I'm stupid

[Jarv]

TBH Dippy, I suspect that's where I'll be getting mine from if the dealer turns around and says it's faulty.

[Fen]

I just neatly avoided the issue with mine by installing an RNS-E which doesn't need the CAN Gateway/TMC module. I didn't actually know that when I started the upgrade so it was actually a bit of a bonus.

I appreciate the RNS-E upgrade is considerably more expensive than fixing the D, but it's sooooo worth it. Having come from an e39 5 series with BMW's widescreen nav/TV/iPod/DAB (using Intravee for the last two) I found the RNS-D to be utter rubbish to be honest. The RNS-E not only beats the RNS-D but it's much better than the BMW system also; it's more like 3 generations newer in feel than just one.

[Dippy]

RNS-E retrofit was still in the R&D phase when I did my RNS-D. However I agree with you - if my RNS-D ever develops a fault then I will just go ahead with an RNS-E instead.

[Jarv]

One would assume that it wouldn't be a massive job upgrading from D to E, if you know what you're doing. Which counts me out. Anyone know of anyone who does this in the London / South East? I did send Craigyb an e-mail via his retrofit site and am awaiting a reply (I don't think he's south-East, IIRC he's Manchester area isn't he?).

[Fen]

Having blindly waded into it not having a clue what I was doing it isn't that difficult (not taking anywthing away from craigyb and others as without people who really understand it answering questions it would be a lot more difficult). I won't presume to describe the process here as many others have already done so far better than I could (though not much info on the RNS-D to RNS-E upgrade specifically I found). If you want me to PM you my "instructions" then I will do though.

Basically if you can be methodical in checking/identifying a few wires and don't mind taking out half a dozen screws and some trim you can do it yourself if you buy an RNS-E and a harness adapter.

[craigyb]

Just one thing to note, this is going into an RS4 B5 chassis and will be more difficult than the standard RS6 installation and you didn't quite do the full installation Fen, as the TV was not upgraded and depending what TV the RS4 has "B" or non "B" that could be your worse nightmare.
Four things to overcome.

1. Colour is wrong
2. Size - no A4 B5 unit ever made so A6 is installed and trimmed
3. Clocks - out of sync - cangate is required
4. TV tuner and wiring will be incompatible

[Jarv]

I pushed the corners of the envelope replacing 3 bulbs in my high level brake light.

Craig, when you say the colours wrong, do you mean the colour of the trim surrounding the unit?

As a rough idea, what would you charge to supply and fit the RNS E into my car, and how long would it take? I have the non B tuner BTW. If you'd prefer to PM me a price then that's fine.

[Fen]

Just one thing to note, this is going into an RS4 B5 chassis and will be more difficult than the standard RS6 installation and you didn't quite do the full installation Fen, as the TV was not upgraded and depending what TV the RS4 has "B" or non "B" that could be your worse nightmare.
Four things to overcome.

1. Colour is wrong
2. Size - no A4 B5 unit ever made so A6 is installed and trimmed
3. Clocks - out of sync - cangate is required
4. TV tuner and wiring will be incompatible

Ahh - good points all, I was forgetting I was outside the RS6 forum.

I'd appreciate more background on the TV issue as I'd like to have a TV in the car as I sometimes use it when waiting for SWMBO to finish shopping etc. and as the car is meant to have one...

I think I'll stop telling people it's easy when there's a lot more to it than I had to overcome right about now.

[Jarv]

My TMC issue has been fixed.

I took the car back to the dealer yesterday morning and authorised another two hours of investigation. It was a bit of a shaky start as, when I dropped the car off, the senior technician and their 'expert' in this field and the guy who started the job two weeks ago, was off all week. They assured me that someone else would be able to look at it for me, and after I expressed a wish not to pay for this guys time familiarising himself with the job, I left the car with them.

Later on yesterday, they phoned and told me that the communication gateway, or something like that, was faulty. Turned out to be a faulty TMC tuner, as I suspected from the start.

They exchanged it and included the labour for doing that in with the two hours and I collected it at lunchtime today. All is well.

So, I am happy to confirm that, in my honest opinion, Hatfield Audi are better than Whetstone Audi. I also got to drive an A6 2.7 tdi auto saloon and an A4 2.7 tdi auto Avant ('S Line no less!) for a couple of days, and though very capable cars, they are dull as dishwater compared to mine.

[Dippy]

It is a two function unit - TMC and CAN gateway.

As you noted you could have sorted this out weeks ago and just paid 50 euros for a second hand unit on ebay.de!

(just winding you up)

[Jarv]

But I wouldn't have got a free car valet.

[shineydave]

But I wouldn't have got a free car valet.

isn't that why we have kids and the pocket money system

[Jarv]

But I wouldn't have got a free car valet.

isn't that why we have kids and the pocket money system

You'd let your kids near your paintwork? Mine are only allowed in my car because they've perfected the art of levitating into their kiddy seats.

Having said that, god only knows who the dealer employs to do their valeting. After my first visit it took me 15 minutes to re-attach my Origin GPS aerial and bluetooth car kit.

[crazydave]

Did u check all fuses with a probe tester? And by the way as I own a garage and know the way Vw dealers operate I would strongly recomend you get your car out of there A.S.A.P.!! as this problem will never be sorted at a main dealer. Trust me I have worked for/with V.A.G. dealers in Canada,Czech Republic,U.S. and Ireland and I have never met a single proper good diag. guy in any of them ! There is a few extra fuses under the steering column cover as wel as a couple in the ecu housing.And the Cd based sat-nav was the ONLY Nav Option on the B 5.If u have any questions u can get me at sammotors@eircom.net.
Good Luck!
www.sam-motors.com
p.s. nevermind,I only got as far as page one of this forum ,now i see u got it sorted,but anyway use a proper independent garage next time for this sort of repair.

[Dippy]

Jarv, it took time but my problem got fixed at last! See http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... c&p=207317.
Best thing is what it cost - see http://www.rs246.com/index.php?name=PNp ... c&p=207319!