2007 Audi A3 Retro fit sat nav

DannyW

DannyW

DannyW

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Hi guys can someone help me here, I have an A3 the console looks rubbish:

like this:
image.jpg


Can anyone tell me about these units on eBay? My first thoughts are it will be tacky Chinese rubbish with a sluggish OS that crashes.. Or have things impoved?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/In-Car-DV...ics_GPSSystems_GPSSystems&hash=item3398745155

Anything else I can do? How would do the OEM retrofit? or is that too out of date now

Thanks
 
Yep they're tacky, sluglish and crash all the time :(

Only way really is to pay quite a bit to get a decent one, by which time you're pretty much at 2nd hand OEM sat nav prices like the RNS-E
 
The RNS-E is really easy to fit, you just plug it in and change some coding if the directions aren't coming up on the screen in the clocks. I think it might be slightly different if you have Bose. Watch out for stolen ones as they are a big target for thieves as they are so easy to remove. That RNS-E looks like a pretty old model, the interface will seem old and it will be a little slow, they work well enough as a Nav unit though. I think they only accept 2gb SD cards too which is a bit annoying.

From what I've seen the chinese copies seem to be a bit hit an miss, some get quite good reviews, you could probably find other users with them on an audi forum.
 
I'd like to get RNS-E but it seems expensive to do. Hazzydays website was quoting £1000 with fitting included.

Other than eBay is there anywhere else that sells them?
 
If you can get hold of the RNS-E 3G version as fitted to the Seat Exeo (and Audi R8) it's a much better unit with better 3d maps and supports 32gb SD cards. Not sure if it physically fits in the A3 though as it may have rounded edges at the top?
 
I have the Bose system mentioned above

The Chinese one on eBay I linked, on paper seems good and has a money back guarantee, might take a gamble, asked a few VAG people I know, they said they are hit and miss.
 
wildman_33 said:
The RNS-E is really easy to fit, you just plug it in and change some coding if the directions aren't coming up on the screen in the clocks. I think it might be slightly different if you have Bose. Watch out for stolen ones as they are a big target for thieves as they are so easy to remove. That RNS-E looks like a pretty old model, the interface will seem old and it will be a little slow, they work well enough as a Nav unit though. I think they only accept 2gb SD cards too which is a bit annoying.

From what I've seen the chinese copies seem to be a bit hit an miss, some get quite good reviews, you could probably find other users with them on an audi forum.
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You might need to change your CCM so check that first? Low dash below wheel off job

CCM - Convenience Control Module
 
sovietspybob said:
If you can get hold of the RNS-E 3G version as fitted to the Seat Exeo (and Audi R8) it's a much better unit with better 3d maps and supports 32gb SD cards. Not sure if it physically fits in the A3 though as it may have rounded edges at the top?
Click to expand...

I'm not aware of any RNS-E unit that does "full" 3D maps (i.e. 3D building models and so on). I think when they refer to "3D mapping" they just mean you can view the flat map in 3D mode rather than top-down 2D mode which every nav system has been able to do forever basically.

AFAIK there were only two versions of the RNS-E, the original and the updated model in 2010. The latter added a higher resolution screen, improved performance and SDHC compatibility plus some other minor improvements. The easiest way to spot the new one is the gloss black screen surround. Both were available in the A3 - the units are all basically the same, the only difference is the surround supplied with it differs.

If you can find a cheap one the RNS-E does integrate well in cars that were designed to take it as an option and the nav system is still pretty decent despite its age. I wouldn't spend a fortune on one though as it's getting a bit dated now.
 
Got another quote, even more than hazzydays. :o

Still seems overly expensive to me. I suppose I could have just bought a car with it already installed but did not think it would be this expensive. Anyone else had any luck?

Thank you for your enquiry.

We can offer the Genuine Audi High Resolution DVD RNS-E navigation system with improved graphics and faster processor so it calculates routes more quickly.
It supports SD/SDHC memory cards of up to 32GB (2GB on older models) enabling you to have up to 64GB of MP3 music.
The cost for this system is £1,550 including VAT.
Please see: http://www.satnavsystems.com/main/audi-a3-high-res-dvd-navigation-system-rns-e/ for more details.

The high resolution RNS-E is also compatible with the Audi Music Interface (AMI).
This is an iPod Connection which allows full control of your iPod via the navigation and displays full track/artist/album etc details on the navigation screen.
This option can be added for £575 including VAT.
Please see: http://www.satnavsystems.com/main/ami-audi-music-interface/ for more details.

We can also install the fully integrated Universal Bluetooth System for £575 including VAT which will give you access to your phone book, contacts, missed, dialled
and received calls through your navigation system.
Please see: http://www.satnavsystems.com/main/the-universal-bluetooth™-hands-free-mobile-telephone-interface/ for full details.

All the prices quoted include mobile installation at your home/work place and 3 years warranty.

If the navigation system is installed with Bluetooth or AMI at the same time we can offer a £95 discount.
If all 3 items are installed at the same the discount is £170.
Furthermore if you have the installation done in our workshop we can offer £120 off the total price.
We have a waiting area with WIFI Connection, Hot/Cold Beverages and plenty of magazines to read.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further information or to proceed with a booking.
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