RNS510 - Do i need a CANBUS upgrade for the MY07 MKV R32??

[hoffie82]

Hi All, i have done a search on this forum and cant get a straight answer on this.

Do i need to Upgrade anything before i attempt to install a Version C, RNS510 (With latest firmware)??

As some of you are aware, these units can be purchased off eBay for around the $1,100 mark landed which i think is brilliant value, however i hear if i need to upgrade my CANBUS (to avoid the dreaded battery drain) then it will cost a few hundred $$ more.

Can anyone give me some correct advice??

Also, is the Bluetooth module for this unit a worth addition? It is about $500 extra which i think is very steep!

Finally, i would like your 2 cents if you have this unit already installed and regret it! I.e. would have installed something else if you could go back in time!!

Cheers,
Paul

[aristocrat]

Hi Paul, you will need a Vagcom to scan your canbus version. It has to be revision L or higher to avoid the battery drain issue if you opted to install the latest software on your RNS510. I believe if you want to keep SW1100, then there will be no issue with battery drain.

I did exactly what you wanted to do, purchased a RNS510 off eBay, installed and reprogrammed the car so that it knows there is a RNS in it, and I don't have an issue with battery drain. I have a higher than L revision canbus in my MY09 car.

I have no regrets in buying the RNS. Its the best value for money now on eBay, knowing that as an option when you order the car, its an extra $3000.

Maverick has a good write up on battery drain issues on his website, you should check it out.
Upgrading 2nd generation radios (RCD 300, RCD 500) to 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510) power drain issue | my-gti.com

Regards

[hoffie82]

Hi Paul, you will need a Vagcom to scan your canbus version. It has to be revision L or higher to avoid the battery drain issue if you opted to install the latest software on your RNS510. I believe if you want to keep SW1100, then there will be no issue with battery drain.

I did exactly what you wanted to do, purchased a RNS510 off eBay, installed and reprogrammed the car so that it knows there is a RNS in it, and I don't have an issue with battery drain. I have a higher than L revision canbus in my MY09 car.

I have no regrets in buying the RNS. Its the best value for money now on eBay, knowing that as an option when you order the car, its an extra $3000.

Maverick has a good write up on battery drain issues on his website, you should check it out.
Upgrading 2nd generation radios (RCD 300, RCD 500) to 3rd generation (RCD 210, RCD 310, RNS 310, RCD 510) power drain issue | my-gti.com

Regards

Thanks heaps for the info.

This maybe a stupid question, but can i tell what version CANBUS i have without a VAGCOM??

Also, the seller of the RNS510 has told me he can sell me a version B instead of the newest version C and i wont have a problem. Whats the difference between the two? Just firmware??

[aristocrat]

Mate, AFAIK, don't think you can tell the version of CANBUS without VAGCOM, short of taking a drive down to your dealer and getting it hooked up to their VAS machine. That would tell you the version of CANBUS.

I don't reckon Version B vs Version C makes a difference, it is the SW version apparently. If the SW version is 1100 or below, it won't drain the battery, but if you were to go to the 2660 and 2720, then you'll have a problem. I don't know how or why, perhaps a PM to Maverick might resolve some of your questions. Unfortunately, that's the limit of my knowledge with the RNS. Hope it helps.

Furthermore, regarding your bluetooth addition, I'm also investigating into it as well. Yes, it does cost $500, but then if you need it, you'll need it. But if you think you can live with a bluetooth in-ear headset instead, that's surely a cheaper way out and probably you own one of those already. For me, as I don't have many calls on my mobile, but on the occasion when a call comes through whilst you're driving or if you want to call someone whilst you're driving, there's nothing better than one of those 729 units that fully integrate with your RNS and steering wheel. Unfortunately, the finer things in life cost - and we're forever chasing the dole to afford them.

Next on my list has got to be the OPS and Reverse camera and then the bluetooth module. After I recover from that, probably then swaybar, CAI, ECU and Haldex. The list goes on and the hole in the pocket gets bigger...

Good luck with your mods and let us know how you get on.

Cheers

[hoffie82]

Mate, AFAIK, don't think you can tell the version of CANBUS without VAGCOM, short of taking a drive down to your dealer and getting it hooked up to their VAS machine. That would tell you the version of CANBUS.

I don't reckon Version B vs Version C makes a difference, it is the SW version apparently. If the SW version is 1100 or below, it won't drain the battery, but if you were to go to the 2660 and 2720, then you'll have a problem. I don't know how or why, perhaps a PM to Maverick might resolve some of your questions. Unfortunately, that's the limit of my knowledge with the RNS. Hope it helps.

Furthermore, regarding your bluetooth addition, I'm also investigating into it as well. Yes, it does cost $500, but then if you need it, you'll need it. But if you think you can live with a bluetooth in-ear headset instead, that's surely a cheaper way out and probably you own one of those already. For me, as I don't have many calls on my mobile, but on the occasion when a call comes through whilst you're driving or if you want to call someone whilst you're driving, there's nothing better than one of those 729 units that fully integrate with your RNS and steering wheel. Unfortunately, the finer things in life cost - and we're forever chasing the dole to afford them.

Next on my list has got to be the OPS and Reverse camera and then the bluetooth module. After I recover from that, probably then swaybar, CAI, ECU and Haldex. The list goes on and the hole in the pocket gets bigger...

Good luck with your mods and let us know how you get on.

Cheers

Ok, so i have purchased the latest RNS510 and WILL need a CANBUS upgrade. I hear that they can only be bought off a VW dealer for the rip-off price of $450!!

Does anyone know where else i can buy one from?? What should i be searching for (model number etc)? I have tried eBay but cant find anything.

Help please.

[hoffie82]

Actually, i just found this on eBay:

VW OEM CANBUS gateway 1K0907530AD 1K0 907 530 AD AA S L: eBay Motors (item 300437091377 end time Jul-13-10 00:39:02 PDT)

Is this all i need? I have no idea if this is a version "L" or better?

[oas]

How did you go mate?
Were you able to use a Version C RNS 510 in your 2007 model Golf?

I'm looking at doing the same thing on a 2006 Golf GTI

Found this thread on vwgolfnet for where to purchase a new(er) canbus gateway if you haven't yet bought one
DIY - RNS510 Install

Newer canbus unit can be purchased from skodateile@seznam.cz
I picked mine up for roughly 91 euros shipped to the door from overseas. Shipping took roughly 2 weeks.