RNS-E vs Aftermarket integration

[7-Sins]

I was really leaning towards a MY2010 RNS-E but with such high pricing or shady ebay sellers the Aftermarket units are looking better & better. Looking for something like one of the 2012 Pioneer units for app/iphone integration. Wondering what peoples experience / thoughts regarding steering wheel controls, DIS, and backup camera integration.

[BASARAB]

I am not shady http://www.ebay.com/itm/320845723242...84.m1555.l2649

[naiku]

I posted a thread similar to this a while back in the B7 A4 section, the general consensus was that the RNS-E was the way to go. Main reasons being the integration and stock appearance. As of this point I don't have an RNS-E, or an aftermarket unit though.

[SacAudi]

I dont see why the RNS-E is so desirable? sure it has a clean stock look, but what else? its not touch screen, and that is a joke, the dial selector is a PIA to use... why not upgrade? you can get pleanty of OEM looking double din screens that play DVD's and do soooo much more than the RNS-E....

I get that you can see the song track and nav on the cluster, but that doesnt make it a good deck by a long shot. the new pioneer app interface, touch screen etc blows it away IMO! thoughts?

[mholme]

I dont see why the RNS-E is so desirable? sure it has a clean stock look, but what else? its not touch screen, and that is a joke, the dial selector is a PIA to use... why not upgrade? you can get pleanty of OEM looking double din screens that play DVD's and do soooo much more than the RNS-E....

I get that you can see the song track and nav on the cluster, but that doesnt make it a good deck by a long shot. the new pioneer app interface, touch screen etc blows it away IMO! thoughts?

It's just like you said, OEM and correct for the car...that's really about it. Unless you're a tech junkie that needs the latest and greatest touch screen doodads, the factory RNS units do just fine. Every factory navigation system head to head against aftermarket is going to be blown away in every aspect other than OEM integration.

[SacAudi]

It's just like you said, OEM and correct for the car...that's really about it. Unless you're a tech junkie that needs the latest and greatest touch screen doodads, the factory RNS units do just fine. Every factory navigation system head to head against aftermarket is going to be blown away in every aspect other than OEM integration.

i guess i can get that, but the RNS-E in my opinion is a joke. the touch nav in my friends 2000 acura TL absolutley blows this one away... if i paid full price for an s4 or rs4 i would be very sour at the rns-e... i had one in my b7, my b6 has the normal 6 disc changer... i like this MUCH better, you can navigate the radio better imo, as well as adjust tone...

[Dresevski]

I put a pioneer in my B6 and it plays DVDs and does everything else you could want. The color of the lights is 99.5% a match to the red interior of Audis and the kit that came with it makes the install look as good as possible. It doesn't show me the song on my dash but I never used that anyway, plus there's usually a big yellow light about a taillight out, out of gas, etc so it wouldn't show up anyway. I'm very pleased with my setup but if I could go back I would have saved the $$ and left the stock system.

[cali_audi_a4]

I installed my alpine ina-w900bt in my 08 audi a4 and i love it i plays dvd, cd, mp3, has navigation, blueetooh, and ipod conections i used the PAC after market harness with the the PAC steering wheel control so you can still control your volume and all that on your wheel it was all very expensive but its well worth it i paid almost 2g's for all of it but i suggest taking to some one who knows how to install it unless you are the type of person that likes to do it yourself it took me at least 3 to 4 hours

[jimrobbington]

I have never liked any OEM HU. Imo, they lack a lot when it comes to sound reproduction.

JR

[davis449]

It's just like you said, OEM and correct for the car...that's really about it. Unless you're a tech junkie that needs the latest and greatest touch screen doodads, the factory RNS units do just fine. Every factory navigation system head to head against aftermarket is going to be blown away in every aspect other than OEM integration.

Systems have made VAST advances in many of the newer cars. Specifically, the newest generation of Audi MMI (like the 2010+ RNS-E) is just about as good as any aftermarket HU. This from a guy who's has two Pioneers in the last two Audi's he's owned (AVIC D3 in my B7 and Z120BT in my current A3). I would've gone the RNS-E route had I bought a model with Bose in it. That said, I agree with the majority here when it comes to past RNS systems...they suck.

I installed my alpine ina-w900bt in my 08 audi a4 and i love it i plays dvd, cd, mp3, has navigation, blueetooh, and ipod conections i used the PAC after market harness with the the PAC steering wheel control so you can still control your volume and all that on your wheel it was all very expensive but its well worth it i paid almost 2g's for all of it but i suggest taking to some one who knows how to install it unless you are the type of person that likes to do it yourself it took me at least 3 to 4 hours

This is the ONLY reason I went aftermarket in my Audi's. I know how to integrate these cars and that time spent was worth the $1500 I saved. My Z120BT only cost me $1200 and that's including the Satellite Radio tuner and the two harnesses I needed. Also, if you use a Connects2 harness, you can avoid the drama and bullshit that comes with wiring up a PAC to get SWC function.

I have never liked any OEM HU. Imo, they lack a lot when it comes to sound reproduction.

I agree unless you're adding it to a Bose system. I have never heard an aftermarket head unit improve a Bose system. That's saying a lot considering they suck as-is. That's why I would've gone RNS-E if I had bought a car with Bose in it.

[jimrobbington]

Ditto on the Connects 2. It's a little pricey, but it world's like a charm.

Glad too see you are still around, Davis. Listen to this guy, he knows his shit about everything!

JR

[mholme]

Systems have made VAST advances in many of the newer cars. Specifically, the newest generation of Audi MMI (like the 2010+ RNS-E) is just about as good as any aftermarket HU. This from a guy who's has two Pioneers in the last two Audi's he's owned (AVIC D3 in my B7 and Z120BT in my current A3). I would've gone the RNS-E route had I bought a model with Bose in it. That said, I agree with the majority here when it comes to past RNS systems...they suck.

Is the MMI system that much better? I'll admit that I have zero experience with them, but I just find it hard to believe that the system as a whole stands out over aftermarket. I'm on quite a few forums just for the navigation info, and most owners (BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc.) are pretty disappointed overall, even with the newer hard drive units, so much so that they're willing to stick a portable GPS on the dash of their 60k plus dollar car to have better usability/features. Even my own mother that I convinced to upgrade to in her Passat uses her phone. I'm an OEM junkie and really could care less about graphics and what not for occasional navigation use, I can accept the short comings of the systems. As long as it plays/stores my music, gets me where I'm going and looks at home in the dash, that's all that really matters to me. But in the end, it really does come down to preference.

[ebi718]

So, what unit would you guys recommend for a C5 A6? I have read mixed reviews for the AVIC-X930BT and AVIC-Z130BT units. I don't particularly care for bells 'n whistles; as long as GPS/navigation is decent, sound output is reasonable and I can do bluetooth + streaming, I'll go for it. Plus, I'd be looking to hook up a rearview cam.

[haaggie]

for the C5/A6: go for the OEM Audi navigation unit. It's possible to enable video-in-motion, to connect a video source, and RVC. In case you want such a system contact me.

[ebi718]

for the C5/A6: go for the OEM Audi navigation unit. It's possible to enable video-in-motion, to connect a video source, and RVC. In case you want such a system contact me.

I think the OEM RNS units are boring; I have one in my VW CC. I already ordered the new Pioneer AVIC X940BT; can't wait to install it.

Sent from my PG86100 using Tapatalk

[sa_seahawker]

I like the fit, finish, OEM appearance, seamless integration with components, and the fact that it's not a horrible unit. I can remember early Jaguar GPS units that were absolutely the worst GPS unit I have ever seen...ever.

[ny tdi]

I bought a North American 2013 A3 8P eight months ago, and it came w/o bose, and no nav. I quickly bought a brand new RNS-E 193 from a company in california for $1100. This included the new RNS-E, new 2012/2013 Audi Maps, GPS antenna, and all mounting hardware.

I just sold the RNS-E this month, and I'm looking to replace it with a unit from Zenec. Here are a list of Pros/Cons for RNS-E 2010+ vs Zenec, plus my personal impressions for both.

RNS-E Pros:
-Possible Audi support
-OEM Fit and Finish
-OEM Software
-Tons of dedicated buttons
-Listen to music w/ screen completely off (many touch screen radios can not do this: The Volkswagen RCD-510 comes to mind.) -
-Keeps OEM bluetooth (OEM voice dialing is AMAZING! Cars honking, the A/C blasting, Windows open: still works, WOW!)
-Keep steering wheel controls
-Keeps Sirius
-Keeps CD changer and OEM iPod interface (important to some...)
-DIS displays Navigation information
-Screen looks fantastic (Truly, really, an absolute improvement over the MK1 unit. I mean, seriously. The difference is dramatic.)
-Free Traffic (works well on long road trips, not so well around town)
-Support for Standard SD Cards (That's important to me. Long story involving car accidents and front view cameras...)
-Great for RHD countries
-Can be DIY installed

RNS-E Cons:
-New maps are very expensive (I paid $210 extra for the OEM maps. And that was with a 25% discount, and tax free)
-Can't use copies (DVD copies of maps over-works the laser, and things start to overheat inside)
-No Video support of any kind in the USA (so no iPod video, no reverse camera, no dvd playback, no codec support at all)
-Unit is Expensive (before buying from an Audi dealer, take your money out of your wallet and burn it. That would be cheaper)
-Sucks for LHD countries (The control knobs are a bit of a reach, and I prefer buttons to Audi's steering wheel jog dials)
​-Installation requires VCDS software and vag-com cable ($250 from Ross-Tech)

RNS-E Impressions:
Software is fast, especially the sat-nav. Loads up quickly, and recalculates instantly. The Sat-Nav PIP is great for turn directions whenever you're not facing north (e.g. Map screen oriented north, you are headed south, blue-line curves to the left, PIP arrow pints to the right. Got all that? Cool!). RNS-E is easy to use, with dedicated hardware buttons for most features, so no digging through menus. Consistent look/feel to the user interface (unlike most aftermarket units where every function is a different kink of ugly!). I actually like that it's not touch screen, things stay clean and tidy, and there's no need to windex every other day. In the end, the lack of A/V support caused me to sell the unit. Having owned an MK VI GTI w/ factory RNS-510 Navigation, I found the RNS-E MK2 to be very limiting in terms of Video/DVD support. On a personal note, I've actually had to have my Audi dealer replace one of the knobs from this RNS-E (just broke off one day). Since my car is relatively new, still under factory warranty, and has VERY few miles, I made an appointment with my local Audi service advisor, and had the knob replaced for free. The advisor didn't ask where the RNS-E came from, and I certainly didn't tell him, but the knob is good as new, and I wasn't charged for the service.


Briefly indulge me while I compare Audi's RNS-E to VW's RNS-510. The main difference between the two (besides on the RNS-510 being a touch screen), is that you could do pretty much anything with the VW unit, it so long as you were willing to pay for OEM add-ons (expensive), or deal with firmware trickery (time consuming), or install 3rd party solutions (trial/error). But if you were willing to put up with any of those, the RNS-510 could do pretty much anything. Conversely, Audi's North American mk2 RNS-E won't play nice, at any price. You get what you get, and that's that. BTW, I know what you're asking yourself, and the answer is no: VW's RNS-510 doesn't work in Audi's A3 8P. Bummer...


ZENEC
OK, and now for the Zenec part of the evening. It costs about $1300, on Amazon and Ebay. Comes everything you need for installation, including iPod cable, harness, radio antenna adapter, GPS antenna, Can-bus card, and SD card for UK maps. USA maps are not included, and neither are radio removal keys.

Pros for NC3131D:
-OEM Fit and Finish
-Consistant Software (every menu looks like it was designed by the same person)
-Classic look to UI (not distracting, or juvenile)
-Tons of dedicated buttons (including one that is user-programmable)
-Listen to music w/ screen completely off (w/ dedicated button. NICE!)
-DIS displays Navigation information
-Keep steering wheel controls
-Screen looks just as sharp as MK2 RNS-E
-Free TMC traffic
-Support for Standard SD Cards
-Great for LHD (USA FTW!)
-Rear View Camera compatible
-Displays info from OEM Parking Assist when RVC not installed
-Plays video files from iPod/SD cards
-Plays DVD movies
-Has integrated bluetooth Mic (so no need to run new wires)
-Can be truly DIY installed

NC3131D Cons:
Doesn't Keep OEM bluetooth (bummer, I'll miss that lady saying "the number, please?")
Say goodbye to Satellite Radio (unless you buy a portable unit)
No support for CD Changer in the Glovebox
Audi Fanboys will know that it's not a factory installed component (I am an Audi Fanboy!)
Even more expensive than buying a new RNS-E from Ebay
USA maps are not included, they are $70
USA traffic camera data is an extra $20
The process for downloading new maps is a PIA
Tech support is in Europe (heaven help you if you ever have to make a warranty claim)


A few things about the Zenec:
It's fast, very fast, and responds almost instantly to touch. The menus look very consistent through all the menus, and the UI seems very tasteful and grown up. It has dedicated button for most of the functions, and the rest seem easy to navigate to. It's fully Can-bus compatible so you keep your steering wheel controls, and full DIS support. This means FM, Mp3, and Navigation info all show up on the DIS between the Tach and the Speedo. Overall, the unit looks very fully featured, very grown up, and very impressive. I've yet to take the plunge to buy one, but after doing a quite a bit of research, I've been able to confirm that all of the noted features actually work as promised. I've emailed vendors on Ebay and Amazon, and they've both confirmed that the feature set is as stated. I've also looked up the user manuals from Zenec's site, and all the above features are explained there. I've also compiled a list of websites and youtube videos that support Zenec's claims. I'll paste said list below so that members here can have a chance to do their own research and see how they feel about the Zenec unit.

Like I said, its the most expensive option currently available, and it does have a few downsides, but I'm really considering pulling the trigger as it has most of the things that I enjoyed about the RNS-E (fast, easy, good software, OEM look, DYI capable), but few of the drawbacks (ability to play DVD, RVC compatibility, iPod Video). I'll certainly post again once I buy/install, but until then, here's what I've found on Zenec's NC3131D so far:



-There seem to be several models-
Depending on the region where it's sold (NC3131D-ELS, NC3131D-FEU, etc.). All Zenec units seem to come with region-free dvd players (so says the user manual), so the only difference seems to be the maps that come pre-loaded. The FEU units come preloaded with maps for the European Union, for example. There is no Zenec version that is specific for North America, so you'll have to shell out another $70 for US maps, no matter which version of the NC3131D you get.


-Website confirming Navigation info on DIS-
Zenec ZE-NC3131D - Audi A3 Car AV Navigation CD DVD Bluetooth 6.2

-Website confirming the 4 differenrt models for different regions-
Zenec - Touch another World : Update-Navigation

-Zenec Brochure showing all features, confirming Nav directions on DIS-
http://www.zenec.com/uploads/media/Z...leaflet_EN.pdf

-Zenec User Manual, confirming dedicated 'ALT' hard-button for Standby Mode, (screen off while playing music)-
http://www.zenec.com/uploads/media/Z...l_EN_DE_02.pdf

-Zenec support site, confirming access to North American maps/features for purchase-
https://zenec.naviextras.com/shop/portal/chooseDevice
Note: click "Continue as Guest", then click the orange "Zenec", then chose Zenec ELS models, then click continue. You'll now be taken to a screen where you can choose which map regions to buy. The USA maps are $70. That sucks!

-Zenec availability at Amazon.com-
Amazon.com: Zenec ZE-NC3131D - Audi A3 Car AV Navigation CD DVD Bluetooth 6.2" LCD Stereo: Everything Else

-Zenec Demo confirming Navi info appearing on DIS/FIS. Video also confirms ALT button Standby Mode (listening to music with the screen off).
Navegador zenec NC3131 - YouTube
Note: Video is in Spanish, but confirms DIS function for Bluetooth Caller ID, as well as Navigation Directions.
ALT button demo at 4:40, DIS/FIS explanation at 5:40

-Park Distance Control Integration (shown on MKVI GTI)-
ZENEC ZE-NC2011D Genel Özellikler Tanıtım Videosu - YouTube
Note: Jump to 8:40

-Demo of Bluetooth Caller ID appearing on DIS
ZENEC ZE-NC3131D Bluetooth Tanıtım Videosu - YouTube
NOTE: Jump to 1:00

Ok, it's bed time. ZZzzzz (drool...)

[maristar210]

Thank you for the good information for a A3. I have a 2011 A3 and from my understanding a RNS-e is essentially plug and play, what did you need the VCDS for?

Thanks