Aftermarket head unit to replace RNS-D

[skyegtb]

Hello, I know this topic has been covered many times in the past, but wanted to know what the best choice is to do a complete plug and play swap for my RNS-D to something much more modern. Can a replacement system fully incorporate with the dashboard display and not give any errors or fault codes? Will the original 6 disc CD player work with the new unit? Is there a unit out there that will literally plug in to the current wiring in the car with no need for alterations? I would fit the new unit myself and would prefer to avoid chopping any wiring if possible.

[benh999]

I second this post... needs to function fully with the BOSE

[Ajc]

There are plenty of aftermarket units avalible that give younalsorts of new options , there is even some that look like the stock unit but run on android and give you maps,dab,internet, streaming and many other options for what o would consider very little money in the scheme of things . However the amp quality isn't all that .
With regards to wiring. Yes you can buy adapter leads that plug straight into the original loom ,so no need for cutting and it's really is a straight forward install .
Dash communication is a tricky one as I believe it's actually a canbus input so I'd be supprised of there is any headunits that will talk too it and display on it . However i could be wrong and I'm sure a Google search would tell you what you need too know .
The only thing that has been know too cause an issue is some leads don't turn off the bose amp and it can drain the battery . That said it's an easy enough fix and only involves a single wire too be moves too an ign live .

[Mɐʇʇ]

I've had my Pioneer SPH-DA120 installed for about 3 years now and I'm 100% happy with it. So much so, I've also installed it in the other car as well now. I don't use the in car disc player - so stone age - I just use spotify or apple music on my phone - but it sounds good, does turn off the amp, does dim with the lights, does have a reversing cam, can have a remote fitted (I've not, yet), and gives you full Siri, Applemaps, Carplay & Spotify. Love It!

[simonpoulton]

On Matts recommendation I got the same one. It was pretty easy to fix and it’s a fantastic head unit. As mentioned, it’s apple car play so you need an iPhone and it mirrors certain apps when your phone is plugged in. Can’t fault it, even crapple maps is actually really good as a sat nav. Has things like speed limits showing up.

[skyegtb]

Thanks for the reply's guys. The SPH-DA120 looks nice, but as an Android man, not really what I'm looking for. Does it come with the correct surround to fit the dash perfectly?

[benh999]

If it’s compatible with the BOSE this will be my purchase. Do you need a canbus /loom adaptor?

[Mɐʇʇ]

I can confirm it is plugged in to my factory Bose amp & speakers. My car was previously RNS-D.
You do have to buy, (or make) the right leads though - some people miss that, buy the wrong ones and then can't connect.

What I really liked about this headunit is that it's really plain, so fits in quite well with the older style dash. Moreover, the setting the touch sensitive button colour to red matches the car illumination well.

[Mɐʇʇ]

It also supports Android and has appRadio mode - although obviously you don't get to apple carplay and not having an android device, I know very little about that side of things.

Thanks for the reply's guys. The SPH-DA120 looks nice, but as an Android man, not really what I'm looking for. Does it come with the correct surround to fit the dash perfectly?

[skyegtb]

Great advice, thanks. Are you aware of a seller who sells the unit along with the correct adaptors and of course the correct face plate?

[skyegtb]

I found this one in Germany. The price is good and it appears to come with the correct face plate, just not sure if the wiring is RS6 specific. I will mail them to confirm.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Pioneer-USB- ... SwhDRZ32cn

[mikep99]

tbh, if you're an Android man, I'd look for a unit with Android Auto compatibility.
There's a few out there now for about £500 or less by Sony/JVC/Kenwood...

[Mɐʇʇ]

Good call.

[mikep99]

This is one that caught my eye a few weeks ago while I was bored and looking around:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Kenwood-DMX- ... SwnF9Y7jJG

[Mɐʇʇ]

Yeah, that looks decent.
There's 4 reasons I like the pioneer.
1. I like the absence of buttons - since the buttons'll never match the car, no buttons is a good bet.
2. No gizmo <beep> I don't want - no mechanics in it
3. It was the one of the very first aftermarket carplay headunits at the time.
4. I generally do just quite like pioneer stuff, even if it's not of the same calibre it was 20+ years ago - of my 5x cars, 3x have pioneers in and the other 2 don't have stereos at all.