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 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
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.
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?
Check this article for MMI 2G update changes: http://mr-fix.info/mmi-2g-software-update-version-5570/
It is possible to have a CD navigation but no driver in truck for navigation(i have an Audi A6 Avant 2008 facelift)
Cars with MMI 3G system can have navigation data on hard disk.
where can I get replacement for the navigation screen when it is scratched?
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.
You have to enable it(if is possible for your version)…read here http://mr-fix.info/mmi-hidden-green-menu-2g-3g/
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 ?
Sorry, me personally no. But maybe someone here will.
I have a 2015 q7 with 3g high and navigation plus on a hard drive. How can I update my navigation.
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
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