RNS-510 VW - GPS - head unit - sat radio FAQ
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Introduction

Disclaimer: do not buy, share, borrow, trade, copy, or otherwise use your GPS nav DVD or system in any manner which contradicts the terms of use of the DVD nav system.  Do not buy, share, borrow, trade, or copy copyrighted materials!  If you do not agree to this, leave this site and do not read further.

The RNS510 is the optional color touchscreen GPS navigation system on the 2009 Jetta.  It stores songs on a HD, it is color and touchscreen control, and has USB/ipod functions through external adapters.  The main benefit of ordering it instead of an aftermarket double din system is that it's integrated into the car and can be controlled through your Multi Function Steering Wheel (MFSW).  "Text+turn arrow" navigation instructions are displayed on the Multi Function Display (MFD) on the instrument cluster as well as graphically on the main display.  Song/artist name or radio station played are displayed MFD.  The display brightness and colors go into "night" mode when you turn on the headlights.  The main problem with it is that it doesn't display street names on the color street name.  It does display street names on the MFD on the instrument panel (as much as will fit in the limited space).  It does not speak the street names either.  Lastly, it is accessible through VAG-COM, the VW/Audi diagnostic cable and software.  It's offered on the Tiguan or Touareg with different configurations, this article focuses on the Jetta setup.  Here is one on a gasser 2009 Jetta.

The advantage of buying an aftermarket GPS navigation system instead of ordering the RNS 510 headunit is value and more features.  For less money, you can get backup camera, bluetooth for your mobile phone, and a better stereo.  None of it will be integrated into your car and you either have to self install or pay someone to install it.  An OEM backup camera and parallel parking assist (pictured below) can be added to the RNS 510 with plug-play functionality but these cost extra on the Jetta.  The VW Tiguan has an optional back-up camera but it's not offered on the Jetta.  An aftermarket system doesn't integrate with the car, but if you want bluetooth, a back up camera, and want it NOW, I would recommend an aftermarket system.

Available OEM add-ons:  backup camera, parallel parking assist (guide brackets on backup camera shifts in response to steering wheel), play TV while driving.  The backup camera came with the system on the Tiguan.  The RNS510 head unit is also available on the Touareg.  It is an essential safety device since it increases situational awareness while backing up.  Many children are injured or killed by cars backing up so be careful to not get tunnel vision.  In other words, don't stare at the screen while the car is in motion - you should also check your side mirrors and maintain awareness of nearby pedestrians, etc.  Here is a picture of the parallel parking guide.  As you turn the wheel, it moves the guide brackets.  Just remember that you should always know the basic dimensions of your car.

In my opinion, it's quite pathetic that it doesn't have bluetooth or these other functions from the factory since other car makes had these features years ago.  For example, a handheld GPS for $200 and the $400 Ford Sync is far less than the $2000 retail price of the RNS510 head unit.  The Sync is a radio/bluetooth only but it has voice activated bluetooth, voice activated song and playlist control, and even reads text messages for you.  If you are willing to wait for greater availability and aftermarket support and want your system to be integrated into the MFD, the RNS 510 is a good system but doesn't offer many features available on other makes' systems.  The main problem with it is that it doesn't display street names on the color street name.  It does display street names on the MFD on the instrument panel and a few street names on the main display.  

It also cannot store custom points of interest.  The only way to currently add custom points of interest is to hack the map using your computer and load it as a newer map onto the GPS.

So far, few 2009 Jetta TDI have been delivered with a RNS-510 so if you want a 2009 Jetta TDI now, don't wait for the system.  It's appeared on gasser Jettas but not TDI but you can retrofit it to your TDI later.  Early RNS-150 did not come come with maps.  This means that the GPS system does not work since there's no data for it.  Make sure the dealer loads the map data!  If they do not, make sure the dealer orders the map directly from Navteq since they are the only ones who have maps.  Yes this can be done, so make sure you insist on it.  The issue is that the dealer has to prove that you have one.  Map data is restricted in part to prevent use of stolen units.  Disclaimer: do not buy, borrow, trade, copy, or otherwise use your GPS nav DVD in any manner which contradicts the terms of use of the DVD nav system.  Do not buy, share, borrow, trade, or copy copyrighted materials!

Note - the 2009 Jetta TDI loyal edition does not have the RNS-510 as an option, it uses the older disc in the headunit type GPS, the MFD2.  VW# 1K0-035-197-C or VW# 1K0-035-197-D (has silver buttons and plays mp3) are part numbers for older systems but I'm not sure for which unit.  It can't play songs and the GPS at the same time because it does not have a HD to store map data,.  I would not add this system because it's limited in features, no touchscreen, an aftermarket system is far better for less money.  You can retrofit the RNS510 into the loyal edition or older mk5 cars with the correct modifications.

Note - this is a TDI site, all 2009 and newer mk5 Jetta TDI in the US come with the highline cluster.  If you have a highline cluster it's plug-play.  If you have a gasser and don't have the highline cluster, you must have one to use the RNS-510 GPS. 

Note - The hardware for the Euro version is slightly different from the US version so don't bother looking on euro ebay for one.  The US one has support and connectors for Sirius sat radio and has HD radio.  Accessories should work.  Also, the Jetta sportwagen station wagon is called the Golf Variant or Golf estate in Europe.

Misc pics:

3d map view

bird's eye 2d overhead view

retail price: $1990
invoice price: $1758
Available at oempl.us

maps by Navteq, US catalog number: U0022-0075-805, vm midline v(version) 1m, north american dvd package, vw# 7L6 919 859
30 gb HD, 10 is reserved for GPS, 20 is reserved for music
unit by Siemens, HD by Hitachi
screen size: 6.5", 800x450 pixels, format- 16:9 widescreen
6 CD changer
aux input
SD card slot

Radio specs:
radio presets: 24 stations
can adjust fader and balance
siruis satellite radio
mp3/wma play on SD card
ability to play music and use GPS at the same time

GPS Navigation specs:

day color/lighting switches to "night" color/lighting with headlights
split screen display - compass/3d map view, gps stats/map, bird's eye map view/3d map view, etc.
ability to play music and use GPS at the same time

RNS-510 part numbers:

US spec Jetta RNS510 vw part# 3C0 035 684, may have been superceded with vw# 3C0 035 684 C
maps by Navteq, US catalog number: U0022-0075-805, vm midline v(version) 1m, north american dvd package, vw# 7L6 919 859

CAN gateway
1K0 907 530 R - supports panoramic sunroof on the sportwagen, any gateway after N should work.

MDI Parts -
5N0 035 341A MDI Module
000 051 446C iPod Cable (Audi 4E0 .... will NOT work)

Parts for Golf w/o CD Changer center console - (71N is anthracite color code)
1K0 863 323A 71N CD Changer Center Console
1K0 863 328A 71N CD Changer Insert
1K0 864 255 CD Changer Air Duct

MDI harness connector and terminals (1 each is required except 000 979 009 which requires 5)
8E0 972 112 Housing
000 979 009 Terminal (1 wire with 2 terminals, 7 are required on the MDI side, 3 on the RNS side, so 5x total)
000 979 133 Terminal (1 wire with 2 terminals, 1 is required for CAN bus t-splice on RNS side)
000 979 134 Terminal (1 wire with 2 terminals, 1 is required for CAN bus t-splice on RNS side)
000 979 225 Terminal (1 wire with 2 terminals, 1 is required for Power/Ground t-splice on RNS side)
000 979 226 Terminal (1 wire with 2 terminals, 1 is required for Power/Ground t-splice on RNS side)
893 971 634 4 connector housing for power/gnd/CAN t-splice
4B0 971 994 4 connector housing (mate) for power/gnd/CAN t-splice

6 feet UTP (CAN)
6 feet 3 conductor shielded audio cable
12 feet 18ga wire (power & ground)

Aux in on console -
1K0 863 323L 71N CD Changer Center Console with aux in hole
5M0 035 345 blank cover if you don't want aux in port OR
1K0 035 724B Aux in port
1C0 973 119B Connector housing for aux in port
000979009 2x (3 terminals needed for aux in port)

Related links:

1000q: 2009 Jetta TDI buyer's guide 2009 Jetta sedan and sportwagen FAQ, options, info, msrp, invoice price

http://vwnavi.com/forums/index.php Forum for the various VW nav systems

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3647765 installation procedure and pictures

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3586182 more pictures of the RNS-510 head unit

http://www.kufatec.de/shop/index.php/cat/c26_Golf-V-5---Golf-V-5-Plus.html German site, good english