I'm a new owner of a Mk2 (just bought it last week) and first of all, it's an amazing car and I absolutely love it. It's a 2008 in mint condition with a Columbus GPS/Infotainment system and basic 3C8035730 Bluetooth module under the seat. This won't connect to my phone (Huawei P30 pro) due to it not being RSAP enabled. I have 2 questions.

 

1. If I upgrade the BT module will I still be stuck as it still needs an RSAP phone?

2. If I upgrade the head unit will I lose any functionality? Reversing sensor graphic is one thing, I noticed it shows you the odd thing like air con graphics pop up which I can live without. Is there anything else or is there a specific head unit people tend to go for that is more compatible? I want Bluetooth phone hands free and audio media, it doesn't need to be anything fancy like android auto, but if it has that, great. Any specific unit people recommend?

Couple of quick things:

 

1. Some of the experts here will want to know the precise bluetooth module. You have said "3C8035730" but I think there should be a letter at the end of that. That letter can be used to tell what the module should be able to do.

 

2. Search the forum for android head units for more info on that. Dont rush to do this over RSAP though - a second hand module/later revision from places like eBay can deal with that and they can be swapped easily.

As far as I can tell, older ones don't have a letter. I attached a photo. 

 

If it's easy to swap the module I'll do it, but I've read a few threads on it, they seem to cost a lot (€200) and may need reprogramming and different cables. If I can get a head unit for €300 it might be a better option. My maps are about 10 years out of date too. 

Although head units can be a pain too, getting steering wheel controls working and using existing hands free mics. 

But I'll do a more research, there's almost too much information on bluetooth out there! Why did they have to go with that poxy rsap system? Wife has a 2015 fabia and bluetooth works fine 

36 minutes ago, Meath said:

Why did they have to go with that poxy rsap system? Wife has a 2015 fabia and bluetooth works fine

 

I know it  - you got caught out a bit because you car is an early one (congrats on that by the way!).  

 

Later cars got modules that were fine with "normal" hands free mode (Like your wifes Fabia, my 2014 Superb is fine with any phone, RSAP or not).

 

Someone here recently had the same problem connecting an iPhone, which doesnt use RSAP either. He got hold of a 5K0035730D bluetooth module and that worked for him. You want one of the VAG modules that supports HFP and you should be fine. The 5K0035730D often pup up on eBay for €70 to €80. Not cheap but not a crazy as the rarer part numbers.

51 minutes ago, TheRobinK said:

I know it  - you got caught out a bit because you car is an early one (congrats on that by the way!).  

 

Later cars got modules that were fine with "normal" hands free mode (Like your wifes Fabia, my 2014 Superb is fine with any phone, RSAP or not).

 

Someone here recently had the same problem connecting an iPhone, which doesnt use RSAP either. He got hold of a 5K0035730D bluetooth module and that worked for him. You want one of the VAG modules that supports HFP and you should be fine. The 5K0035730D often pup up on eBay for €70 to €80. Not cheap but not a crazy as the rarer part numbers.

[/QUOTE]

 

Cheers Robin, the newer ones aren't RSAP enabled, that's what I wanted to hear. I didn't want to buy a new one if it was still RSAP.

I just ordered a newer one, 5K0035730E was on ebay for €100, so just bought it. I'll worry about coding it later! Searching for that part number here gives a bit of info on coding it.

BTW, I see you're in Ireland, got my car (2.0 TDI elegance DSG) in the uk last week, well impressed with it so far.

 

FFS, this formatting is all over the shop!

 

Edited 7 October, 20196 yr by Meath

Later modules support both rSAP and HFP. You will probably find it defaults to rSAP, and you'll have to go into the setup menu in the MFD to switch it to HFP. At least it only needs to be done once.

 

rSAP has its uses, mainly for people who spend a lot of time in their car and in areas with poor phone coverage. In rSAP mode, the SIM card is effectively disconnected from your handset and connected to a GSM tranceiver in the car which has its own external GPS antenna and can get a much stronger signal than your phone can inside the car. The flip side is that there's no convenient way to sync call/text data from the car back to the handset on disconnection and all data-based features on the phone won't work while it's connected. In a world with increasingly comprehensive cellular coverage, teh argument for rSAP is getting very weak.

 

As for the headunit, you can update the firmware and maps if you want. Later firmware revisions have nicer graphics for the OPS but that's about it. Maps are still released annually for it: some searching online will turn up options for downloading them if you're not willing to fork out €200 odd to a dealer for the DVD. Avoid sites that advertise disks for 20-30 quid - they're just selling you a pirated disk and there are cheaper ways to do that yourself.

 

The only real weak point of the Columbus IMO is that it can be a bit slow to boot up. Once it's up and running it's a good system and everything in the car works with it. Anything else you go for will probably involve some sort of effort to install it, or demand a compromise on features/compatibility.

25 minutes ago, Meath said:

the newer ones aren't RSAP enabled, that's what I wanted to hear

 

Well, they may have RSAP capability but the default should be HFP but it can be switched if not. You only get offered RSAP if your handset has the capability.

 

If you do a search for the Columbus and maps, you will get lots of hits. The maps can be upgraded for free vis DVD if you know what you are doing though you could need a firmware upgrade (again, doen via DVD and can be downloaded).

 

The HW model and the firmware will need to be checked in order to work out what is needed and the options. If you do that here our resident Columbus Guru @Rustynuts will be able to tell you the right way to go. If your maps are 10 years out of date then my guess is the firmware is probably one of the earliest.

 

Enjoy the Superb - I have an Elegance as well and that spec makes it pretty "premium". I got my estate as a quick replacement for a troublesome 525d  Touring and said I'd keep it for a year..... 4 years later, I've still got a **** eating grin on my face.

Edited 7 October, 20196 yr by TheRobinK