Just became the proud owner of a 2006 XJ and am loving it. She looks good next to my BRG 2001 XK8. Though the previous owners (2) took fantastic care of her and kept the miles VERY low (47k) a few things needed attention. The first was a broken rear right marker light (literally the only sign of use on the entire car) which I sourced from eBay. The other was the very dated audio with limited functionality. Though I'm all for "original", phone and navigation, along with more options than radio and a single CD are really important in what will be a daily driver.

There are a few threads that show the relatively easy install of a double DIN head unit -- particularly so since I don't have the amp in the trunk or a changer -- and mine is no different. I appreciate the assistance from those who have written this up. An S-Type face adapter, wire harness, antenna adapter were all I needed to connect to the car. I chose a Sony XAV-AX5600 for it's clean bezel-less look, functionality and, well... it's a Sony! I like that I can change the "wallpaper". An extra bonus is built-in connectivity to the steering wheel controls, something I was not expecting without a separate adapter. This unit also has HDMI in. Not sure what I'll ever use that for, but pretty cool to see my tablet screen on the 7" screen.

Now I have Android Auto with navigation, etc., and Bluetooth phone and audio. All in all a 2-hour project and well worth every bit of it.

If you would like more detailed info about the install, here is a helpful link: XJ stereo update

 

That stereo looks good. You did a great job, the screen color has a perfect match with the AC screen. I have a question, what is the part attached to the right side of the stereo?

Congratulations for your almost new XJ. Not easy find them in that condition.

I did it as well a few months ago using the same items you used except for the stereo. I choose a bigger screen to cover the whole width of the console without covering the upper AC buttons or the bottom ashtray.

I added two USB ports inside the ashtray so could be used for charging or playing any media on the USB, transfer, etc.

You can change the theme of the stereo, change the color, the lights turn off and on automatically with the car headlights.

I added front and reverse cameras, GPS sensor for offline navigation, OBD2, wi-fi, Bluetooth, etc.



Jaguar logo booting.

The real speed (speedometer) is also displayed while driving.



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Here is a link for a YouTube video of the stereo.

Thanks
J.A.G

 

That is a vehicle-specific ProClip phone mount and an SP-Connect device mount into which my phone case connects

ProClip Options for the XJ
SP-Connect mount

 

txvoyager

Very nice installation. I am considering doing the same. I made a point to purchase my 2008 XJ8 with the standard radio/climate control system because you can do exactly what you did. Can't do it with the touch screen control.
These Sony's have a double din screen but a single din chassis. Did you find that the single din chassis was easier to install? Would a double din chassis fit without interferences? With the Sony did it slip right in or did you have to make any modifications behind the console?
Thanks, John

 

There is a lot of room behind to work with. My vehicle is 2005, should be pretty much the same since you have the standard stereo as well, but even the ones with the navigation has the same room behind. I have a lot of wires behind required for the amplifier, subwoofers, camera, etc. You may have even more room if you're not going to add an amplifier and subwoofer.

Let me know if you need any help with that.

J.A.G.

 

May I ask the cost of this unit? Why didn't you consider the "Tesla" style vertical screen?

 

This particular Sony unit runs around $550, although you can sometimes find options (eBay, etc.) A larger install would require custom fabrication which, while VERY cool, is beyond my skill set! This was a 2-hour install, so pretty easy with commercially available components.

 

I would imagine that a true double DIN would fit just fine, but in reality, once there is no longer a CD player in the system, there just are not enough components to require a manufacturer to need all that internal space. The single DIN allows for tons of room for cables, etc. though! The Sony head unit installed with no needed modifications, using the facia and existing frame already there in the car.

 

The custom tesla screen is 900ish and there is a thread about it in the forum and lots of videos. And it should be plug and play.

May I ask few questions about audio quality? What sound system did your car have? Any factory amps? Dash speakers? Or only door speakers? Any improvements from OEM unit?

The reason that I ask is that I am considering the TESLA screen upgrade and I believe the output from that unit will sound similar to any aftermarket HU. How does it compare to OEM?

 

My XJ had the base system, so no factory amp. I have not added an amp and am using the OEM speakers in the stock positions. I never had an issue with the sound quality of the original system, but I believe the new system is marginally better. My issue was useability -- Android Auto, Bluetooth, GPS, etc., all of which I now have, while keeping an almost OEM "look".

 

If your Sony unit has DSP; I would consider adjusting the crossovers as follows
rear speakers -- full range
Front-- HFP at 150hz-250 hz

This is will make the fronts sound louder and clearer and more the sound stage to the front of the car where it should be. The downside is that you will lose a little bit of bass response.

 

J.A.G. very nice install where is info, what model is the headunit and any other details of install? thank You ,Ed

 

Btw, the oem speakers are beyond awful. They are the first thing that I would replace with 4 ohm aftermarket units.

 

Yes I'm very much interested in the parts/items needed that J.A.G. used. Can you please post the model/part numbers and whatever writing harness, extra bits that was needed for the install i would like to duplicate exactly what you have done. Thanks.

 

@J.A.G. how did you get the speed and RPM data? Did you use a CANBUS adapter? Could you please the details? Thanks