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05-20-2010, 04:49 AM
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New To Audi & Audi World
Just purchased my first Audi ('08 RS4 Cabriolet) and very excited about it. Just wanted to say hello and apologize in advance for all the ignorant / simple questions I may be asking in the future - I will say I am a quick study in my own defense.
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05-24-2010, 06:46 PM
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My first question will be on the subject of the stock (RNS-E W Bose) unit and its potential replacements. I am not sure if this belongs in this section of the forum but figured it would be the best place to start.
My main objection to the RNS-E unit is the lack of peripheral support (aka Ipod), lack of realtime traffic updates, and generally clunky interface with poor graphics (my '05 BMW NAV was light years better than the interface and graphics on this). Essentially I want to retain the functionality of what I have and make it better with more flexibility and functionality. I searched the forum but really found no solutions on point (yet).
I am currently looking at the Pioneer Z110BT at the suggestion of the shop installing countermeasures on my car and wondering if anyone has any experience with it or suggestions for other units?
I am also looking for opinions on the below discourse about the installation and functionality of the Pioneer unit.
This is an extract of a conversation with a representative of the company I am thinking of having do the work. The bullets are my questions followed by his responses to each and (where significant) in brackets below that are my follow-up thoughts.
* Cost (always a consideration)?
$3400-3800.00 depending on if we do Satellite radio not. Price includes custom labor, 110BT, iPod, BT, interfaceing with OEM BOSE system etc.
[I personally think this is a high estimate since you can acquire the Z110BT for around $910.00 on Amazon, but not sure how much work it takes to retrofit the darn thing]
* Loss or gain of functionality over current unit?
Little or no loss. Quite the gain with touchscreen, Hard drive Nav...
[I like the touch screen concept], okay not significant
* Does it work with current CD changer and hands free
phone equip already installed?
No, and I doubt you'd miss your changer. Pioneer comes with own BT.
* Does it work with the other installed components?
Speakers? Amps? If there are any..
Yes. We will have to interface with your existing BOSE system.
* Will it communicate information to the instrument
cluster (between the speedometer and tach)?
Unfortunately NO.
[This was a big disappointment on the idea of upgrading since I find glancing at the current head unit for information distracting and would like more information in the cluster, not less]
* Sirius?
Yes.
* Steering wheel controls?
Yes. Steering volume and track up/dn.
* Automatically switches to night mode when the vehicle
headlights are turned on?
Yes.
* Will installation of same void any warranties I have on the car?
(You may not know this, just starting with you in the exploration process)
No. Not if done by a knowlegable, experienced and competent installer. I have worked for BMW Manhattan service, and was the Manhattan Porsche Service Director from 1995-2001. I have extensive dealer experience also.
[I can verify that he has worked for BMW as that is where I got the recommendation from]
* Would it be better to upgrade to the latest version of RSN-E that Audi offers as that might be more of a plug and play with the current infrastructure?
I am not familiar with RSN-E. If it is a newer AUDI NAV radio unit, perhaps the dealer can tell you if it retrifittable to your 2008.
[I plan on checking with the dealer tomorrow]
Pioneer link:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ms/AVIC-Z110BT
Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-Z...4753980&sr=8-1
Let me know if you have any thoughts and apologies if these questions are sophomoric or not as thoroughly research as they should be.
Regards,
Pete
My main objection to the RNS-E unit is the lack of peripheral support (aka Ipod), lack of realtime traffic updates, and generally clunky interface with poor graphics (my '05 BMW NAV was light years better than the interface and graphics on this). Essentially I want to retain the functionality of what I have and make it better with more flexibility and functionality. I searched the forum but really found no solutions on point (yet).
I am currently looking at the Pioneer Z110BT at the suggestion of the shop installing countermeasures on my car and wondering if anyone has any experience with it or suggestions for other units?
I am also looking for opinions on the below discourse about the installation and functionality of the Pioneer unit.
This is an extract of a conversation with a representative of the company I am thinking of having do the work. The bullets are my questions followed by his responses to each and (where significant) in brackets below that are my follow-up thoughts.
* Cost (always a consideration)?
$3400-3800.00 depending on if we do Satellite radio not. Price includes custom labor, 110BT, iPod, BT, interfaceing with OEM BOSE system etc.
[I personally think this is a high estimate since you can acquire the Z110BT for around $910.00 on Amazon, but not sure how much work it takes to retrofit the darn thing]
* Loss or gain of functionality over current unit?
Little or no loss. Quite the gain with touchscreen, Hard drive Nav...
[I like the touch screen concept], okay not significant
* Does it work with current CD changer and hands free
phone equip already installed?
No, and I doubt you'd miss your changer. Pioneer comes with own BT.
* Does it work with the other installed components?
Speakers? Amps? If there are any..
Yes. We will have to interface with your existing BOSE system.
* Will it communicate information to the instrument
cluster (between the speedometer and tach)?
Unfortunately NO.
[This was a big disappointment on the idea of upgrading since I find glancing at the current head unit for information distracting and would like more information in the cluster, not less]
* Sirius?
Yes.
* Steering wheel controls?
Yes. Steering volume and track up/dn.
* Automatically switches to night mode when the vehicle
headlights are turned on?
Yes.
* Will installation of same void any warranties I have on the car?
(You may not know this, just starting with you in the exploration process)
No. Not if done by a knowlegable, experienced and competent installer. I have worked for BMW Manhattan service, and was the Manhattan Porsche Service Director from 1995-2001. I have extensive dealer experience also.
[I can verify that he has worked for BMW as that is where I got the recommendation from]
* Would it be better to upgrade to the latest version of RSN-E that Audi offers as that might be more of a plug and play with the current infrastructure?
I am not familiar with RSN-E. If it is a newer AUDI NAV radio unit, perhaps the dealer can tell you if it retrifittable to your 2008.
[I plan on checking with the dealer tomorrow]
Pioneer link:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ms/AVIC-Z110BT
Amazon Link:
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-Z...4753980&sr=8-1
Let me know if you have any thoughts and apologies if these questions are sophomoric or not as thoroughly research as they should be.
Regards,
Pete
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