hi all, i'm new here. just bought a 2004 996TT (my dream car) and would like to see what options are available for upgrading the stock NAV unit that is installed. i'm happy with the bose speakers, but would like to add a new head unit with touch screen and all that fun stuff. i did some searching and found a possible resolution, but didn't bookmark and can't seem to find it again. from what i remember i saw some screenshots of a poineer head unit that was about 8" large that looked pretty sweet. any help out there?

 

Kenwood makes a few nice units that will fit.

 

The problem you have is two fold, maybe 3:

1. An aftermarket unit will look aftermarket. Some less so than others, but they will never be Porsche.

2. You lose the ability to access 'trip data' on the nav. (MPG, etc- all the on board computer stuff)

3. The head unit/nav sends the audio data via fiber optic to the bose amps (this is the MOST bus). Hence you must replace head plus amps. Now you have to find an amp to drive the funny impedanecs of the Bose drivers.

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thanks for the replies. ARD, those are enough to make me want to keep the stock unit. Question: how can i hook up an MP3 player to the stock unit? it has a button for "CDC" (im guessing this stands for compact disc changer) but has no changer installed. can i use that input to play music out of an ipod? more than anything, i would just like to be able to listen to music without having to change CD's.

 

You have to gut the whole thing out. There are several very good double din head units on the market. Because of the factory BOSE head unit/ low ohm speakers and optical loop, it cheaper to replace everything and you get a better result. By replacing everything you'll end up with a better and user friendly Nav and Ipod plus much better sound and unlimited future mod potential. Budget 5k for a full on system. with monster subs. As the say in the audio business "no highs, no lows, must be Bose".

 

Talk to Eric at BumperPlugs.com (a site sponsor) about getting a Dension Gateway. This unit will cost more than you paid for your iPod, but is really the only way to tap into the fiber optic MOST BUS properly. (I think you can get the Bluetooth module for a 2004, as well. No-go on my 2003.) Unfortunately, that's the price you have to pay to keep things stock. I think the stock nav is terrible, but don't want to gut the entire audio system in a car where the exhaust permeates the cabin so much. It seems silly.

 

This is why when i get my TT it won't have factory NAV. It isn't very good to start with, cost a lot to upgrade maps, and upgrading to something else is too expensive. I'd rather use a portable when I need it. NAV is one of only three things I won't accept in my upcoming TT.

 

Even the non-nav cars from 2002? and on run an optical MOST BUS, so you can't upgrade those without doing the whole system, either.