Retrofit MFSW and Reversing camera?

[psimon]

Hi.I would appreciate some advice on whether it is possible to retrofit 2 things...a multi function steering wheel and a reversing camera? My 2013 Superb II (3.6) does not have a reversing camera but does have the factory fitted sensors linked to the Columbus unit. It has a  standard steering wheel non MF. I spend a lot of time in Italy and the local Skoda dealer could not work out how to link the reversing camera that I bought although it was advertised as being a VAG product and model specific ? The MFSW is easy enough to buy but then does the nightmare continue or is it plug and play if you have a VCDS? Thanks for any info. 

[Solarstorm]

Both are possible, and require access to VCDS to code it all up

 

If you search on this forum, there are some very detailed guides on fitting a reversing camera (unsure if your car is an estate or saloon)

 

Odd spec if a 3.6L hasn't come with any MFSW at all?

[psimon]

Thanks for that. It is a LHD saloon model and, on reflection, quite low spec but ,overall, a great car so I thought it was worth upgrading to a better spec with some useful additions. The reversing camera seems more of a problem as the local Italian main dealer could not fix it (?) but I will search again on the forum although with VCDS required I will probably try another dealer and buy a MFSW in the interim so I can get both done at the same time. I assume that I could get a MFSW with paddles as presumably ( I don't really know!)  it is another VCDS coding exercise?

[Solarstorm]

Depending on the dealer, most won't touch retrofits like that; but you could get lucky

 

I'm unsure if the car didn't come with a MFSW originally, if one can just fitted as a control module may need upgrading; lankers2K can probably confirm - outside of my knowledge I'm afraid!

[langers2k]

As Solarstorm mentioned, you'll probably need a new steering wheel controller which supports a MFSW. It'll then need coding using VCDS.

 

Do you have access to VCDS or known someone that does? An autoscan will certainly help answer these questions. It might even give some clues about the RVC issues too...

[duro]

In general, I found that official dealers – of whichever brand – tend not to mess with retrofitting anything, expecially if complicated and potentially problematic.

Either they don't want future discussions about warranty, or they hope you start wanting a new, better specced car.

Independent mec's tend to be more helpful – probably 'cause they're used to just about anything being asked to them – but you must be sure you get a knowledgeable one.

Although, even top official mec's can prove a mistake. I remember a few years ago – when I dealt in classic Mercedes spares – having a client redirected to our trusted mec after local Merc subsidiary completely messed up a 50's Ponton.

[psimon]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be going to Germany and have booked the car in for a service there with the Skoda main dealer...ironically just on the Czech border ! I didn't get a reply from the dealer on the Czech side. The German dealer is willing to retrofit the reversing camera which is good but the total price is Euros 239 for parts but 6.5 hours labour costing 390 so overall euros 629...so I am thinking about that one...parts seem ok but labour seems long although the hourly rate of 60 euros does not seem bad. I have also asked them for a price for the MFSW but as Langers2k said (thanks) I might also need this steering wheel controller so it might all add up...maybe plan B is better to wait for a specialist in the UK..any recommendations in the South Wales are (or commutable from there) would be appreciated...or maybe the German price is reasonable..frankly I don't know.

[nicknorman]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be going to Germany and have booked the car in for a service there with the Skoda main dealer...ironically just on the Czech border ! I didn't get a reply from the dealer on the Czech side. The German dealer is willing to retrofit the reversing camera which is good but the total price is Euros 239 for parts but 6.5 hours labour costing 390 so overall euros 629...so I am thinking about that one...parts seem ok but labour seems long although the hourly rate of 60 euros does not seem bad. I have also asked them for a price for the MFSW but as Langers2k said (thanks) I might also need this steering wheel controller so it might all add up...maybe plan B is better to wait for a specialist in the UK..any recommendations in the South Wales are (or commutable from there) would be appreciated...or maybe the German price is reasonable..frankly I don't know.

When I asked for a retrofit rear camera on the 6 month old L&K TSI 280 estate I was negotiating to buy they initially said it would be an extra £750. I pointed out it was a £350 option but they said it was harder to retrofit than to install at the factory, new boot wiring loom needed. Of course I'm sure they were looking for ways to get the overall price up from my offer, but anyway in the end it was £500.

Oh and I'm pretty sure it didn't have a TV when I looked at it initially. Now it does. Maybe that "fell out of" having a video link to the Columbus?

Edited 6 November, 2016 by nicknorman

[chimaera]

Thanks everyone for your input. I will be going to Germany and have booked the car in for a service there with the Skoda main dealer...ironically just on the Czech border ! I didn't get a reply from the dealer on the Czech side. The German dealer is willing to retrofit the reversing camera which is good but the total price is Euros 239 for parts but 6.5 hours labour costing 390 so overall euros 629...so I am thinking about that one...parts seem ok but labour seems long although the hourly rate of 60 euros does not seem bad. I have also asked them for a price for the MFSW but as Langers2k said (thanks) I might also need this steering wheel controller so it might all add up...maybe plan B is better to wait for a specialist in the UK..any recommendations in the South Wales are (or commutable from there) would be appreciated...or maybe the German price is reasonable..frankly I don't know.

I got quoted over €300 by my local dealer for a towbar install which involves a lot of the same labour for the electrical installation. €390 doesn't sound that bad.