First off, I'm sorry that it took me so long to get this on. Between work and wrenching on the bike/riding the bike I forgot all about posting this...

Allright, here we go...

I did a temp install to figure out just how I wanted to mount the pieces. Just used some 2-sided foam tape.

The controller itself works just like the Ipod wheel, and I can access all of the audio stored in the Ipod.

 

Pulled the trim plate from around the shifter, and pulled the bucket from inside the center console, as well as the trim plate from around the sat radio controller.




I recieved the ashtray assembly from a guy parting a '04 XJ8 that had been crashed, in mint condition and $$$ less than the factory. This is where I mounted the display, hidden from sight to keep a clean look.

 

Disconnected the controller from its mounting plate and stored it in a recess in the dash (I might want to use it again).



After drilling a few small holes in the back of the ashtray frame to run wiring and gain access to the set screw for the display base.


I had to pull the rear seat to run wiring back to the trunk(no pics of that, sorry). Using the Sat radio FM transmitter, I bought a plug adapter and ran that wire up to the Ipod controller 'brain", which I installed in the center console underneath the bucket. Works like a champ. Plus, if I decide to use the Sat Radio again, everything is still in place.

 

The Sat radio 'brain' is located in the trunk behind the right-side trim panel. As I said, I just left everything for the sat radio 'installed' so as I might use it later.



Everything buttoned back up, the only thing always visible is the control wheel itself, right where my hand naturally rests, perfect for me.



The only complaint I have with this whole setup is I wish the Factory setup had an Aux input, instead of having to use an FM x-mitter. Much cleaner sound, and no interference from bleed-over. Other than that, I like it.

Comments???

 

Wow....no responses at all. Thought there might be a few...at least.

 

Sweet setup! Thanks for the breakdown w/pics MarlboroLTS. Made everything a lot clearer.

 

Thanks Panthro.

 

Thanks for the post. I am trying to decide what to do with my sound system. Great info

 

Any chance you still have the original head unit and you would consider selling it?

 

I like what you have done
Problem my X350 has an older type of sound system still got a cassette in the dash yeah I know that's what I thought
I haven't listened to cassettes since the 80,s don't know what they where thinking it has a stacker in the boot but I haven't listened to CDs for 10 years either

I have ordered the I pod controller ACM module this morning so will be using your photo,s to pull my dash apart to work on that
Nice install in the ashtray