9.2" Discover Pro -Retrofit

[Sootchucker]

Hi guys, maybe this is a bit of a weird question but here goes. I’m pretty sure I’ll be keeping the GTI for at least another 3 years or so, and although it’s pretty well specced there is one option that I did have on the list but withdrew it at the last minute, and that’s the Gen3 9.2” Discover Nav Pro. Yes I know It’s a good chunk of money (but it’s my money).

I’ve seen that more and more companies are offering retrofits of these units these days, but one thing (well many really but one main query) concerns me. As I understand it if the retrofit is done properly then everything should work as if factory fitted (i.e. Navigation, car data, Android auto, Apple Car play etc.), all bar one feature. That’s the VW Car-Net function.

Now most of the Car-Net functions I could live without (petrol prices, news, weather etc.), but one thing I use every single day is the online traffic info. I’ve set my phone up with a macro that as soon as it’s connected to my car’s Bluetooth, it’s creates a mobile hotspot point which the car automatically connects to (no input needed from me at all). Then within 30 seconds or so I start getting traffic data (shading on the Active info display routes) indicating the level of traffic on my selected route. It works really well and has helped me several times. Then when I get out of the car and the phone disconnects from the car’s Bluetooth, the mobile hotspot automatically turns off.

As mentioned, as I understand it, the Car-Net is the only thing that can’t be enabled on the discover pro due to it needing connecting to the VW servers.

So, simple question, is that right and are there any workarounds, or is that just how it is. Oh, and has anyone on here actually done the swap ?

[mcmaddy]

VW Retrofits did nav pro on a mates Polo I think. Seems to be the go to guy.

[Jim_mk7.5]

I get that it's your own money etc but what features is it that you feel like you are missing?

I mean, don't get me wrong it does look nicer and cleaner but going to be an expensive switch - guess you can offset some of the cost by reselling yours to a Mk7 owner though 

You may also miss those 2 knobs as early reviews of the GTI said the upgrade nav was much harder to use without them.

[fredgroves]

The always connected CarNet stuff is new in MY19 onwards. I have a 17 plate Mk7.5 with the NavPro and I have to use a wifi hotspot to get VW nav data. I don't bother usually though - I use Waze via Android Auto - it craps all over VW nav in every possible way.

I'm not sure even if you can get the Esim installed with the unit that you would get CarNet without another subscription being paid for...

As for NavPro vs standard - I had the old NavPro unit in my 14 plate Mk7 - thats the same one you have in yours now. The display is better on the new one, the buttons(less) take a bit of getting used to especially as they are located for LHD...  Also, the screen gets covered in fingerprints and i constantly polish it with a microfibre cloth even though the rest of my car is filthy, this annoys me!

Would I pay for it on my next Golf? Probably. Would I pay for it to be replaced on mine if I didn't have it? Nope.

[Vwjap]

Not 100% but I thought if the car didn’t come with nav from the factory then Odis couldn’t enable it, something to do with the vin logged in Germany, so you have to have a hacked unit

[Sootchucker]

Guys, just to reiterate, mine is a 2018 MK7.5 GTI with the "standard" 8" Discover Navigation unit, and Dynaudio. So I already have Nav.

[Philip]

MY 19 with Discover Pro and e-sim and I can confirm that Car Net doesn’t use the e-sim for anything other than initial registration and still requires a WiFi connection from a mobile for the traffic / RSS / weather etc.

The registration process for Car Net, VW Connect (plug in module) and We Connect (e-sim) is now in one portal and based on the VIN. As the car already has nav I can’t see any reason why a new unit wouldn’t be able to be registered as the VIN will confirm that the car is legitimately able to consume the services.  The Pro unit in my previous PP was changed under warranty by the dealer and just required me to delete and re-register in Car Net so there doesn’t appear to be a link between the nav serial number and the car / VIN.

[fredgroves]

That's interesting. I thought the Esim would finally overcome that problem - which quite frankly is beyond most non-technical people to achieve I'd have thought. Maybe on the Mk8...

As for CarNet services based on VIN, it could be just that but I am fairly sure the people offering the MIB upgrades could answer the question directly as I am sure they either have no problems or a raft of customers moaning about the lack of it.

Might be worth straight asking them Sooty.

[Talk-torque]

WeConnect would seem to be based on VIN. My car appears in the app in the correct colour, Pure White, and with the correct wheels, Brescias. Always thought that a bit clever, but the VIN thing solves the mystery.

Unless, of course, everyone’s car appears in white, with Brescias!

[Hertsman]

WeConnect would seem to be based on VIN. My car appears in the app in the correct colour, Pure White, and with the correct wheels, Brescias. Always thought that a bit clever, but the VIN thing solves the mystery.

Unless, of course, everyone’s car appears in white, with Brescias!

Set up my WeConnect on the TCR and the image is my car so its definitely based on the VIN

Works pretty well, told me I have left my parking light on other night - Not yet used the services as you have to go through the identification skype session, and not ready to do that yet - Useful to see all latest driving data so the eSim obviously functioning as it should as updates without any hotspot being created.

I registered the CarNet but do not use if honest.