RNS-C is perhaps one of the best GPS systems out there (minus the GUI interface). If you're lucky enough to have all the C-NAVI CD's for all states, it's pretty accurate and evidences hardly any lag (i.e. missed exits because of syncing delays). Downside is obviously a painful interactive experience because there's no big navigation lcd to look at with all the pretty colors and every choice requires scrolling through the alphabet to spell out a destination. Also, they don't make updated CD's for this system anymore (I believe that least update was 2002? before they switched to RNS-D, then RNS-E, and so on). So those can be a PITA to find for the car and $$$$$$ to say the least for outdated maps. But for general location searches, it's great.
As for working parts, check your trunk for the Navigation disc drive. It's mounted with the cd changer if you have it. If you can find a C-Navi CD for your state, pop it into the Navigation Drive and start the car.
To start navigation, click on the NAV button on the center console. The LCD readout above your steering wheel should evidence that you've chosen to begin navigation, and then simply rotate the navigation knobs to make your choices. Pushing down on the knobs selects the option that is pointed to by the arrows on the LCD.
It's a tedious process, but it works. And good.
If nothing happens when you do the above, then perhaps your navi system has been disconnected or (sigh) something's busted.
That GPS "nipple" on the rear trunk actually gets quite a few looks and both good/bad comments. Some people have even said "cool" when they see the engraved "GPS" on the dial. It's different, uncommon, and subjective (not everyone likes it, but to each his own right?).
It was the most accurate car navigation system for it's time (IMO). This is before all the newfangled color widescreen super-duper navigation systems (dvd-based, mp3 capable, etc...) came out.
If you don't like the "nipple", that's a difficult situation, because after all these years, the paint underneath will likely be a different shade than the rest of the car. Also, I'd have to double check, but I think the nipple is not just "glued" to the trunk, but perhaps screwed or bolted down so that it doesn't pop off while driving.
I have the 2001 A6 4.2Q with Navi...and for me, it's great.
Btw, I did go out and buy a Garmin Nuvi 660 for the nice color LCD widescreen, text to speech and updated maps.
A lot cheaper than getting the RNS-D/E mod for $1500 or more.
Although RNS-E does look pretty. Won't deny that.
But on a car that already cost $60K new back in 2000, I just couldn't justify spending any more money on her today other than functional mods and maintenance (brakes, suspension, etc.).
I wouldn't think that the time and effort for you to remove all this would please you in the end, given all the cleanup necessary and expense involved. But I guess if it really bugs you, then I wish you the best in resolving this issue.
Cheers.
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