Author Topic: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit  (Read 2518 times)

Offline DaveN

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Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« on: 22 February 2007, 15:28 »
Hi

I'm thinking of changing to the Sat Nav unit, they look cheaper on ebay then the factory option and the install looks like a simple enough swap. What I want to know is does the existing wiring connect to the Sat Nav easily, from some pictures I have seen there is a rectangular connector on the top left rear, is this for the GPS antenna? Secondly are all the CAN connections on the block on the right lower rear and will this alllow me access to the convenience settings. Thirdly where is the GPS antenna located in factory installed cars?

Finally is it worth having, I know it looks nice but for those with it is it worth while.

Regards

Dave N
I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades. Especially if your teammates are bad guessers.

Offline wantmygti

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #1 on: 22 February 2007, 15:39 »
Can only answer your last question and that is the aerial is on the roof in lieu of the bee sting, but can be left in the dash for after market installs.

If you do this could you do a photo trail with comments/advice?
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Offline DaveN

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #2 on: 22 February 2007, 16:43 »
I need to decide if I have 600+ euro for it or buy a 350 euro tomtom instead.
The VW unit is nice and tidy and I prefer the OEM look so I need to see what people think.

Dave N
I think the worst time to have a heart attack is during a game of charades. Especially if your teammates are bad guessers.

Offline Cass

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #3 on: 23 February 2007, 12:42 »
I specced it in my new GTI - not cheap (£1850 ouch)!

Plus points are clean integrated factory unit, good DVD colour screen with option of either map only display or map and directions in a split screen format, the Highline computer (some functions are replicated in dash display unit) and both the sat Nav and computer can be can be controlled via the optional MFSW buttons :smiley: - very user friendly and I like it - also integrated iPod controls in place of the CD multichanger.

Downside issues are no full postcode search (will only do first part of code ie AB12 ***) and only 2d display (no birds eye view) - somewhat low tech in today's techno age.

Seems to be a simple DIY install, see link here for removal of unit:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=40928.0

Not sure if the standard sat Nav rear fin aerial is do-able or cost effective - maybe The Doc can advise if still online - PM him for advice.

Aftermarket Sat Nav kits are also targets for thieves - higher risk here unless you remove it and the mountings every time you park up :angry:

Another option would be to go this way, aftermarket but integrated in dash, looks very hi-tech but again costly - minimum £1500 + installation:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=52884.0

Cass
« Last Edit: 23 February 2007, 12:56 by Cass »
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Offline Cass

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #4 on: 24 February 2007, 11:54 »
Dave N,

See this link - will no doubt help you decide:

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=54779.0

Cass
Now: VW Touareg Altitude V6 TDI 3.0 240 bhp, Diamond Pearlescent Black
Previous: MY2007 GTI, 3 door, manual, pearlescent black and lots of toys - gone to a good home : )

Offline davidfsmith

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #5 on: 01 March 2007, 19:22 »
My car goes in for a replacement HU tomorrow, had the standard, didn't want the factory fit sat-nav and so the AVIC-HD1BT is going in tomorrrow....

;-)

Offline 2007GTI

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #6 on: 01 March 2007, 20:08 »
David,

I'll be very interested to find out how you find that unit, are you having the bluetooth option?

would you mind telling us how much its costing and where you are getting it done?

2014 Mk7 GTI DSG 5dr in Carbon Grey, 18s, leather

Gone but not forgotten '07 Mk5 GTI DSG (2006 to 2014)

Offline davidfsmith

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #7 on: 03 March 2007, 23:09 »
Sure, I'll even try and do some pics....

anyhew got the iPod connector and the bluetooth fitted, the unit is amazing, I updated this morning with the "black spot" info which is handy, I need to get a phone for the car to work with the bluetooth, but I have a blackberry Pearl at the moment.

The HU is awesome, easy to use a great bit of kit.

I'll post more after some more usage, it's going back on monday to get the steering controls sorted, future plans are custom fit speakers and amp(s)

;-)

Offline 2007GTI

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Re: Changing an RDS 300 to a Sat Nav unit
« Reply #8 on: 05 March 2007, 10:12 »
Thanks for that, look forward to the pic.

Could you PM me and let me know how much you paid?
2014 Mk7 GTI DSG 5dr in Carbon Grey, 18s, leather

Gone but not forgotten '07 Mk5 GTI DSG (2006 to 2014)