When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I thought I'd share my journey.
I wanted all of the above. But I wanted my car to still look right.
I tried fitting a Tomtom.
But it didn't look right.
But how to do bluetooth?
WhiteXKR told me how. As did all the wonderfull forum threads and posts.
Bridge out the phone module in the boot.
Then install the Parrot under the centre console. Using the original plug.
Beware distractions that can slow the job down.
Then add an Alpine KCA-410C Versatile Link Terminal AINET Multi-Changer.
Connect a Bluetooth Adapter to the AINET Multi-Changer. I used an AudioEngine B1 for the range - connecting it to the Boot Aux Power feed and then into AUX 2 on the KCA-410C. Then led the earth lead forward into the cab.
Despite further distractions arriving,
I finally finished the job yesterday.
I bought a replacement Cubby insert GJE8580AB so that I can keep all the original parts untouched.
Drilled a couple of holes in it for USB power and Bluetooth switching.
Press the button and the KCA-410C overides the CD auto-changer. Release it and the changer comes back.
Put the Digi Radio back in and add the Parrot control...
Then close the lid.
She looks like original. But we have Bluetooth phone and Digi-Radio and Bluetooth music.
Didn't even cut any wires.
Steering volume controls work for the radio and Bluetooth music, and for the phone. I have mine set to auto-answer so I don't even have to press the button!
hm1's just a hater... don't pay any attention to him. His setup WOULD be nice if he got rid of those mickey mouse nav buttons that don't work anymore... but to each his own.
For anybody who reads this thread in the future, I've bought:
From Nexxia.co.uk
PC2-55-4 : Harness adapter
FKS-447 : Fascia panel
CTSJG001.2 : Steering wheel control adapter
I'll probably be buying a Pioneer MVH-X380BT stereo ( £70 from Halfords ) and paying Halfords £30 to fit it ( which seems like a bargain, considering the process to get the radio out ).
Are you sure Halfords will do it for £30, considering they'll have to remove the cubby box, gear-shift trim (make sure they don't damage this on removal), centre console, etc??
Are you sure Halfords will do it for £30, considering they'll have to remove the cubby box, gear-shift trim (make sure they don't damage this on removal), centre console, etc??
Yes, I spoke to the head radio fitter on the phone and we talked about the involved process. He said they'll be able to do it and it'll cost £30.
I was surprised too.
I'll take pictures before incase they do damage anything.
I was able to get a decent head unit from Alpine and a bluetooth unit from them also (branded Alpine/Parrot) , and these parts are almost five years old. I had them in my last car (a 1997 XK8) and transferred them into my current car (2003 XKR).
Since I use either Pandora over bluetooth or SiriusXM radio, I got rid of the CD changer completely and simply disconnected the mickey mouse motorized antenna. I gutted the original head unit, the obsolete navigation screen, the CD changer and nav rack in the trunk and sold every part on Ebay to help finance the transition. I put a Rockford Fosgate amp in place of the CD changer rack and it takes up less space. Sound is a major improvement, even though I kept the stock speakers for now.
I would like to do a full analogue gauge conversion when time and money permits to occupy the space where the nav screen used to be (it's blocked off with a faux Jaguar skin pattern for now - tacky, but apt).
Not sure if the exact part is still available, but newer wheel controls are out there. I was able to find a good steering wheel controller for the Alpine, which I think is essential. The radio in these older cars is not placed in a good spot for adjustment, especially not while driving.
There was one guy here who made a good conversion to a double-DIN unit by relocating the row of switches above the radio into the center console - very slick.
For anybody who reads this thread in the future, I've bought:
From Nexxia.co.uk
PC2-55-4 : Harness adapter
FKS-447 : Fascia panel
CTSJG001.2 : Steering wheel control adapter
Have you had Pioneer unit fitted yet?
I'll probably be buying a Pioneer MVH-X380BT stereo ( £70 from Halfords ) and paying Halfords £30 to fit it ( which seems like a bargain, considering the process to get the radio out ).
Hello hm1, I really hope you are still active on this forum. I absolutely LOVE the way you replaced the satnav with the Note4 and really would like to do the same. How does it integrate into the existing stereo? Did you need an adaptor? Did you get the steering controls working with it? Can you tell me more about the setup?
