Is OEM Sat Nav the way to go or not?

me77or

me77or

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Hi all

I have checked the buyers guide thread to see if this has been covered before, but the question seems a bit 'newbie' and based on opinion. However, I'd be grateful to see what people think about the following:

I'm currently looking to buy my first S3. I’m looking for a 2006 or 2007 8P2 or, at a push, a 2008 8P3.

It seems to be a general consensus on these forums that the standard sat-nav is a bit pants. Having said that, so it the mp3 intergration of the non sat-nav BOSE system. I’d prefer to buy the sat-nav version but is it worth it? Should I settle for BOSE and use a stand alone aftermarket sat-nav?

I know quite a few people on here have retro fitted the RNSE sat nav system. Is this costly? And is it worth it??

Your opinions will be greatly appreciated. Hopefully I'll be making my new purchase this month. Can't wait!

Thanks
 
I weighed up the options between OEM and aftermarket and went for the RNS-E as I had factory fitted bluetooth and multi-functional steering wheel. The RNSE was the least hassle in terms of getting everything to fit with what I had

I've found the nav side of things very good. OK its only got 5 digit postcode but as long as you have the road name too its been spot on everytime I've used it :)

Make sure you got for the later RNSE as the SD card slots can take upto 32gig cards whereas the MK1 RNSE only copes with 2/4 gig cards
 
I retrofitted RNSE as above, great bluetooth integration and I whacked in 2*32gb SDCARDS so I have hours and hours of tunes.

Satnav works perfectly well and is better than having stupid tat stuck to the windscreen or vents.
 
Mk2 Rnse with MEDIA button all day long, I fitted one and then OEM bluetooth, works beautifully with MFSW and completes the interior
 
Sorry if this is a stupid question but I assume it will be MK2 in my 62 plate S3 due for collection a week on Saturday?
 
Apart from the 5 digit postcode search I don't actually think the RNSe Nav is that bad, its better than a lot of other factory fit systems with the exception being the carimat tomtom setups.
 
if anyone is looking i have a mk1 rns im willing to do a good price on before its listed on ebay
 
Just to confirm, is the mk2 RNS the one with the Media button? If so, good times as they're standard in the ones I'm looking at.
 
IMO RNSe is essential in the 8P and really finishes off the cabin.
That said, I dont think its amazing, having had iDrive II an a previous 3 series it does make RNSe look a bit old hat but its still pretty good, especially with BOSE and BT and defo a worthwhile upgrade.

Dont forget to factor in the cost for an FM antenna upgrade too though, this is £150 ish so the whole job considered its not a cheap upgrade.
Personaly I would look at some one like NHN to source, fit and code. There are others who can fit and code if you want to source your own unit.

Good luck

Paul
 
bmh.01 said:
Apart from the 5 digit postcode search I don't actually think the RNSe Nav is that bad, its better than a lot of other factory fit systems with the exception being the carimat tomtom setups.
Click to expand...

Couldn't agree more!

The postcode is annoying but you get used to getting the road name before a long trip and the traffic and the oem look is the winner!

Cheers,
Si
 
Thanks for so many useful replies people. So, it seems even if I buy a 2007 or 2008 model with OEM sat-nav I'd be best off replacing it with the RNSE mk2 anyway? Any ideas how much the RNSE conversion could cost...roughly?

I'll concentrate on making sure the car has all the other bits I want, flat bottom steering wheel, cruise control and BOSE then.

Cheers for the replies guys. Very much appreciated.
 
I did the RNS-e conversion in my car (I got a Mk1 unit as that is what my age car would of had) and it cost me £400 all in.

I didn't have to do the antenna conversion, this is only on cars fitted with quadlock stereos from the factory (MY08 cars built from mid 2007)
 
Mines cost 140 for single conversion 20 quid for rnse adapter and 400 for the unit it self money well spent I love it
 
audi upgrades
i know dropped it considerably in price too, admittedly ive been a bit laxed but need to fund other mods since second car has taken that money
 
I would go for RNSE Mark 2. When I had my double dins conversion I went for pioneer 8400 which I paid for 450,it is a good DVD player with all other features such as dvd player, Bluetooth,radio,reverse camera mode and etc....However I find it quite boring as I dont need to use most of its features. All I need was map and music but its too late for me to change now :))

In the end it depends on what features and style you want :))Dont forget to upload some pictures when you are done :))
 
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