Yet another RNS 510 thread...

**JudgeChucky** · 22-01-2010, 05:52 PM

Hey guys,

In case you don't know me my "Newbie Thread" can be found over here: http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ad.php?t=40131

Anyway, onto the main reason I finally decided to bite the bullet and sign up to the forums.

I am currently in two minds as to if I should buy the RNS 510. I have read so many positive and negative things about the RNS 510, I just wanted to get some feedback from you all.

Additionally, if you can make some suggestions, be it alternatives to the RNS 510, or places to buy / install the RNS 510 it would be very much appreciated.

So if you read my n00bie thread you now know I purchased a GTI Pirelli last year in August, and whilst I love the car I feel it is missing that color sat nav display in the centre console.

After reading various threads be it from this site or other sites, the best I can come up with yet dollar wise is

About $3000 for the RNS 510 installed (with the latest software inc Voice Control), and an additional $1500 for the Skoda Bluetooth Kit. Without saying exactly who has quoted me that price I will say it was from a link found on these forums.

So.....

Is the RNS 510 worth it?
Is there any downfalls with it?
Is there another system I should be considering?
Can I get the unit and installation for a better price elsewhere? (For reference sake I live in Brisbane Queensland if that helps you for considering a better price and installation)

I think that is all I have for now, but if you can think of anything I have missed, feel free to add it in your reply!

**Swallowtail** · 25-01-2010, 09:21 AM

$1500 seems a little steep for the Skoda BT component. You can buy them for under $600, so $900 to install is excessive. Luminary got a dealer to fit his Skoda kit (bought from eBay) for $210.

In the RNS worth it - I think so, I love it. Downfalls - it's not perfect, has its quirks, but combined with the Skoda BT kit and set up for voice activation it's a good package. Will be even better once V3 maps come out, as I believe they will enable street names in the nav component.

**JudgeChucky** · 26-01-2010, 12:18 AM

Originally Posted by Swallowtail

In the RNS worth it - I think so, I love it. Downfalls - it's not perfect, has its quirks, but combined with the Skoda BT kit and set up for voice activation it's a good package. Will be even better once V3 maps come out, as I believe they will enable street names in the nav component.

Thanks for the reply Swallowtail. Are you able to expand on the "quirks" you speak of?

I must say I am eager to get both items, it is just finding the right place to get both items done at once for the right price. I am hoping by combining the purchase of the RNS510 with the Skoda plus installation for both items that I can get it for around 4k max.

I am also hoping it comes with the latest maps just due to the price of VW maps

**Swallowtail** · 26-01-2010, 12:34 PM

Just a few things that are not particularly intuitive (to me anyway LOL) like moving between groups of radio presets I find a little awkward; or when you use voice control to pull up names to ring, all the phone numbers for a contact show as being the same type (mobile I think from memory), so you can't visually distinguish which one you need to call; in media when playing an audiobook from my iphone, "next" goes to the next track not the next chapter like it should (and like it does on the iphone)...

Nothing serious though.

V3 maps are almost here, so I'd hang on until they are released and make sure you get them.

**glidn** · 27-01-2010, 10:38 AM

I'm considering the upgrade myself.
However I have gone for the parrot CK-3000 evo with VW specific Wiring loom.
I do not have MFA + (full screen on gauge cluster) So i have no option for names.
This kit may work with RNS510.

However Unless considering buying new, Look at the UK, Seen a few for 300 - 500Pound.
Unit- cabling software etc. Still trying to find info on converting software via another country.

I would believe it to work, Otherwise from VW point it will be simply to expensive to produce.

You can buy the Skoba BT kit around the $200 - $300 US or 260 - 350Pound.
so all up whole kit will cost you around the $1200Aus then having to install it.

So far my research has shown only the GPS sensor requires installation, And Code Activation. then logging into your ECU via Vag-com, using the Long coding Helper. Recode ECU to show that Nav is enabled and you are there.

I would think whole lot should set you back under $2000Aus total.
But again it's your call. I believe Pioneer has produced a Double din radio that can do Bluetooth, NAV, MP3 and USB - Ipod full speed. For less than this big trip.
Get the adpator so you can still use buttons on the steering wheel.
but again not certain at this stage, If answer buttons etc will work from steering wheel.

so there are a few things to clarify. But only been researching for the past 3-4 Days.

I have a efw PDF's showing installation into MK5 and Tiguan, But both pretty much the same. Wiring wise anyway.

**G-rig** · 03-02-2010, 08:29 PM

RNS510 is a great unit.. may initially seem expensive but works properly like you'd expect.

I also have the Skoda kit- I haven't installed the voice control but usually use the touch screen phone scroll bar to find contacts quickly. The recent call lists are pretty handy and what you'd probably use a lot of the time perhaps.

**Mk6 Golf** · 03-03-2010, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by Swallowtail

...V3 maps are almost here, so I'd hang on until they are released and make sure you get them.

I've heard a few people say "it's almost here", some as far back as mid last year. It sounds like you have a good bit of knowledge in this area, are you on the "inside", i.e. do you know the real release date? I'd love to know a realistic release date.

Also, does anyone know why the frequency for releasing new map data is so long? I live in an area where new roads are built every day. Any chance VW (or someone else) will enable me to download new map data from the Internet (even if I had to pay, say, a very small fee every 3 months), burn to DVD, then update my RNS510, so I can get up-to-date map data, or at least data which is no more than 3 months old?

Thanks for your time.

**Swallowtail** · 03-03-2010, 07:39 PM

If only it was that simple...

The map data is owned by Whereis and resold to the nav unit manufacturers. In this instance, to VW in Europe. They make customisations as needed for specific functionality for their units (i.e. VW have added voice recognition for navigation destination entry in V3) and then supply them back to VW Australia...

So adding updates is not that simple unfortunately...

**Mk6 Golf** · 03-03-2010, 07:45 PM

Thanks.. At least I can appreciate now that there is a bit more to it. Still, I do wish it were at least "a little" easier. Oh well.

So, where to for me.. Well, my first step from here is to: