Nav for the B6....

[BLKDA4]

Hey guys, Im just contemplating whether to go with the RNS-E, Avic D3 or the Avic F700BT which is supposedly replacing the D3. I've read a bit about each of the units and from what I understand they all have there pro's and con's however Im completely lost as to which one would be most sufficient.

I would like the unit to be bluetooth ready, DVD compatible, navigation and it has to work with my iPhone to play music in the car. All im asking for is an opinion of which one you would put in your car and why? and for all the nav guru's could you tell me what I will need besides the unit?

I found this one here and I've had my eye on it, but there is a few companies online that sell it for a little cheaper

http://cgi.ebay.ca/PIONEER-AVIC-F700...1%7C240%3A1308

Thanks again in advance fellas

BLKDA4

[QTC]

I know nothing about the other two, but you'll need a BT module for the RNS-E, plus an external DVD player (unless you want to remove the nav disk and use that slot), and the iPhone will hook up but iirc it will only display "Track 01, 02" etc, not the name (like you would have on an SD card. The RNS-E looks the best in the car imo, because its factory, but with BT and a DVD player, you're probably looking at a $1600 setup. Hope that kind of helps; I'm sure someone can chime in with the others

[nihil]

$454.82 at amazon, very tempting.

[kevlarcupid]

From what I've seen, the RNS-E's iPod/iPhone integration sucks. It basically treats the phone as a CD Changer, and selection of artist/album/playlist/track is anything but intuitive. I know from experience that the D3's iPod/iPhone intrgration is pretty solid. I have an Alpine IDA-x100, and love it, but it doesn't meet your nav requirement. I heard that Alpine has a Nav/DVD/iPod HU coming out that's supposed to be amazing, but I never followed up to check it out.


AH! Here it is! http://www.alpine-usa.com/US-en/prod...model=IVA-W505

EDIT: I should note that I have not installed my X100 since getting my A4. It came out of my 2006 WRX, but Alpine's iPod integration is hands-down the best I've seen yet.

[b6onboost]

RNS-E: Its OEM, has the best looks, cost the most, and is the least user friendly and lacks some functionality of the others. You need a bluetooth module and ipod cable. Not touchscreen. Think you have to hack it or buy a separate DVD player for movies.

AVIC D3: Simple clean design, but still aftermarket. Touchscreen. You need a separate bluetooth module, and ipod cable. It is DVD based nav, can play DVD/CD, but only has 1 slot, so you have to choose whether you want a CD in or to have the Nav fully functional at a given time. (Not a big deal b/c who uses CDs if you have an iPod).

F700BT: Smaller screen than the D3, larger volume knob. The graphics and interface are much better than the D3. Touchscreen. The maps are much clearer. Nav data is flashed into memory. Does not play DVDs. Has built in bluetooth. You must buy an iPod cable.

F900BT: (This replaced the D3). Same as above except it plays DVDs.

[monkey323i]

I've used RNS-E, Avic-D3, F700BT all three kinds before.

RNS-E is only for pure OEM fit looks.

D3 is A LOT easier/friendly to use with loads of functions.
Not just a NAVI, but a huge easy-to-use entertainment system.
This is 21th centry, no more swapping CDs/DVD movies every time.
everything is inside in iPod and control by a simple touch on D3's screen.
(control your i-pod through headunit includling playlist/genres etc.)
watch your movies via iPod-video.
(eg. TopGear season 1, ep1/ep2/ep3, Transporter 2, sherk1/2 are all inside iPod-video and just one simple touch on D3 there goes the next clip. It is simple as that.)

also a lot of optional add-ons avilable for your need at cheaper cost.
-rear view camera
-bluetooth
-satellite radio
-video input (play PS2/Xbox 360 in ur Audi)


The F700BT/F900BT has very crispy LCD and high-end resolution.
I'd seriously consider F700BT/F900BT.


After playing with i-Drive/Command system/MMI system and compare it with touch screen unit system, you'll realize "touching is good".


another updated news:
future VW/Audi navi headunits will switch to "Touch Screen".

[AudiA4_20T]

I heart my D3

[firstars]

i have a premier F90BT its been good so far. mods out to run garmin, tom tom, igo8

[fitch303]

Good thread, im purchasing the F700BT for sure.

[firstars]

good call on the f700. Who needs DVD playback when u can playback video right from the ipod anyways? the 700 matches the interior better then the f90/f900 also. 700 is matte the higher models are glossy. The F90 has 4v pre outs vs 2 volt, includes ipod cable, and has 2 year warranty (if installed by authorized dealer) these are the only differences! the 3d landmark feature can be installed in the 700 if you dont mind doing some hacks

[ngng]

I choose the RNS over anything for it's OEM integration. I can control my ipod through the RNS and watc movies if I wanted to.

[fitch303]

OEM look is preferred, but for half the price alternatives seem like the way to go.

[BLKDA4]

$454.82 at amazon, very tempting.

For which one?

could you send me a link?

Could someone post a pic of the F700 or 900 in a B6 A4 I cant find a pic anywhere...

Ive done some more reading and it looks like the Bluetooth in these units is pretty awful, any thoughts for people who have it?

Last question. What happens to the 6-disc CD changer after you install this unit?

[tdmopar59]

OEM look is preferred, but for half the price alternatives seem like the way to go.

this is my biggest thing... if/when i change my headunit i want a navi touch screen that doesnt look out of place... whats the reccomendation?

[fitch303]

http://www.86photovideo.com/products...&show=features


My only 2 concerns I have are
1) the screen is fixed and cannot angled upward
2) I may not be able to watch video while driving.

[BLKDA4]

Ok so I called 86th Street and the guy on the phone said I need a storage card and the ipod interface cord. Is that all I need to install it in my car or do I need any additional items.

I dont mean to sound like a dick but a quick response would be appreciated I would like to order this tonight

[b6onboost]

^ for full install you need about $100 worth of extra stuff. (you can get by without some of these but here is the full list)

1. Aftermarket Head unit and adapters if needed (iPod, Bluetooth, XM/Sirius/HD Radio, ect)
2. Metra 70-1787 wiring harness (for BOSE and non-BOSE)
3. Metra 99-9102 dash kit
4. Head unit Mounting bracket. (Pioneer ADT-VA133 kit or similar)
5. Metra 40vw53 antenna adapter (if you have an amplified antenna)
6. 4 Audi/VW Stereo removal keys
7. Trim Ring. (Supplied with Head unit or Mounting Kit.)

[BLKDA4]

^ for full install you need about $100 worth of extra stuff. (you can get by without some of these but here is the full list)

1. Aftermarket Head unit and adapters if needed (iPod, Bluetooth, XM/Sirius/HD Radio, ect)
2. Metra 70-1787 wiring harness (for BOSE and non-BOSE)
3. Metra 99-9102 dash kit
4. Head unit Mounting bracket. (Pioneer ADT-VA133 kit or similar)
5. Metra 40vw53 antenna adapter (if you have an amplified antenna)
6. 4 Audi/VW Stereo removal keys
7. Trim Ring. (Supplied with Head unit or Mounting Kit.)

Thanks for the reply, any idea where I can get all these things from the same place with relatively decent prices?

All ill need is;
Metra wiring harness
Metra dash kit
Pioneer ADT-VA133
Metra Antenna Adapter (How do I find out if I need this?)
Stereo Removal Keys

TIA

[Undisputed]

Be sure to post pics of the install.