Hi,

 

I have a 2016 version of Amundsen MIB2 installed in my 2016 Octavia vRS. Reasonably happy, but the new facelift Columbus split-screen displays look significantly better and would be a great start for the planned project.

 

I was wondering if anyone successfully managed to retrofit a new 2017 Octavia facelift ICE Columbus system (new big widescreen display with buttons on one side only - see pic) on similar version of an older car (2013 onwards). Is it possible? What is the cost? What are the pitfalls? Does it connect well with other car systems and Maxi Dot?

 

I've asked a Skoda Dealer of course - they're saying absolutely not, factory only option.

I've looked at some retrofit specialists, but no one is offering the latest 2017 version (MIB3?), usually only 2016 Columbus MIB2.

 

Any ideas or experience?

 

Many thanks

Have experience of fitting ICE systems but can't say if the above upgrade is possible.

 

What I can advise tho is even if it is possible, considering it's a £1000 factory upgrade, then the cost to retrofit will be eyewatering. And even if you were to accept the costs, what are the benefits?

 

IMO it would be madness to retrofit this system. If you insist on upgrading then best to go down the 3rd party route - even the most basic of systems is going to sound better / will be more flexible than any Skoda branded headunit. If you want full integration / compatibility then Alpine have just the job:

 

Alpine Octavia 3

 

£1500 is a hell of a money to spend on a headunit alone but I expect will be on par if not cheaper than the upgrade you are suggesting. Of course the added benefit is not only will the Alpine will sound a hundred times, better it also has the flexibility to add amplifiers/subs etc that will simply blown away Canton.

I've just travelled the road of attempting a retrofit MIB2 with Apple Car Play/Android Auto in my MY15.5 Octavia. I actually wanted to swap "like for like" a Bolero MIB 1 for a Bolero MIB2. Found a service centre who was prepared to work with a EU technician to remove component protection (even though the MIB2 is a legit purchase), recode the unit to match my car, and have SmartLink work. The entire process was painful; got past the CP but required to purchase an activation code for SmartLink. At this point I pulled the plug. The cost of the MIB2 unit,  labour costs plus the activation code all added up to over AUD$2K and I just didn't want the hassle. 

I've vacillated over purchasing a MIB2 Columbus online from some nondescript seller in latvia who assures that CP is deactivated and SmartLink is good to go. However the unit still needs coding to suit my car. 

 

VAG has just made the whole process painful and obstructive and have no cognisance of customer desires short of trading the car in for a more up to date model. VERY unsatisfactory.

I also have an MIB1 Bolero and would really like to upgrade but its impossible to do at reasonable cost. There is an aftermarket Pioneer unit but nobody in the UK seems to want to sell and install them.

I guess this is just a fact of life in the modern car-buying world. Lots of cars sold on lease plans so the buyers don't want to upgrade. Factory fit ICE are very highly integrated so difficult to upgrade. The better factory-fit options are very expensive.