RNS510 sat nav for VW

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 11:36am #1

Am thinking about buying a 2nd hand one of theses at some stage (need to save the pennies first).

Been looking on ebay and see there are 'version B, Version C etc) but it doesn't state what the difference is? I know the latest one has an LED screen..but apart from that, can anyone advise?

I'm looking for the cheapest- no extra bells and whistles..just a cheap integrated sat nav. Cheers

bmstuff · 05-07-2011 11:45am

spunk_monkey wrote: »

Am thinking about buying a 2nd hand one of theses at some stage (need to save the pennies first).

Been looking on ebay and see there are 'version B, Version C etc) but it doesn't state what the difference is? I know the latest one has an LED screen..but apart from that, can anyone advise?

I'm looking for the cheapest- no extra bells and whistles..just a cheap integrated sat nav. Cheers

A is old, C is newer, this is just a revision number. C has newer hardware, can handle bigger sd cards etc.
http://www.my-gti.com/1966/volkswagen-rns-510-firmware-upgrade-to-version-2720-2722-2724-2726-2728/comment-page-2

Also note that there are OEM and aftermarket models labeled with the same VW name and they look 99% the same. I don't know about quality difference/OEM features missing...

HTH

Nonoperational · 05-07-2011 11:54am

What year is your car? I can't remember the exact details but for the earlier GTIs you need an early revision of the RNS510 I think. Something to do with the canbus controller.

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 12:05pm

gpf101 wrote: »

What year is your car? I can't remember the exact details but for the earlier GTIs you need an early revision of the RNS510 I think. Something to do with the canbus controller.

Yeah, I think you are correct, I remember reading about battery drain issues if you don't have the correct model for your car or something?

It's an early 2008 so maybe I need a version C?

Nonoperational · 05-07-2011 12:23pm

I'm not sure of the specifics, I think it was the early cars had the issue. Safer to check it out anyway.

-Corkie- · 05-07-2011 12:25pm

I am sure you know yourself but be careful of Chinese knock offs on ebay.

bmstuff · 05-07-2011 12:26pm

Probably safer to call the dealer and ask them the question
These are dear, I know a few refurb ones are for sale on eBay and the likes.
New ones fetch for like 2k aren't they?

Check for the chinese one too, might be worth. Usually they go for 500-700 euro, but are aftermarket. If the quality is good and is as close as possible that OEM in terms of features, I'd say it is a no brainer.

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 12:28pm

I think you're ok if it's a 2008 car. I think the canbus was revised in 2007 cars onwards.

I bought and installed a version C last week for my new MKVI GTD. I did a lot of research on it over the last few weeks and eventually bought it off a very highly rated seller on UK VW forum - www.r32oc.com, username is N13KKF. I paid him £550 plus postage for the version C (LED screen). I may well have got it a bit cheaper on ebay, but I was prepared to pay a little extra for a genuine unit, in absolutely mint condition.

Check out his thread here, which will answer any questions you have - http://www.r32oc.com/sale/26878-rns-510-ver-c-latest-led-screen-2010-edition.html

EPM · 05-07-2011 12:29pm

I paid €500 for mine secondhand. It's in a different car but the same unit. Somewhere like vagdrivers for sale section throws them up fairly regularly.

bmstuff · 05-07-2011 12:31pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

. I paid him £550 plus postage for the version C (LED screen). I may well have got it a bit cheaper on ebay, but I was prepared to pay a little extra for a genuine unit, in absolutely mint condition.

Check out his thread here, which will answer any questions you have - http://www.r32oc.com/sale/26878-rns-510-ver-c-latest-led-screen-2010-edition.html

550£ for a genuine one are you saying? What's the catch?

What about the Zenec NC-2010 one?
It is supposed to be very nice too.

http://www.sat-nav-system.co.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=102_106&products_id=241&zenid=bff9d746d007992ad0e7acc4a723964b

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 12:35pm

Personally, I wanted the factory OEM look, as well as the fact that the RNS integrates fantastically well with the OEM bluetooth and the MFD (the screen between the speedo and rev counter).

Some pics of mine installed:

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 12:50pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

I think you're ok if it's a 2008 car. I think the canbus was revised in 2007 cars onwards.

I bought and installed a version C last week for my new MKVI GTD. I did a lot of research on it over the last few weeks and eventually bought it off a very highly rated seller on UK VW forum - www.r32oc.com, username is N13KKF. I paid him £550 plus postage for the version C (LED screen). I may well have got it a bit cheaper on ebay, but I was prepared to pay a little extra for a genuine unit, in absolutely mint condition.

Check out his thread here, which will answer any questions you have - http://www.r32oc.com/sale/26878-rns-510-ver-c-latest-led-screen-2010-edition.html

Hi Joe,

is the unit straight forward to DIY install?

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 12:56pm

Yep it's not too bad. It's a little different on MKV's than MKVI's, but not too difficult. There's a few online guides on VW forums, try the one I linked above, there's definitely guides for the MKV on there.
Then, to get the multi-function steering wheel buttons (if you have it) and the MFD to recognise the unit it needs a little coding with VAG COM, which I got some help with.

bmstuff · 05-07-2011 1:01pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

Yep it's not too bad. It's a little different on MKV's than MKVI's, but not too difficult. There's a few online guides on VW forums, try the one I linked above, there's d....

So your unit is a refurbished one isn't?

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 1:07pm

It's a 2nd hand unit yes, but in mint condition. They are a 2 grand factory fit option after all!

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 1:34pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

It's a 2nd hand unit yes, but in mint condition. They are a 2 grand factory fit option after all!

Hi Joe,,

had a look through that site but couldn't find the installation guide, if you know where to find it, could you post a link? Thanks.:)

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 1:50pm

anyone have opinions on this non original one?
http://cgi.ebay.ie/VW-SEAT-SKODA-Car-DVD-Stereo-GPS-Sat-Nav-Volkswagen-/200622735700?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item2eb60c0154

It appeals as it has bluetooth, where the rns 510 if I want bt, its a 250 euro extra:(

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 2:04pm

spunk_monkey wrote: »

Hi Joe,,

had a look through that site but couldn't find the installation guide, if you know where to find it, could you post a link? Thanks.:)

I can't seem to find it either and I was only looking at it last week! It would be in the "In car entertainment" section and authored by the guy I bought it off - Nick.

Here's another guide I found, looks similar: http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=258543

Eric Cartman · 05-07-2011 2:20pm

Kenwood do an oem looking unit for vw cars with bluetooth integrated. It looks factor and is an excellent unit , garmin gps for easy map updating. Compatible with irish tmc traffic and ha excellent ipod control , does dvd , usb media and you can put a tv tuner on it , retails brand new for under 1000 euro

Eric Cartman · 05-07-2011 2:20pm

Kenwood do an oem looking unit for vw cars with bluetooth integrated. It looks factor and is an excellent unit , garmin gps for easy map updating. Compatible with irish tmc traffic and ha excellent ipod control , does dvd , usb media and you can put a tv tuner on it , retails brand new for under 1000 euro

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 2:29pm

Eric Cartman wrote: »

Kenwood do an oem looking unit for vw cars with bluetooth integrated. It looks factor and is an excellent unit , garmin gps for easy map updating. Compatible with irish tmc traffic and ha excellent ipod control , does dvd , usb media and you can put a tv tuner on it , retails brand new for under 1000 euro

thanks but it way out of my budget, which is 500 max!

EPM · 05-07-2011 2:32pm

spunk_monkey wrote: »

thanks but it way out of my budget, which is 500 max!

There was a recent thread about these here and an ebay seller was mentioned that is Dublin based. They had secondhand units in that price range.

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 2:47pm

EPM wrote: »

There was a recent thread about these here and an ebay seller was mentioned that is Dublin based. They had secondhand units in that price range.

yep that's correct, based in Drogheda I think.. he has version c without LED for 550, with LED for 650(worth the extra?) or version B (don't know what the difference between version B and C is) for around 510...fitting 50 Euro extra for all of these- looks like a 10 minute job to me so not worth it..

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 3:05pm

The LED screen is much brighter, sharper, easier to see/read in bright sunlight especially. And it starts up instantly. The non-LED needs a few seconds for the screen to reach full brightness.

Fitting is a little more than 10mins, took me about 45-50 mins, especially if you want to be as careful as possible to avoid marking trim, etc. Plus you may need to do some VAG COM coding. The unit will work without doing so but certain features may not, such as the steering wheel controls.

EPM · 05-07-2011 3:30pm

If you want to save money the non-LED is fine. I'm assuming mine is the non-LED as it's 18 months old but I've never had a problem.

@ JoeA3 - Does the Version C have more colour options/themes?

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 3:48pm

is the mapping software good on these? What company is behind it? Tom tom/navteq etc

Also, if I want bluetooth to work with this unit, is the VW premium bt module the only option?

also, I assume that you dont have to have the nav cd running for it to work? i.e can you listen to a cd while running the sat nav? can you load the sat nav maps to the hd?

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 3:50pm

EPM wrote: »

@ JoeA3 - Does the Version C have more colour options/themes?

I don't actually know - I don't think so to be honest... I think it's just the hardware that's different, colour schemes, etc are the same. A version B running the latest firmware is pretty much identical to a version C (screen quality aside) AFAIK.

It's basically like TV's... the non-LED is akin to a standard LCD television, whereas the LED version is like the newer slimmer LED tellys! I'm sure that if you're used to the non-LED it will look perfectly fine.

A quick way of telling if a unit is a version C without turning it on is if the top right button has a star symbol rather than an "i".

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 3:56pm

spunk_monkey wrote: »

is the mapping software good on these? What company is behind it? Tom tom/navteq etc

Also, if I want bluetooth to work with this unit, is the VW premium bt module the only option?

also, I assume that you dont have to have the nav cd running for it to work? i.e can you listen to a cd while running the sat nav? can you load the sat nav maps to the hd?

Mapping looks reasonably good to me and I've used a TomTom app on my iPhone before this. First thing I noticed missing though was the newest section of the M6 motorway (Ballinasloe-Galway). I think the mapping comes from Navteq. Mine has the latest maps (V7), and VW release updated maps a couple times a year. I love how it integrates with the MFD screen, which tells you what road/street you are on and gives the turn direction symbols (and North/south/east/west direction) without even needing to look at the radio.

I'm not too well up on the BT options. My car has it fitted from factory. Older versions of VW bluetooth were rSap only, which meant they didn't work with iPhones.
I've read that the FISCON bluetooth also works with it.

EDIT: Yes, the maps are loaded onto the HDD. The unit can play CD/DVD while simultaneously navigating.

spunk_monkey · 05-07-2011 10:31pm

Okay, just did a trial run on this..removed and re installed the standard vw head unit in my car with no probs..so is it safe to assume I'll have no bother installing the rns510?

What about the sat nav ariel ..is this straight forward/ simple to fit? I assume it plugs into the rear of the unit?

Edit..while it was an easy job, I broke 2 of the clips at the rear of the lower panel fasia surrounding the aircon temp dials..these are incredibly weak,,like paper nearly..but still fitted back no worries.

EPM · 05-07-2011 10:34pm

Just plugs and plays. A bit of sticky back plastic and plant the ariel as high up behind the dash as possible. Mines up the back of the air vent casing and it's never had a problem getting a GPS lock.

-Corkie- · 05-07-2011 10:37pm

EPM wrote: »

Just plugs and plays. A bit of sticky back plastic and plant the ariel as high up behind the dash as possible. Mines up the back of the air vent casing and it's never had a problem getting a GPS lock.

Does your ipod connect to yours for your music???

EPM · 05-07-2011 10:41pm

-Corkie- wrote: »

Does your ipod connect to yours for your music???

Just through the aux in port. Must get around filling the hard drive on it as it's got more memory than my iPod. My laziness hinders me again.

JoeA3 · 05-07-2011 11:09pm

The GPS aerial just plugs into the back as EPM says, and you just need to make sure to secure it well with some tape - so it doesn't rattle around behind the dash!

The playing music options are endless in my setup.
- I have the factory-fitted MDI port, which allows me to connect the ipod/iphone and fully control the iphone, playlists, etc
- The music can also be streamed via bluetooth from the phone. Very handy but the RNS doesn't display artist/track names this way
- RNS has an SD slot, so you can load up all your MP3's onto an SD card and plug and play.
- You can if you wish copy from the SD to the RNS HDD. Think there's about 20GB available (30 GB total, but the maps take up a big chunk).

So, I would suggest that getting the bluetooth installed along with it would be a good idea.

spunk_monkey · 06-07-2011 10:14am

Does anyone know anything about these:

http://cars.donedeal.ie/for-sale/cars/2249866

seems to have everything at a great price?

Nonoperational · 06-07-2011 10:16am

You'd need to find out the model. If you look on golfmkv.com there is a big discussion on the chinese RNS knockoffs. Some are good but they obviously have more problems than the original VW unit.

EPM · 06-07-2011 10:17am

That's a knock off. Not saying it's a bad unit but for a small bit more I'd stay OEM.

JoeA3 · 06-07-2011 10:18am

Yeah it's obviously designed to look like an RNS.... but isn't

spunk_monkey · 06-07-2011 12:41pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

Yeah it's obviously designed to look like an RNS.... but isn't

this unit seems to be getting the best reviews from owners.
http://www.szwaywell.com/prod_dtl.asp?id=489

There is a newer version, also on the above site but is pants apparently .

May give this one a shot..waiting on a price but about 500 us dollars including shipping, then customs+vat so looking at about 465 Euro all in.

JoeA3 · 06-07-2011 12:56pm

Is it a brand new unit for that price?

I'm afraid I'd still go with an OEM RNS, used or refurbished rather than an imitation, for the sake of another 150 odd euro.

spunk_monkey · 06-07-2011 1:03pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

Is it a brand new unit for that price?

I'm afraid I'd still go with an OEM RNS, used or refurbished rather than an imitation, for the sake of another 150 odd euro.

yep brand new..I agree with what your saying, but for a 2nd hand rns510 with bt module I would be looking at double the price compared to the spurious one yeah? Max budget is 600..so if its a choice between the above new unit, or 2nd hand rns with no bluetooth then I think I'll take my chances, based on the good reviews for the unit.

JoeA3 · 06-07-2011 1:07pm

Yeah, to get the BT module as well, you would be looking at 700++ in total. And the BT install would involve a little more DIY skills.

Nonoperational · 06-07-2011 1:13pm

People run those units and are happy with them. It's your call really. I probably wouldn't put you off it if your research is done.

sean1141 · 06-07-2011 2:24pm

i would be looking at something like this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Pioneer-AVIC-F9110BT-Sat-Nav-AV-System-VW-Seat-Skoda-/260773041059?pt=UK_Audio_TV_Electronics_In_Car_Entertainment_GPS_In_Car_Audio_Players_PP&hash=item3cb748d3a3

i have the older model (f7010bt) in the leon and it is great. i don't know much about the one i linked but if its anything like the one i have they everything. mine has i pod connection. not a 3.5mm plug in but one that charges the ipod and lets you select playlists etc from the main screen. it also has full europe maps, bluetooth, cd, sd card slot. can also be connected to a reverse camera.

it can also be customized..

my start up screen

main screen

if you want to get a look a my one just let me know..

darragh o meara · 06-07-2011 2:31pm

Ive had 2 knockoff oem style ones like in the donedeal ad above and both had dvd drive problems withing a short space of time. There are no parts available to fix them so Id stay away.

As for the other features, They work but only just about, THe touch screen was brutal, the maps were suprisingly ok but the gps would loose signal from time to time unexpectedly.

My advise: Buy cheap and you pay twice, like I did

Buy properly and you pay once!!

spunk_monkey · 07-07-2011 6:33pm

Lads,

Can anyone advise: I have a choice of 2 units, working out at the same price, both 2nd hand.

1. The original rns510 , version c LCD ,with Bluetooth module included.

2. http://cgi.ebay.ie/Zenec-nc-2010-sat-nav-DVD-MP3-SD-Bluetooth-RNS-510-/260814233837?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item3cb9bd60ed#ht_5019wt_922

The zenec nc2010 ( not a cheap Chinese unit) ..has a heap of features including Bluetooth aswell.

Both options coming in around 700 quid.

Any opinions appreciated .

JoeA3 · 07-07-2011 6:47pm

I said it already, but OEM for me every time. With the bluetooth you'll have a very nice fully integrated system which will work with your steering wheel buttons and MFD. Does your car have both of these?? If not, then a big advantage of staying OEM is negated.

€700 isn't tooo bad... Mine worked out at over 600 when delivery and currency exhange was factored in - just for the RNS.

JoeA3 · 07-07-2011 6:52pm

Also, make sure its the bluetooth that supports iPhones.

spunk_monkey · 07-07-2011 6:53pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

I said it already, but OEM for me every time. With the bluetooth you'll have a very nice fully integrated system which will work with your steering wheel buttons and MFD. Does your car have both of these?? If not, then a big advantage of staying OEM is negated.

€700 isn't tooo bad... Mine worked out at over 600 when delivery and currency exhange was factored in - just for the RNS.

Hey Joe

Both of these systems integrate with mfd and mfsw ..my car has neither though:(

Yep 700 ok..but mine doesn't have the led screen like yours..

spunk_monkey · 07-07-2011 6:57pm

JoeA3 wrote: »

Also, make sure its the bluetooth that supports iPhones.

I'm waiting on an email back about the bt....my buddy has a pioneer avic unit with parrot bt..works perfect with his iPhone but I have a htc desire hd and doesn't work properly with it...

Any way of finding out if my htc works ? Have you ever used one with yours?

JoeA3 · 07-07-2011 6:59pm

I've only used my iPhone but I'd be 99% sure if that works, then any smart phone will work. Older VW bluetooth modules didn't work for iPhones (and maybe a lot of other smartphones) as it was rSap only.

spunk_monkey · 08-07-2011 10:45am

JoeA3 wrote: »

I've only used my iPhone but I'd be 99% sure if that works, then any smart phone will work. Older VW bluetooth modules didn't work for iPhones (and maybe a lot of other smartphones) as it was rSap only.

Hey ,

yep he confirmed the bluetooth will work with iphone, desire etc.

Do you know anything about installing the bluetooth module? I know, for someone that knows exactly what they are at, installing the head unit is a 15 minute job, however I dont have a clue about the bluetooth..I was trying to get him to throw in free fitting, but he claims that the install if the blue tooth and head unit is a 2hour job..is the bt module install a long, complicated job?

RNS510 sat nav for VW

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