Hi,

I would like to get hands free in my car and do do this I have a few options.

Retro fit a parrot blue tooth kit which I dont really want to do as I like a clean dash board!

Replace the existing head unit (picture attached) with an after market option or Skoda original kit.

Has anyone done this and got instructions?

Would you go after market brand or Skoda?

If I have a head unit with satnav I guess I will need to run a GPS areal does anyone know or have instruction on how to do this?

Thanks

Mat

 

You can get handsfree with the Bolero you have by adding an OEM module, loom and mic.  Loads of threads on here which give instructions on how to do that, which costs around £150.  For satnav you would need a new unit, apparently some of the OEM Amundsen+ units also do bluetooth, and some also do DAB, or you could go for a Columbus head unit, but like your Bolero, it would need the separate module fitting.  Otherwise its mainly aftermarket, but there are plenty of reviews of those on here too, and they are all reasonably easily fitted I believe.

 

The GPS antenna simply fits behind the unit, many are magnetic and are very easily fitted.  Users on here report good results with this.

 

Adam

Hi Adam,

 

I have been doing some research and I have discovered the Columbus unit.

 

Apparently with my existing unit I can strrem music to it via bluetooth. So do I really need the OEM module, loom and mic?

 

If I still need a bluetooth module can somene post a link to one so I know what Iam looking at.

You can only stream music to a Bolero if you have a BT mode fitted.

Try this for a new BT kit: http://www.carsystems.pl/vw-bluetooth-kit-7p6035730f-retrofit,id219.html

What kit you choose depends upon what phone you have, what display you have in the car (Maxidot or not), whether you want wifi hotspot or want text messages displayed or not.

Ease do not buy the kode I have linked to without first checking all of the above (and more).

Ok Well I currently have a Galaxy S2 but soo to have S5

 

I dont need wifi or text message on screen but that could be good.

 

Are there diffrent Columbus head units?

I personally wouldn't want text messages on screen, wifey or girlfriend may read something you want them to see. Does it mean you can also text messages?

Hi All,

 

Ok so I have been researching this in more detail and have discovered the following.

 

I have a couple of unit options

 

2013 model

 

2014 model

 

They have a few options for the Columbus unit they including a DAB unit but at £900 I will pass.

 

What ever option I choice it comes with the GPS antenna.

 

I also require the blue-tooth module  there are a couple of option's for that

 

Option 1

 

Option 2

 

I have tried to look for an installation demo on youtube or this forum and Iam not having much luck at finding a complete guild do you know of one?

 

Whats the best location for the blue tooth kit keeping in mind there is a microphone as well?

 

Once I install all of this do I think need to have it plugged in at the dealer to switch it all on?

 

Thanks

Mathew

You can get the Columbus slightly cheaper if you keep looking.

 

You will also need a new trim to go round the stereo (about £35 for the one the same colour as your current or the all black one is about £7).

 

Phil

Thanks Phil

 

Where do you recommend to keep looking for the Columbus and what do you think a fair price is? The units Iam looking at are new!

 

Any idea on a good place for the Stereo trim or would you go direct to Skoda?

I just kept looking on ebay and bought a used one.

 

Got a pretty new hardware version that I've just updated to the newest 5270 firmware and V10 maps. In perfect condition.

 

Paid £370 for mine.

 

Just avoid the early versions as they are limited to what version of software you can put on them and the newest software makes them really fast.

 

Make sure they come with the code too.

 

Skoda dealer for the trim. It would probably look ok with the black trim. I have silver trim along the glove box with the black stereo surround and it looks good I think and a damn sight cheaper than the silver one!

 

Phil

I have had lots of parrots combined with a screen mounts for the phone. Just program the phone to the parrot and stash the handset away, then use the phone on the screen mount and the bluetooth will work! Simples

Phil,

 

From the sounds of it you have done what I want to do. How long did it take and is there anything Iam not covering?

 

Did you fit the blue tooth kit as well? Do I then need to take it to someone to carry out "VAS / VCDS Coding after installation required ?

 

Whats the best place for the microphone?

 

Great advice on the head and avoiding the earlier versions. Can I ask where you go the software and new maps from?

 

Thanks

Mathew

Microphone goes in the overhead light ( run the cable up the A pillar - really easy).

Yes, VCDS coding will be required to get full functionality. Check the VCDS owners map on here for your nearest member with it.

BT mode under driver's seat (or passengers).

£400-450 would be a good price for a recent Columbus. Any less is great.

Older versions will go for c.£350.

Phil,

 

From the sounds of it you have done what I want to do. How long did it take and is there anything Iam not covering?

 

Did you fit the blue tooth kit as well? Do I then need to take it to someone to carry out "VAS / VCDS Coding after installation required ?

 

Whats the best place for the microphone?

 

Great advice on the head and avoiding the earlier versions. Can I ask where you go the software and new maps from?

 

Thanks

Mathew

 

Just in the process of fitting Bluetooth. Got my module just waiting for the wiring loom, microphone and antenna.

 

And as KBphoto has said you will need it coding up too. I have VCDS so did it myself.

 

The difference with mine is it being a pre-fl so gone for an older Bluetooth module that will work with my pre-fl maxidot.

 

Do you have maxidot in your car?

 

Phil

Is their a way to make the letters on maxidot smaller so all of the street name can fit?

Why doesn't appear on Columbus the street name but does show on maxidot?

Sorry to use this post

KBPhoto / Phil

 

So the bluetooth mod goes under the drivers seat microphone runs up the A pillar that bit sounds ok. I guess you need to run a cable from the mod to the back of the head unit whats the best path for this? Has anyone got any photo's.

 

Just found this version of the Columbus on ebay is this not the same as the one I have shown before but for less money or Am I missing something?

 

 

So VCDS is that the Ross Tech software I have a version but not sure if its correct for what I need. Does anyone have the instructions for what I will need to do with the Ross Tech software?

 

The Blue tooth mod what should I pay for this and where did you get yours?

 

 

I have seen mentioned "pre-fl maxidot" a lot in my research but can someone explain what it means?

 

Mathew

You can buy the necessary loom to attach the module to the head unit from www.carsystems.pl.

Pre FL (facelift) means the older shape mk2 octavia to 2008-2009 which uses a different protocol for communicating with the CAN gateway to the newer FL cars. This means there are restrictions on head units, bluetooth modules, multi function steering wheels etc you can fit.

Maxidot is the advanced display which allows management of certain ecu settings and the CAN gateway. You generally need it to maximise functionality, especially if you want bluetooth (although there are some units that work without it) and dashboard navigation display with a Columbus.

Pay no more than £170 for full oem bluetooth.

You would know if your VCDS is genuine as you would have paid quite a bit for it. If not find someone local on here to help with the genuine software if you are going to code these aspects as it is expensive kit you will potentially be playing with.

Adam

The Columbus looks good. Not the latest, but near enough unless you really do want the latest (and are prepared to pay c.£100 more for it).

Run the cables/loom beneath the car display and down under the sill trim. You'll need to remove the button release lever as well.

If you search this forum and look on 'My Gti' website (or Google) all the info on fitting it, with pictures, will be there.

My Octavia is a 2010 plate so would it automatically fall in the post FL? Or do I need to be looking at something?

 

When you talk about the "Maxidot advanced display" is this the display that sits between the rev counter and speedo? How do I find out if I have the correct display? And if I need  change can I do this or is it a complete new dash?

 

I have discovered the following instructions is this close to what I will be doing?

 

1

2

3

 

When installing the mod under the driver seat is the bracket already there or do I need to buy one?

 

You say "Pay no more than £170 for full oem bluetooth" does that include the wiring loom, microphone and antenna? Phil where did you get yours?

2010 should be a FL. Do you have excessively large wing mirrors?

If so, then it is.

The first set of instructions are fine for fitting the mic. That's almost exactly the same on the Octavia.

I'd ignore 2 & 3 as they don't really show you much of relevance.

Have you searched this forum?

Yes your car is a FL so anything that is either described as Facelift, FL, after 2009 or white maxidot.

 

This is Maxidot:

 

 

This isn't:

 

 

I've bought all my Bluetooth stuff off ebay. Total cost of about £70 but mine is an older module so lower cost.

 

Phil

Edited 8 May, 201412 yr by Phil-E

I have searched the forum but not having much luck?

My wiring harness and microphone have arrived.

 

When I fit it (hopefully in the morning) I'll take some pictures.

 

Phil

Sweet!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok. So I couldn't wait till the morning and did it this evening.

 

I first took my old Bluetooth kit out (a cheap iO Play I got of ebay years ago).

 

I decided not to install the module under the drivers seat as it was more work and since I already had my glovebox off and the previous kit was fitted behind there I though why not!

 

1. So first step is to remove the top storage box. Use a knife or similar and prise it up from the front and pull up. It just pops out. Just be careful of the wire and just place it out the way a bit:

 

 

2. Then remove the trim round the stereo. Pull from the bottom above the ash tray. Again it just pops off but may be a little stiff. Unscrew the stereo and pull it out and disconnect it.

 

2. Remove the glove box. Pop the panel off the side of the dash. Then undo the screw that's there. There are then 3 screws on the top inside lip of the glovebox and 2 underneath it. Carefully unplug the light wire and maybe the airbag switch wire (will need to unscrew it later to plug it back in- you'll see what I mean).

 

It wedges in nicely here. You need to undo the screw to the left to drop the ventilation pipe down slightly:

 

 

I plugged it in and used the space under the top storage box to take the excess wire through and to help push the connector through to the stereo. The Bluetooth comes with a socket and a plug that just piggybacks the stereo's harness so it's very self explanatory.

 

4. I then ran the microphone cable behind the glovebox and up the passenger side pillar. These literally just pull off and there are some cable to cable tie the wire to.

 

5. Remove the interior light. Prise the clear plastic cover off from the front and inside either side of the central bulb are 2 Philips screws. It then just pulls down.

 

6. Clip the microphone into place inside the interior light. There was a little foam blank here so I just took that out and clipped it in:

 

 

7. Feed the microphone cable and connector through to the interior light and tuck the wire into the lip of the headlining to hide it. Plug it in and cable tie the excess cable and tuck it up next to the interior light somewhere.

 

8. Plug the stereo back in and refit, and if you have VCDS test it works (otherwise plug the airbag switch in the glovebox back in or you'll get an airbag warning light on).

 

9. VCDS Coding. Can gateway needs telling there is the phone installed and check the phone module is coding correctly.

 

9. If everything works then put all the trim back together.

 

I now have this:

 

 

 

Once my antenna has arrived I will just whip the glovebox off again and put it near the end of the dash or up behind the passenger side pillar trim. This is why my signal is so low on the pictures!

 

Hope that helps some what. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

Phil