I have the Alpine CD player and touch screen in my 2003 XJ8. I have seen some information on you tube on how to upgrade in a couple of ways but they seem to be private initiatives rather than a recognised route to upgrade. What are the recommended options to allow Bluetooth, hands free comms and access to car play or Android auto. For example is there a newer Alpine head unit which can just be swapped in and offer the blue tooth and hands free as a starting point. Or is there an off the shelf solution which can replace the CD player and touch screen?

 

No swap form Alpine

Jagaux (Europe) - this is a very recent addition to the short list of possible upgrades, but for some reason the upgrade kit is not listed in the store right now: https://jagaux.com/shop/
I'd message the creator on Tg: https://t.me/jagaux_official_en

Jagdroid (UK) - requires to send your headunit to the UK
https://www.jagdroid.org/

The Tesla-like portrait thing from AliExpress
one of several merchants: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005008054298054.html


Jagaux would be my personal choice, because I don't like the idea of sending the headunit anywhere. Also I have the Jagaux BT-adapter from this guy and both the packaging and the installation instructions were simply great. 👍🏻

 

And I love what @richard.wyke is doing here (not a finished job)
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...3/#post2780759

But my understanding is the media-unit (i.e. the screen) is actually not connected to the CAN-bus, so for example those three gorgeous knobs are the only way to control the A/C. (Maybe Richard corrects me in case I am wrong.)

 

I was leaning towards the Jagaux solution but as you have noted the full fat solution is not on the website at the moment

 

Apparently the guy is experiencing issues when delivering the packages to EU, and Germany specifically

 

I have done the full jagdroid conversion
very happy with it now despite some initial running problems
great after service and there is a face book group for assistance

it allows you to keep old system with the new one and the unit looks identical.
i did it from abroad and had no problems.

 

I also plan to do the Jagdroid conversion. It just looks really good, and I get to keep all the original look and equipment.

 

Just ordered this baby here through my trusted Swiss car audio specialist. It was recommended by him so I pulled the trigger. Total cost, DAB and installation included: CHF 1250 (approx 1370 USD). Not too bad, I think.
https://www.seicane.com/gps-navigati...-carplay-h7788

 

i wish you good luck
the problem with it is that it takes out factory radio and cd capabilities.
with the jagdroid you keep all the options and it looks like the original.

 

I hope the Jagaux guy is able to get back in there. I have that in my car and it's a perfect BT solution. Support from the vendor was absolutely outstanding. My original purchase was before he had the no-solder installation kit, and it didn't work, as apparently I botched something. He was perfectly willing to help me troubleshoot but I didn't have the tools to do what he needed, namely an oscilloscope. He offered me a full refund, but I simply tossed it, as shipping back to Russia was going to eat half my refund. He contacted me when the no-solder kit was available and asked if I was interested, and when I replied back he sent me that kit at no charge, and the installation was easy. I can't say enough about how hard he worked to make sure I had a working product.

And when I say "easy," there is some work to do. You have to remove the center console, starting with the vents, bolts, and electrical connectors at the back, then remove the head unit (CD player,) open it up, remove the CD chassis and install his cables in place of the factory cables, and install the taps for power, ground, and the steering wheel buttons. The Jagaux "injects" its signal into the internal CD player's signal path, so to play BT you select CD on the head unit, and you have to have a disc in the player. The next/previous switch on the steering wheel works for track selection on your BT source.

A bit of effort, but well worth it, and the absolute best value of the available options.

 

Yes, I considered that, however 1) as of Jan. 1st, Swiss radio stations only broadcast in DAB, 2) I have converted all my CDs in flac or aiff format, and they are all on chips now (approx. 25'000 tracks), so I will dedicate one chip to the car and the playback will be controlled via touch screen and 3) my local audio specialist, not being familiar with jagdroid or jagaux would not guarantee the result. The good part is that the steering wheel commands will work also with this system. In the end, I had no choice.

 

Yes, I considered that, however 1) as of Jan. 1st, Swiss radio stations only broadcast in DAB, 2) I have converted all my CDs in flac or aiff format, and they are all on chips now (approx. 25'000 tracks), so I will dedicate one chip to the car and the playback will be controlled via touch screen and 3) my local audio specialist, not being familiar with jagdroid or jagaux would not guarantee the result. The good part is that the steering wheel commands will work also with this system. In the end, I had no choice.

 

But does it do apple carplay?

can it download apps etc… like an android?

 

Yes, it can... I also decided to buy the full Jagaux set (Android Auto + rear cam with front cam functionality). It requires self-assembly, which isn't great, but it's nicely priced. It's waiting in the box, I'll install it in spring together with a new audio unit and a heated windshield.

 

I had very similar experience with the Jagaux guy, albeit not with this particular product. I got the Jagaux BT adapter and the set of floating wheel hub caps.

As for Jagaux vs. Jagroid:
Both are pretty much equal when it comes to how they approach the problem: the original system stays in place, now hidden behind a new screen
The more annoying part (dismantling the center console and pulling out the head-unit) has to be done by yourself in both cases
...and why Jagaux would be my choice:
1) I don't like to package+mail stuff
2) I don't like the idea of having to wait for weeks with the interior of my car in pieces
3) I like the style of the Jagaux UI - it matches the ancient theme of the original head-unit (and pulling down on buttons to configure them is a pretty neat trick in my eyes)
4) I think Jagaux would actually be also cheaper

 

It's simply a Bluetooth receiver. Nothing to do with Carplay or Android Auto. Your phone treats it like earbuds or something, just a Bluetooth speaker, using any music player app. I was actually surprised when the next/back switch on the steering wheel worked! Once in a while, I actually have to un-pause the player on the phone because it didn't start when it connected.

 

I'm resurrecting this thread because I'm hoping to decide which is better: Jagaux or Jagdroid? I don't mind the work or sending it off. I'm just curious which has the best functionality for Apple CarPlay, listening to music on Bluetooth, and making phone calls. Thoughts/Experiences???