How to: Upgrade to an RCD510 in Mk6 Golf

[rs73]

Thank's Rob. I already have RCD510 (MK6 GTI) just thinking to go down the RNS510 path... existing bluetooth is on RCD510 - dealer fitted with phonebook display on the MFD, so that needs to be recoded again?

[Rob Burns]

It shouldn't as the bluetooth module will be the same and the coding will only be changed in the diagnositic databus interface (I think that's what it's called) to tell the bluetooth module to communicate with the RNS instead of RCD.

[rs73]

sounds complicated... maybe I should just get a windscreen suction cup navigation plus an aftermarket RVC either a pen style above number plate and find a way to somehow have the output displayed either on RCD510's a/v in screen or another 2nd mini lcd screen somewhere...

the price to pay for not willing to wait 6 months for a custom order one and grabbing just whatever demo car left available...

[Rob Burns]

The coding itself takes less than a minute to do, you just need the VAS5051b/5052 (or VCDS) to do it.
If the dealer is doing the install then they'll obviously do the coding at the same time. Even if you do the install yourself you can always give your local dealer a call and ask them if they'll change the coding for the blue tooth. I'd be surprised if they declined.

[rs73]

Just a quick update - I took the plunge and ordered the RNS510 thru ebay from eastern europe, and installation was indeed a breeze swap (buying trim removal kit/tool from ebay also help to remove dash part). RNS510 works straight away, and since I've also bought VCDS cable recoding is relatively easy to enable the compass on my MFD...

Lost the RCD510 6-CD changer functionality, however it's a tradeoff that's replaced by RNS510's ability to store 20GB worth of MP3/WMA music in its internal HDD space (10GB used by Aust V3 map). Internal fan can be audible after about 20min drive when it kicks in as operating temperature raises, something that RCD510 don't have internal fan due to not having an internal HDD. I guess RNS510 need that with the heat generated from internal HDD and probably its internal processor requiring more processing to do GPS navigation function.

Overall all is good, happy with the swap... now to get my hands on the RVC is looking like an even bigger challenge!

[sharkablue]

I upgraded from the RCD 510 to the RNS 510 and the 9W7 Bluetooth kit. Both of these were ordered off Ebay from the UK. All arrived in about 1 week in perfect condition.

I had my local VW dealer installed and code my car to use the parts and everything is working perfectly.

Voice Activation
Compass
Directions on the MFD
etc etc.

But that also means I now have a bearly used RCD 510 lying around... What are peoples thoughts on this? Is it worth keeping the original parts that came with the car? Or is there really no point?

I was looking at getting Extended Warranty on my car down the track, so does that void it?

[m_f]

I upgraded from the RCD 510 to the RNS 510 and the 9W7 Bluetooth kit. Both of these were ordered off Ebay from the UK. All arrived in about 1 week in perfect condition.

I had my local VW dealer installed and code my car to use the parts and everything is working perfectly.

Just curious - how much did that cost you? I'm assuming the maps came from the Ebay sale and not the dealer?

[sharkablue]

The RNS510 was $1200 shipped to Australia. I got the newer style of RNS510 with LED screen and the star button on the top right hand side.

There are older units that don't have this which you can get for about the high $900's onwards.

The 9W7 Bluetooth was $380 I think it was an extra $15 for shipping. But it came with everything and was sealed.

The maps on the RNS510 were pre loaded and are the current v3 maps got Australia and New Zealand.

I went out of my way and bought a V3 DVD from eBay. It is just purely there to have incase something goes wrong with the GPS maps on the RNS510 harddrive. That set me back $200 from eBay.

So overall it is alot cheaper then what any dealer could offer you. The catch is, that warranty on the actual products obviously cannot be offered. There IS warranty on the labor involved in the installation however.

The RNS510 came with a 1 year warranty, which is nice! But be mindful that if something does go wrong you need to pay for the shipping back and also pay for the labour to get it removed from the car (if you don't feel confident doing it yourself)

But for the amount of money saved, you could buy 2 or 3 RNS510 off eBay compared to 1 from a dealer.

And so far I can't fault the unit or the installation.

But it does leave you with a RCD510 Lying on your desk doing nothing. Which is great for a backup I suppose, but if you want need or want it, then it's abit annoying.

[Nath]

The RNS510 was $1200 shipped to Australia. I got the newer style of RNS510 with LED screen and the star button on the top right hand side.

There are older units that don't have this which you can get for about the high $900's onwards.

The 9W7 Bluetooth was $380 I think it was an extra $15 for shipping. But it came with everything and was sealed.

The maps on the RNS510 were pre loaded and are the current v3 maps got Australia and New Zealand.

I went out of my way and bought a V3 DVD from eBay. It is just purely there to have incase something goes wrong with the GPS maps on the RNS510 harddrive. That set me back $200 from eBay.

So overall it is alot cheaper then what any dealer could offer you. The catch is, that warranty on the actual products obviously cannot be offered. There IS warranty on the labor involved in the installation however.

The RNS510 came with a 1 year warranty, which is nice! But be mindful that if something does go wrong you need to pay for the shipping back and also pay for the labour to get it removed from the car (if you don't feel confident doing it yourself)

But for the amount of money saved, you could buy 2 or 3 RNS510 off eBay compared to 1 from a dealer.

And so far I can't fault the unit or the installation.

But it does leave you with a RCD510 Lying on your desk doing nothing. Which is great for a backup I suppose, but if you want need or want it, then it's abit annoying.

you should think about selling the RCD if you dont want it lying around, some ownders of Mk5s and some of the lower models in the Mk6s range may want to upgrade to the RCD, mine is now in a Mk6 Golf, not sure which model, but the same guy also has my stock suspension, I've been joking he is buying my GTI part by part.....

[m_f]

And so far I can't fault the unit or the installation.

Next question - how much did they charge you to install it for you?

[Flighter]

you should think about selling the RCD if you dont want it lying around, some ownders of Mk5s and some of the lower models in the Mk6s range may want to upgrade to the RCD.....

Agreed. It's a simple upgrade from the RCD-310, and cosmetically and functionally it is a very nice improvement.

[GoldCoastVolkswagen]

Great! Can we do the same with RNS510? There are ones selling on ebay.

Only thing is installing the antennae also which runs up through the dash.

[Ryan_R]

Thanks Rob (although the thread is over a year old)

[sillywet]

I have a question for everyone. If it's been answered elsewhere, please feel free to call me a wanker (and provide the link....)

I have a 2011 Golf R with the non-sat nav head unit (i believe that's the RCD510). Yesterday my friend picked up her brand new GTI with satnav.

Anyway, in the handover at the dealership, they were showing her how to set-up bluetooth. In hers, she is able to play bluetooth audio (so am I of course), but she can change songs by touching the screen or even by using the steering wheel controls! On mine, I have to change everything (except volume of course) on the phone.

I asked the dealer if they could do a firmware update or whether it was linked to the satnav. He said as there's no harddrive in mine they can't do a firmware update. That in itself is crap, as there is no harddrive in a DVD player, but you can do it to them.

Basically I am just curious to know if there's any way i can get more bluetooth audio functionality as I never use the MDI (cause the muppets installed it in the glovebox rather than centre console, despite me ordering it from day dot!!)

Thanks in advance for your help.

[AdamD]

The RCD-510 and bluetooth modules are both running firmware that can theoretically be upgraded, just like the RNS-510... the dealer's comment about the hard drive was completely wrong. (Firmware is usually stored in ROM memory on the device.) I don't own either an RCD-510 or a bluetooth module, so I can't answer your specific question, but suggest you take a look in the VW Car Audio and Electronics forum - there's plenty of good information in there. The issue may be related to the bluetooth hardware version you have in your car, as well as the coding that's been used to configure it.