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Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:46 am
by V8Fraz
The current head unit in my car is playing up.
As it doesn't have Bluetooth or DAB I was thinking of changing it.
I've see an Android unit which will go straight it - not sure if this is the way forward.
Anyone changed this unit or can suggest and alternative..............thanks.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:50 am
by Ellis
IMO best option is to replace with the later RNS-E. Have not done it myself but several other members have. Not cheap though IIRC.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 11:51 am
by asifg
Yep I've got the Parrot Asteroid in mine.

It has iGo SatNav, Waze, Spotify, TuneIn, Torque, Glympse as well as a few other Apps and Bluetooth hands-free. All touchscreen but I've bought the Unika too so I can use my steering wheel controls as well as a DAB interface as it was missing that.

A few bugs but I'm pleased with it.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:03 pm
by FaisalJ
I'm a fan of the pioneer apple carplay units; SPH-DA120 and AVH-X8700BT. I have both (AVH.. in the RS, SPH.. in wifey's Golf GTi). I'd have a look if you don't mind a non-OEM system. To my mind, the OEM options are years behind the curve and I couldn't live with the 2010 RNSE I had knowing what aftermarket options can offer.

The cheaper SPH-DA120 is a much nicer looking unit when fitted, but no CD/DVD drive (not a problem as all my current music is on my iphone).

The AVH-X8700BT has a few more features, few of which I've had any need for. Biggest difference is it supports Android Auto. However, AA is rubbish. I ended up ditching my samsung and got an iphone as apple carplay works so much better.

Both units use apple maps on your phone for nav. The AVH-X8700BT also has the option of adding a dedicated pioneer nav module.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:14 pm
by Ellis
This thread has got me thinking aftermarket. The SPH-DA120 you mention looks rather good.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:23 pm
by FaisalJ
Ellis wrote:This thread has got me thinking aftermarket. The SPH-DA120 you mention looks rather good.
Quite literally, in my opinion. The flush face and clean surround means it integrates nicely. In the Golf:

Image

Image

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 12:30 pm
by Ellis
Quite fancy this for the RS now. Can always reinstate the RNS-E should I ever need to sell.

Tell me more; would I need a fascia plate for SPH model? Installation & wiring easy enough? I haven't fitted a head unit since around 2005 :lol:

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 1:40 pm
by MikeFish
My Alpine ine-w928r is up for grabs if anyone is interested. It doesn't have dab or car play or any of that other nonsense but it is an excellent head unit and sat nav (full postcode) and you dont need to have a mobile phone tethered or signal for it to work. Also has the largest screen I've seen at 8" and fits the space the rnse leaves behind nicely especially when used with the A4 fitting kit which gives you a specially made surround to fit the gap perfectly. Still selling for over £900.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 3:29 pm
by FaisalJ
Ellis wrote:Quite fancy this for the RS now. Can always reinstate the RNS-E should I ever need to sell.

Tell me more; would I need a fascia plate for SPH model? Installation & wiring easy enough? I haven't fitted a head unit since around 2005 :lol:
You will indeed need a fascia; I got mine from connects2. There are a couple of different versions available, the one I've got at the moment is on the link below:

http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/connect ... di-a4-2002

I also had the installer spray it with a couple of coats of Tamiya model paint ("Black Rubber" TS-82 off ebay). It matches the RS4 dash colour and texture very well.

You'll also need a module to retain the steering wheel controls. I believe the installer also got this from connects2, but I'm not sure on the part no.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 7:38 pm
by SuperNik
+1 for pioneer headunits. A big leap forward from the rns-e.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Fri Feb 19, 2016 10:00 pm
by Frostie
I have the pioneer 120 car play unit also.... Best stereo I have ever owned.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 4:52 am
by alefustec
Frostie wrote:I have the pioneer 120 car play unit also.... Best stereo I have ever owned.
+1 for me too. Swapped out the old RNSE 3 months back and replaced with the Pioneer 120 - way better than anything OEM and is better than the system in the wife's 2015 evoque by a long way.

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 6:33 am
by Shinobi675
I've got the 120 in my 996, need to put an amp in, but so usable!

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:19 am
by Frostie
My brother in law has one in his RS4 too...

Re: Head Unit Replacement

Posted: Sat Feb 20, 2016 7:43 am
by rob-s
I replaced my RNS-E with the one from a RS3 (193G) and am very happy with it but it still doesn't have bluetooth streaming etc.

Perhaps the biggest downside of RNS-E in practice is the tiny little volume bottom which is for LHD drivers on the wrong side.