A few newbie questions re: MFC2 vC, mfsw and iPhone

[oldskoolflash]

Hi All, I have just bought one of these as I want to upgrade my standard VW head unit. I have searched quite a few posts on here and other forums , and there appears to be a few pit falls installing these. I haven't, as yet found any conclusive answers.

I have the old mfsw (without the star button). Will the new head unit plug and play of will it likely need recoding? If so, can anyone dod this in South West London? Also can i swap this steering wheel for the newer version without having to update anything else.

I have heard about a battery drain issue with revision C firmware, is this just on the later touch screen nav (mfd3 510 I think?) or does this affest the mfd2 models?


Finally I want to add iphone 3gs charge and play funtionality but I have the cd changer in the armrest. What is my best option, I have seen a few recomendations for the xcarlink here> http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.php?productid=4&cat=0&page=1  does anyone have any other suggestions?

As usual, thanks in advance

Spec as follows:

Latest 2010/2011 year navigation DVD of Europe version V7
Latest MFD2 RNS hardware version C
Latest MFD2 RNS part number 1K0 035 198 C

[182_blue]

I dont know about charging the 3gs but your mfd wont give you any batter drain issues

[Richn83]

AS 182_blue says the MFD2 is a second generation stereo and so wont suffer from battery drain issues.  Also the stereo shouldnt need coding to work but it might if the old coding didnt take into account things like MFSW and cd changer etc. 

Also do you have the highline computer as it might need coding to display in this?

[oldskoolflash]

  Also do you have the highline computer as it might need coding to display in this?

I belive so, as I have DSG and paddle shift, I read that all DSG models have highline?

Does anyone know someone with a VAG Com (is that what it's called?) in SW London.

Also need a reliable specialist also in SW London to do a service - and recommendations gratefully recieved!

Thanks for your help!

[LouCyffer]

  Also do you have the highline computer as it might need coding to display in this?

I belive so, as I have DSG and paddle shift, I read that all DSG models have highline?

Not so.  It was not an automatic upgrade on DSG.

If your instrument rectangular display with gear selected & trip computer is only half the height of the display unit, it's midline. If it takes up the full height, it's highline.

[Norbreck21a]

Your older style Steering Wheel buttons (with the 2 phone buttons) will work perfectly with the MFD2. I know because I have had both the CD and DVD versions in my car before I got the RNS-510, and I also have the "older" buttons. Everything worked perfectly.

As has already been aluded to though, If you are upgrading from a standard unit (say RCD300 or RCD500) then the Navigation module in the Can Gateway won't be active. If you don't have highline it's not really an issue, but if you do have highline and want to see the compass, navi symbols and track details etc in the dash, then this has to be activated first it's module [37].

Might have an issue with the Iphone 3GS and charging as Apple changed the charge voltage from the older Ipods/ 1st Generation Ipod Touch, to the later Iphone units. I had the genuine VAG Ipod unit in the centre console and my 5th Gen Ipod worked and charged no problem, as did my Ipod touch (1st Gen), but when I connected my Iphone is said something along the lines of "Charging of this devlcie is not supported by this item" (or something like that).

I'm sure some techie on the forum has a solution though.

Just be aware of a couple of things with the MFD2 units. Firstly, you always have to have the map disc loaded in the unit to perform Navigation, so unless you do have a 6 disc changer or rig up a working ipod/iphone adaptor, you will only have the option of listening to the Radio whilst navigating. Secondly, no track names or indeed any ID3 information will be displayed either on the MFD2 screen or on the highline dash (no matter what Ipod/Iphone you have).

[oldskoolflash]

Not so.  It was not an automatic upgrade on DSG.

If your instrument rectangular display with gear selected & trip computer is only half the height of the display unit, it's midline. If it takes up the full height, it's highline.

I think it looks like this (although this is not my actual car), so I guess it is the highline? It displays the gear you are in to the right of the screen when using paddles.



Thanks for all your help and advice chaps  

UPDATE: Actually after a bit more research and LouCyffer's comments, I think this may be the midline, can someone confirm?

[Richn83]

if the gear indicator is on the right of the screen then its midline,    Highline has it at the bottom of the screen.  One further thing you might have noticed is that when the doors open you only get a light on in the top half, in hihgline you get a little picture of the car with an open door.

[Norbreck21a]

This is what Rich is talking about. This is highline: