DIY: Symphony II to RNS-E (OEM DVD based Navigation)

[AvanTTix]

This write-up documents the process of upgrading from Symphony II to an RNS-E whether it's a Euro unit (8E0 035 192 C & D) or a US unit (8E0 035 192 E & F).

for a complete list of all the differences btw a Euro unit and a NA unit, please check this thread on NavPlus... be aware that the price is significantly different btw a Euro unit (US$1,500) vs. a US unit ($2,000+), however apparently it is possible to modify a Euro unit to operate like a US unit (see the following NavPlus thread).

please note that you will need a patch NA map DVD to work with the Euro RNS-E...

i cannot guaranty these instructions may be applicable to those upgrading from a manufactory installed RNS-D (partial or full)...

although such upgrade might appear daunting, it is absolutely not. no electronic skills are required to perform this upgrade, no mechanical skills either. the whole process is really straight forward.



the actual shape of the Symphony II and RNS-E (and RNS-D) is the same, thus the RNS-E fits right in the opening of the Symphony II w/o the need for any kind of modifications... that's indeed another story of you've got a Symphony I...

further to an RNS-E unit the following parts are needed:

- RNS-E adaptor:



this adaptor is designed for a non-Bose system and is ready for the CD changer... make sure you order the adaptor that meets your needs.

- Diversity and Radio antennas adaptor:





be aware there's another style of adaptors out there, but i would recommend not getting this one... if you do, you'll have to find a way to secure the diversity antenna in its connector, and the Radio antenna adaptor will need to be jammed in to stay plugged in...
i had that adaptor at first, and decided to get the dual one, which fits perfectly... so imo, avoid the one pictured below...



- GPS antenna:



here's a couple of places where you can source these from:
. AudiZine classifieds
. NavPlus classifieds
. Euro-Parts in the States - run by BayrischerS4 from NavPlus
. Kufatec in Germany - beware of shipping costs...

- OEM Manuals:
these can be obtained from Audi of America and Audi Canada Technical Literature Ordering Center, and at US$5 per publication, these are quite cheap imo...





(...continued...)

[AvanTTix]

Now on to the actual process of installing the RNS-E unit...

i believe the pics are self explanatory, especially since i've annotated all of them... i also apologise in advance to all the purists out there if i have not used the proper terminology!!!...

- Symphony II Connections:



- Fuse Box Cover:







(...continued...)

[AvanTTix]

- Knee Bolster - Removing:





























- Knee Bolster - Re-installing

[AvanTTix]

- RNS-E Unit Connections:



- RNS-E Connector Adaptor:



- Diversity Antenna:









- Diversity and Radio Antennas Adaptor:





















(...continued...)

[AvanTTix]

- GPS Antenna:





- GPS Antenna Location:



- RNS-E Connections:





- CD Changer Connections:

wire the CD Changer harness (part number: 8E0 051 592) following the instructions provided w/ the harness w/ the only exception that the wires should be plugged in directly the Connector #1, do not use the connectors provided w/ the harness... then as far as the ground wire goes follow the instructions below...





finally the next step is to VAG the car so that it acknowledges the RNS-E unit... accessing "Module 17 - Instrument Cluster" isn't necessary if you've already had an RNS-D installed and programmed before...

now time to put your car back together, so just follow the above instructions in the reverse order...

[AvanTTix]

for those of you looking for the pics, i had to switch internet providers and unfortunately the pics went down by doing so... but you can still see all of them by checking out my corresponding "Symphony II to RNS-D to RNS-E" Fotki album... the pics are stored in the order of the installation iirc...

[Bollebus]

Hi

plz can u upload all the picture again
i realy need this guide

//Bolle

[S4King]

Need to re-host the pics.

[Headsock]

is there any way we can get the pictures back?

[AvanTTix]

Alright, finally got around to re-linking all the pictures...

[CKS]

Wow, not sure how i missed this post when i just did mine, this is great! Thanks for the link to the manual. I have a Q unit in my B7 S4. Do you happen to know which manual want?

2008 AUDI A3, A4, TT NAV PLUS RNS-E ENGLISH
or
2005 AUDI NAVIGATION PLUS RNS-E OM ENG

[BASARAB]

Alright, finally got around to re-linking all the pictures...

I was just about to say, "wow, pics are working now?!" Awesome tutorial

[NUBA4]

awesome writeup, where can I get these wiring harnesses and also antenna adapters...Also I have BOSE, they make an adapter for it as well?

[AWDsome RS4]

Wow, great post. Love the details including the pictures. Definitely will have to give this a go one of these coming months.

[colorado_avant]

I have a question about the harness; Do the passive front speak connectors have the same connection on both sides? Could i run the symphony connector straight into the RNSE? I have a bose adapter, but a non bose car.

[okhan]

Fantastic DIY AvanTTix! Here's an updated link to the Audi Technical Literature Centre.

[A4QuattroV6]

update pics please some won't load and I will be doing this soon myself :)

[rich8506]

Where can you buy wiring to run the GPS Antenna from the RNS-E unit to the shark fin on the roof?