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Audi navigation systems – MMI RNS BNS RMC differences

Audi navigation systems look similar but in differences between them are significant. The confusion is even stronger since most system use very similar “Audi Multi Media Interface” splash screen and user interface.

Audi navigation systems – BNS vs RNS vs MMI

BNS (Basic Navigation System) is simple CD-based navigation with red monochrome display.

RNS (Radio Navigation System) is a stand alone device that was available instead of standard stereo system (Chorus, Concert, Symphony) as an option. It has color LCD screen and much more functionality then BNS.

MMI (Multi Media Interface) is a complex entertainment and car control system that uses MOST ring. It always have an LCD fitted in the dashboard, control panel next to gear stick and CD drive.

Basic Navigation System – BNS 4.x vs BNS 5.x

BNS 4.x is an additional device for your stereo system, it uses DIS display in the instrument cluster and extra buttons mounter next to hand brake.

BNS 5.x is a device mounted instead of standard stereo system and have a large red monochrome screen. This device is labeled “Audi Navigation”.

Radio Navigation System – RNS-D vs RNS-E vs RNS-E 2010

RNS-D has a tiltable color LCD screen with 4:3 ratio placed in the middle of the device, 2 symmetrical control knobs on the sides.

RNS-E has a large 6.5-inch LCD screen align to the left, row of function buttons near lower edge, big control knob and small volume knob on the right.

RNS-E 2010 is a facelifted version of the standard RNS-E device. It has higher quality screen, MEDIA button instead of CD/TV or CD/SD button and chrome control knobs.

Those devices can be optionally equipped with TV-Tuner, CD changer, external audio and video input, Sirius satellite radio.
To confuse you even more, Audi decided to label all those devices as “Audi Navigation Plus”. Also RNS-E and RNS-E 2010 are using MMI welcome screen.

Multi Media Interface – MMI Basic vs 2G vs 3G

MMI Basic (Plus) MMI 3G Basic uses monochromatic red display.

MMI 2G uses a 16:9 ratio color LCD screen.

MMI 3G have higher resolution screen and better user interface (rounded corners and nicer fonts). Also uses different control knob with joystick on top to pan maps.

MMI 3G+ vs RMC

Both system are using similar use interface (e.g. with Google Maps navigation) but MMI 3G+ have HDD for MP3 files storage. RMC (Radio Media Center) is not equipped with hard disc drive so in sources menu you will not find Jukebox option.

Audi Mmi 2G 3G 3G+ RMC software versions

Audi navigation systems fitment

Different car models had different optional equipment available. Below you can find OEM fitment list of Audi navigation systems but over the years car owners learned to retrofit Audi navigation systems to not supported vehicles.

  • Audi A1
    • RMC
  • Audi A2
    • RNS-D
  • Audi A3
    • 8L: RNS-D
    • 8P: BNS 5.x, RNS-E, RNS-E 2010
    • 8V: RMC
  • Audi A4
    • B5: RNS-D
    • B6: RNS-D, RNS-E
    • B7: BNS 5.x, RNS-E
    • B8: MMI Basic, MMI 2G, MMI 3G, MMI 3G Basic, MMI 3G+, RMC
  • Audi A5
    • MMI Basic, MMI 2G, MMI 3G, MMI 3G Basic, MMI 3G+, RMC
  • Audi A6
    • C5: RNS-D, RNS-E
    • C6: MMI Basic, MMI 2G, MMI 3G, MMI 3G Basic
    • C7: MMI 3G+, RMC
  • Audi A7
    • MMI 3G+, RMC
  • Audi A8
    • D2: RNS-D
    • D3: MMI 2G
    • D4: MMI 3G+
  • Audi Q3
    • MMI 3G, RMC
  • Audi Q5
    • MMI 3G Basic, MMI 3G
  • Audi Q7
    • MMI Basic, MMI 2G, MMI 3G, MMI 3G+
  • Audi R8
    • RNS-E, RNS-E 2010 (device have different arrangement of buttons)
  • Audi TT
    • BNS 5.x, RNS-E
  • Lamborghini Gallardo
    • RNS-E, RNS-E 2010
  • Seat Exeo
    • RNS-E, RNS-E 2010

53 thoughts on “Audi navigation systems – MMI RNS BNS RMC differences

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  • Umh.. I have 2014 A5 and there is also HDD for storing music files. So it is MM 3G+
    In your list that is missing under A5.

    • Soon this list will be updated.
      Also MMI 3G High had HDD for music and navigation database. Hard disc is not 3G+ exclusive.

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  • if i have an audi a6 2006 advant with a 2g mmi system (2120), where can i get the c6 discs for the car and what improvements does it do?

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  • It is possible to have a CD navigation but no driver in truck for navigation(i have an Audi A6 Avant 2008 facelift)

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  • Hi !
    I have a A6 57 plate 2.8 petrol it has a 6 multi changer in glove compartment but i was told there was no cd for the sat nav was not with the motor,what do i need to get the sat nav to work?
    regards justin

    • Check if you have a DVD drive in the trunk (under the floor or behind side covers).

  • Hi I have 2016 q5 tdi. I have it for a few days, I can’t go in the green hidden menu.
    What to do???
    I live in israel.

  • HI I have an audi a5 sportback 2,0 tdi 2011 i have a mmi with sd cards navigation was already there but i have to do language update from cd my question is which version of mmi 3 that is then
    thanks for your help oh yeah and btw im able to go to hidden red menu called enginering menu but to the green one i cant so it means i have to connect it to the computer and enable it yo
    thankis again

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  • Hi, I have an Audi A1 2013 reg. I want DAB installed. Can you recommend a system that does not require drilling holes or visible external aerial ?

  • Hello, you can help me have an Audi A6 2008 limited edition and do not know what MMI system i have. Please tell me where I can check it out exactly. I read your article and I did not understand

  • I have a 2011 a5 2.0t premium plus model.

    it state I have: audi navigation system (premium plus)
    It also came with booklet that say MMI NAVIGATION PLUS on it, that mean I have the 3g+, right. It doesn’t have hard drive. thanks for the help

  • just got a used q7 and don’t know if it has navigation. How do you find out if there is navigation for my A7. It’s 2009 3.0l diesel.

  • Hi
    I have 2011 A7 with RMC EU that has no navigation but has 2 SD slots and navigation hard button. What would it require to retrofit or activate navigation?
    Thanks

  • Hi
    I have 2011 A7 with RMC EU that has no navigation but has 2 SD slots and navigation hard button. What would it require to retrofit or activate navigation?
    Thanks

  • Hi, I must have mistakenly done something to my nav data. I drive Audi A6 2012 model with MMI 3G. On my nav screen it shows navigation data invalid. How can I restore this back please?

  • Hi there, my navigation system on my Audi Q3 (2013) froze. Can I resolve the issue by myself or do I need to take it to Audi? Thank you in advance for your help.

  • I have a 2015 q7 with 3g high and navigation plus on a hard drive. How can I update my navigation.

  • Hello Mr fix!
    I have a Canadian A7 2013, with navigation, HDD but no 3G connectivity.

    I’m look to apply a mod with OBDELEVEN to unlock video while moving and two different mods exist.
    One for MMI 3G and other one for RMC?

    RMC seems as few websites there model without HDD and mmi 3g is the model with an HDD and 3g.

    So I’m not completely convinced which model I have!?

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  • Hi, i have Audi A6 2.0T 2013 reg, i am unable to find any Bluetooth option in my MMI. i can’t even find where to insert any SDD card.
    my Software version is RMC_EU_P11474.
    i am not sure do i have all these basic options in my car or not?

  • Hi,
    My frd bought an Audi Tt Fsi Auto 08 year. It has RNS-E but can not connect android phone via bluetooth , when press TEL switch it says” telephone not installed”.
    MAP works with CD. Can u help him to activate all functions .Will u be able to help?? Based in London N20. Can travel. Thank you

  • Mr fix, I have an Audi Q7 2007 and can’t activate the green menu!!
    What I need to do? Do I have to activate with the software first ?

  • my A4 2012 mmi nav system keeps asking for (insert navigation data medium) even though I’ve updated to 2018-2019 maps ……have the heads been damaged inside and if so can it be fixed. Who can fix it.

  • Hi ,
    I am in Dubai and have Audi A5 model 2009 , kindly I want to use 2 very important things please can you help me
    1st use my IPOD where can I check for the plug or something else
    2nd use AUX .. It is here between the seats but not working and it is not at the source menu
    And kindly if you have mobile no. To contact you or send me by whatsapp some photo pls
    Best regards

  • Hello,
    I have a Audi A6 quattro released in 2009.
    I think the navigation data is on the hard disk.
    Can I update it with SD card reader?
    If yes, where can I find the file?
    Thanks a lot for your help
    Bye bye

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