aftermarket radio upgrade
#1
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Hi,
I'm thinking of upgrading my car radio ( stock '98 XK8 non-premium audio, cassette player, cd multi-changer ) to give me bluetooth audio. I want it to still work with the steering wheel controls. I'm not bothered about the CD changer working, but I do want the radio to work ( powered antenna ).
I believe I have to buy one of these to get a single DIN slot
Then just buy any head unit (e.g.) that takes my fancy that supports steering wheel controls, buy a car stereo removal tool ( two metal sticks ). I also assume I'll have to buy an aftermarket wiring harness.
I've not done this for a long time, is there anything I'm missing here? I'm thinking it'll probably cost me about £50 plus a head unit.
So my questions are:
How do I determine which after market wiring harness I'll need.
Is that all I need ( facia plate, head unit, harness ) ?
Is there anything I haven't considered?
The process is just slide out old head unit with tool, plug in harness, slide in new head unit?
I'm thinking of upgrading my car radio ( stock '98 XK8 non-premium audio, cassette player, cd multi-changer ) to give me bluetooth audio. I want it to still work with the steering wheel controls. I'm not bothered about the CD changer working, but I do want the radio to work ( powered antenna ).
I believe I have to buy one of these to get a single DIN slot
Then just buy any head unit (e.g.) that takes my fancy that supports steering wheel controls, buy a car stereo removal tool ( two metal sticks ). I also assume I'll have to buy an aftermarket wiring harness.
I've not done this for a long time, is there anything I'm missing here? I'm thinking it'll probably cost me about £50 plus a head unit.
So my questions are:
How do I determine which after market wiring harness I'll need.
Is that all I need ( facia plate, head unit, harness ) ?
Is there anything I haven't considered?
The process is just slide out old head unit with tool, plug in harness, slide in new head unit?
#2
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Lots of people have tried. A few have changed their head units. Non really look 'Jagaur' if you know what I mean.
As for using the steering wheel controls that too seems to be very problematic. I have often thought about doing it myself but after seeing others attempts I gave it up as a bad job.
The Alpine sound system gives terrific sound quality, make sure you dont loose that.
Take a look. The replacement head unit is in the right place but would you want that in your Jag?
Also http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=78860
As for using the steering wheel controls that too seems to be very problematic. I have often thought about doing it myself but after seeing others attempts I gave it up as a bad job.
The Alpine sound system gives terrific sound quality, make sure you dont loose that.
Take a look. The replacement head unit is in the right place but would you want that in your Jag?
Also http://www.jaguarforum.com/showthread.php?t=78860
Last edited by frankc; 08-09-2016 at 05:25 AM.
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mrobinson (08-09-2016)
#3
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Thanks, I might try buying just the fascia first and see if it's going to look terrible or not. It's just the small old cassette player - there's no satnav screen to play with or anything like that,
The sound is currently awful anyway as I'm using one of those cassette adapters.
Process wise, and products to buy, am I on the right track?
( My car hasn't broken down for a while, and the car repair savings account has quite a bit of money in it, so I want to treat my car for good behaviour )
The sound is currently awful anyway as I'm using one of those cassette adapters.
Process wise, and products to buy, am I on the right track?
( My car hasn't broken down for a while, and the car repair savings account has quite a bit of money in it, so I want to treat my car for good behaviour )
#4
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Actually, many members have successfully converted to modern audio systems with bluetooth, iPhone, etc... If you search the forum you'll find many threads on audio upgrades.
I have successfully upgraded to a 'state of the art" Alpine unit while maintaining the existing amp and speakers. The steering wheel control is a very easy and straightforward mod.
As far as the upgraded look is concerned...I think my installation looks great and blends nicely with my Jaguar interior. All the necessary fascia pieces are readily available.
I have successfully upgraded to a 'state of the art" Alpine unit while maintaining the existing amp and speakers. The steering wheel control is a very easy and straightforward mod.
As far as the upgraded look is concerned...I think my installation looks great and blends nicely with my Jaguar interior. All the necessary fascia pieces are readily available.
#5
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I'm sure I've searched for this before and just found people suggesting Parrot.
Anyway, for future readers, I've just found this thread, which seems to cover exactly what I want:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ontrols-56937/
Anyway, for future readers, I've just found this thread, which seems to cover exactly what I want:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ontrols-56937/
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b6283 (06-25-2019)
#6
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Being the cheap and generally lazy SOB that I am, I tried several Bluetooth adapters and settled on this one. BC08 FM Transmitter Bluetooth Player Car Kit Dual USB Charger Handsfree MP3 Sale - Banggood.com
It syncs bluetooth music from my cell, and phone calls from my cell and the volume controls on the radio and steering wheel all work. It's even got USB sockets so one of these days I'll get my mirror mounted camera to work.
It's not as elegant but works pretty damn well.....did I mention cheap at about $11.
It syncs bluetooth music from my cell, and phone calls from my cell and the volume controls on the radio and steering wheel all work. It's even got USB sockets so one of these days I'll get my mirror mounted camera to work.
It's not as elegant but works pretty damn well.....did I mention cheap at about $11.
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mrobinson (08-09-2016)
#7
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Being the cheap and generally lazy SOB that I am, I tried several Bluetooth adapters and settled on this one. BC08 FM Transmitter Bluetooth Player Car Kit Dual USB Charger Handsfree MP3 Sale - Banggood.com
It syncs bluetooth music from my cell, and phone calls from my cell and the volume controls on the radio and steering wheel all work. It's even got USB sockets so one of these days I'll get my mirror mounted camera to work.
It's not as elegant but works pretty damn well.....did I mention cheap at about $11.
It syncs bluetooth music from my cell, and phone calls from my cell and the volume controls on the radio and steering wheel all work. It's even got USB sockets so one of these days I'll get my mirror mounted camera to work.
It's not as elegant but works pretty damn well.....did I mention cheap at about $11.
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#8
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Hi,
I'm thinking of upgrading my car radio ( stock '98 XK8 non-premium audio, cassette player, cd multi-changer ) to give me bluetooth audio. I want it to still work with the steering wheel controls. I'm not bothered about the CD changer working, but I do want the radio to work ( powered antenna ).
I believe I have to buy one of these to get a single DIN slot
Then just buy any head unit (e.g.) that takes my fancy that supports steering wheel controls, buy a car stereo removal tool ( two metal sticks ). I also assume I'll have to buy an aftermarket wiring harness.
I've not done this for a long time, is there anything I'm missing here? I'm thinking it'll probably cost me about £50 plus a head unit.
So my questions are:
How do I determine which after market wiring harness I'll need.
Is that all I need ( facia plate, head unit, harness ) ?
Is there anything I haven't considered?
The process is just slide out old head unit with tool, plug in harness, slide in new head unit?
I'm thinking of upgrading my car radio ( stock '98 XK8 non-premium audio, cassette player, cd multi-changer ) to give me bluetooth audio. I want it to still work with the steering wheel controls. I'm not bothered about the CD changer working, but I do want the radio to work ( powered antenna ).
I believe I have to buy one of these to get a single DIN slot
Then just buy any head unit (e.g.) that takes my fancy that supports steering wheel controls, buy a car stereo removal tool ( two metal sticks ). I also assume I'll have to buy an aftermarket wiring harness.
I've not done this for a long time, is there anything I'm missing here? I'm thinking it'll probably cost me about £50 plus a head unit.
So my questions are:
How do I determine which after market wiring harness I'll need.
Is that all I need ( facia plate, head unit, harness ) ?
Is there anything I haven't considered?
The process is just slide out old head unit with tool, plug in harness, slide in new head unit?
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mrobinson (08-09-2016)
#9
#11
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I chose to retain the head unit (I much prefer the 'standard' look), build a cable to take the low-level outputs from the head unit to an amp in the boot and swap all the speakers for better ones. The change in quality was incredible.
I installed a dab module that feeds into the stereo and has an aux input, with the aux lead run to the centre cubby box.
I installed a dab module that feeds into the stereo and has an aux input, with the aux lead run to the centre cubby box.
#12
#13
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i can only attest to the fact that the current Alpine upgrade technology provides a much improved and diverse listening experience.
Check out the various pics on the forum of finished upgrades and you can see that alleged "gaps" and poor appearance are really not an issue.
Check out the various pics on the forum of finished upgrades and you can see that alleged "gaps" and poor appearance are really not an issue.
Show one clean aftermarket install, I'd really be interested in seeing it
#14
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mrobinson - You are going to need more than just that Nexxia item... you ALSO will need to buy the radio fascia from an early 1997 xk8 - Read through MY posts HERE on page 5 and HERE ALSO, then also read through the entire posts... if you have any specific questions, please let me know.
As far as the steering wheel controls, mine works FLAWLESSLY with the Metra Axxess ASWC-1...
My new stereo may not look factory perfect but it looks VERY NICE (SEE HERE) and sounds AWESOME! My stereo is now in the 21st century with hands-free calling, bluetooth, aux-in, USB, etc...
I would say go for it...
As far as the steering wheel controls, mine works FLAWLESSLY with the Metra Axxess ASWC-1...
My new stereo may not look factory perfect but it looks VERY NICE (SEE HERE) and sounds AWESOME! My stereo is now in the 21st century with hands-free calling, bluetooth, aux-in, USB, etc...
I would say go for it...
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mrobinson (08-10-2016)
#15
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mrobinson - You are going to need more than just that Nexxia item... you ALSO will need to buy the radio fascia from an early 1997 xk8 - Read through MY posts HERE on page 5 and HERE ALSO, then also read through the entire posts... if you have any specific questions, please let me know.
As far as the steering wheel controls, mine works FLAWLESSLY with the Metra Axxess ASWC-1...
My new stereo may not look factory perfect but it looks VERY NICE (SEE HERE) and sounds AWESOME! My stereo is now in the 21st century with hands-free calling, bluetooth, aux-in, USB, etc...
I would say go for it...
As far as the steering wheel controls, mine works FLAWLESSLY with the Metra Axxess ASWC-1...
My new stereo may not look factory perfect but it looks VERY NICE (SEE HERE) and sounds AWESOME! My stereo is now in the 21st century with hands-free calling, bluetooth, aux-in, USB, etc...
I would say go for it...