I am looking to add an Audio Interface Module to an 07 S-Type with Nav/Phone, but I don't have the CD changer installed. Does anyone have installation instructions to see how difficult it is to self install? Also, two dealers gave prices for the module of $420 and $500, is $420 a good price or is there another source for the module at a lower price? Thanks.

 

I'm a rookie at this Jaguar thing - only owned one for 2 years. I have noticed that Jaguar parts and service seem to be more tightly locked into the dealers for recent models than for other brands I've owned. Though older classics are a different story entirely. I've also noticed that parts prices vary almost with wild abandon among different dealers. If and when I can identify the msrp, many dealers are pricing much higher. Anywhere from a few dollars to nearly double.
My own local dealer - which I must say provides a very high standard of customer service - can tend to be high on some parts and not on others.
But they do offer parts sales from time to time. I was put off by the price of the ACM but bought it over the counter as a part when there was a sale and then had it installed at a later service visit. I do like it. The availability of ipod, usb and analog audio inputs combined with full integration into the screen and steering controls offsets the slightly restrictive adaptation of the cd changer user interface.

Installation instructions come with the kit but they are in a sort of graphic novel/comic book format. You have to dismantle the center console and unless you already know where the fasteners are and how they work, that won't be simple. The cable connections don't look difficult but if you don't have the cd changer, there will be a reprogram needed to activate the controls. That's why I had the dealer do the job. Labor should be less than the parts.

There are several earlier versions of the ACM still in the retail pipeline so if you buy one, be sure it's the latest version for best ipod compatibility.

 

I installed the ACM in our 07 STR. The instructions are somewhat lacking, but I found the installation to relatively straightforward. Just study the pictures carefully and take your time.

I paid $336 shipped for the kit from http://www.oempartcatalog.com/.

 

I picked up my ACM recently and will be installing it this weekend in a 2003 STR; any points to watch for or things you noted that could be done/not done to make life easier that you would not mind passing on?

 

You might check out my recent ACM install and comments.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=32253
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Thank you, I will read through prior to this weekends install.

 

wedgewa,

Our local Jaguar dealership 25 miles away from where I live sells OEM parts as well as routine services for right at double the price as the next-closest Jaguar dealership 70 miles away does. Unbelieveable, and very disconcerting. I've pointed this out to the general manager of our local dealership but he just shrugs and says "our studies show that we're competitive in our market". So I told him to let me know if he decides to beam back down into the real world and truly become competitive in his customers' eyes, not his own. I also told him that he won't see me as a customer for either parts or service again until he does so. No response. He doesn't seem to care that several of our friends have dumped their Jaguars over the past couple of years due to their belief that this local dealership was gouging the hell out of them. None of them are do-it-yourselfers like me so they were literally at the mercy of the dealership in most cases. All of them eventually said "screw this" and came to the conclusion to move to Lexus, BMW, and Cadillac instead. None of these friends of ours know each other so that just goes to show you how folks react independently to being continually hosed by the same dealership over the years....

The Jaguar dealership that is 70 miles from me has some of the nicest and most helpful parts and service guys you'll ever meet anywhere. I've bought a few parts from them thus far but no services yet. If and when I need dealership service for something, they'll get my business simply because of how nice and fair they've treated me. But it's a shame I have to drive three counties away to get that kind of customer care....

 

As planned, installed ACM this weekend in 2003 STR and found few issues; instruction book is somewhat lacking, but in retrospect it should be saluted in that it manages to convey the theory without the use of language other than the word "CLICK" which apparently is universal.

For those looking to do this themselves, I have added a few shots of the milestone tasks: https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/album.php?albumid=1293

Having now discovered the utility of the USB, I doubt the iPod will see the car. First I will update the firmware as a precaution then I am burning a grip of 4Gig sticks.

Give it 24 hours and you will doubtless see me bleating on another thread about the cars rubbish sub………again.

 

i have a kit for sale $320 shipped pm me for details

 

Does the ACM module send RDS (radio text) information when playing music off of a USB drive?

 

no unfortunately it only emulates a CD changer so each disc is a different playlist

 

hi there.
love my jag but the sound and nav are unbearable... 2 years into driving this great machine and i want a nav system that doesn't give me the longest route and also to play music at least via USB.

the ACM is almost impossible to find - what's the alternative? any aftermarket solutions that actually work and don't destroy the look of the car?

thx

 

Need car info!

 

S-Type 2005 in pristine condition

 

Which sound do you have now?

 

i have the original sound system (multiple CD thing in the trunk) and sat nav installation.
thanks

 

You may be out of luck if it's the Premium Sound head unit. There still may be the unit that replaces the CD changer, but the one I saw recently on eBay had the legacy 30 pin connector going to the proprietary module. It might work with Apple's lighting adaptor. I'm still looking for a solution that lets me keep the external amplifiers while changing the head unit with one with rear view camera capabilities.