Hey guys, 

 

Short-term lurker, first time poster. But hopefully I can become a decent member here once I've gotten up to speed on the new Superb I just bought!

 

I owned a 2011 Octavia about six years ago, and regret getting rid of it every day. But now that my job has changed and things have settled down, I've slung in my Kia Sportage in favour of a 2014 Superb Greenline estate. I work from home now as a writer, and the only trips I do really are to bike parks and down to France/Austria for a few ski trips a year. So it's ideal with the great MPG and low running/maintenance/insurance/tax costs! £30 a year for tax and 60+ MPG on the motorway? What's not to love?

 

Oh yeah, the tiny little screen. Maybe just coming out of the Sportage with it's 8inch screen, going down to (I believe) a 5.5inch sat nav screen is quite a jump for me, and with most of my driving being to places I've never been (often on the wrong side of the road), a good, sizeable satnav is necessary.

 

I spoke to a mod company that the garage I bought from recommended, and they've given me limited (and very expensive options), so I wanted to come to you guys for advice as I've seen some threads which address this already in various ways. 

 

The options I was given were -- a Kenwood system with a built-in satnav for about £1k all in that was pretty hideous. An Android Auto-enabled system with a nice screen for about £800 all in. And then a MIB 9inch OEM system for £2k!

 

Now, I don't know if any of those sound reasonable, but from what I've gleaned on here already -- sometimes a bigger screen will just fit on and work without any need for further work... Sometimes it's an entire unit swap. So my question is, if I'm looking for an 8+inch screen and I don't really mind about integrated or Android Auto satnav, I just want something that's going to look good in the cockpit and be bright and readable when I'm winding up through the mountains after a day of driving, which way would you recommend? 

 

Thanks for taking the time! I'll post some pictures and that sort of thing when I can. 

OEM options are:

- Amundsen/Amundsen+ (RNS-310/RNS-315) with a 5" screen.

- Columbus (RNS-510) with a  6.5" screen.

- MIB discover media (MIB PQ STD2) with a 6.5" screen.

 

Aftermarket options are:

- The Kenwoods designed for this generation of car have a 7" screen (DNX518VDABS, DNX525DAB).

- Aftermarket double din headunits tend to have a 7" screen, you'd need a new facia as they are square.

- There are some Chinese headunits with 8", 9" and 10.1" screens but the software can be flaky and support none existent.

 

I'm not aware of any MIB 9" options that would be compatible, the only MIB systems with screens larger than 6.5" are for newer MQB cars and won't be compatible with a 2014 Superb.

Hey @langers2k Thanks for the reply!  

 

I think it's got to be the Amundsen then with the 5" screen, but will confirm once I have the car. 

 

Here's what the gent said: "How about the MIB 2 with 9.2 Display supplied and fitted for £1600.00 + VAT?"

 

In terms of the other option he offers, it was: 

 

 

"Pioneer SPH-DA250DAB £549.86 + VAT supplied and fitted including a windscreen mounted DAB aerial

 

 

MAIN FEATURES • Mech-free large 6,8” Capacitive touchscreen • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: make calls, use Maps, listen to music and access messages with just a word or a touch and experience the best in-car smartphone experience • Digital Radio: enjoy the convenience of listening to your favourite radio stations in crystal clear digital quality • Improved GUI allowing for simple smartphone connectivity, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto • Bluetooth and DAB / DAB+ Digital Radio built-in (Optional DAB Antenna required) • Bluetooth: Two phone connection, handsfree calling, automatic phonebook transfer, audio streaming (A2DP) Ext’ mic’ included • Advanced audio features: 13-band GEQ, Auto EQ and Auto Time Alignment (Optional Mic required)."

 

So if you're saying that the Kenwood is the one that's supposed to be for the Skoda, then I can check out those... What kind of fitting woes are you looking at when trying to install one of those? I guess the Pioneer above fits into the aftermarket double din head unit category. 

 

Am I pretty much stuck at the 7" mark if I'm going with something that's not a chinese thing, which I assume these are: https://audiotechdirect.com/pba-vw3091v-9-android-10-0-after-market-radio-for-vw-seat-skoda/

 

Sorry for all the questions. And thanks for taking the time here  really appreciated  

MIB 2 with a 9.2" screen won't work in a MK2 Superb. That'll only be for a MK3 :)

 

The Pioneer definately fits into the aftermarket double din category, rough list of things to be aware of with most double din headunits:

- different physical size so you'll need a new facia

- unlikely to take the standard quadlock/fakra connectors so you'll need a wiring adaptor

- if you have a seperate BT module, it'll need disconnecting

- OEM headunits don't have an ignition switched feed, you'll need to either run a wire from the fuse box (cheap) or add a CAN-bus adaptor (expensive)

- you may lose MFSW buttons, reversing graphics, HVAC graphics, instrument cluster integration

 

At least some of the last line are fixable with an appropriate CAN-bus adaptor but it'll depend on the headunit which functions are usable. At the very least, you'll want the MFSW buttons to work assuming you have them fitted.

 

Those two Kenwoods were designed in partnership with Skoda/VW making them more expensive than other standard Kenwood headunits. I've never used either but there is more info here https://www.kenwood-electronics.co.uk/car/oem/skoda/DNX525DAB/ I'm not sure if they show information in the cluster or not. This is the newer of the two with Android Auto/Carplay support.

 

That's definately one example of a typical Chinese headunit. Some people like them, some people live with them, others hate them :/

 

I certainly agree the 5" versions feel small but I find that 6.5" works well enough.

Awesome info, thanks! 

 

The Columbus does look big enough and the extra 1.5" i'm sure would make all the difference. I can see a couple on Ebay that are just the screen, like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/223592823006?chn=ps&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-134428-41853-0&mkcid=2&itemid=223592823006&targetid=908661247816&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=9045393&poi=&campaignid=10199631325&mkgroupid=103626356284&rlsatarget=pla-908661247816&abcId=1145987&merchantid=115104870&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz4z3BRCgARIsAES_OVewWESBQh7FCRDFlBqAf57USTdyOxPlfeFqvf46X6_lq4rqrn3xOPAaAkVQEALw_wcB

 

For that, would it be a straight swap from the screen I currently have, or would I need to replace the entire unit? And would it just plug in and work (satnav included) or need some installation/expertise? I can see a bunch on there from cars as new as 2018, Just want to make sure they all have the same size and would all work... Thanks again!

 

 

@DannyGreenline The link you sent is for a complete unit (it's not just a screen). There's a DVD player and hard-drive etc. all built into that. It should just be a case of removing your existing unit and plugging the cables into the new unit. I think the only thing that might be missing on the cable front is related to bluetooth. But if you already have a bluetooth module under the driver's seat, then you would also have exiting cabling for this.

 

I'm nothing like an expert, but I find the RNS-510 to be adequate for my needs. It's a little slow on start-up, but the navigation works well enough, I like having a HDD for music etc. But it has aged over the years and offers nothing like the functionality of new Android units. I'm not sure that I would pay circa £350 for a second-hand RNS-510 at this point in time, but you might well decide it is the best option for you.

 

If you are interested in buying a second-hand RNS-510, you could do a lot worse than message @Rustynuts. He's the defacto guru on all things Columbus-related on here, he repairs the units and sometimes sells second-hand units. You can see some of his stock on this page, but I don't know if the list is entirely up to date or not. One thing to watch out for when buying a second-hand RNS-510 from somewhere like eBay is that if the unit was stolen (or similar), there's often a crude soldering hack done to it so that it will work in your car (the units are registered to the car as far as I know, in order to make them difficult to hot-swap). If you then ever tried to update the firmware on the stolen unit, it seems the units will be bricked (rendered totally useless). If you buy from a reputable dealer, the unit will have been de-registered correctly and you won't face this problem. This is from memory, so it might be that this isn't true any more, but to the best of my knowledge it is still the case.

 

Personally, and I know this isn't the elegant solution, I'd be looking at a low-cost phone mount and using my smartphone as a satnav. That's assuming you have a smartphone with a large screen of course. If you connect it to your existing Columbus unit either via bluetooth or aux cable (I'm assuming at least one of those is do-able on the unit) then you use your smartphone as your media centre to play your music, listen to radio etc. and control it all with your voice. As I say, I know it's not as neat as an integrated unit, but it goes everywhere in your pocket and could save you money.

 

Anyways, all the best with it, and with the new car and welcome to Briskoda!

16 minutes ago, Declan O'Shaughnessy said:

One thing to watch out for when buying a second-hand RNS-510 from somewhere like eBay is that if the unit was stolen (or similar), there's often a crude soldering hack done to it so that it will work in your car (the units are registered to the car as far as I know, in order to make them difficult to hot-swap). If you then ever tried to update the firmware on the stolen unit, it seems the units will be bricked (rendered totally useless).

 

Not sure where you've heard this but none of it applies to the RNS-510.

 

There is (was?) certainly a market for stolen RNS-510's at one point but it may have died down as they've gotten older. They are protected by a 4 digit code but it's not hard to retrieve the code from the serial number. When you install the headunit in a new car it'll ask for this 4 digit code and then pair to the cluster so it never asks again. Firmware updates certainly won't brick a headunit if it's been previously stolen.

 

You might be thinking of the newer MIB units. These use component protection (CP) which in the beginning was typically defeated by a small addon board soldered to the mainboard. Things have moved on and at least some sellers can now bypass CP via a software mod.

 

@DannyGreenline - if you decide you do want a Columbus (RNS-510), I'd agree that @Rustynuts is the guy to talk to. The one you linked is pretty old so he might having something a little newer and already updated with the latest firmware/maps. They are a decent enough but ageing headunit and may feel a little slow/clunky compared to more modern systems.

 

One caveat, if you have bluetooth and the existing headunit is a Amundsen+ (RNS-315), it's worth checking if it's built into the Amundsen+ or provided by a separate module. If it's the former, you'll also need to add a separate BT module as no Columbus (RNS-510) will have it built in - this will obvious add some cost.

 

Personally, If you want to stick with OEM I'd recommend trying to find a Amundsen (discover media/MIB PQ STD2) from a recent Skoda Yeti. Having swapped headunits a few times in my '61 plate Octavia, it's by far my favourite of the OEM options. Android Auto works flawlessly and it has inbuilt satnav as a backup with free updates directly from Skoda. I've no idea how much any of these things cost but most people recommend @pab567 for MIB units.

@langers2k
 reasTherereason that I put the disclaimer about not being an expert in my post! But in terms of where I read the kind of thing I was mentioning, it was here on Briskoda amongst other places. I haven't been looking at replacing my RNS-510 for years, so I haven't kept up to date on developments. But at least I know I wasn't imagining things!

That's all amazing info, thanks guys! So something like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/274138359294

 

And it's just plug'n'play, something I could do myself with no knowledge or beat to get an auto electronics guy to fit it? 

 

Hmm I do like the idea of a nice shiny new screen with Android auto and am not bothered so much about ditching the skoda stuff. Not like a play CDs anyway! I would like the MFSW to work, but not a deal breaker if I can get a big shiny screen that pairs with the phone for a good price. Apart from avoiding Chinese brands, Kenwood and pioneer are the best bet here you said? Any other brands making handsome looking headunits to look out for? 

 

I guess I'm probably thinking that 600 is a good price point for me, if that makes a difference. 

 

Though if that MIB from the Yeti is a straight fit and it increases the screen size and keeps it OEM, then it could be the one! 

This seems to be a good unit with what I need if Android Auto is the way to go: http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/head-units/android-auto/kenwood-dmx7018dabs-6-8-android-auto-apple-carplay-bluetooth-dab-radio

 

Though I'd be concerned regarding the rear parking sensors. I guess the OEM ones have that functionality built in, though. So if it's a simple swap, the MIB STD2 would be the front runner on all accounts. 

Darn, sorry to stack posts like this, but searching for an MIB2, this cropped up: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SKODA-COLUMBUS-MIB2-8-NAVIGATION-SAT-NAV-RADIO-SCREEN-DISPLAY-5E0919605M/124207535099?hash=item1ceb5893fb:g:uVQAAOSwOzFe1BIV

 

Though I suspect it's going to be too new, not be compatible, etc. Though it's all pretty confusing when it comes down to it 🤔

You're correct, the MIB2 is also only for MQB cars such as a MK3 Superb so won't work in your MK2 

 

The Yeti radio you found on eBay is a MIB Bolero, it's pretty much identical to the MIB Amundsen but doesn't have inbuilt satnav. You would need to send it to @pab567 or someone similar to have component protection taken care of before fitting. Not sure how much CP removal current costs at the moment...

 

Assuming you buy a MIB system that's already had CP defeated, it should be plug and play but you'll need a small adaptor loom. Your radio uses a 40 pin quadlock whilst the newer ones use a 52 pin quadlock. The GPS, AM/FM and DAB (where fitted) are identical.

 

5 hours ago, DannyGreenline said:

Kenwood and pioneer are the best bet here you said?

 

I only mentioned Kenwood as they have the Skoda specific headunits. I would expect of the normal car audio brands like Alpine, Blaupunkt, JVC, Sony etc to also have a decent double din headunit. If it's a route you take, I'd suggest popping to a car audio shop or two (Covid allowing) to get hands on with them to see how they 'feel' to use. I'd definitely expect most to have a separate CAN-bus box/adaptor to allow the MFSW buttons to work but I'm not sure about displaying reversing sensors.

 

No worries @Declan O'Shaughnessy - as I say it was something I'd never heard of so I expect things have moved on in Columbus theft since 2011. These days you can either send the serial number and get a code for a few quid or plug it into a machine that'll figure out the code by trying them all! 

To the OP, before splashing out on a Columbus, have you seen one in operation or used one? Don't get me wrong, it's a quality rock-solid device for the Skoda stuff, but the sat-nav is utter pants. The screen has to be poked quite hard to input anything, there's no accurate traffic information, routing options are difficult to view on the map, even the newest maps have significant omissions and you pay through the nose for the updates. 

 

I'm in the car at least four hours a day and its inadequacies wore thin on me very quickly (the sat-nav that is).

 

And whilst a wide screen looks kind of nice in an eye-candy way, what you really need for sat-nav is height. Because where it's all going on is from the bottom of the screen to the top. My old iPhone 6S Plus screen is around 50% taller than the Columbus screen.

 

Basically, if I need to get somewhere on time, and I genuinely don't know where I'm going, then the Columbus sat-nav is firmly switched off.

 

Everything else about my Greenline has mean fantastic though. From new, I've done 210,000 miles now and I wouldn't swap it for anything else (in terms of what I need it to do). So you can look forward to that at least.

 

 

 

 

Thanks so much guys. And thanks @Jules Tohpipi for the advice! 

 

The more I look at them the more I'm tempted for an Android auto piece with a good, responsive, high res screen. I think speaking to an auto electronics specialist and enquiring about the rear parking sensor compatibility will be the best way to go, and will likely be the most cost effective option too. I remember my touchscreen on the old skoda being poor, but I hoped they'd come on some. Sounds like for big bucks I can get something good, but honestly I think for cost vs. payoff I'd be happy with the Android Auto options and just linking up my phone for sat nav on those drives... 

 

Any thoughts on this? http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/head-units/android-auto/kenwood-dmx7018dabs-6-8-android-auto-apple-carplay-bluetooth-dab-radio

Hang on though, changing to an android auto unit means having to physically connect your phone with a lead every time..or has that complete nonsense been removed now?

I'm fairly sure they're all Bluetooth units. But either way with corona in effect I won't be doing any trips until the new year so I'm going to hold off on changing for now and probably spend the money elsewhere for the time being. Turns out my roof bars don't fit and I need to buy a fitkit or feet for the Thule bars I have. Which obviously costs way more than it needs to! 

 

I'm also buying a dog suddenly so my entire headunits budget is now going on dog food and puppy pads 🤔

 

But I'm in love with the car and will no doubt be doing bits to it as I intend to keep it for a loooooong while. Also, 50 quid to fill the tank and 700 miles in it? Winner! 

32 minutes ago, superbdreams said:

Hang on though, changing to an android auto unit means having to physically connect your phone with a lead every time..or has that complete nonsense been removed now?

 

It's still required for most headunits although wireless AA has now been released.

 

That being said, I like the fact it's connected by a wire as it means my phone is fully charged during my commute.

I have wireless charging in mine so not an issue but i dont recall the last time i needed to use it.

I have lost two mobiles in previous years due the the usb/charge socket wearing out so i will only buy wireless charging mobiles now.

 

as a slight aside, the android auto app seems next to useless, its responses through columbus are always chopped, take ages to even start talking too.

Until recently the motorola app was fantastic allowing voice to text reply's but they "updated" it..pmsl. had to uninstall it in the end as constantly switched to announcing calls and texts mode regardless of whether one was driving or not.

 

might be interested in seeing wireless AA in action.