Radio replacement options X300
 

Our mechanic went to extraordinary lengths to find a working stock radio cassette deck for our X300 VDP when he sold it to us but, honestly, it doesn't work well with an iPod & cassette adapter and I don't listen to tapes anymore.

However, it has a unique fit in the center console (photo attached).

Surely I'm not the first person to contemplate replacing the stock stereo so my question is: If you've replaced it, what did you do to fill the gap properly?

Thanks in advance.

if you replace it with any aftermarket single din stereo, it doesn't look too bad, and you gain some extra space where you can comfortably place you piePhone or piePod, right in front of stereo.

Or you can get an adapter plate to make it look slightly more stock - I fully intended to get one but doubt I'll ever bother!

Both stereos in my Jags still work well but I have been tempted many times to replace them with a modern unit for iPod integration and hands free calling.

In the end all the replacement units just looked a little off so I bought an adaptor called Flexsmart X3. It plugs into the cigar lighter and has quite a strong FM signal so the sound is quite good, easily as good as the radio if not better. It integrates perfectly with my iPhone and provides bluetooth calling. Calls come through the car speakers and automatically mute the stereo. The mic works quite well, except when I have the top down on the XJS.

As a bonus, I can use it on either Jag and it wasn't too expensive :) Only thing I wish is that it came in a different colour as the bright white is a bit garish.

Attachment 64470

Attachment 64471

As mentioned, a faceplate adapter kit.

However, you'll probably have to seek out a UK vendor to get one as I've never found anyone selling them is the USA.

Try Ebay.uk as a start.

Cheers
DD

I did a conversion to a single din JVC KD-AVX77 radio with the following kit-
Jaguar XJ12 XJ6 Sovereign CD Radio Fascia Adaptor Car ISO Wiring Lead Kit | eBay
It has all the wiring youll need and the faceplate to make it look like its stock! Easy job to do once you get to the radio.

That's a cool idea, particularly as I have an XJ-S as well, although the cassette adapter works fine in the older stock stereo. What I really envy though is your 5 speed manual transmission!

Now that's the kind of solution I was hoping for!

I dig the Bluetooth/fm radio idea but given the rather limited real estate on the X300 ski slope, I think this with a real stereo upgrade might be a better long term solution. Thanks everyone.

Hello, Rhett,

FWIW, I've read that any Alpine stereo with the prefix CDM
such as cdm-9821 will still have the ability to integrate with
the existing CD changer in the trunk. Finding one, however,
is another story.

My stereo works but does not tune to AM radio, which admittedly
is all I find myself listening to. I dread changing the stereo deck to
a brand newone as I know it's going to be an eyesore for me.

My workaround is to just use my cell phone's app called Tune In.

If you decide to remove the old stereo, I'd also remove the clock
module and send it to Module Master located in ID for them to rebuild
it and have it working good as new. I believe they charge $90.00 for this.
Many jaguar forum members here have dealt with them and happy with the
service:
http://www.modulemaster.com/en/servi...build_info.php

Thanks, no idea why Jag could not sell more equipped with a manual in the US? It really transforms the way the car handles and goes. A completely different experience, especially to cars with the old 3 speed auto box.

Someday I hope to swap out the 3 speed auto for a 5 speed but that's at least a year or so off.

How do you get the audio from your phone into the car
stereo?

A member of my Jag club just did that to his 90 conv and loves it!!

I believe it is a Tremec 5 spd box and the whole package came as a kit from a company called The Driven Man. I believe he had one or two fitting issues but eventually got it all sorted. He changed to a 3.54 rear end too and said the combo completely transformed his car :)

I'm working on a scheme where you can remove the front panel from the radio and connect it to a Raspberry Pi to play MP3s. The buttons will change tracks, the screen will display anything you want it to and you can add a DAB/FM radio module for not much.

I couldn't face the thought of an aftermarket radio. That centre console just looks so nice as it is.