Which RNS-E?

[IslandHydro]

Hi,

I recently purchased an 04 A4 3.0 Cabriolet w/ a Symphony II (non-sat). In looking at the various options for upgrading the HU, it has become clear to me that the RNS-E is the way to go. So, I've begun searching around for a good deal, quite a few on eBay, and one dealer in particular has a bunch and a decent eBay reputation. His prices varied quite a bit, so I emailed to ask why, he replied w/ the following explanation:

Difference is between build date and items included with navigation

$849 manufacture date 2004/5, without P&P adapters
$949 manufacture date 2004/5, with P&P adapters
$1049 manufacture date 2006, with P&P adapters
$1149 manufacture date 2007, with P&P adapters
$1149 manufacture date 2008, without P&P adapters

So, any advice on which is best? I'm not sure what the plug&play would do for me - nor what else is worth noting. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Doug

[02 A6 2.7T]

Probably the best places to start are here: http://audiforum.us/knowledge-base/7...t-dummies.html
and here: http://www.navparts.com/
As a minimum you will need the correct part number RNS-E unit, harness adapter, antenna adapter and GPS antenna.
The adapter harness required depends on whether or not your car came with a Bose system. I picked up my RNS-E locally on Craigslist. About a 2-3 hour install on my A6...

[IslandHydro]

OK, so I've read the dummies section - and I'm still not clear on whether or not I need the plug & play functionality or what is gained by the more expensive - later build dates (beyond perhaps a younger unit / in potentially better condition). To refresh - the options offered by an eBay dealer are:

• $849 manufacture date 2004/5, without P&P adapters
• $949 manufacture date 2004/5, with P&P adapters
• $1049 manufacture date 2006, with P&P adapters
• $1149 manufacture date 2007, with P&P adapters
• $1149 manufacture date 2008, without P&P adapters

What would P&P do for me? Any other gains for the more expensive units? Are these prices good, are there better out there? Any other advice?

tia
Doug

[joeycuccaro]

OK, so I've read the dummies section - and I'm still not clear on whether or not I need the plug & play functionality or what is gained by the more expensive - later build dates (beyond perhaps a younger unit / in potentially better condition). To refresh - the options offered by an eBay dealer are:

• $849 manufacture date 2004/5, without P&P adapters
• $949 manufacture date 2004/5, with P&P adapters
• $1049 manufacture date 2006, with P&P adapters
• $1149 manufacture date 2007, with P&P adapters
• $1149 manufacture date 2008, without P&P adapters

What would P&P do for me? Any other gains for the more expensive units? Are these prices good, are there better out there? Any other advice?

tia
Doug

Doug,

PP simply means they are supplying you with all of the necessary connectors to install the unit into your car. The older units have older firmware on them, however it is possible to upgrade the firmware on these units. I would simply get the cheapest one you can with the PP connectors.

[IslandHydro]

Doug,

PP simply means they are supplying you with all of the necessary connectors to install the unit into your car. The older units have older firmware on them, however it is possible to upgrade the firmware on these units. I would simply get the cheapest one you can with the PP connectors.

Perfect - thanks a million!