Map Upgrades for RNS-510

[Albioninoz]

I have only had my 2011 Tiguan for a couple of weeks and am hoping to get some info on map versions. I have a RNS-510 unit with the map version of 8035. Can anyone tell me how old this is? Apparently the most recent version is 8207. If my version is too old then I want to upgrade. I've seen discs for sale at Euro Car Upgrades (jku.com.au) for $49 and Camera data for $35. I was used to a Tom Tom that included cameras so I'm keen to have that on my system. Any help would be appreciated.

Cheers, Ray

[Guest001]

Wait for a few weeks as the new one usually comes out around about now. Dont know about the camera data.

[kamold]

The cameras and school zones I find useful, particularly if you are in an unfamiliar area.

[Albioninoz]

Thanks for that. I was wondering when the 2016 map would be released.

[slipshot]

I've now been informed there are no more map updates for RNS510 coming and V8 is the last we will see. Which is just lovely... Life goes on but support does not which is pretty ****e given the number of VW RNS510 units out there...

[MIG]

No way! They are still selling new cars with RNS510 units, might give my local dealer a call.

[slipshot]

It would be good to see what the dealer says - this info was from an on-line seller or maps (Navigation Australia) who would be in a good position to know this and certainly I don't doubt them but wonder what dealer say... I'm not sure that any 'new' cars still have RNS510 - only those that were built and delivered a while ago and perhaps have been sitting on the dealers lots for a while. Most would probably be registered, given to a salesman and then stuck on the used car lot after 6 months.

[MIG]

The dealer is going to call me back, the 2015 CC (current model) still has the RNS510 to my knowledge.
Still, buying a 6 month old car you would expect ~5 years worth of maps.
First traffic info now this

[slipshot]

Agree - but the 2015 CC is old stock, no longer listed on the website and yes, shocking that you can buy a new car (or even a 6 month old one) with RNS510 and never be able to upgrade your maps.

[Idle]

Same seems to apply to Discover Media — map updates for 2014 on, none so far for 2013.

[arcadelt]

Having only come to VW in the last few years, I find some of their decisions perplexing. Surely the minimum would be about 10 years of support after the last car sold with a particular system, as that would be the reasonable life of a car. But to demonstrate real customer support, life time updates until it is assessed that there are less than a small number still in existence. I await confirmed advice, but there must be some way to appeal to their better judgment?

[FJ Steve]

Having only come to VW in the last few years, I find some of their decisions perplexing. Surely the minimum would be about 10 years of support after the last car sold with a particular system, as that would be the reasonable life of a car. But to demonstrate real customer support, life time updates until it is assessed that there are less than a small number still in existence. I await confirmed advice, but there must be some way to appeal to their better judgment?

VW do not make the maps, nor the firmware.
Firmware is by Continental (the manufacturer of the RNS) and Aus/NZ maps are produced under licence by whereis (i.e. Telstra).

VW have a gun to their head, and have no control over the production/frequency of map updates, especially considering the 'low' volume of sales in Australia/NZ.

[MIG]

Just had to call back the dealer myself, the parts department has had no news on new maps and to call back in a month.

[arcadelt]

VW do not make the maps, nor the firmware.
Firmware is by Continental (the manufacturer of the RNS) and Aus/NZ maps are produced under licence by whereis (i.e. Telstra).

VW have a gun to their head, and have no control over the production/frequency of map updates, especially considering the 'low' volume of sales in Australia/NZ.

Yes, VW subcontracts, pretty much like everyone else, but it doesn't change the fact that it is their product.

I'd be surprised if what you have said about maps is entirely correct. Firstly, Whereis is a brand of Sensis, which is no longer majority owned by Telstra. Secondly, Whereis is in the business of mapping, so they will be providing map data indefinitely, and not just to VW, but a whole range of companies that require geographical information. The map data is not the issue, but the translation of it to work in particular applications - I'd be surprised if this wasn't VW's responsibility, in the same way that (say) TomTom or Mazda would have to translate map data from their providers into their specific applications. Yes, the volume of VW sold is small and those that previously chose the (very expensive) navigation option smaller, but is doesn't change that fact that once having been purchased VW has at least a moral obligation to provide updates for a reasonable time - what is reasonable is the vexed issue to decide. We'll see whether the report that they are ending support is true, but if it is, I stand by my comment that it is unreasonably early.

[FJ Steve]

and I say again...VW are a customer of the map/firmware providers. If the map providers say "Na...phuk dat, we're not doing maps for those units any more" what do you expect VW to do, in respect to an obsolete, out-of-date, no longer optioned system?

It's a commercial decision...and when that is implemented, the consumer is at the bottom of the heap.

if you took VW to court over failure to provide 'proper' service/support for a 3rd party accessory, they're just as likely to hand you the latest Garmin GPS, with Lifetime Maps and wish you well into the future.

Don't get me wrong...I'm disappointed also, but, I am a realist. I understand that my RNS (x 2) are out of date and could be replaced by the latest Android after-market units etc....but I really couldn't be bothered. besides...I never get lost. Everyone tells me where to go.