Hi All,

Right, I'll quickly list the spec of my car in case this causes issues:

 

The things I think might matter

2011 Mk2 VRS Estate. MFSW with Bluetooth, Standard Stereo (Dance?), Climate Control

 

Those that probably won't !

Black paint, black wheels, Red seats, centre arm rest, rear electric windows, heated seats

 

So. I'm wanting to upgrade the headunit to one with Sat Nav - Western Europe, ideally HDD based, and ideally, DAB. I want it to integrate properly into the car, and make use of the MFD and all that stuff, and obviously still have Bluetooth and the MDI input working.  I also want it to have the proper graphics on it, and ideally, match the green and white lighting of the interior of the car.

 

It looks like the 510 is the model to go for therefore in Columbus guise, but I can't work out if it gives me DAB or not.

 

How difficult is it to do these headunit swaps. Is it just plug and play, or do I need to recode the car to make it work? Will my Bluetooth and the MFD just work? 

 

So many questions, so little knowledge ! :(

Help me please ! :(

Edited 19 October, 201312 yr by conanius

The later RNS510 models have DAB so you may be able to find one but at a greater price than normal. A low cost windscreen aerial can be added the get the DAB frequencies.

Kenwood do a 'similar' version DNX521DAB that integrates climate etc but may nit work with a maxidot for nav etc.

Coding will be required.

Hmm, Amundsen+ would do just as well. SD card based (so easy to change what music is on it, and just as much space for music too, if not more), more chance of finding one with DAB (and Bluetooth), and MDI support, and at a more reasonable price too, compared to Columbus.

 

Aerial: I paid about £20 from dabonwheels for mine, mounted on the rear screen.

 

A straight swap will give you basic functionality, so it shouldn't "need" coding immediately (if that makes sense).

 

Have a look on the VCDS owners map for help with the coding:

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps/ms?msid=209732397261666218585.0004c66cecde3f435ecb4&msa=0

Columbus and RNS510 DAB both around £950 if you can find them, about the same as the Kenwood unit.

..........A low cost windscreen aerial can be added the get the DAB frequencies............

A low-cost windscreen DAB aerial is absolute rubbish and a waste of money.

Buy the correct aerial to begin with and you won't regret it: http://www.dabonwheels.co.uk/Kinetic_DRA-6003_FM-AM_DAB_car_aerial.html