[Daveykid]

When I originally spoke with a few guys on the Audiworld board about the installation of the A6 US RNS-E version, I was of the impression it was a relatively easy "plug and play" installation with the availability of the Kufatec adaptor.

I then read AudiA4B6US's response to audirs6sport, and in particular referencing the installation procedures posted on this site by Justin http://www.navplus.us/forum/viewtopic.php?p=208&highlight=#208, it seems to have gotten quite a bit more complicated. So, my questions are:

1. Can anyone tell me if the directions/instructions are in fact similar to what I would have to go through for my RS6?
2. Why would I need to install yet another Nav antenna when I already have the shark fin? Is it a different plug? I'm wondering if Kufatec doesn't make an adaptor for that as well.
3. I know I lose the in-dash CD player but I'm assuming I'll still have the Satellite radio feature??
4. I couldn't find it yet on this site so does anyone know the part numbers for the Euro tire pressure monitor adaptation to the system? I'm having my new rims and tires put on soon and it would be good timing to have the hardware installed on the rims at that time.

I'm not exactly an expert when it comes to these things so what was once a relatively simple plug and play now sounds a little more complicated. Assuming it is still a simple swap, I might consider doing it. My local dealer on the other hand has told me they would consider the installation for me and no, it wouldn't void any of Audi's warranty even though it's technically not a part made specifically for the RS6. I'll just buy the parts and they'll charge me labor.

TIA for anyone's positive input!!

Daveykid

 

[AudiA4B6US]

Daveykid,

The only reason why I recommended to get another GPS antenna was because it might be easier to install. If you have the small BNS navigation system, your navigation unit is installed in the back (left side of the trunk). You would need to route an extension cable from there to the front where your Symphony radio is installed. The new RNS-E does no longer need the external navigation device in the trunk. Therefore it might be easier to do what Justin did and simply install a new GPS antenna, especially because you have to get behind the instrument cluster anyway to get the speed signal.

If you go ahead an upgrade to the RNS-E, you should disconnect all cables from the BNS navigation unit and update your car's configuration via VAG-COM to match the new setup.

VAG-COM will allow you to configure the RNS-E for SAT radio but in my case (EU unit) the RNS-E did not show the sat radio being installed (might have been because we were missing some wires when testing, or because the EU unit doesn't support sat radio). I have to get my adapter cables to confirm whether or not it's working. So far I can only assume that the US unit will support sat radio and the EU unit may do so as well. Everybody feel free to correct me or confirm that sat radio is indeed working with either the US or EU unit.

I have learned that the tire pressure monitoring system in the A3/A4 does not use the RNS-E to display the status (just the DIS). This feature is limited to the A6/A8 MMI system which is deeper integrated into the car's network. Therefore it is unlikely that we will be able to get this nice feature added to our RNS-E systems (including the A6 C6/Allroad which is using the RNS-E and not the MMI system). I'm still hoping that it can be done because the LOADING.KWI (part of the firmware of the RNS-E) shows text referring tire pressure monitoring. But it's to early to say.

Justin's write up is currently the best and most detailed for the RNS-E, it's only missing the VAG-COM changes required for the car. I'm sure there will be more as people are joining us and install the RNS-E in various cars.

I'm certain that it can be done in your RS6 fairly easy and mostly plug-and-play. But if you get charged by the hour for labor, you may want to wait until someone did it in the same model.

I hope this helps to make a decision.

 

[Daveykid]

Thanks for the explanation...

That makes sense about the antenna. I guess I wasn't thinking. One last question, I'm assuming any Audi dealer that has the RNS-E version (Clair Parts) will also have an antenna? I could order through Kufatec, but why if I don't have to. And what a PITA to have to pay by check or M.O. only on their website? What are you supposed to do, mail them the money order or check and hope they match it up with the order? I can't believe no c.c. orders in this day and age. Maybe it's because I'm new to their website, who knows.

 

[AudiA4B6US]

The GPS antenna is not OEM, you will need to get one aftermarket with the right plug (Fakra and not SMB).

Kufatec accepts PayPal (although they don't say it on their web page). Their web page is made for the German market and in Germany such things get usually paid by direct deposit between bank accounts. Ralf (the other guy who has an adapter and antenna) accepts PayPal too.

 

[Daveykid]

Thanks again for the info...

I can't figure out how to get ahold of Ralf. Tried ebay.de and searched for his name, but nothing, not to mention I can't read any of it. (I'm not a big ebay'er so maybe there's some trick to reading German? :? )

I could do PayPal but they don't even give you a link to download your info so I'm back to calling them? I guess I could e-mail them.

The price you pay for cutting edge technology!

 

[fritzner]

you can find Ralf @ [email protected]..

i exchanged emails with him a while back, he was one of the 1st to have adapter harnesses for the RNS-E.. he was very helpful and responded quickly..

 

[PetrolDave]

I got my Symphony II to RNS-E adapter and GPS antenna from Ralf - he's very helpful and responds quickly.

 

[Daveykid]

Thanks guys!

As always, a very helpful bunch!