Hi All,
After getting my 2000 XK8 out of the shop (AGAIN), it seems to be running pretty good.
I'm thinking of moving away from the Alpine Premium system into a new system.
I would love to keep the steering wheel control, have FM radio, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play.
Just wondering if there is such a beast out there?

Much thanks,

Eric "erjent" Jordan
Punta Gorda, Fl.

 

You need:
- single din facia panel
- steering wheel control interface
- patch lead to connect the steering wheel control interface to the new head unit
- amplifier bypass cable (you will not be able to use the original Alpine amp anymore)
- single din head unit with remote input for the steering wheel control

 

Thank you!

 

After reading your post. If you end up changing the radio and it works i would love to buy it from you. Mine just went out. I live in cape coral. The volume control went out. Thank you. My email is steidts@yahoo.com

]Hi All,
After getting my 2000 XK8 out of the shop (AGAIN), it seems to be running pretty good.
I'm thinking of moving away from the Alpine Premium system into a new system.
I would love to keep the steering wheel control, have FM radio, Bluetooth, and Apple Car Play.
Just wondering if there is such a beast out there?

Much thanks,

Eric "erjent" Jordan
Punta Gorda, Fl.[/QUOTE]

 

That's what mine is doing. The Steering wheel controls work, butt he knob on the radio is really finicky..

 

everywhere, mine does that..I took mine apart and sprayed the pot with cleaner, it was slightly better but quickly got funky again, my friend with 2004 t-bird has same issue with volume control on radio but his steering wheel control works fine. If I ever have time again I'll pull mine apart once more and replace the little pot.
wj

 

I had that happen on mine. I went to an electronics shop with the dismantled headunit and bought a matching rotary encoder. Soldered it in, and now everything is good as new.

Be careful, some rotary encoders have the right contacts and overall dimensions, but the shaft for the knob may be too thick.

 

I checking now to see if the can repair it with a new volume control. I had it cleaned and it still did not work. I will let you know if I fine some one that can do It.

 

Spend the $$$ on an exhaust upgrade. You'll enjoy the sound much more. My stereo is rarely used...love the XKR's V8 growl.
Chris 2003 XKR coupe

 

Chris, what direction did you take in your exhaust upgrade?

 

Had a 1997 XK8 and deleted final silencers at a local muffler shop. I came with 2" Adamesh oval tips and the installed on 2" pipes. It added a nice tone and was cheap to do.
Current 2003 XKR black coupe had last five silencers deleted and large 4" round Borla tips by previous owner. This cat growls!!

 

Has anyone tried one of these?

Sounds like it could be better than a FM transmitter, while preserving the original look.

FM Modulator Wired with Handsfree Calling and BLUETOOTH Music
"This wired FM modulator enable to connect any BLUETOOTH MUSIC PLAYER and HANDSFREE CALLING FUNCTION to your car sound system. Simply input your car radio aerial to provide FM radio quality sound. Thanks to its in-line power filter noise suppressor the sound quality of this item is far better than cheap wireless FM transmitters that are prone to interference and hiss. This is one of the easiest ways of connecting a bluetooth music players and hansfree calling system to your factory fitted or after-market car stereo."

https://www.ebay.com/itm/11620977668...3ABFBM5Nn53YNk

 

A potentially interesting device and a very easy install with no soldering required.

I wonder if it actually disconnects the aerial internally when it connects to Bluetooth so there is no chance of co-channel interference breaking through? If it doesn't and there is still some interference, you could presumably leave the car aerial disconnected completely from the device. You could then listen to streaming live radio on your phone and play that via Bluetooth. As long as you have a 3G/4G/5G signal, you have live radio, if required.

At that price, you can't go wrong really.

Richard

 

I ordered one, but it will take a while to get here.

I'll update once fitted.

 

I “upgraded” my stock radio to an alpine head unit, second to top of line for 2003. Yes I did have to lose my steering wheel controls but I took my stock clip apart and made a custom connector to the aftermarket alpine wire harness. Added a Bluetooth adapter to my a/i port and now have radio, cd, and aux Bluetooth for music from my phone. Just how I did it not saying it’s the only way. I added this specific alpine so I could run my new amp and sub and while at it I put in alpine 6.5 2 way rears and alpine 6.5 components to fronts. I love it but that’s me, I build custom sound systems in everything I own

 

I will not be moving ahead with this device.
Finally got around to installing it, but the volume and sound quality were rather poor compared to the CD player.
The FM transmitter plugged into the cigar lighter is better than this device.

I think I will start looking for the android tablet type device instead.