Current prices and bits for ultimate RNS510 kit

[wfdTamar]

Just thought people considering bunging one of these and associated goodies in might like to know what they're up for and where I've found best (cheapest/easiest/most reliable) place to get things from. In my case I'm talking about a Skoda Octavia, so some things may be different for other VAG cars (dash surround, rear camera).

1. Late model new H model RNS510 (Columbus) 3 year warranty. $1085 (shipped free) from damian69 on ebay. Includes GPS antenna and code card (important to get that). Not strictly 'new', but pulled from new cars. When I asked why they were being pulled out, he reckons they put in units that have more power and do subs (the doof doof brigade).

I believe you can get them from sellers in Lithuania/Latvia possibly cheaper, and there are earlier used models quite a lot cheaper. Do your research to see if an earlier model has the features you want. I bid on one, missed out on the win, but got a second offer for the price I bid.

VCDS or dealer coding needed. Easy to install.

2. You also may need an antenna adaptor cable $20 (whoever is cheapest on ebay). The antenna cables my car has don't match the RNS510.

3. Canbus gateway module $89 (free shipping. Carsystems). Older cars may need to upgrade this to solve a couple of issues with putting an RNS510 in an older car. Check ross-tech.com for details. Located under driver side of dash, behind relays. A little fiddly, but took about 20 mins.

VCDS or dealer coding needed.

4. Dash trim surround $62 (SuperSkoda). The trim around radios is different (different hole). Generally available in black plastic or aluminium look. Get the one that matches your climate knob holes. Open the ashtray and pull off from the bottom.

5. Reverse camera $205 (ebay). I managed to snag a genuine one this cheap. Usually more like $450, over $600 if you also get the module that, I gather, gives guidelines based on steering angle. Could be fiddly to install.

VCDS or dealer coding needed.

6. Bluetooth module $148 (cheapest on ebay). Just the genuine bluetooth module (box of brains). Quite a few different types, so very important to do your research to pick the right one. Have a look at Carsystems and the bluetooth threads on here for some idea. The complete kit has module, wiring, microphone, foam bed and some have a GSM antenna.

VCDS or dealer coding needed.

7 & 8. Bluetooth wiring & MDI kit (shipped together - CarSystems) $255. Bluetooth install kit (all but module) $66. MDI $133 (but they range up to $166). Lots of combinations - pick carefully. Plus $48 shipping (they use UPS for big items). Fiddly to install.

8 Parking sensors $440 (damian69 ebay). Front and rear OPS. Complete kit, will be hell to install. Includes $50 to get them my car colour. Does work with the rear camera.

VCDS or dealer coding needed.

9. DBT tuner (digital tv) $440 (ebay) for a 'dumb' one (doesn't seem to integrate into the RNS510's touch screen, just displays on it. Controlled by remote control. $778 for an integrated one (looks to be controlled by the RNS510 touch screen). The problem with these is they plug their video into the same spot the reverse camera goes into. There doesn't seem to be any way to have both functions.


CarSystems Poland
SKODA
Maybe not the cheapest for all bits, but quite good to see most things.

SuperSkoda
OCTAVIA II : superskoda.com
Heaps of interior and exterior bits there you might want to add to your order.

[Transporter]

A great write up. Stickied for a while.

[DkN]

"Refurbished" units from Eastern Europe or UK for ~$1,000 have questionable origin.. see here:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...tml#post723390

Obviously a very good deal but buy at your own conscience. Honestly, where would they get so many "refurbished" units from?

[Umai Naa!!]

When you have your radio unit replaced at the dealership, it'll be a refurbished unit from VW.

[wfdTamar]

Just a little addendum to this - the 8. Parking sensors from damian69 (now called iconicelectronics) didn't ever turn up and they won't refund or send another. Do not buy from this ebay seller.

[Transporter]

That unfortunately happens with the transactions over the internet from time to time. Some members even bought the RNS510 with wrong pin and the eBay seller didn't care.

Sent from my GT-N8000 using Tapatalk 2

[wfdTamar]

Yes it does happen, but it's how the seller handles it that is telling. Not answering emails and saying 'not my problem' is not acceptable and I think is reason to avoid that seller. They also had no proof they ever sent it.

[Transporter]

Did you get your money back from eBay?
I was caught a few times when the item was unusable quality and didn't get the refund, because of the time passed between the seller answering my request and the postage. Now, I'm more careful where I buy from.

[aussietig]

Did you get your money back from eBay?
I was caught a few times when the item was unusable quality and didn't get the refund, because of the time passed between the seller answering my request and the postage. Now, I'm more careful where I buy from.

I find the whole eBay/Paypal protection a bit of joke!

Have been stung on both sides of the equation with seller refusing to refund and buyer refusing to pay up.

Certainly as a seller, you end up cancelling the sale and letting the buyer get away, in order to avoid the eBay fees.

All you can do as a buyer is leave negative feedback and on forums to warn future prospective buyers.


That's why I like the system that Alibaba (a.k.a. eBay China) has!

Seller doesn't get paid and payment is withheld until buyer says goods are delivered.

[wfdTamar]

Since ebay reduced the time to lodge a complaint I have left it too late a few times both to dispute and to leave bad feedback. 45 days just is not long enough. In this case both, but I've lodged a transaction dispute with VISA. Don't hold much hope though it's a clear cut case. Then I have my credit card 90 day insurance.