RS4 (B7) Stereo/navigation in RS4 (B5)?

[Särås]

What do i need?
Im looking to get the big new headunit in my RS4 (b5) and i have seen some one that have it, so what do i need?
Thanks!
/Jimmy

[Virdee Autos]

You need an RNS-E unit from an Audi A6 as it has a wider faceplate. Or if you plan to modify the faceplate (widen it), then the A4 one will also do.

Even with the A6 unit you will have a slight gap on either side. And also the bottom of it has to be chopped slightly.

You will also need to tap the CAN wires at the instrument cluster, or swap the pins at either end (radio and cluster) as per one of the installation guides on the net.

And lastly a appropriate wiring loom/converter, and GPS aerial.

Virtually plug and play with all of the above (minus the CAN wiring), bar some coding which can be done with VAG-COM.

[R5YUG]

Any chance you can post some pictures of your RNS-E install R33? TIA

[Virdee Autos]

Sure!




Looks much better in the flesh! Poor pics aswell couldn't get the carbon to show properly

Edited to say mine has been modded accordingly to fit the B5 centre console, and also to say that its a cracking unit. I also have the Audi BT module on it aswell.

[R5YUG]

TREMENDOUS: I'm very impressed with that R33!
A couple of questions if you don't mind:
- Providing the CAN bus is connected, does the unit interact with the DIS in a similar way to the MFD
- Is the factory CD changer compatbile?
- Did you retrofit it yourself? - Is there a comprehensive FAQ on the net somewhere?
- How big are the gaps before you trimmed in carbon - any pics - Did you have to modify the cage as well?
- Do you mind giving me a rough idea of what you had to buy - looms etc. and cost including the BlueTooth module so I can add them to my Xmas list
- Is there a digital TV tuner available that you know of?

Sorry to throw all these questions your way
Thanks in advance, Guy

[nickelvery]

Was that Caron Fibre surround made in London for you? I have black piano type stuff in my RS4 and was wondering if anyone knows if I can get a surrond made out of that.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

[Virdee Autos]

TREMENDOUS: I'm very impressed with that R33!
A couple of questions if you don't mind:
- Providing the CAN bus is connected, does the unit interact with the DIS in a similar way to the MFD
- Is the factory CD changer compatbile?
- Did you retrofit it yourself? - Is there a comprehensive FAQ on the net somewhere?
- How big are the gaps before you trimmed in carbon - any pics - Did you have to modify the cage as well?
- Do you mind giving me a rough idea of what you had to buy - looms etc. and cost including the BlueTooth module so I can add them to my Xmas list
- Is there a digital TV tuner available that you know of?

Sorry to throw all these questions your way
Thanks in advance, Guy

No problems at all

- Yes the unit does interact with the DIS, showing the radio station, and all necessary arrows/info for the Nav. You just have to code it via VAg-COM or equivalent after installation

- My CD changer is throwing up a fault code, but I think this is to do with the wiring adapter I bought. Will be looking into this shortly. I think it's just one of the wires on the original red 10pin connector which is not right.

- Yes retrofitted it all myself. There is a good guide on the net, which I can link you to if you are need off. There are 2, which I looked at both

- Unfortunately I don't have no pics of the unit when I bought it originally or in the car. But there are some pics on several site showing the gaps. Around 2-3mm on each side. Doesn't sound much, but once fitted looks so poor IMHO. No offence to anyone who has it installed like this. Also the fascia colour of the RNS-E is grey, and not black like the B5. Carbon overcomes both of these problems. No modifications to the cage at all providing you already have the double DIN cage, i.e. Symphony unit. If not then you need to source a double DIN cage.

- As mentioned you need an RNS-E unit preferably A6 especially if you intend to fit it as it is. Then a suitable wiring adapter as the RNS-E uses a Quadlock type of connector in lieu of normal ISO's. You also need a GPS aerial to make the Nav function, and a aerial adapter. The person who I bought my wiring adapter included the aerial adapter aswell.

Then for the BT you need a BT module from Audi, the Mic, and also need to devise your own BT loom. Again I can provide necessary info for this. And lastly some coding via VAG-COM or equivalent. Cost was around £250-300 for all the BT parts if memory serves me right.

- Yes an aftermarket digital TV tuner can be used, but after speaking to my mate who owns a large audio company, he advised me that i'd be wasting my money. Something about the digital signal; you either have signal and thus a picture, or no picture at all!

I think thats about it. Any queries let me know.

[Virdee Autos]

Was that Caron Fibre surround made in London for you? I have black piano type stuff in my RS4 and was wondering if anyone knows if I can get a surrond made out of that.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

Yes it is done in London. Black Piano is totally possible.

[nickelvery]

Was that Caron Fibre surround made in London for you? I have black piano type stuff in my RS4 and was wondering if anyone knows if I can get a surrond made out of that.

Thanks in advance.

Nick

Yes it is done in London. Black Piano is totally possible.

Who do I need to get in touch with for the RNS-E surrounds?

Thanks in advance

Nick

[R5YUG]

think thats about it. Any queries let me know.

Thanks for the excellent response - I'm going to make the plunge and do a similar install.
I've had MFD and MFD2 systems in the past, how would you rate the RNS-E system over other aftermarket ones? I must admit having driven the RS4 through london today with my poxy Tom Tom in my nokia phone, I miss the days of an interactive NAV with the DIS.... And now that you have confirmed you can code it to work on the older clocks it's almost made my decision easier to make.

BTW, what was

As and when I do the install I'll post on here...

Thanks again YUG

[R5YUG]

I must have been half alseep posting the above -
I was supposed to say BTW - what was the rough cost of the carbon cover ? I have contacts who work with carbon so I may be able to have a go myself - A really clever idea R33!

You will also need to tap the CAN wires at the instrument cluster, or swap the pins at either end (radio and cluster) as per one of the installation guides on the net.

Can you confirm if you had to tap in or did you buy the Kufatec Can simulator? http://www.kufatec.de/shop/product_info.php/info/p790
I'm just waiting for a reasonably priced Bluetooth module to appear now

[Virdee Autos]

Will reply to your PM shortly

Carbon lamination cost me £350. Thanks for the kind words....to be honest I was surprised no one had done it sooner. I was screwing that hopefully no one would do it before me!

The RNS-E is probably on par with the VW MFD2, only reason I say that is because I haven't used a MFD2 which had a BT connected onto it, and also haven't used the latest DVD based MFD2. IMO certainly a better looking unit than the MFD2. And alot more stylish. Probably better than the aftermarket systems due to the integration with the DIS.

I tapped the CAN wires at the instrument cluster. You don't need a CAN emulator, as your car DOES have CAN.

[mariocee]

where can I buy a carbon fibre look RNS-E unit. or is it custom made. If so, who does it?
thanks