Optical Parking System

[geoffp]

Only the one so you won't know it's the front or the back unless there is a different tone (which there probably is).

As long as I get a tone, I reckon I can work out if it's the front or rear I am really looking forward to the front sensors - will certainly help when parking front first into cemete walls, etc.

Hi Geoff, I tend to think you're better off sticking with the RNS-510 and genuine add-ons, or you may make life a bit hard for yourself trying to achieve the same level of integration and won't look as nice.

After having done both i'm much happier now with the VW gear, and have done an extensive audio upgrade so you'll be able to achieve great sound with the right gear (I've got an Audison BitOne.1 processor, Dynaudio 3way set, Arc amps and a stealth sub). Not sure on your exact goals but things like after market speakers, amps and processors can be added to the car later and it will look 100% stock/stealth.

Some other guys up here with R36's are running the RNS-510 into high level inputs on the Arc mini amps with great results.

G'day G-rig,

I will probably leave the stock speakers, etc in.

I am more interested in changing the head unit to get an integrated multimedia station, GPS with BT for my phone.

I know the VW stuff can do the same (and I could get to keep the Optical Parking Sensors), but the salesman at Barloworld did say to me that if I BT my phone then the radio stops working while the phone is BT connected.

Sounded like crap to me but they "should" know what they are talking about.

If you can point me to a few threads where ppl are discussing 3rd party replacement units as a comparative feature wise to the VW RNS-510, MDI kit and BT kit, I can have an objective view.

Price wise I am looking at about $3,600 for the Clarion install as opposed to $3,300 (RNS-510 & MDI) + BT kit (can't find a price for that).

Thanks,
Geoff.

[G-rig]

Hi Geoff, not sure if there are that many threads on here but was just sharing my experience and stuffed around with it a fair bit.

The prices are fairly similar but without knowing the ins and outs of the Clarion HU not sure how well the bluetooth will work (most built in BT isn't that great and you may have to manually push each contact like with the Eclipse unit - and wont integrate with the MDF). I assume you've allowed for steering wheel control module (if you want them to work) and farka antenna boosters etc? Just a heads up - the radio reception of after market units is quite average unless you run a new antenna, not sure if that's important to you?).

I've got the MDI and find it quite good. Navigation through the menus/artists etc is a little slower than the hdd/Sd but easy to live with.

Not sure what you mean exactly by 'BT my phone', there is an initial pause then the chime when you pair the device on entry/exit to the car. Unless you are talking about streaming music? Check out the skoda kit, can be had for around $700 from overseas and you just need someone to help with the installation. A2DP doesn't work with it but i don't think streaming music is worth for battery drain and quality.

[Maverick]

I know the VW stuff can do the same (and I could get to keep the Optical Parking Sensors), but the salesman at Barloworld did say to me that if I BT my phone then the radio stops working while the phone is BT connected.

Sounded like crap to me but they "should" know what they are talking about.

Salesman was full of it.

If you can point me to a few threads where ppl are discussing 3rd party replacement units as a comparative feature wise to the VW RNS-510, MDI kit and BT kit, I can have an objective view.

I looked at the alternatives ~18 months ago when I was waiting for my car and nothing came close to the features the RNS 510 offered nor the integration into the car. You won't get navigation data appearing on the MFD for example nor will the telephone be able to be used from the MFD including phone book etc.

The RNS 510 now offers features like voice commands for just about every feature.

Price wise I am looking at about $3,600 for the Clarion install as opposed to $3,300 (RNS-510 & MDI) + BT kit (can't find a price for that).

You can pick up a RNS 510 from the EU for under $2000 landed and the bluetooth for around $650 from the UK. The RNS 510 is a drop in replacement and the bluetooth is around 3 hours work depending on how you wire it in.

No CAN bus adapters, no stuffing around and 100% integration into the car.

And looks great, unlike the aftermarket headunits IMO.

[Swallowtail]

Absolutely - I reckon you'd be nuts given the prices are that close. RNS510, keep all the integration, upgrade the firmware on the RNS510 to 2660 - gives you 32GB SDHC support, and voice control - Bluetooth go the Skoda Bluetooth imported for under $600 now. You'll haev a fully integrated setup that is OEM, keeps the OPS setup, etc. If it's a wagon get the VW RVC too...

Just my 2c.

Oh, and I'm one of the ones running RNS510 into Arc Audio amp and high quality speakers. Brilliant setup. If you think the stock ones are OK you should see them when you get them out. Tinplate and cardboard LOL...

[geoffp]

OK,

You guys are swaying me a bit here.

So, I had a bit more of a look last night and this morning online and have quite a few more questions.
(Glad I do have some time before the car is delivered so I can research this a bit more).

NB: I appreciate the advice I am been given here

Firstly, if I do proceed with an RNS-510, MID & BT fitout, who would you recommend to do a "proper" job of the install?
(I cannot change my car order now so this gear would have to be fitted out after delivery - I live in South Eastern Melbourne suburbs, around Narre Warren).
NB: I can't do the install myself, I'm an absolute noob when it comes to this sort of thing.
EDIT: After reading one of Swallowtails threads looks like maybe Volkspower - would you guys recommend them for this install?

I have read that the non factory fitted GPS antenna has been mounted on people's dash which would look like crap IMO.
Does the original fit into the roof line somewhere?
Can I get the antenna fitted out of site?

Can I get the MDI installed into the centre glove box - like this?
Do I need a special cable as well for the OZ MDI to fit to my iPhone 3GS?

Could I get the Reverse Camera fitted into the VW logo on the wagon boot or would it be installed elsewhere?

You won't get navigation data appearing on the MFD for example nor will the telephone be able to be used from the MFD including phone book etc.

What info is displayed on the MFD when using the GPS?

What data does the RNS-510 phone book suck across from my iPhone 3GS?

Does it pull across SIM card contacts, or can it access my contacts list (which is synced to my Mobile Me and work Exchange accounts - I have currently 690 contacts).

I think I confused what the salesman said, I believe he mentioned that if you are using the GPS for directions, then you can't listen to any music.
Was he right or wrong?
(I currently use my GPS with the audio muted and listen to music at the same time with the Pioneer AVIC).

Bluetooth go the Skoda Bluetooth imported for under $600 now.

I read your thread here Swallowtail, so believe it is iPhone 3GS compatible?

Is the phone microphone already factory fitted or is it part of the BT kit?
Where is it fitted, is it hidden away or mounted in plain view (I'm thinking of aesthetics here).

Can I get an exact parts list, best place(s) to purchase and prices so I can calculate exactly what this will cost me please.

I think I would need the following:
RNS-510
MDI
MID iPhone 3GS cable?
Skoda Bluetooth
VW Reversing Camera - Is this part of the RNS-510 or an extra bit of kit?

Can't think of anything else.

Thanks,
Geoff.

[G-rig]

Volkspower is the only place i know down there to install the gear (and think they sell RNS-510 as well) so may be worth giving them a call. Definitely wouldn't trust the autobarns or jb hifi's for installing this gear.

They may have a demo model or have it installed in a car , otherwise try and find another forum member down there. Deancorp has the full setup as well, not sure if he's on this forum.

The Skoda bluetooth pulls across all recent call lists (dialed, received & missed), as well as phonebook showing multiple numbers if the contact has more than one (works fine with my iphone 3G)..

[geoffp]

Volkspower is the only place i know down there to install the gear (and think they sell RNS-510 as well) so may be worth giving them a call. Definitely wouldn't trust the autobarns or jb hifi's for installing this gear.

They may have a demo model or have it installed in a car , otherwise try and find another forum member down there. Deancorp has the full setup as well, not sure if he's on this forum.

The Skoda bluetooth pulls across all recent call lists (dialed, received & missed), as well as phonebook showing multiple numbers if the contact has more than one (works fine with my iphone 3G)..

Thanks G-rig,

I'll pop around to Deancorp's place tomorrow and have a look.

Cheers.

[Swallowtail]

OK,
Firstly, if I do proceed with an RNS-510, MID & BT fitout, who would you recommend to do a "proper" job of the install?
(I cannot change my car order now so this gear would have to be fitted out after delivery - I live in South Eastern Melbourne suburbs, around Narre Warren).
EDIT: After reading one of Swallowtails threads looks like maybe Volkspower - would you guys recommend them for this install?

Your best bet would have been to spec a car with RNS510 / MDI / RVC from the factory. I would suggest seriously that if you want those options then changing your order would be a wise move. BT is fairly easily added, but an RNS510 landed from EU plus bought Australian maps + retro-fit MDI + retro-fit RVC is a lot of work and $. As far as I know no-one in Aus has retro-fitted OEM VW RVC in a Passat yet... there is a Kufatec kit but it is buggy and not recommended.

I have read that the non factory fitted GPS antenna has been mounted on people's dash which would look like crap IMO.
Does the original fit into the roof line somewhere?
Can I get the antenna fitted out of site?

On the wagon (i've got in my head that you are getting a wagon?) with factory fit GPS the GPS antenna is located on the rear quarter windows. I don't know how that goes with retro-fit.

Can I get the MDI installed into the centre glove box - like this?
Do I need a special cable as well for the OZ MDI to fit to my iPhone 3GS?

On the Passat the MDI is fitted in the glovebox. You will need the MDI iPod cable for the 3GS.

Could I get the Reverse Camera fitted into the VW logo on the wagon boot or would it be installed elsewhere?

I don't believe that the OEM Passat wagon RVC is a badge-install. The parts catalogue shows it as just a small cam.

What info is displayed on the MFD when using the GPS?

Directions, current street, etc. If guidance is disabled, switching the MFD to nav mode shows a compass. On that point, if you retro-fit an RNS510 you will need to disable the car's compass as it would conflict with the RNS510.

What data does the RNS-510 phone book suck across from my iPhone 3GS?

Does it pull across SIM card contacts, or can it access my contacts list (which is synced to my Mobile Me and work Exchange accounts - I have currently 690 contacts).

With the Skoda BT, it will sync your address book. No idea how it will go with that many - I have about 200 (Exchange sync'ed) with my 3G and it works fine. Once in a while it doesn't grab the address book, but it's usually when the iPhone is in need of a reboot...

SIM contacts - no I don't think so.

I think I confused what the salesman said, I believe he mentioned that if you are using the GPS for directions, then you can't listen to any music.
Was he right or wrong?
(I currently use my GPS with the audio muted and listen to music at the same time with the Pioneer AVIC).

If you are using GPS for directions, then you can listen to music no problems. It will reduce the music's volume (by an amount you can specify) if the music is louder than a certain threshold so you can hear the GPS directions. You can of course completely turn down the GPS directions if you wish.

I read your thread here Swallowtail, so believe it is iPhone 3GS compatible?

Yes

Is the phone microphone already factory fitted or is it part of the BT kit?
Where is it fitted, is it hidden away or mounted in plain view (I'm thinking of aesthetics here).

Mic comes with the Skoda BT kit, and is fitted in the OEM location in the overhead console.

Can I get an exact parts list, best place(s) to purchase and prices so I can calculate exactly what this will cost me please.

I think I would need the following:
RNS-510
MDI
MID iPhone 3GS cable?
Skoda Bluetooth
VW Reversing Camera - Is this part of the RNS-510 or an extra bit of kit?

I still think you'd be better getting most of that factory fitted.

The RNS510 you may be able to get from a dealer, Volkspower should be able to help you if not, or eBay. Be aware that some on eBay are stolen units. MDI dealer or Volkspower. MDI iPod Cable - many sources, google it. EBay, oempl.us, etc.

BT - eBay is the cheapest option, you can get them with plug and play wiring.

RVC - hardest bit to retro-fit. Not for the faint hearted. You can retro-fit the Golf Mk VI RVC to a Passat, but that's cutting edge stuff, not many have done it. You can get a Kufatec kit and put up with the occasional bugs (doesn't always activate on selecting reverse, and anyway I don't think it's compatible with cars with Optical parking system).

[G-rig]

I still think you'd be better getting most of that factory fitted.

I tend to agree since he'll be getting the works.. Could also get a better discount if it's part of the car and try to get some of the price knocked off, as well as less stuffing around, as long as it is factory fit and not dealer fit (in some cases they are not the same thing like with the reverse sensors on the Golf, and worth having the factory sat nav antenna).

The mk6 OEM badge camera is the way to go and great value as an option, probably not offered on current model passats but wouldn't get the kufactec camera adapter as they aren't worth the price or trouble, and would be good to get a genuine one from the factory or retrofit the MK6 Golf badge camera.

[Jayse]

On the wagon (i've got in my head that you are getting a wagon?) with factory fit GPS the GPS antenna is located on the rear quarter windows. I don't know how that goes with retro-fit.


I don't believe that the OEM Passat wagon RVC is a badge-install. The parts catalogue shows it as just a small cam.

Hey Swallowtail,

The Wagon GPS antenna is located on top of the roof at the back of the car.
Like this:

Sorry for the test mule pic, but best i could do at short notice. But it is in the same position on my car.

Only the radio antenna is located in the rear side windows.
The RVC is located next to the number plate for the R36 wagon. Not to say you might be able to do it through the badge?!

I'm with the others though Geoff, if you can afford waiting a bit longer, you'd be much better off in the long run ordering the parts factory fitted to the car and like G-Rig mentioned, you might get it at a much better price!!

Cheers,

Jayse.