MDI - Photo

[K1W1]

For those who want to know what the MDI looks like in the glove box here is a photo.
The larger of the two rectangular boxes is the MDI. The smaller one with the cable is the connection plug on the cable that must be purchased separately.

[ope126]

Looks different to the VW MDI's...

[Swallowtail]

There are different sorts ope126... some of them just provide the connection as per the pic above, not the whole black plastic box a la Passat style.

[aslsw]

I have order MDI for my Octavia. What does it actually do if you plug an iPhone in? I assume it allows you to interact with the iPhone playlists etc through the stereo, but does anyone have any shots of the screen?

Also, if I get the bluetooth kit (dealer says he will do it at cost price after the car arrives), does it work with an iPhone and MDI together? I don't need access to the address book as I don't initiate calls on the move, but I would like to be able receive calls while music is playing.

The only problem is putting the iPhone in the glove box will be a pain.

[Inego]

Have you ordered the cable kit, at an extra cost of $90? If not, you're in for a disappointment, as you won't be able to connect your ipod, other than via the aux. input.

I've ordered a cable from the UK via ebay for around $45, it should arrive this week. So, sorry, no comments on how it works/looks yet. After teaching the dealer a small lesson customer service, they are going to be quoting the option price to new cutomers as MDi+cable kit, rather than just MDI.

[K1W1]

As noted you need the $90(ish) cable to actually connect the iPhone to the MDI.
When you connect if you push the Media button on the Bolero it will download the iPhones play list and allow you to play songs through the car stereo. It's not as versatile as the iPhone but it works well and it downloads the playlist each time you connect so it takes a couple of seconds depending on how many songs you have..
Bluetooth still works with the iPhone connected to the MDI.
Depending on whether you have a DSG or Manual you will be able to answer calls using the steering wheel controls (DSG) or the Boleros touch screen (manual). When the phone rings the music automatically pauses. I have also discovered with my Fiscon unit that whenever you play with the iPhone (change screens, select apps) whilst it's connected to the car via Bluetooth it pauses the sound regradless of the source of the sound (Radio, SD card, etc).

One more thing. When you connect an iPhone to the Bolero you get the "not compatible for iPhone" message on the phones screen. I just ignore it.

[aslsw]

Thanks for the advice. I think I did read somewhere else about the cost of the cable - not sure what my quote says (papers are in Australia) but I'm not particularly fussed over $90.

I'm tempted to go for the bluetooth, but the only thing that strikes me as weird is having to reach over and plug the phone into the glove box. On my brother-in-laws R32, there is an iPod dock in the centre armrest console. I wonder if you could get someone to relocate the cable?

K1W1 - nice photos on Flickr. I can't stand the wait!

[K1W1]

The money for the cable didn't worry me either but it would have been nice to know about it in advance.
I guess relocating the MDI is not going to be a problem for a car stereo type person. I think that the Superb might have a centre mounted MDI so a longer Skoda cable may exist otherwise I guess a VW one could work.
I don't find plugging the iPhone in to be a hassle. You don't need to plug it in for the Bluetooth to work so I only really plug it in when I want to charge it. For music it's easier to get a SD card and just slot that into the Bolero and leave it there.

[Inego]

The money for the cable didn't worry me either but it would have been nice to know about it in advance. For music it's easier to get a SD card and just slot that into the Bolero and leave it there.

Same here re. the cable.

As fro using an SD card - 30gb of music on the ipod makes that difficult. I'm interested in seeing how the interface copes!

Kent

[K1W1]

Only 30GB?
We have over 40GB now so that's why I'm getting selective.