I'm planning to get a system similar to the one Gonzo has, for my '03 C2. Can you guys tell me about what it cost, including installation, to have one of these systems put in?

I guess I'll have the climate-control system relocated to the bottom, and get rid of that darn 4-CD storage rack thingy. For the life of me, I can't figure out why they wasted so much dash space for a relatively useless thing like that CD rack.

 

My system is almost 2 years old. The Pioneer AVIC 930bt cost around $900. The install with new Kicker amp and Kicker speakers ran about $1,000.

Do NOT use a chain like Audio Express or Best Buy to do the install. They do not know our cars, even though they tell you they do. I learned the hard way. I eventually found a custom shop that knows Porsches. You will save money in the long run.

 

I wanted full nav/bluetooth/streaming capability and was completely underwhelmed with the the high price and limited functionality of every aftermarket pioneer/kenwood/alpine/jvc/etc. system I looked at.

I went with a high quality but inexpensive single DIN pioneer head unit to provide audio amplification and easy control (could be eliminated with a hidden amplifier instead) and an iPad mini for nav/streaming/timing/obd2/email/calendars and more.

It works amazingly well...

 

You guys spend way too much time looking at your screens.

 

Thanks, Gonzo. My radio reception sucks big time. I have no idea why... I'm hoping that a better radio/entertainment system will solve that problem. Also, I want my phone and an I-pod input, so I figure I may as well get a full system similar to the one you have.

Yeah, I plan to use a custom audio shop, not a chain. Still... it does make me a bit paranoid, having anyone but me in control of the car, and having someone I don't know at all poking at wires and such.

Another question for you folks... under the bumper, lower right (front passenger side), is a small bracket with a little plastic pointy cone-shaped thing-a-majig (I believe that's the proper technical term for the component) that is attached to some wires. I haven't had the car very long, so haven't had a change to see where the wires run to. Is that maybe a hidden antenna? Any thoughts as to what it is?.

 

That little gizmo in the bumper is the temp sensor for your dash readout.

 

A temp sensor! Thanks Gator!! I never would have guessed that!

 

Clearly, "Alpine" does not refer to your car's stereo!

 

You're right, it's the paint code that's been on my previous 3 BMW's.