Best after-market GPS / DVD Head unit ?

[Sharkie]

Hi guys -

will this one do the trick ??

VW RNS 510 SAT NAV RNS510 Ver C LED DVD 16:9 Golf Jetta | eBay

What do Version #s and Spec Letters mean ?

Also - what does this info mean ?

Part number: 1T0 035 680 C.

HW: H50.

SW: 2840.

Thanks again - what a great forum!!

I bought mine from this guy a year ago. Super quick service (delivery to Oz within 1 week) and no problems at all with the unit. These are real OEM RNS510s. Where he gets them from I don't know, but he's be doing it for a while with 100% feedback so legit otherwise eBay would have closed him down long ago.

I plan on buying another from him soon.

[drsmithy]

Currently trying to make the same decision for my MkV GTI. Northfield car sound in Moorooka recommended a Zenec unit which a few others here have also posted about, but no-one seems to have recent experiences with.

The other option I am considering is an RCD510, because the RNS510's Nav functionality really is pretty dismal from what I can tell, and I'm not particularly after a GPS anyway - my little stick on the windscreen Garmin would work better.

Personally I'm a little suspicious of the source behind those eBay RNS510 units, and that is giving me pause before ordering one.

Let us know how you go !

[PaulM]

Not sure if I quite agree with others. I've had two chinese units. The first one did have problems with glare on the screen, the other one doesn't as it has a high res digital screen - and after over 2 years, have had no problems.

There are 2 problems with the RNS units:
1. the satnav. On the unit I have I can run whatever prog I want. I choose to use iGO. I can update my maps regularly for Australia, which includes an incredible range of points of interest, constantly updated radar, red light locations etc etc. If you use the satnav often and it is important to you, you can't go past this.
2. the ability to add additional AV equipment. If you want to further enhance your audio environment with the addition of subs, amps etc. then the RNS will not give you the same flexability and control as these units do.

On the downside, the interface is not as good (except for the satnav side which leaves the OEM for dead).

My unit fully integrates with all steering wheel controls and MFD. Plug and play with no re-coding needed. Bluetooth works perfectly, has SD, iPod & USB connectivity. Video outputs for additional monitors (eg in the rear), reverse camera function etc etc.

TBH, I'd be torn between which one to buy if/when I need to again.

Hey Clip - can you tell us what brand you have and where you got it? Sounds like a beauty (also can we beg for a pic to see how it looks in your dash? Cheers!)

[team_v]

Currently trying to make the same decision for my MkV GTI. Northfield car sound in Moorooka recommended a Zenec unit which a few others here have also posted about, but no-one seems to have recent experiences with.

The other option I am considering is an RCD510, because the RNS510's Nav functionality really is pretty dismal from what I can tell, and I'm not particularly after a GPS anyway - my little stick on the windscreen Garmin would work better.

Personally I'm a little suspicious of the source behind those eBay RNS510 units, and that is giving me pause before ordering one.

Let us know how you go !

I haven't had an issue at all with the Navv on the RNS
And no worries with the RNS system either.

The Zenec is good but only really worth it if you use all the functional extras that come with it i.e. bluetooth, video in motion etc.

[Sharkie]

I haven't had an issue at all with the Navv on the RNS
And no worries with the RNS system either.

The Zenec is good but only really worth it if you use all the functional extras that come with it i.e. bluetooth, video in motion etc.

Aaaaargh ...... when will it end ......

All of the Chinese units are false economy. They will cost anywhere from $600 -800 and will NEVER be as good as a RNS510. The Zenec is the best non VW unit I have seen to date, but it will cost you $1200+ ......

Anybody who goes for a non VW RNS510 is pretty bad at doing sums IMO.

Genuine VW RNS510 can be had for $800. Genuine VW BT can be had for $300. All up $1100.


And I'm talking from experience ..... The screens on the Chinese units (especially) and even the Zenec is not up to VW RNS510 standards. I have had a Chinese WD-6051 for 3 months and a Zenec for a week in my car . The RNS510 has a superior interface and a screen that you can read easily even in direct sunlight.

And as far as I'm concerned the Nav is pretty good. Certainly no worse than a Garmin Nuvi I have at home.

The RNS510 also includes 30GB Hard drive space which allows you to copy music from your Ipod or SD card and play from there. Nothing else has this feature.

[TIG_Paul]

I took delivery of an RNS510 F Model early in the week (thanks to our Lithuanian friend on eBay) and will be installing her tomorrow - cost me $1100 delivered - Hope to be reporting nothign but good things Monday

[TDZ]

looks like i'm another one of those frustrated with the hunt of a good aftermarket system for the Tig, anyways has anyone got one of these?

AVIC-F9310BT Multi-sensor GPS, Entertainment & Communication System exclusively for Volkswagen, Seat and Skoda cars - Pioneer Navigation - GPS

Honestly i'm trying to steer away from the typical factory look, and would very much prefer the look of an Alpine W900 or eclipse AVN units. But given the response i'm getting from audio installers doesn't inspire much confidence especially when you end up forking out upwards to 1k on adaptors inc can bus, SWI, etc and still not get full functionality of a stock HU

Definately would like ability to hook up some decent components speakers/amps/subs

[gldgti]

I installed an AS-7609 a few weeks ago in my Octavia. 8" touchscreen, looks great. Full CANBUS functionality. Great bluetooth. Fantastic IGO8.1 GPS. Maps are a bit old but were free...(they are about 2 years out of date).

TV, radio (reception good, has an antenna booster), DVD, SD card slot, ipod cable, lineouts for everything, USB, blah blah blah.

Cost me $500 on Aliexpress.

I originally connected the CANBUS decoder wrongly and damaged it, surpisingly the aftersales service was great and they sent me a new one for $30 plus postage within 5 days.

I'm VERY happy with it. The screen is really good - easy to read and works great. I know the older chinese units have a pretty average rep (and with good reason) but the new 7609 is great value from my experience.

[gazlim]

Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. | Car Electronics > VW/SEAT/

This one looks awesome. Hope they are going to sell it down here.

[Creniac]

Hey gldgti, tell me more......

1) compared to the RNS510 screen, how does it fair in sunlight?
2) Is it fully compatible with the screen MFD in the dash (both white and the older red)?
3) do all steering wheel functions work including phone, mute?

Cheers.