I finally pulled the trigger and installed a RNS-E navigation unit. It replaced the original Symphony Bose 6cd in dash head
unit. I had absolutely no experience doing this, soI put in a lot of time researching the forums as to whatI would be up against. EverythingI read outlined it being pretty straight forward, and that it would be basically Plug n Play.

The install indeed turn out to be Plug n Play

One thing to note is that if your car is single din, the scope of the work changes dramatically to convert to double din to accomidate the RNS-E fitment. I own an '06 A3 (8P double din), I did not have to convert.

Here are a few things I learned if you go down this road:
[ul][*]The process is truely Plug n Play if you purchase a unit that has been pre-programed to match your cars configuration. (i.e. Bose or non-Bose, satellite radio,multifunction steering wheel,etc.)[*]The RNS-E has the lastest software installed, I got version 0200[*]Thelatest 2007 US maps[*]Hard copy of the lastest 2007 Users manual[*]Your source should provide you with a pre-fabricated wiring harness (no splicing), mines is preparred for prepared for Bose or Non Bose, / CD changer / SAT radio & TEL, Phatnoise.[*]If you have satellite, make sure you have 8E0 xxx 593 D or later staellite module.[*]Get a warranty, I got 6 months, and technical support. [*]Also don't sweat the GPS antenna install location, just place it behind the instrument cluster to the left. I get an average of 7-8 satellites !!!!! You can retrofit the OEM roof sharkfin to use it (run a farka to farka cable), but a lot of work for no added value.[*]Most importantly; purchase from a trusted source...........Do your homework [/ul]
Hope this helps in your decision

__________________
2006 A3 :: 2.0T :: DSG :: RNS-E :: BT :: Sirius Sat :: Silver/w Black Leather :: O.Z. Ultraleggera 18x8 :: APR Stage II

Nice, thanks. BTW, how much did you pay for the unit?



Cheers!

__________________
A3 NOOBS look HERE!



Bone Stock!!!

1,499$

I may sell off my Symphony 6cd changer head unit if you know anyone interested.

cheers

__________________
2006 A3 :: 2.0T :: DSG :: RNS-E :: BT :: Sirius Sat :: Silver/w Black Leather :: O.Z. Ultraleggera 18x8 :: APR Stage II

Ouch! That's a new set of coilovers and s/s brake lines. I guess that I don't care if I'm lost, as long as I'm having fun getting there. LOL



Cheers!

__________________
A3 NOOBS look HERE!



Bone Stock!!!

Yea I know that's steep, but I was too chicken to go for the cheaper deals. LMAO

__________________
2006 A3 :: 2.0T :: DSG :: RNS-E :: BT :: Sirius Sat :: Silver/w Black Leather :: O.Z. Ultraleggera 18x8 :: APR Stage II

Greetings.

Newbie to this forum, but I had to join because I just purchased a 2006 A3 2.0 T.

I love it so far especially on a curvy interstate, however, the one item it did not have was the RNS-E navigation unit. Good news is that I have the double DIN (bose system). I have spent the last hour this evening researching a retro-fit, and your post was the "cherry on top" that made me feel comfortable about pulling the trigger.

Three questions for you.

1. Would you mind sharing who you purchased the complete kit from. I found three places, but I would love to use your source because of the good experience.

2. Did you happen to add the ipod interface or bluetooth capability? Do you know if that is possible with the unit?

3. Can you sync it with the controls on the steering wheel or is this a complex step to do?

Thanks so much.

Iwas really happy with the car prior to retrofitting it, once I installed the RNS-E that was the cherry on top.

What also made me happy was the fact the RNS-E sound sounds better than the OEM head unit. Answers to your questions below.

1. Would you mind sharing who you purchased the complete kit from. I found three places, but I would love to use your source because of the good experience.
[ul][*]
=> HAGGIE (email me for more details)[/align][/ul]
2. Did you happen to add the ipod interface or bluetooth capability? Do you know if that is possible with the unit?
[ul]=> I did add the Dice i-VW-t interface, connectionvia the cdc glovebox connector. Just pull out the upper left compartment in the glovebox and there is a availible cdc connector there. I have not installed the bluetooth interface yet, but I alreadypurchased itto install when I have time. You will need to perform vag-comcoding for the BT install via a Ross-Tech cable. (only use a Ross-Tech cable, NO aftertermarket cable)[/ul]

3. Can you sync it with the controls on the steering wheel or is this a complex step to do?
[ul]=> Don't waste your money on the iPod interface, using the MP3's on the head unit is much much better choice. With the iPod interface you do have control through the MFSW (i.e. volume/trackview), but the response time is a joke, and you WON'T HAVE the palylist titles displayed through the head unit. You'llend up operating theipod manuallyto make song/playlist choices.I ended up selling my Diceat a lost, I now utilize the 2 RNS-E sdcard slotsusing 2mb sd cards. Using them you will have full song title/playlist displayed through the head unit, and of course full funtionality with the MFSW.[/ul]
N o t e: if you do decide to add in a iPod interface via the use of the cdc connector, make sure you tell your seller that your RNS-E plug n play harness will need to be prepped to suit prior to purchase. Otherwise the glovebox cdc connector will not be active. Something to do with ground pigtail added into the harness.

Here is a german site that sells an interface you might want to look into, but I'm not sure what type functionality you get.I assume it's just volume/trackview too. But their iPod glovebox cradle is pretty cool.

http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_i...-8P-Sport.html

Hope this helps in your decision! [sm=happy046.gif]

__________________
2006 A3 :: 2.0T :: DSG :: RNS-E :: BT :: Sirius Sat :: Silver/w Black Leather :: O.Z. Ultraleggera 18x8 :: APR Stage II

Does anyone know if the RNSE will fit a 2005 B6 S4?