Thanks to everyone who has responded. Still confused on what to do. As I see it now I could:

1. Get some removal tools, pull the head unit out, send it to Becker the hard wire input to it, cost about $100 to $150 (including shipping) and it sounds ok.

2 Buy a frequency modulator of some brand and it works ok but get some interference sounds ok

3. Spend some time researching the Denison unit. Spend about $400 to $500 on buying the unit, figure out if I have the skills to install (probably not) then pay someone to install. Not sure about the quality of the upgrade.

4. Spend hours researching what the best replacement system is, move the HVAC controls, spend probably $2,000 on a professional installation and gain the ipod plus better sound, probably gps.

Is that about the extend of my options?

Thanks to everyone who has responded with their suggestions and comments.

I think I might op for the the most expensive but need to rationalize the amount.

Thanks

Is that about

 

here's a cheap and functional solution. not sexy. functional. my iphone/ipod connectivity issue has been cheaply ( if not crudely ) *solved* by buying an *old* motorola t505 from fleabay, ( like $50? maybe 75 iirc ) which wirelessly connects the iphone thru the cdr23 and plays mp3's as well as allows me to make/take calls. which while drving this car is unusual for me anyway. it ain't pretty ( the t505 ) but it works and just clips onto the pass side visor. works pretty well, actually. just circa 2003 technology ( i think it suits the car ) ya plug it in every once in awhile for a charge but lasts a while w/out. it even has an internal speaker so it plays actually even while not connected via bluetooth to the cdr23.

it is a definite *workaround* solution. i hate the MOST system and think it sucks. the MY '02 sounded better w/ bose. really.

 

Yes, those are the choices. I had the FM modulator for a couple of days. It didn't work too well and the 12 volt connection kept falling out because the receptical is too shallow. However, it may be your best choice until you figure out a long term solution.

If you want to take a road trip to Long Island, you can swing by and I'll let you have mine.

 

The problem with doing the Dension or any of the other fixes is (and you probably noticed this already) the stereo is not that great to begin with. Put the top down on the Highway and now you really begin to notice it's not the best. Good luck and please post and let us know what you end up doing.

 

Another option I'm looking into is the Pioneer App Radio. Sound quality is suppose to be better than the Becker option, and you get all the features from your iphone.

 

Scratch that..Pioneer App radio won't work...

 

Another solution which I'm considering is getting a 997...

 

Time to start looking for a 997 it is.

 

You could go with the Soche IPFMRDS. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_142IPFM...ipfmrds&tp=121

I have used this for over a year with no cutout, etc... Easy to install and charges your device. Currently I hap my Ipad mini running throughout it. Prior to that I used with my iPhone. Sound quality is also good. This video will give you an idea of how seamless the unit functions.

 

I want to make sure everyone understands that, as Av8sky points out, if you send your radio off to Becker, they will intall a MONO minijack that overrides all other inputs when something is plugged into it. You cannot select the source, other than plugging something into the jack. And it sounds HORRIBLE! I have an iTrip (FM modulator) that sounds WAY better, but still leaves a LOT to be desired. PLEASE don't waste your money on the Becker mod!