And the million dollar question to that is, how do one know it's a MIB2 unit? Is a Colombus headunit a MIB2 unit?

Any car built from late May 2015 (so a MY16 build car) will have MIB2 infotainment.

The differences on Columbus are that it has Google maps integration, can supposedly no longer operate as a CD Jukebox and I believe it can do Smartlink out of the box from the factory. Also the bluetooth is capable of connecting to two phones at once and can access text messaging on compatible devices. Screen size and res identical to before.

The newer Bolero and Amundsen have a larger 6.5" screen with the same 800x480 res as the 8" Columbus so arguably has better pixel density and looks a little sharper. It also has the Bluetooth improvements and is capable of Smartlink though is not enabled from the factory. Also on these units the old USB and proprietary Mitusmi/Apple connections are ditched in favour of a USB connector that is both USB mass storage and Apple capable..you just connect using the USB lead supplied with you device chargers which is a forward step...the Columbus has always been this way i gather and you still get an Aux in. The nav capability on the Amundsen is much the same, just the screen res, mapping detail and general smoothness of the map movement is allround better than before....the MIB2 units have better mainboard, CPU and graphics hardwae being the main reason. The Bolero still v much being the same as the Amundsen just without the SD driven nav capability.

MIB2 is better for sure, though from my own experience of having one in a Golf its not that stable. Ive already had a firmware update to resolve some quirks and it still plays up occasionally.

Edited 27 January, 201610 yr by pipsypreturns

Hello from down under.....

 

I just bought a pre-MIB2 Scout and would also like to know if the MIB2 can be retrofitted to my car.  If yes, how do I go about doing that?  

replicating your phone display on the infotainment screen = using any of your own apps is what mirrorlink is supposed to do. In order to comply with safety regulations and whatever business issues, there is a restriction on non-certified apps whitch turns the screen blank while moving. Its a pity that so few developers undertake that path of getting their apps certified.

 

imho sygic + mirrorlink is a low cost alternative for offline sat nav. On the other hand android auto needs internet connection, is ugly as hell, can't be configured (colours, maps, anything whatsoever) and spies on you big time. Plus this stupid feature of showing night (pretty much unreadable) map when low beam lights are on, even during the daytime.

 

Hope mirrorlink will be available via BT + remote charge at some point and make connecting of the phone hassle free.

Hello from down under.....

 

I just bought a pre-MIB2 Scout and would also like to know if the MIB2 can be retrofitted to my car.  If yes, how do I go about doing that?  

Anyone??

MIB2 retrofits are not financially viable really - you will have to buy outright a MIB2 unit, then get a dealer to remove component protection, then find someone who can code and activate it to your VIN.

 

It is possible, but a whole world of pain.