Audi navigation systems guide

When we first see any of the many Audi navigation systems, we think that every model is similar. But, actually, there is a big difference between each model. Audi navigations systems always have the same logo “Audi Multi-Media Interface” and a very identical interface.

Audi navigation systems- BNS vs RNS vs MMI

Audi navigation systems has three different model groups. They are all different. Each of them has different specifications and functionalities. Groups are: 

• BNS
• RNS 
• MMI 

BNS- Basic navigation system

The definition of BNS is a simple CD navigation system with a red monochrome screen. BNS has two types of upgrades.

1. BNS 4x is an optional device for a standard stereo system. This device uses DIS display type in the instrument panel. IT also has installed additional buttons right next to the parking brake. 

2. BNS 5x is a special device that replaced standard stereo systems. He has a special “Audi Navigation“ mark and a big red monochrome screen.

RNS- Radio Navigation System

This is the individual navigation device with good color LCD screen and big amount of options. Compared to BNS It is also functionally improved. It was an optional factory installation that replaced the built-in factory stereo systems Chorus, Concert and Symphony. There are three different RNS models: 

1. RNS-D has a 5-inch 4: 3 tilt LCD screen. The LCD screen is located in the central part of the navigation device. RSN-D is well known for its symmetrical buttons that each side of the device has. 

2. RNS-E has a large 6.3-inch screen aligned to the left. Device has big control button, smaller button for sound control and function buttons near the bottom edge of the device. 

3. RNS-E 2010 as you can guess, RNS-E 2010 is an improved and upgraded version of the previous RNS-E device. The main difference is screen resolution, and quality itself. Instead of CD / TV and CD / SD buttons, it has a MEDIA function button and chrome control buttons

Every RNS device has generic label “Audi Navigation Plus”. AUDI MMI logo is used in RNS-E and RNS-E 2010 devices as a wallpaper when you are turning on your navigation. All RNS navigation devices can be retrofitted with accessories such as a TV tuner, CD changer, external audio and video input and Sirius satellite radio. Last version of European navigation map had been published at the end of 2019. Maps are loaded from DVDs (set of three navigation discs).

MMI – Multi Media Interface Audi navigation systems

MMI is a very interesting navigation system. It is a complex and most improved navigation system of all three. Beside very fun options, this device offers many other options that even control some functions of the car itself. 

MMI has become a standard factory upgrade for the last 15 years. The biggest amount of MMI users are drivers of Audi vehicles. MMI navigation device is well known for its good LCD color screen in the control panel. These devices also have a CD player and control panel with controls next to the gearbox. 

Multi Media Interface – 2G HIGH vs 3G BASIC vs 3G HIGH

Audi MMI 2G High

MMI 2G HIGH- has a 6.5 inch 16: 9 TFT screen with a resolution of 480 × 240. The navigation maps of this device are displayed in 2D and 3D display modes. It has a control button without a joystick at the top (picture down below). Firmware version 5570 is the last one for MMI 2G HIGH so far. The navigation maps contain two DVD disks (Eastern and Western Europe). Navigation maps are loading from DVD tuners.

2G MMI High Cars (2008 – 2009) Audi A4, S4, A5, S5, A6(C6), Q7(4L) early year models

Audi MMI 3G Basic (Plus)

The MMI 3G Basic (Plus) has a 6.5-inch red monochrome screen with a resolution of 480 × 280. Just like in the case of MMI 2G HIGH, The navigation maps of The MMI 3G Basic (Plus) are displayed in 2D and 3D display modes.

The last firmware version is BNav EU K 0260 EU. The newest European navigation map for this navigation is released at the end of June 2020. The set of navigation maps contains two memory cards with detailed navigation maps of Eastern and Western Europe. The difference between MMI 2G HIGH and The MMI 3G Basic (Plus) is that navigation maps for The MMI 3G Basic (Plus) are loaded from a memory card.

3G MMI Basic Cars – EU only (2009 – 2016) Audi A4, S4, A5, S5, Q5, SQ5, B8, B8.5

Audi MMI 3G High

The MMI 3G HIGH has a slightly better 16: 9 TFT 7-inch screen with a resolution of 800 × 400 with nicer fonts and graphic enhancements such as rounded menu corners. It also uses an improved control button with a joystick at the top (as in the picture above) that moves the navigation map.

Navigation maps are displayed in 2D and 3D display modes just like in MMI 2G HIGH and MMI 3G Basic (Plus). The last firmware version is the HNAV EU K 0257 EU. The latest navigation map of Europe was released at the end of January 2020. The set of navigation maps contains a memory card with a detailed map of the whole of Europe. It has a detailed and up to the house number routable navigation map of the whole of Europe. Maps are installed from a memory card and loaded from the internal hard disk of the MMI device.

3G MMI High Cars (2010 – 2012) Audi A4, S4, A5, S5, Q5, SQ5, A6(C6), Q7(4L), B8 (Not B8.5), late C6 and 4L

Audi MMI 3G High Plus vs Audi RMC navigation system

Audi MMI 3G Plus navigation system and Audi RMC navigation system are using almost identical user interfaces (the ability to use Google Maps navigation) but MMI 3G Plus has a hard drive that can be used as storage space for MP3 music.

Audi MMI 3G High Plus

The Audi MMI 3G High Plus has an even better 16: 9 TFT 7-inch screen with a resolution of 800 × 400 with embellished fonts and graphic enhancements such as rounded menu corners. It also uses an improved control button with a joystick at the top (as in the picture above) that moves the navigation map. Navigation maps are displayed exclusively in 3D view mode which is improved compared to other MMI models.

3G MMI High Plus Cars (2013 – 2016, up to 2018 for A8, S8) Audi A4, S4, A5, S5, Q5, SQ5, A6, A7, S6, S7, RS4, RS5, RS6, RS7, A8, S8, Q3, B8.5, C7, 4L, D4

Audi RMC

RMC ( Radio Media Centar ) does NOT have a hard disc and you will NOT find the Jukebox option in the device’s source menu. The latest version of the navigation maps of Europe was released in the middle of 2020. The navigation maps of Europe are only installed from the original Audi memory card and activation of maps in local Audi dealers.

RMC cars Audi A3, A4, A5, Q5, A6, A7, Q3, 8V, B9, C7.5

In which Audi vehicles can be installed certain Audi navigation systems?

Different Audi models also have different optional built-in components. Here is the list we have prepared for you. In this list, you will find a factory installation list for many Audi navigation systems.

This list certainly does not mean that a certain Audi model will have a standard factory installation because Audi has enabled its users to install and upgrade their multimedia equipment themselves according to their wishes and needs.

• 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 (the navigation device has a different layout of function keys)

• Audi TT

BNS 5.x, RNS-E

Lamborghini Gallardo

RNS-E, RNS-E 2010

Seat Exeo

RNS-E, RNS-E 2010