Hard Drive?

I see a tab on the stereo/nav screen for an HDD? I take it that you can add one, where would that be installed?

The unit already has a HDD in it - stores the navi data. You can also copy MP3's to this hard drive and play them if you want. I don't remember the exact steps to do this but it is documented in the owners manual.

The RNS510 has a hard drive as TheGroove mentioned. I'm not sure about the RCD310 or RCD510.

Thanks for the input, I will try to see if I can find how to access it.

There are other sites dedicated to the RNS-510 and outline how to upgrade the HDD. I'll warn you that it's extremely invasive and a few knuckleheads have bricked theirs.

MyAvocation said:

There are other sites dedicated to the RNS-510 and outline how to upgrade the HDD. I'll warn you that it's extremely invasive and a few knuckleheads have bricked theirs.

Click to expand...

Put in a CD with mp3 folders on it or a SD card with MP3 folders/individual songs.

When you find the folder you want to copy to the hard drive (18gb) just click the symbol on the right of the named folder. A pop-up will appear and "copy" is an option. Then select "drop folder here" and it will rip your stuff to the HD. Then the HD selection will light up and you can play music that way. Best way imo. enjoy

Where is it??

Where is the hard drive physically located? Behind the dash, under a seat?

tumper said:

Where is the hard drive physically located? Behind the dash, under a seat?

Click to expand...

Inside the head unit itself.

APT said:

The RNS510 has a hard drive as TheGroove mentioned. I'm not sure about the RCD310 or RCD510.

Click to expand...

The RCD-510 radio has no hard drive as it's a non-navi head unit.

Coincidentally, I have just started to load some of my music collection on the RNS-510 HD. While the procedure is indeed given in the manual, it's almost incomprehensible (like that manual generally) I recommend reading it five times, then keeping it in hand as you actually try to load files onto the HD.
The good news is, it does work. Sometimes, with music files, it will say you're trying to play an incompatible file type (when the file is actually a fully compatible mp3) but will then go ahead and play them anyway.

Salsaman06 said:

Inside the head unit itself.

Click to expand...

... and runs off antiquated IDE interface, so good luck finding a larger one.

I will not buy a Passat until VWoA upgrades to their modern 'infotainment system' like the Discover Pro.