Android MirrorLink replacement for RNS-510

[brettue]

I'm starting research into ditching the RNS-510 for something Androidy that supports MirrorLink or Android Auto. Is there anything that has emerged as the gold standard or units that people are leaning toward? Can it even be done?

[kamold]

There are plenty of aftermarket options from known brands like Alpine and Pioneer, plus plenty of Chinese versions of varying quality.

The main issue with the aftermarket options from my perspective is the limited integration with factory parts without converters and adapters, namely RVC and amplifier and to some extent with the MFD and climatronics as well as connector differences with GPS, antennas etc.

There is a PQ version of the MIB unit from the non-MQB Tiguan, Beetle, Caddy etc which physically fits in the 2DIN space of the RNS510 but is not a plug and play option either because of the component protection and feature activation (for security purposes).

So long answer - there is currently no gold standard replacement for the RNS510, each has its own strengths and weaknesses. It comes down to what features are most important to you and which aren't so that a solution best meets your needs.

Apart from AA/Apple Carplay and mirrorlink, which features are essential to you, which are nice to have and which could you take or leave?

[brettue]

Apart from AA/Apple Carplay and mirrorlink, which features are essential to you, which are nice to have and which could you take or leave?

- A/C and heater is a must have.
- Radio is pretty important too, 3RRR is a must.
- Bluetooth phone and media is a must.
- Camera and sensors are a must.


- I want to keep most of the MFD functions too, are they part of the RNS510?
- Would use Google Maps over the sat nav so I can do without that and GPS.
- Video I don't need.
- Traffic button is useless.
- AUX and MDI input I don't need.

[kamold]

Most new units these days have the bluetooth function (and microphone in a lot of cases) integrated.
Those with an external mic will give you better audio quality.
You can easily get ISO to dual fakra radio antenna adapters. A lot of Chinese units have none or very poor AM integration.
Using the VW RGBS reverse cameras is difficult, in most cases its probably easier to just install an aftermarket camera. Though if you have a highline (with bendy guidelines) camera this isn't what you want to do.
There are units which integrate the factory OPS sensors properly.
The only MFD functions you may lose are the navigation prompts and media info, all other functions are not dependent on the RNS.

I am holding out hope that there will be a way to get the PQ MIB units working in our older cars. There are videos of them in operation with a lot of original functions working (camera with guidelines, OPS, radio, MFD integration etc as well as the new functions like Mirrorlink, Android Auto etc. I am actively looking into this though it also requires that some factory parts be upgraded to support it such as Canbus gateway, camera controller, PDC controller, amplifier etc. Not sure if I want to do it more from the perspective of a challenge (I suspect this is the case) or if I just really want to stay with factory components...

[kamold]

Have a look at the Joying brand Android units.

[brettue]

Have a look at the Joying brand Android units.

Looks like they don't have plug and play options, you have to replace GPS antenna, car reverse camera, bluetooth, USB and Microphone. I was looking for something that integrates with the current factory accessories.

[kamold]

The only possibility would be a PQ platform MIB unit. I am working towards that goal.
Will take a few months of work and then there is no guarantees.
But if you're interested keep an eye out and I will be updating the forum once I've had success or otherwise.

Sent from my HTC 10 using Tapatalk

[brettue]

Excuse my ignorance, what's a PQ platform MIB unit?

[kamold]

PQ is the platform which preceded the current MQB platform on which the Golf 7, new Tiguan, new Passat, Audi A3 etc are built on.
The PQ platform included the Golf 5 and 6, Passat B6 and B7, Tiguan etc.

MIB is VW's Modular Infotainment (B)System. In the Golf 7 it is made up of a 'brain' unit in the glove box and a separate screen.


Therefor this is not anything similar in physical layout to the RNS510 double DIN unit. However due to the way models transitioned over to the new MQB platform, there were some cars (Beetle, Tiguan, Caddy) that needed an updated infotainment system to stay relevant in the market, so there is a double DIN MIB unit that has the same physical dimensions as the RNS510, but the hardware and software features of the new Golf 7 s

here is one in a Gen1 Tiguan:

[kamold]

And here is an MIB unit installed in a B6 Passat