Hey Everyone-

My Father's 2002 996 C4S has the factory-upgraded Bose stereo and nearly every option except GPS. He has asked me what his options are regarding in-dash GPS/audio systems and these are his criteria:

(1) all things being equal, he gives priority to a good GPS system over audio system

(2) then, he gives preference to CLEAN hi fidelity sound over massive bass as he obviously never bumps anything lol

(3) he DEFINITELY wants to get an in-dash setup with a screen that can be EITHER flush OR pop-out

and

(4) the GUI of the system should prioritize ERGONOMICS over flashiness and bells/whistles.

He's willing to spend something up to $2K or $3K for a solution that suits his preferences, but no more.

I've delayed bothering you guys with this potentially open-ended question, and have tried asking around some of the high end shops here in SD, but nobody seems to have anything good to offer.

Thank you so much,

--Marc

 

I have the Kenwood Excelon DDX-7015....It is in dash, flush, when you turn the key it angles out for better viewing...you set the best angle. Its touchscreen so its very easy. It has TONS of options like iPod control, satelite radio, video, etc...plays DVD movies as well as MP3 CD's and DVD's....the unit needs a NAV module which is about $500...the Nav module has 2d and 3d maps, can actually display the traffic conditions as well, great for commuting and finding a route with the least amount of traffic. It sounds great, very clean sound...I am in the music biz, and the first thing I did was swap the stock dect for this unit....The ONLY thing you may have a problem with is if you have the MOST bus audio system, you will need an amplifier also, if not you can use the stock amp. The head unit with Nav should cost about $1500. I did my own install in a few hours, so I would say install should be no more than a few hundred more. Here are a few pics of my install.....

 

I did the install myself, it works fine and has XM and TrafficNav.
If you are on a route and traffic backs up it will ask if you want to avoid the traffic. Pretty neat.

I relocated my A/C controls to the upper deck of the lower console, I left the pocket there for my cellphone etc, I really need a nice surround for the upper deck A/C ... I've never seen one. I may have to get a plastics guys to make one.

 

Eclipse is good too

 

thanks for the suggestions everyone ... i'll certainly relay this to my dad...

 

woah- newport - what steering wheel do you have?!

 

the Pioneer AVIC N3 is not too shabby either.

 

I have the Pioneer AVIC N2. I fact I am switching to Sirius and will have an XM receiver for a Pioneer setup for sale 1/2 price.

The nav system is great, night and day backrounds, Great zoom, you can designate areas you do not what to drive through and it will route you around. Touch screen control.

GPS and XM antennas are under the wiper blade cowling. Dash 8 photo

 

Ruf/Gemballa style....there are a number of them out there...The Ruf is crazy expensive, others are more reasonable....$800-2,000 with airbag....

 

Thank you everyone for the continuing suggestions.

Having seen the options some of you have, it's made me realize one other thing:

*IF* it's a pop-up screen, I know my Dad would really prefer if it didn't block the climate controls.

So I guress, realistically, non-popup is the best way to go.

Newport ... or anyone one for that matter ... any recommendations for shops to do this in the SF, LA, or SD area? Thanks!

 

How would you know if you have MOST bus or not ?

 

I did my own install, I am not familiar with shops to do audio work....Ask Arling at Lucent who he would use....I run everything past him....he knows just about everything Porsche related...

 

I suggest you look at some units in person and see what you like, in which case you'll probably realize how much of the stuff you don't like.

as for the installation, I'd probably do it myself (like others) since most installers can't really be trusted w/ a porsche (unless its done properly by reus or someone similar)

but if you choose to go with a local installer anyway, I'd look into Traffic Jam and/or Sounds Good Stereo, both in LA. They both should have enough cool cars laying around with nice electronic gadgets for you to peep through and compare.

as a side note -- don't you just wish you could jam a honda navigation in there...

 

hahaha yes, honda nav would be nice

aside: babak ... tiesto tix are sold out EVERYWHERE ... so i guess we can't go ...

 

I have the Pioneer AVIC-N3. It has XM/Sirius, XM NavTraffic, iPod, DVD, Radio, CD Changer, etc. I put cupholders on the top of the dash and moved the climate control to the bottom. I got the shelf (from Porsche) that fits exactly in the spot right above the climate control.