I am looking to buy a bolero for my 2006 Octy II VRS and should have done more homework first.

Can anyone confirm if a bolero headunit from a 2010 scout will fit my 2006 VRS and work OK? The unit size is OK (ASAIK) but want to check that there are no connection issues fitting a new stereo to an older car.

Thanks in advance, I hope I haven't messed up here.

It'll fit no problem, you'll need to have the CAN gateway replaced. It's even the same fascia panel

Many thanks

If this something that can be done easily (and cheaply) by myself, or does it need to go to someone who knows what they are doing?

OK, further searching shows that it appears to be down to the revision of the gateway in the car. I'll take a look at my unit later (behind the glovebox?). If I have the right one then I understand it is a straight plug and play else an upgrade and recoding is req'd.

Can anyone confirm the earliest revision that would be compataible? Someone stated that it worked fine in their May 06 VRS.

I fitted one to my old MY06 vRS without problem and that was May registered, so that was probably me

Unfortunately there's not really a straight answer as to what will work and what will cause a problem. It's believed that anything at Revision K or later will be OK, but that's not Gospel.

But check your revision (can be done with VCDS/VAG-COM if you have it, or know someone nearby) or take a look at the unit itself. It'll either be behind the glovebox (hopefully) or they can be hidden a bit further behind the dash.

I keep meaning to look out an old VCDS log for my vRS, to see which revision that was running. Will try to remember to look on my laptop tonight.

If you do need a new gateway, for the coding you need to take a note of ALL the coding on the current gateway (again, using VCDS) and enter that manually when you insert the newer gateway. You can't simply cut and paste the long coding, so don't try! Best to write everything down AND take some screenshots of each section.

There's a few other threads about this issue, including two I can think of which will have replies within the last month or two. Have a look round the OctyII section for more.

Steve

Edited 6 January, 201115 yr by Wardy

Steve

Many thanks matey, think it was your post that I read. I've had a quick look, but all I can see is a unit for the A/C (?) behind the glovebox. Any more clues on where it might be? Do I need to remove any trim?

If I need to change the gateway then I will not bother as I can't afford or justify the upgrade so for me I need to be sure that it will work 'out of the box'

Steve

Many thanks matey, think it was your post that I read. I've had a quick look, but all I can see is a unit for the A/C (?) behind the glovebox. Any more clues on where it might be? Do I need to remove any trim?

If I need to change the gateway then I will not bother as I can't afford or justify the upgrade so for me I need to be sure that it will work 'out of the box'

Hi mate, as I have a 56 plate vRS myself and just recently got a Bolero from a 2010MY Octavia I have a bit of info on this subject!

Firstly, your gateway should be behind the glove box, when the glove box is out it is just up and to the right, its only small maybe 4" square and the writing will be facing away from you which doesn't help, on late models it is up behind the pedals and a real bitch to get to!

Second, it will almost certainly need replacing to stop the battery drain issues caused by the Bolero/Columbus upgrades, mine was a revision 'H' and as Steve has mentioned generally a 'K' or newer is required.

A new gateway from VW will be around 130 quid, but you can get them on ebay for 85 + postage, alternatively I have one which is an 'AD' revision one of the latest ones available, on the for sale forum if you are still interested in doing the the upgrade.

HTH, Lee.

Thanks again for teh all the info. I can't believe how much of a pain it is to swap the head unit over! I'll check the details at the weekend but from the sounds of it it is a none starter. As mentioned I can just about justify the cost of the head unit but not any additional cost to upgrade the gateway and have it recoded. This is a real shame - looks like i'm stuck with my non MP3 stream :'(

On a side note - I assume an MP3 stream would be plug and play, but I take it only the CD loaded in ot the headunit would play MP3s and not the 6 disc changer?

Stream MP3 will be plug and play, the CDC still works, but you can only play mp3 cds from the HU.

You may have to move the earth wire in the connector block behind the HU for the CDC audio connection - there are posts on here somewhere about doing this - I think in the ICE section.

Thanks again for teh all the info. I can't believe how much of a pain it is to swap the head unit over! I'll check the details at the weekend but from the sounds of it it is a none starter. As mentioned I can just about justify the cost of the head unit but not any additional cost to upgrade the gateway and have it recoded. This is a real shame - looks like i'm stuck with my non MP3 stream :'(

On a side note - I assume an MP3 stream would be plug and play, but I take it only the CD loaded in ot the headunit would play MP3s and not the 6 disc changer?

If you're interested in a cheap fix to get you an aux-in sorted on your non-mp3 Stream hu have a read here:

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/182505-stream-mp3-questions/page__view__findpost__p__2190371

Also thinking about it, if you're looking for other options - I have a new Connects2 setup for the Octy2 available if you want. Will be putting an ad up shortly for it.

Replaces the CD changer connection on the back of the Stream, and allows reasonable iPod control via the headunit (if you have an iPod of course!)

If you still want to pursue the Bolero option, buying Pagey's updated gateway would be the way to go. Good price and if you don't want to do the fitting yourself, you could always consider a trip upto see Ben at Shark Performance. Check his section out on here - could be a worthwhile Saturday trip for you or something

Cheers,

Steve

Also thinking about it, if you're looking for other options - I have a new Connects2 setup for the Octy2 available if you want. Will be putting an ad up shortly for it.

Replaces the CD changer connection on the back of the Stream, and allows reasonable iPod control via the headunit (if you have an iPod of course!)

If you still want to pursue the Bolero option, buying Pagey's updated gateway would be the way to go. Good price and if you don't want to do the fitting yourself, you could always consider a trip upto see Ben at Shark Performance. Check his section out on here - could be a worthwhile Saturday trip for you or something

Cheers,

Steve

Thanks for the plug mate, re: fitting, if its behind the glove box it took me 10 minutes tops to replace, its 7 or 8 torx screws, have a go!

No worries. With the fitting issue, playing Devil's Advocate here, I would perhaps say it's the correct coding of the new unit which is perhaps the sticking point? Especially if you don't have VCDS.