RNS510, Should I?

[n3mi]

Mate, just bought one for around $800 on eBay. Got VW Bayside to install it this morning, they charged $286.

Works like a charm!

I currently have a standard VW radio system installed in my Passat and was considering getting an RNS510 installed while it's in the shop having it's mecharonic unit replaced.

But... it seems really expensive, can anyone with an RNS510 already installed give me some reasons that they can't live without theirs as 2-3K is alot to drop.

[team_v]

Mate, just bought one for around $800 on eBay. Got VW Bayside to install it this morning, they charged $286.

Works like a charm!

Jesus Christ!
You can do the install yourself in 10 minutes for free, and then it's a few vagcom changes = $50 at your independant service provider or a 6 pack for a local member.

[n3mi]

Jesus Christ!
You can do the install yourself in 10 minutes for free, and then it's a few vagcom changes = $50 at your independant service provider or a 6 pack for a local member.

Thats ok, this way I got warranty on installation.

[Retro]

I upgraded my new R36 with the RNS510 today. Observations:

1. The sound is much, much better. The RNS has much better base sound, and much better sound presence/stage compared to the RCD. I was comparing the same radio station on the same freeway to and from the installation, so it was a pretty good test.

2. Both RCD and RNS are overall pretty similar to use, that is, quite easy.

3. The UK eBay seller that has the RNS510 on for around $999 including postage - was very reliable, packed the unit very well, was very fast to post and used fedex for delivery (which I love as you can track exactly where the package is at). Only took a few days to arrive.

4. Matt from Camdengti (the Golf Loon) and his team were excellent, highly recommend them for installation ($250). I realise lots of readers on this forum can do this stuff themselves, but many of us can't risk a blemish on the wife's new wheels ..... If you are anywhere in Sydney's south he is the way to go. And he has brand new premises.

5. The RNS 510 satnav is very easy to use and so far is very quick to pickup signals - much better than my garmin nuvi.

Overall I would recommend spending the money to upgrade.

[ian]

I upgraded my new R36 with the RNS510 today. Observations:

1. The sound is much, much better. The RNS has much better base sound, and much better sound presence/stage compared to the RCD. I was comparing the same radio station on the same freeway to and from the installation, so it was a pretty good test.

2. Both RCD and RNS are overall pretty similar to use, that is, quite easy.

3. The UK eBay seller that has the RNS510 on for around $999 including postage - was very reliable, packed the unit very well, was very fast to post and used fedex for delivery (which I love as you can track exactly where the package is at). Only took a few days to arrive.

4. Matt from Camdengti (the Golf Loon) and his team were excellent, highly recommend them for installation ($250). I realise lots of readers on this forum can do this stuff themselves, but many of us can't risk a blemish on the wife's new wheels ..... If you are anywhere in Sydney's south he is the way to go. And he has brand new premises.

5. The RNS 510 satnav is very easy to use and so far is very quick to pickup signals - much better than my garmin nuvi.

Overall I would recommend spending the money to upgrade.

Yes Matt programed mine, but i uninstalled the old unit RCD300 myself and he only charged me $80 for coding, if you had of been a member of the forum before seeing Camden GTI he would of given you a discount for the installation.
What version RNS510 did you get i got a 2010 version C 2760 FW and cost $950 delivered from Lithuania

[Darks RS]

So in upgrading from a MFD2 what would i need to upgrade to the RNS510? would i need to change the GPS module bit? etc

[ron]

the SD slot is the best bit : )

[Tux]

I'm not sure that the RNS510 is good value BUT I love the way it all integrates. ie. the dash display is good, the voice control is novel and actually works and it has a nice big display. There are things I would definitely add such as speed display and camera warnings. (I actually run a TomTom to give me the warnings) I bought a bluetooth phone kit which integrates very well too. So I have to say I like it but I'm not sure it's worth the money spent. That said, I'm not sure there are any alternatives that are better.

[Static]

A number of the cars I'm looking at (to buy new) don't have the Sat Nav but do have the Rear Camera. Will this be a problem or straightforward for a dealer to fit ?

Thanks

[Nico76]

A number of the cars I'm looking at (to buy new) don't have the Sat Nav but do have the Rear Camera. Will this be a problem or straightforward for a dealer to fit ?

Good question.

How does an aftermarket RNS510 integrate with things like reverse camera, bluetooth, steering wheel controls, MFD, etc? Is the functionality as though it was factory fitted?

Thanks!