How to: Upgrade to an RCD510 in Mk6 Golf

[Corey_R]

That's rubbish... it's offered from VGA as a dealer accessory. It's $3294.50 + installation (now I realise where you may have got the $4k from reaction).

[Rob Burns]

Hi,

So just wondering if there is an update on this ebay site and if anyone has used it. I didnt upgrade golf but would like the SAT NAV system but for 4K its just not worth it.

Also if I do get it how easy would it be to install. I have seen a guy from the US do it but he mentioned about some codec and stuff that needs to be done afterwards?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

The installation is quite easy. As for the coding, it needs to be done for full functionality but works about 95% w/o it. The extras are a compass and the street location showing up on the MFD. There might be more for navigation but I've only ever done enough to get the compass to show up as I know it's coded correctly. The coding can be done by your local dealership (although they might balk at doing it if they didn't install it themselves) and possibly someone with VCDS.

[rs73]

if you have existing bluetooth etc, will that continue to work?

[reaction]

That's rubbish... it's offered from VGA as a dealer accessory. It's $3294.50 + installation (now I realise where you may have got the $4k from reaction).

Yeah $4k from here Golf GTI - Pricing tbh I feel a little silly for not ordering it with the car to start with, but at the time just didnt think it would be worth it.

[Rob Burns]

if you have existing bluetooth etc, will that continue to work?

If you're going to RCD510 then yes it will work, if you're going to RNS510 then it will need to be recoded, otherwise it will work.
That's if you're using genuine bluetooth anyway.

[rs73]

Thank's Rob. I already have RCD510 (MK6 GTI) just thinking to go down the RNS510 path... existing bluetooth is on RCD510 - dealer fitted with phonebook display on the MFD, so that needs to be recoded again?

[Rob Burns]

It shouldn't as the bluetooth module will be the same and the coding will only be changed in the diagnositic databus interface (I think that's what it's called) to tell the bluetooth module to communicate with the RNS instead of RCD.

[rs73]

sounds complicated... maybe I should just get a windscreen suction cup navigation plus an aftermarket RVC either a pen style above number plate and find a way to somehow have the output displayed either on RCD510's a/v in screen or another 2nd mini lcd screen somewhere...

the price to pay for not willing to wait 6 months for a custom order one and grabbing just whatever demo car left available...

[Rob Burns]

The coding itself takes less than a minute to do, you just need the VAS5051b/5052 (or VCDS) to do it.
If the dealer is doing the install then they'll obviously do the coding at the same time. Even if you do the install yourself you can always give your local dealer a call and ask them if they'll change the coding for the blue tooth. I'd be surprised if they declined.

[rs73]

Just a quick update - I took the plunge and ordered the RNS510 thru ebay from eastern europe, and installation was indeed a breeze swap (buying trim removal kit/tool from ebay also help to remove dash part). RNS510 works straight away, and since I've also bought VCDS cable recoding is relatively easy to enable the compass on my MFD...

Lost the RCD510 6-CD changer functionality, however it's a tradeoff that's replaced by RNS510's ability to store 20GB worth of MP3/WMA music in its internal HDD space (10GB used by Aust V3 map). Internal fan can be audible after about 20min drive when it kicks in as operating temperature raises, something that RCD510 don't have internal fan due to not having an internal HDD. I guess RNS510 need that with the heat generated from internal HDD and probably its internal processor requiring more processing to do GPS navigation function.

Overall all is good, happy with the swap... now to get my hands on the RVC is looking like an even bigger challenge!