Restoring the full functionality of the MIB3 Infotainment system in vehicles can be a complex process. This article explores specific adaptations made using VCDS (Vag-Com Diagnostic System) to enhance the radio and media features, focusing on achieving optimal control over media playback. These modifications aim to improve the user experience and unlock the system’s full potential.
Initially, the factory settings for the main FM radio were limited to basic options. Accessing “Advanced settings” only revealed a single option for automatically saving station logos.
However, after implementing several adaptations using VCDS, a “Traffic Program” selection was added to the main radio settings, significantly expanding functionality. The “Advanced settings” menu also received a substantial upgrade.
Enabling the “Display genre” feature through VCDS provides valuable information, allowing users to sort radio stations by genre. This is particularly beneficial during long journeys, enabling drivers to quickly find their preferred music style.
These enhancements were achieved by making specific adaptations within the system using VCDS. The key adjustments involved activating features like Radio Text Plus, modifying the visibility of certain settings, and enabling the system to ignore Program Identification (PI) information. For example, activating Radio Text Plus provides more detailed information about the currently playing song or program. The specific adaptations and their corresponding address and channel information are detailed below:
- Address 5F, 3G5 035 842 C, channel ENG248436-ENG286264-function_configuration_radio-PTy switch default value, adapted from OFF to On.
- Address 5F, 3G5 035 842 C, channel ENG248436-ENG286265-function_configuration_radio-PTy_switch_visibility, adapted from OFF to On.
- Address 5F, 3G5 035 842 C, channel ENG248436-ENG248797-function_configuration_radio-Radio_Text_Plus, adapted from not activated to activated.
- Address 5F, 3G5 035 842 C, channel ENG248436-ENG248799-function_configuration_radio-rds_hmi_switch_visibility, adapted from OFF to On.
- Address 5F, 3G5 035 842 C, channel ENG248436-ENG248793-function_configuration_radio-PI_ignore, adapted from On to OFF.
Further adaptations were made to potentially enhance Gracenote functionality, including enabling online and local cover art retrieval. The impact of these changes requires further testing.
Manually importing station logos remains a work in progress. Adjusting the “Station_Logo_DB_Mode” allows for manual logo assignment, but challenges remain in identifying the correct directory structure and file naming conventions for the logos on a USB drive. While the system can display downloaded logos for HD stations and search for logos for non-HD stations, successful manual import hasn’t been consistently achieved.
Activating the picture viewer function within the MIB3 allows for viewing images stored on a USB drive. This confirms the system’s ability to read common image formats like JPG and PNG, crucial for displaying station logos.
Despite these advancements, accessing the “VW Media Control” and “mobile device data transmission” menu options remains elusive. Further investigation is necessary to unlock these features and fully utilize the MIB3 system’s capabilities, potentially requiring more in-depth VCDS adaptations or software updates. This highlights the ongoing exploration of VCDS’s potential to customize the MIB3 Infotainment system. The journey to unlocking all its features and maximizing its capabilities continues.
