Is it me or some these new columbus units on eBay look fake!

Some say 2014 unit k version but in pic it looks fake as dosent have any the writing on the unit like others?

And there's a few on there that say 2013 model c with DAB ?!?!?

Can't make me mind up on these :(

agree - lots of poorly/ inaccurately described stuff on ebay.  i got mine from ebay but its a risk  - much safer to buy one on here from someone with some history on the site, ideally one that you can see working first.  if you do buy from ebay go and collect it and only pay if you're 100% sure what you're getting.  02p etc.

I got my Columbus unit from Ebay, from this particular seller;

http://www.ebay.co.uk/usr/sat_nav_deals?_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2754

 

First unit was faulty and restarted at random intervals, but seller was very helpful and was able to get a replacement quickly.  Item was as described and looked new, with no visible marks.  It came with GPS receiver and code card, with latest 2014 maps.  Mine was 2014 model and LED screen, but make sure older ones are LED and not the older LCD.  It had DAB, but needs DAB antenna.  If replacing the standard Stream MP3 player, you will also need to buy a fascia trim, as it is narrower....

 

If you intend to use Bluetooth (recommended), you will also need to buy the VAG Bluetooth unit to work with it, which isn't cheap.  I paid £180 for this.  Please account for this when buying the Columbus.

Its a minefield though because you need a code. A used Columbus which works in a different car without one has had the board tampered with to get around the security check.

Even a new one would presumably need a code wouldn't it unless it learned from the first car it was fitted to??

Thanks Mike, yes that's my understanding too. I couldn't really see how the code could be learned but I didn't know for sure.

But if it was legit, surely the seller would need to provide a code card of some description? Granted not an official VAG one but something?

When I sent mine to hazzydayz for repair they sent it back with a code card as presumably for the repair they needed to read it with their software. It was nothing overly official looking, but a card nonetheless.

Adam

That reminds me, at some point I need to get the code from Skoda for my old Stream unit that was in Kim's car, as that is now lost since the maxidot retrofit years ago.......

You can accuse me of burying my head in the sand here, but if Mike gets the code from Skoda (exactly as I did when I sold my Stream) and prints it on a business card adjacent to a Skoda logo, does that automatically make the Stream 'stolen' or illegal?

It is a minefield but to say that all VAG head units with a code or card are stolen or knocked off would be an over exaggeration.

Also agree wholeheartedly with what you say here Karl, but I can't see how anyone could find a VAG outlet that would give the codes out for x number of head units -- how could anyone prove ownership when they just have the head unit with no code to begin with, especially in multiple numbers?

Nah, something dodgy is going on somewhere along the line.

Mike

Agreed. But you can also see how for a legit business using say the software Alex showed us, it is difficult to appear genuine. I'm just glad I am not buying one!

Adam

Very interesting. I never knew that software existed.

 

Next question is where the suppliers can get hold of £1600 head units in numbers and sell them at a profit at less than £500...........

 

Someone very enterprising is out there -- and I wish I knew their secrets! 

 

Mike

 

I have to admit, I came across that video by chance, I wasn't looking for it. Does seem kinda useful though.

 

Only £1600 if you buy it from Skoda. Like most things where dealers are involved, it's all about the money. This is why there is a huge after-market out there for things. (One great example is VCDS: if it didn't cost a fortune to have the car scanned and adjusted, VCDS wouldn't exist.) Skoda will be buying those units (or the RNS510) for probably around £300/£400 each at the most. If someone else can get onto the supply liine and buy the same, selling at £500 is only a profit of around £100 instead of £1200 for a dealer. The manufacturer won't care as they'll be selling more units - Win!

 

I'd be happier selling 12 and making £100 on each, than just waiting for someone to buy 1 to get my £1200.

 

If these units were stolen from vehcles, surely the great Skoda computer should be set to know the serial numbers. When a car gets hooked up for any updates there would be a warning that the unit was stolen.

 

Playing the devils advocate for a moment: a stolen one with a code, won't work any less than a legit one, so I can see the attraction.

I have RNS manager and have made new codes for several people. The RNS manager can change the serial number and Pin code

Ok, so serial number protection can be circumvented. (it was a nice idea though )

 

 

However, I'm fairly sure we'd all agree the Eddie will be the last person selling knocked off kit.

 

 

The upshot is, regardless of what a minority think, unless you watch the head unit being removed from the original car, you'll never have it's real, authenticated, history. One from the UK could just as easily have a dubious past as much as one from Lithuania (other supplying countries are available), or one from Lithuania could be just as legit as one from the UK.

The upshot is, regardless of what a minority think, unless you watch the head unit being removed from the original car, you'll never have it's real, authenticated, history. One from the UK could just as easily have a dubious past as much as one from Lithuania (other supplying countries are available), or one from Lithuania could be just as legit as one from the UK.

Nail. Head. I think.

To be honest, buying without a code is less of a bind these days too.....

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-Radio-UNLOCK-Codes-Volkswagen-DeCode-Decode-RNS-315-510-DAB-RCD-310-300-Delta-/231236681273?pt=UK_CE_GPS_Accessories_Software_ET&hash=item35d6c7be39

 

.....less than a tenner, no faffing about sending it away.

 

 

 

A handy thing to have if you're selling as well.

To be honest, buying without a code is less of a bind these days too.....

.....less than a tenner, no faffing about sending it away.

quote]

Only any good if the code hasn't been altered by such as RNS Manager though!

To be honest, buying without a code is less of a bind these days too.....

.....less than a tenner, no faffing about sending it away.

Only any good if the code hasn't been altered by such as RNS Manager though!