW for the BT kit. You can control it all from the Bolero or Columbus screen, or the Maxidot display (if you have that)

Add the Bluetooth with voice control to the Columbus and you won't miss the mfsw too much.

If you want to fit both, you might find that having two looms behind the stereo won't fit!

Answer is to buy one loom and join the two sets on 'input' cables (the ones to the BT module and the ones to the MDI) into the loom.

Expect pay pay around £100 for the MDI (don't get the ones designed to fill the CD changer - there's no where to put it!) and cable and then another £60 for the BT module (eBay prices).

A new loom for BT from CarSystems.pl will be around £40 new.

Retro fitting involves removing stereo and several bits of trim, but it's not too difficult when you know which way to pull the trim.

You'll also need some coding with VCDS to make it all work properly (look on this forum for the VCDS owners map to find someone local to you).

HTH

If you want to fit both, you might find that having two looms behind the stereo won't fit!

Answer is to buy one loom and join the two sets on 'input' cables (the ones to the BT module and the ones to the MDI) into the loom.

Expect pay pay around £100 for the MDI (don't get the ones designed to fill the CD changer - there's no where to put it!) and cable and then another £60 for the BT module (eBay prices).

A new loom for BT from CarSystems.pl will be around £40 new.

Retro fitting involves removing stereo and several bits of trim, but it's not too difficult when you know which way to pull the trim.

You'll also need some coding with VCDS to make it all work properly (look on this forum for the VCDS owners map to find someone local to you).

HTH

Thanks. Will definitely look into this... does it all get wired into the speakers then as well, for the Bluetooth? Our stereo is the Bolero one and it has always seemed odd that there's a Phone button yet no Bluetooth, and nothing happens when you press the 'Phone' button.

Where can the MDI be installed? It was installed in the arm rest on the car we looked yesterday. Like this> http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3a74e240db < Will it fit into the armrest like that? Even though we've got the jumbo box thing in the armrest? Sorry if I sound completely thick... just trying to work it all out! And I know there are cheaper ones on Ebay.

Also, say we wanted the MF steering wheel as well... just for convenience, can all that be wired up too?

Edited 9 September, 201213 yr by Octy09

Also, if I got the parts, would a Skoda retailer fit it? I'd be more comfortable with them doing it because I still wouldn't know what I'm doing with all the wiring etc!

Edited 9 September, 201213 yr by Octy09

The MDI and BT kit both piggyback on to the connector on the rear of the Bolero, you don't have to mess directly with speaker wiring as such.

MFSW is possible, but is usually cost prohibitive. You need the steering wheel and someone to fit it and code the car correctly. You may need other parts like a different steering controller.

As for a Skoda dealer, I would have thought so, but that will be expensive. Is there a VW specialist near you?

Companies such as Shark Performance or Awesome GTI (and lots of others) could do the install for you.

Sorry to butt in. I've got a VRS 2008 Feb with aretro-fitted Columbus. What kit etc would I need to have Bluetooth on mine and best place to purchase. . No maxidot by the way.

Thanks

All wired into the back of the head unit in one connector!

MDI can be installed anywhere the cable will reach - officially it's in the glovebox on an Octavia (armrest on a Golf). Briskodians have retrofitted them to the ashtray below stereo, drop box below steering wheel, centre console (Jumbo box) and the glovebox.

I'm working on combining MDI and BT cables into one pass through connector at the moment (just awaiting delivery of the correct terminals) and I'll try to document it on here if I get the time.

Sorry to butt in. I've got a VRS 2008 Feb with aretro-fitted Columbus. What kit etc would I need to have Bluetooth on mine and best place to purchase. . No maxidot by the way.

Thanks

You'll need:

A loom (to suit your BT module) from CarSyatems.pl for around £45 delivered (inc. microphone);

A Bluetooth module to suit your Bolero and car (avoid newer BT modules newer than 2009 as they won't appear on the Bolero's screen correctly)

That's all.

Sorry to be a bit thick. What exactly is MDI and do I need it for Bluetooth?

Also, say we wanted the MF steering wheel as well... just for convenience, can all that be wired up too?

As already said it's not essential but, so you know, MFSW around £115 delivered from Skodateille and steering controller around £80 (ebay or Skodateille) and coding (ask a friendly Briskodian with VCDS).

I'd advise reading the threads on this forum regarding removing the air bag on the steering wheel and about removing the sip ring and controller before coding it.

Having done it, it's not actually that hard or scary as long as you follow 'good practice'.

Myself and another member may be ordering MFSW's from Skodateille soon - might be worth us starting a group buy...

Sorry to be a bit thick. What exactly is MDI and do I need it for Bluetooth?

Media Device Interface - a controller to be able to connect a phone, USB drive, etc. to the head unit for streaming music across. Also allows full control of the music player from the head unit.

Not a requirement of having BT installed - music can be streamed from the phone to the HU via BT (on newer modules) but requires the player to be activated on the phone first - otherwise the HU will choose songs at random from the selection available.

Sorry to be a bit thick. What exactly is MDI and do I need it for Bluetooth?

Media Device Interface - a controller to be able to connect a phone, USB drive, etc. to the head unit for streaming music across. Also allows full control of the music player from the head unit.

Not a requirement of having BT installed - music can be streamed from the phone to the HU via BT (on newer modules) but requires the player to be activated on the phone first - otherwise the HU will choose songs at random from the selection available.

Thanks for that. Only want to be able to use phone via head unit, Columbus. Assume I can then enter number etc via head units touchscreen.I have parrot kit at the moment but want it to ook a bit more oem.

Thanks andyvee and KBPhoto for your patience and writing back! Much appreciated... I'll look more deeply into this and will let you know if any more questions! Cheers.

Thanks for that. Only want to be able to use phone via head unit, Columbus. Assume I can then enter number etc via head units touchscreen.

That's correct. You'll also have a small selection of speed dial numbers as well as voice control (and dialling).

Brill. Start saving me pennies then, Might ask for more info on correct parts if I can't sort it. Thanks again.

Are you saying the parts required to install an MFSW is about £195?

As already said it's not essential but, so you know, MFSW around £115 delivered from Skodateille and steering controller around £80 (ebay or Skodateille) and coding (ask a friendly Briskodian with VCDS).

I'd advise reading the threads on this forum regarding removing the air bag on the steering wheel and about removing the sip ring and controller before coding it.

Having done it, it's not actually that hard or scary as long as you follow 'good practice'.

Myself and another member may be ordering MFSW's from Skodateille soon - might be worth us starting a group buy...

Are you saying the parts required to install an MFSW is about £195?

Yes. Around that price.

£70-80 for a used steering controller that supports MFSW;

£110 + P&P for a new MFSW from Skodateille (3-spoke ones are slightly more, Vrs ones even more).

One thing I forgot is that you will need a new wiring loom to go under the airbag! Around £15 IIRC.

If anyone is interested in a new MFSW, I might be inclined to organise a group buy. PM me and, if there is enough interest, I'll put it to the moderators before approaching suppliers for prices.

£70-80 for a used steering controller that supports MFSW;

Here is a noob question, Can i change steering wheel of octavia 1 vrs to octavia 2 vrs. i love the new one , it feels so chunky. Independent mechanic would be doing it and i'm sure if he goofs up with Aairbags.

The wheel cannot be swapped between MK1 and MK2. The reason being the MK1 octavia does not use Canbus whereas the MK2 does fully and that includes the steering wheel, meaning even if it physically fitted, nothing would work.

hi folks

im new here so be gentle lol

im looking at getting the new VRS Blackline that comes with the sat nav

am i to presume i can have bluetooth retrofitted to this after i buy it so no need for the Parrot system?

i would also like to stream music but that is not as important as being able to use the phone hands free

i believe (but stand to be corrected by you knowledgible guys) that the Blackline comes with the multi function steering wheel anyway

cheers