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Considering upgrading the factory radio in 2006 Bentley Flying Spur
There are groups across the country that offer an interface unit to allow upgrading of the factory radio. They are pricey ($2,800), then you still must purchase a stereo (another $1,000), then pay labor on the install.
Has anyone out there installed this conversion on their vehicle? The updated features like on screen navigation, DVD, USB ports, iPhone features, etc. would be nice. However, the install changes the overall classic look of the dash console. Certain radios are supposed to allow the steering wheel controls to continue to work as well as all the other control features of the factory unit.
With the upgraded radios, the USB cables come from the back of the radio, and I certainly wouldn't want a USB wire hanging from the dash. The radios of some models fold down to allow access to the CD/DVD player. If the USB cable can be contained behind the closed door, that would be better. But I don't want to ride around with the unit door open just to have access to the USB port.
Another dilemma, I believe the factory amp pushes at least 100 watts (although I can't find any specific spec to say for a 2006 Continental Flying Spur). The upgraded radio comes with its own amp, but it's only 50 watts per channel. I need sound and I don't want to go down on my thump. Some reviewers say the new radio actually improves the sound capability of the sound system saying you may lose some thump, but the music is much cleaner, etc.
Another option to get a USB port is to remove the CD changer and install an adapter to the glove box wiring. That solution is less than $500 and I can keep my original amp intact.
Has anyone modified their Bentley factory radio and if so, can you provide all the pros and cons of the decision? I'd really appreciate it.
There are groups across the country that offer an interface unit to allow upgrading of the factory radio. They are pricey ($2,800), then you still must purchase a stereo (another $1,000), then pay labor on the install.
Has anyone out there installed this conversion on their vehicle? The updated features like on screen navigation, DVD, USB ports, iPhone features, etc. would be nice. However, the install changes the overall classic look of the dash console. Certain radios are supposed to allow the steering wheel controls to continue to work as well as all the other control features of the factory unit.
With the upgraded radios, the USB cables come from the back of the radio, and I certainly wouldn't want a USB wire hanging from the dash. The radios of some models fold down to allow access to the CD/DVD player. If the USB cable can be contained behind the closed door, that would be better. But I don't want to ride around with the unit door open just to have access to the USB port.
Another dilemma, I believe the factory amp pushes at least 100 watts (although I can't find any specific spec to say for a 2006 Continental Flying Spur). The upgraded radio comes with its own amp, but it's only 50 watts per channel. I need sound and I don't want to go down on my thump. Some reviewers say the new radio actually improves the sound capability of the sound system saying you may lose some thump, but the music is much cleaner, etc.
Another option to get a USB port is to remove the CD changer and install an adapter to the glove box wiring. That solution is less than $500 and I can keep my original amp intact.
Has anyone modified their Bentley factory radio and if so, can you provide all the pros and cons of the decision? I'd really appreciate it.
I hope you get a lot of interest to this post. I'm also thinking about it but there seem to be a lot of conflicting stories. Some say Ben Hurr is great. Some are saying it is problematic?
I too would like some clear feedback on Ben Hurr.
Frank.
I just purchased a 2016 GT S this weekend, amazing car, the first thing I started researching is what to upgrade the head unit with. I found one that is not the tesla style, it is a design from the new Gen 3 GT, retains ***** which I like. It comes with the climate control too. I ordered it last night and should be here in about 10 days and I will be doing a video on the install and operation, this fits the Continental and the Flying Spur, 03-19. Will keep everyone updated!!
As to this unit fitting the 2004 2011 GT or FS, I think not, and I contacted the ebay seller to inquire about it fitting the 1st GEN GT/FS, I even sent them pictures of my vehicle, they "Sunny" came back with after reviewing my pictures that all is good, and "go ahead and buy now", which I didn't, see my pictures below for my understanding, as the 1st GEN vehicles have the dash lines inline with the center console, and the woodgrain trim around the Infotainment head unit goes all the way down to meet the woodgrain trim of the console, whereas the second GEN has the sides of the center of the dash coming down into the insides of the center console, and the Infotainment unit on the 2nd GEN does not go all the way down to the console, nor does it's woodgrain trim, therefore having a pocket with a rubber padding, whereas the 1st GEN would be left with a hole of unfinished plastic framing of the dashboard structure, I also believe that because the 2nd GEN center of the dash goes to the insides of the console, that the Infotainment head unit trim may be narrower left to right, therefore leaving a gap on a first GEN, but someone with a 2013 may measure that for us, or even your 2016 so that we can compare the measurements of width.
Johnny
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Originally Posted by caymanspyder
Hello All
this fits the Continental and the Flying Spur, 03-19. Will keep everyone updated!!
As to this unit fitting the 2004 2011 GT or FS, I think not, and I contacted the ebay seller to inquire about it fitting the 1st GEN GT/FS, I even sent them pictures of my vehicle, they "Sunny" came back with after reviewing my pictures that all is good, and "go ahead and buy now", which I didn't, see my pictures below for my understanding, as the 1st GEN vehicles have the dash lines inline with the center console, and the woodgrain trim around the Infotainment head unit goes all the way down to meet the woodgrain trim of the console, whereas the second GEN has the sides of the center of the dash coming down into the insides of the center console, and the Infotainment unit on the 2nd GEN does not go all the way down to the console, nor does it's woodgrain trim, therefore having a pocket with a rubber padding, whereas the 1st GEN would be left with a hole of unfinished plastic framing of the dashboard structure, I also believe that because the 2nd GEN center of the dash goes to the insides of the console, that the Infotainment head unit trim may be narrower left to right, therefore leaving a gap on a first GEN, but someone with a 2013 may measure that for us, or even your 2016 so that we can compare the measurements of width.
Johnny
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Yes, there are 2 different styles. Most sellers will only have 1 option, There is a Gen 1 version and a Gen 2 version, so they will fit the early models, They do not market this very well but they did design 2 different models for the Gen 1 and the Gen 2. There is a site that has both available.
Yes, there are 2 different styles. Most sellers will only have 1 option, There is a Gen 1 version and a Gen 2 version, so they will fit the early models, They do not market this very well but they did design 2 different models for the Gen 1 and the Gen 2. There is a site that has both available.
Good afternoon, a while ago I installed a carplay on the original radio that came with the car, there is a thread that was opened a long time ago with a video that was posted on YouTube by whoever installed it for me.
I have to say that I like stock cars without modifications and I opted for this option. But what made me take this option the most was that at the end of the day the original Bentley radio should be the most reliable for the car since if it fails we lose control of many parameters of the car as we already know.
The most negative point of all this is that the screen is not touch screen and the resolution is what we already know but it is totally reliable or at least it is reliable for me since I don't know if it has been installed for two years.
They are very reliable, as long as you stich with the higher spec units, I recommend no less than 8gb-128gb, They are now on Android 13 and using snapdragon 8-core processors. I have them installed in most of my vehicles, Maserati Granturismo, C6 Corvette, Ford F150 and soon the Bentley. I am an Android guy so I know these units inside and out.
As to this unit fitting the 2004 2011 GT or FS, I think not, and I contacted the ebay seller to inquire about it fitting the 1st GEN GT/FS, I even sent them pictures of my vehicle, they "Sunny" came back with after reviewing my pictures that all is good, and "go ahead and buy now", which I didn't, see my pictures below for my understanding, as the 1st GEN vehicles have the dash lines inline with the center console, and the woodgrain trim around the Infotainment head unit goes all the way down to meet the woodgrain trim of the console, whereas the second GEN has the sides of the center of the dash coming down into the insides of the center console, and the Infotainment unit on the 2nd GEN does not go all the way down to the console, nor does it's woodgrain trim, therefore having a pocket with a rubber padding, whereas the 1st GEN would be left with a hole of unfinished plastic framing of the dashboard structure, I also believe that because the 2nd GEN center of the dash goes to the insides of the console, that the Infotainment head unit trim may be narrower left to right, therefore leaving a gap on a first GEN, but someone with a 2013 may measure that for us, or even your 2016 so that we can compare the measurements of width.
They are very reliable, as long as you stich with the higher spec units, I recommend no less than 8gb-128gb, They are now on Android 13 and using snapdragon 8-core processors. I have them installed in most of my vehicles, Maserati Granturismo, C6 Corvette, Ford F150 and soon the Bentley. I am an Android guy so I know these units inside and out.
Congratas on the GT Robin. Nice ir matches your other GT .
Are you going the ACAR way with the GT?
I put a 2DIN unit (Mozart) in my FS when I first got it. It was awful. It toasted my batteries - but most all, didn't support the suspension control buttons like the seller promised. To me, this was a big deal breaker. I love pressing the suspension/level height buttons - and selecting them with the touch screen.
I settled on a android system that toggles the original screen. As you can see - the level of detail and sophistication in the GT/FS is levels above the Masi GT (at least to me). You have to be careful, you can easily downgrade the luxury. Cant wait to see what you do though. The dash access is WAY easier than Maserati GT!
Congratas on the GT Robin. Nice ir matches your other GT .
Are you going the ACAR way with the GT?
I put a 2DIN unit (Mozart) in my FS when I first got it. It was awful. It toasted my batteries - but most all, didn't support the suspension control buttons like the seller promised. To me, this was a big deal breaker. I love pressing the suspension/level height buttons - and selecting them with the touch screen.
I settled on a android system that toggles the original screen. As you can see - the level of detail and sophistication in the GT/FS is levels above the Masi GT (at least to me). You have to be careful, you can easily downgrade the luxury. Cant wait to see what you do though. The dash access is WAY easier than Maserati GT!
LOL, Thank you!!!! Nice you see you over hear on the Bentley side, had no idea you had a similar collection. You bet I am, they hit a home run on the Bentley unit, I will have a video coming soon, I just received the head unit today, I am so excited. I am getting my Bentley serviced next week so I will be showing the dealership the upgrade.
You may want to upgrade to this unit, I will do a full in depth video and confirm everything works perfectly. I love my Maserati, but I 100% agree this Bentley is many levels above in luxury and sophistication, way ahead of where the Masi is with the factory unit. I also purchased a 2015 DB9.2 Volante last year The Bentley and Aston build quality are amazing!!
I am excited for the install, it does look like it is sooooo much easier.
Very nice stable you have there! I see that you are doing a good bit of "research & development"
I'm looking fwd to the unit dropping. Make sure that they support the hardware suspension buttons. This is something I have not seen in my research. Most of the units force you to select the ride height and damper setting in the software only. They dont support the hardware buttons between the seats. If it does, I'll be an early adopter. I already have ACAR gen3 and the climcate control in my masi. One thing I persoanlly love about the 2010-2018 era of cars was that they still had analog buttons. I really cant stand depending on screen presses for all functions. I know the tesla crowd loves it, but i like the immediacy of a switch or ****. Either way, keep us posted!
I have it all installed and WOW!!!!!! I will be posting my installation video today, I will be doing the full demo and review video this week yet. We have had 50 degree weather here in Nebraska so been able to drive the car and test a bit, more than pleased!!!!!! I am going to start a new thread.
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