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I have been debating doing a double DIN GPS unit... I found the one I want; the Pioneer 8100NEX. My local installers price was considerable more than what I found online at jet.com
He said that he would install the one I bought and replace the Amp in the front boot for $1,000. I found a couple of amps in the $200 range and the euro motorsports kit is 150 on Ebay.... is this install difficult? Worthy of $500?
Now for the big question(s) ---- what else is needed to do this job and is it fairly doable for someone that is semi-competant? Anyone that has done this please chime in.... I searched for a DIY Double DIN step by step post but could not find any... Any help is appreciated.
Was just looking to do the same thing. My nav unit is ancient as it's from 2000. Why does a plastic trim piece and a cage cost 159? Seems kinda high for what it is.
Got a double din and the speakers mentioned in this write up installed for under $500 (install cost only, I brought all the parts to the stereo shop).
Honestly- I am all about doing what I do well and letting pros do what they do well in their profession.... But $1000 for an amp + install kit + install seems kinda steep. (porsche tax I am sure). I probably can handle the job without problems as long as I had guidance via instructions or video... LOL. I'll search around some more and see what I can find. The stereo is going to be awesome and having GPS with traffic is a key to happiness in southern California.
I have a car with the painful Bose system and did research a lot on every possible option of upgrading the radio.
In the end I went with the iSimple TranzIt BLU ISFM2351. Cheaper, easier to install and good sound quality. No regret what so ever.
Using my phone to steam music via Bluetooth with Waze as GPS plus voice commands with the supplied button works for me.
Less than 100$ spent, 30mins to install myself
I put in my double din myself with components purchased from Rod at Car Audio Innovations in Roseville, CA (I'm in Baltimore). I found his prices to be comparable to Crutchfield but he has detailed instructions for wiring the system. If you have the Bose optic system, it's a bit of work but certainly doable for an average diy. Some people talk about replacing these units but don't always clarify if they are replacing the bose most system or standard which can make a big difference in install as you have to change the amp in the most system which not only involves a new amp but running rca cables to the frunk and wiring. Anyway, Rod is awesome in my opinion in understanding options for these cars.
B3, did you have to purchase the trim ring and cage to install that unit? Do you have other photos?
Fortunately, the Blaupunkt New Jersey uses the full DIN width and so the included Blaupunkt bezel works (see picture #1). However, the height did not fit perfect to cover the absence of the AC control unit. Therefore, I personally made a piece from the old AC unit bezel (which you can use because when you relocate it the lowest slot, a new bezel has to be purchased).
See arrows in pic#1 & 2
Also, Blaupunkt includes a mounting cage that worked great. This saves you $100 - $200 for those aftermarket installation kits.
For more details, go to my most recent thread called "Becker to Blaupunkt, the hills are alive":
I'm in the same pickle. My shop wanted $1200 for install of radio and amp. I'm going to tackle myself. Id did the speakers a few weeks back with no issues.
Thanks b3. Your install looks clean. My hvac controls are already located low above the bat wing. I wanted to get rid of the nav/cd player and replace the double din unit that was original to car. Non bose that I can tell. Maybe crutchfield sells a wiring harness? Prob not or there wouldn't be these threads.
Shops don't like it when you don't buy from them so they typically upcharge the install cost. I have an aquiantance that has a shop and whenever I bring in my own stuff, they try to get me to buy something from them or won't install it. So I try just to do it myself. $1200 for radio install seems mighty high.