How to convert a ŠKODA Octavia A7 to facelift: a complete guide with prices and nuances

Owners ŠKODA Octavia A7 pre-facelift version (2013–2016) are often faced with the desire to update the appearance of the car to the level facelift 2017. The difference between the versions is noticeable to the naked eye: modified optics, bumpers with chrome inserts, a modern multimedia system and a modified interior. But is the game worth the spark plug? In this article we will analyze all stages of rework — from cosmetic changes to deep modernization of electronics, we will estimate the budget and tell you about pitfalls that are not in standard instructions.

The main question: is it possible to do a facelift? Octavia A7 with your own hands, without resorting to the services of car services? The answer is yes, but with reservations. Some elements, e.g. front optics or rear bumper, it’s easy to replace, but with MIB2-you will have to tinker with the system or adaptive light. We have collected unique data on the compatibility of parts between pre-restayl and restylethat you won’t find in standard catalogs - this will help you save up to 30% of your budget.

What is the difference between pre-facelift and facelift: key changes

Facelift ŠKODA Octavia A7 2017 affected not only the appearance, but also the technical content. Here are the main differences that can be adopted:

• 🔦 Front optics: the design of the headlights has been completely changed (in the restyle - LED-matrix or xenon with dynamic rotation, in pre-restyle - halogen/bi-xenon without adaptive light).
• 🚗 Bumper: front bumper received chrome mustache and a different shape of air intakes, the rear one has integrated reflectors and a modified diffuser shape.
• 📱 Multimedia: in facelift the system is used MIB2 (or MIB2.5 in later versions) with touch screen and support Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, whereas in pre-restyle - MIB1 without sensor.
• 🪑 Salon: steering wheel with a flat bottom, modified instrument panel (in versions with Virtual Cockpit), new finishing materials.
• 🔧 Engines and transmission: motors appeared in the facelift 1.5 TSI (150 hp) and 2.0 TDI (190 hp), and also a robot DSG-7 instead of DSG-6.

It is important to understand that not all changes can be transferred for the pre-restyle version. For example, setting Virtual Cockpit will require replacing the entire dashboard, control unit and wiring - this is comparable in cost to buying a restyled car. But replacing optics or bumpers is a completely feasible task.

⚠️ Attention: Details from facelift 2017–2020. not always compatible with pre-restyle 2013–2016. For example, the front bumper from Restayl will not fit on Pre-Restayl without modifications to the fasteners - You will need a welding machine or adapters.

element	pre-facelift (2013–2016)	Facelift (2017–2020)	Possibility of alteration
Front optics	Halogen/bi-xenon without adaptive light	LED matrix or xenon with dynamic rotation	Yes, with modifications to the wiring
Rear optics	LED sections without dynamics	Dynamic turn signals and modified pattern	Yes, no modifications
Multimedia system	MIB1 (non-touch screen)	MIB2/MIB2.5 (sensor, CarPlay)	Yes, with replacement of the block and wiring
Steering wheel	Round, no flat bottom	Sporty design with flat bottom	Yes, with adaptation of steering column switches

Step-by-step instructions: where to start the remodeling

If you decide to restyle, start with planning. Determine what elements you want to change and create a budget. Here optimal work order:

1. Diagnosis of the current state: check the body for rust (especially arches and sills), electronics for errors (VCDS-the scanner will help).
2. Selection of parts: buy only original spare parts or high-quality analogues (for example, Hella for optics).
3. Cosmetic changes: bumpers, optics, radiator grill - you can do this yourself.
4. Technical improvements: multimedia, dashboard, steering wheel - here you may need the help of an auto electrician.

The most budget option is replacement rear optics and radiator grille. This will visually refresh the car without affecting the electronics. A more difficult path - installation LED optics or MIB2-systems, which will require re-flashing of control units.

Replacing front optics: halogen → LED or xenon

One of the most noticeable upgrades is replacing the headlights. Restyled Octavia A7 used LED optics (in top versions) or bi-xenon with adaptive light. It is possible to remake the pre-restyle for these options, but there are some nuances:

• 💡 LED headlights (part code: 5E2 941 007/008) require replacement of the light control unit (5Q0 907 357) and wiring improvements.
• 🔦 Bi-xenon (code: 5E2 941 001/002) is compatible with pre-facelift, but adapters are needed for mounting.
• ⚙️ Adaptive light works only with a level sensor (5Q0 941 651) and calibration via VCDS.

Replacement process:

1. Remove the old headlights (unscrew 3 bolts at the top and 1 at the bottom, disconnect the connectors).
2. Install new headlights, connect the connectors (use adapters if necessary).
3. Program the control unit via VCDS (in the menu 09 – Cent. Elect. → Coding).
4. Adjust the headlights on the stand (required!).

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the headlights an error appears on the dashboard "Check front lights", this means that the control unit does not recognize new lamps. The solution is to flash it BCM for the restyle version or use fakes for sensors.

Cost of original LED headlights - from 80,000 rubles per pair, bi-xenon - from 40,000 rubles. An alternative is headlights from Hella or Depo (the price is 2–3 times lower, but the quality of light is worse).

Bumper update: front and rear

Bumpers are the second most popular element for facelift. Restyled front bumper (code: 5E0 807 211) is distinguished by chrome “whiskers” and other air intakes, and the rear (code: 5E0 807 511) - integrated reflectors and modified shape.

Replacement process:

• 🔧 Remove the old bumper (unscrew the bolts under the wings, below and under the grille).
• 🔄 Install a new bumper, but be prepared for modifications: the fasteners may not match (especially in the foglight area).
• 🎨 Paint the bumper in the body color (if you bought it unpainted) or select it according to the paint code.
• 🔌 Connect the fog lights (in the Restyle they come complete with the bumper; in the Pre-Restyle, new connectors may be required).

Cost of original bumpers:

• Front: 25,000–35,000 rubles (new, unpainted).
• Rear: 15,000–20,000 rubles.

An alternative is bumpers from Maxton Design or Eibach (sporty design, but not fully consistent with the facelift). When purchasing, please check whether the part is suitable for dorestayla with modifications or just for facelift.

Multimedia system upgrade: MIB1 → MIB2

Replacement MIB1 on MIB2 - one of the most difficult but popular upgrades. The restyled system supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, has a touch screen and a faster processor. For the remodel you will need:

• 📼 New block MIB2 (code: 5E0 035 8xx, where xx - version).
• 🔌 Wiring adapter (if you change the screen from 5" to 8").
• 📱 Antenna module (for CarPlay needed 5E0 035 507).
• 🔧 Firmware for your version of the car (can be found on the forums SkodaClub).

Step by step instructions:

1. Remove the old system (unscrew the 4 bolts in the corners, disconnect the connectors).
2. Install a new block MIB2 and connect the connectors (use adapters if necessary).
3. Connect the antenna module to CAN bus (usually behind the glove compartment).
4. Sew the block through ODIS or VCDS (in the menu 5F – Information Electr. → Coding).
5. Activate CarPlay/Android Auto through the hidden menu (press and hold Menu + Setup for 10 seconds).

Cost:

• Block MIB2 (used): 20,000–30,000 rubles.
• New 8" screen: 15,000–20,000 rubles.
• Firmware and activation: 5,000–10,000 rubles (if you contact a specialist).

⚠️ Attention: After replacement MIB1 on MIB2 The buttons on the steering wheel or the climate control may stop working. This is due to the difference in protocols CAN buses. The solution is to flash the steering control unit (1K0 953 549) for the new system.

How to activate MIB2 hidden functions?

In the menu Car → Setup → Vehicle settings pinch Menu for 5 seconds. An engineering menu will appear where you can enable 360 degree camera (if installed), TV (for countries where it is allowed) and other options.

Interior upgrade: steering wheel, dashboard, trim

The restyled salon has become more modern: there is flat bottom steering wheel, modified instrument panel (including Virtual Cockpit), new finishing materials. What you can learn:

• 🪝 Steering wheel (code: 5E0 419 091) - suitable from the facelift, but adaptation of the steering column switches will be required (5E0 953 513).
• 📉 Dashboard - replacement with Virtual Cockpit (5E0 920 9xx) is possible, but will require block replacement J285 and wiring improvements.
• 🛋️ Finishing — you can replace the door trims (code: 5E1 857 101) and center console.

The simplest upgrade is replacing the steering wheel. To do this:

1. Remove the old steering wheel (unscrew the nut on 24 mm, disconnect the airbag and steering column switch connectors).
2. Install a new steering wheel, connect the connectors (if the switches do not match, use adapters).
3. Reset airbag error via VCDS (menu 15 – Airbag → Clear DTC).

Cost:

• Steering wheel (used): 10,000–15,000 rubles.
• Adapters for steering column switches: 3,000–5,000 rubles.
• Virtual Cockpit (used): 40,000–60,000 rubles + work.

How much does a complete facelift cost: budget and where to save

Rework cost ŠKODA Octavia A7 before facelift depends on the depth of the changes. Here are some approximate calculations:

element	Cost (original)	Cost (analogues)	Difficulty of installation
Front optics (LED)	80 000–120 000 ₽	30 000–50 000 ₽	Medium (needs firmware)
Front bumper	25 000–35 000 ₽	15 000–20 000 ₽	Lightweight (possible modifications)
Multimedia (MIB2)	30 000–50 000 ₽	20 000–30 000 ₽	Complex (firmware, CAN bus)
Steering wheel	15 000–20 000 ₽	8 000–12 000 ₽	Light
Virtual Cockpit	50 000–80 000 ₽	There are no high-quality analogues	Very difficult

Where you can save:

• 🛒 Buy used parts from salvage yards (for example, Exist.ru or Autodoc).
• 🔧 Do the work yourself (replacing bumpers, steering wheels, optics does not require special tools).
• 📱 Use analogues instead of originals (for example, optics from Hella or multimedia from Dynavin).

Minimum budget for cosmetic facelift (optics + bumpers + grille) — from 50,000 rubles. A complete remodel with multimedia and interior will cost 150,000–250,000 rubles.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to install restyled optics on pre-restyle without errors?

Yes, but you will need to flash the light control unit (BCM) for the restyled version or use decoys for sensors. In some cases, replacement helps BCM to restyled (code: 5Q0 937 084).

Do I need to reflash the ECU after replacing the multimedia?

Yes, if you install MIB2 instead of MIB1. Without firmware, the system will not recognize new blocks and an error will appear on the screen "No connection to infotainment". Activation may also be required CarPlay through the hidden menu.

Will the Restyle steering wheel fit the Pre-Restyle?

It will do, but you need to adapt the steering column switches. In pre-restyle a block is used 1K0 953 549, in facelift - 5E0 953 513. Without adaptation, the multimedia and cruise control buttons will not work.

Is it possible to install Virtual Cockpit on a pre-restyle?

Technically yes, but it is very expensive. Replacement of the dashboard and unit will be required J285, modification of wiring and firmware for restyle. The cost of work exceeds 100,000 rubles, so more often owners limit themselves to replacing the steering wheel and multimedia.

Where to buy parts for facelift?

Original parts can be found at authorized dealers ŠKODA or at showdowns (for example, Exist.ru, Bamper.by). Analogues - from manufacturers Hella, Depo, Maxton Design. Please check compatibility using your vehicle's VIN before purchasing.