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Hi

I'm looking to get a S4 Avant in the hopefully very near future and I was wondering how the two different sat navs compare (RSN-D & RSN-E) and also how they compare to the portable type, (Tom tom etc).

Thanks

Jim

Hi Jim,

I would go for the later RNS-E which is DVD based and has a bigger screen compared to RNS-D which is CD based. My personal preference is to go for the factory fitted system as it is more integrated and usually have better GPS reception. The RNS-E system I believe also allows MP3 playback from SD cards as well.

How to compare with a portable GPS, performance wise they are probaby similar so really depends upon the level of integration you want. One thing to consider is the portable units require a mounting in the car and this increases the chance of someone breaking in for your sat nav as it's probably in the glovebox.

Hope this helps

Pete

I fitted the RNS-E system last year and I agree with tweek, the fact that it is fully integrated is a massive bonus in my mind. It also makes the bluetooth phone operatation much nicer to use.

The system does have 2 SD card slots for mp3 playback, so no need for an i-pod connection

Did the B6 S4 come with both as options over its production time? Or did earlier cars have the earlier system and the later have RNS-E as its nav option?

Im also going to be shopping for an S4 saloon soon and the nav system is a must for me to even condsider buying the car, but I will be using an IPOD connection as all my music is in M4a (itunes format) which the units wont play from SD card and I cant be bothered to convert it all to mp3

Id prefer RNS-E as its better spec'd and looks better, but RNS-D may be a compromise

edit- Ive just seen on another site RNS-D was discontinued in 2003, does that sound about right? Then I can aim to buy a 2004 car

yes RNSD was stopped and RNSE took over. Defo get RNSE E. RNSD is not very good imo.
Had one in my RS6, and having swapped over to RNSE the different is huge
pro's
- better sound quality
- post code entry
- better maps
- better directions
- bigger screen
- SD cards
- DVD
- Bluetooth
- Modern appearance
- Motorised Screen to impress your mates

DO IT

Thanks to everybody for the info.

Just have to find the right car now with as many options as possible for a good price and then see if I can trade or move on my S2 Avant.

I hope the S4 is as reliable as my S2 has been over the last seven years.

Jim

There seem to be a couple of RSNEs on FleaBay at the moment and seeing as my new B6 only comes with a standard fit Concert I wondered if it was possible to retro fit? I guess the HVAC unit would need to move down the centre consol. Is that possible?

wingnonut.

just got myself a B6 with concert. I will be getting RNSE retro fitted.

vwcruise.com are your men (aka HazzyDaze)

I have a quote for fitting of (by the item of ebay)


Fitting Only will cost £200. This includes, Double DIN conversion, Coding Calibration and testing, Also includes S4 boot screen.

You may also need the following items.

- Double Din Cage - £35 or £90 if you have a cabrio.

- Climate Control Unit - £160 - Replace if you would like the job to look factory fitted, otherwise we can trim your existing unit no problem.

- Specialist Wiring Adaptor - £40

- GPS Aerial - £15

Cheers David!

So with the RNSE being £450 and £450 to fit it that quite an expensive GPS

Think I'll go for a Milltek first!

you dont need the new climate control unit. trimming the current one will be fine

plus, most RNSE on ebay come complete with the GPS. So iv just saved you £175 in 2 secs !

and even if you did want a oem climate control unit. You can get these on ebay cheaper than he's quoting