When I bought my 2000 NB a previous owner had taken out the original stereo and fitted a different system with a 10-CD changer unit in the boot. It’s actually a very good unit but in these days of iPods, iPhones, Bluetooth, USB and SD media etc, I’d like to fit some updated technology so I don’t have to go through the hassle of changing CDs periodically.
There are plenty of great units on the market but my first question is do I need to get a 1-DIN or 2-DIN system? Short of removing the existing unit, how do I find out what wiring harness I have in the car and whether I need to buy an adaptor harness?
Also, how easy would it be to change the existing speakers in the door card for something better? Is it a simple case of plug and play?
And finally, whilst I know ultimately it’s a personal decision, I’d be interested to hear what units others have fitted and what they think of them.
I’m also interested in doing this for mine. I still have the standard unit so like yourself looking to take advantage of MP3 connectivity etc.
Since a previous owner has already swapped out the standard unit, you might have the converted wiring already in there but you’d have to pull it out to find out. In theory it should just slide out and you’ll see if it’s a converted connector.
A few owners have replaced it with a single DIN unit and then grabbed the cubby hole from here to fill in the gap. A double din appeals to me as I don’t know how useful the cubby hole would be.
Let me know how you get on and what your final choice is, might copy you
So I now know the difference between 1-DIN and 2-DIN but some websites suggest you can’t replace a 1-DIN unit with a 2-DIN unit. Maybe that’s simply based on the size of the ‘hole’ in the dashboard, although I know you can take out the clock and cubby hole that sites below the stereo to create a 2-DIN hole. Others suggest it is possible to switch with an adaptor harness so looks like I will need to get the old unit out and take a look at what I need.
MrAndMrsDynamic - happy to keep you informed of developments. We’re all here to help each other!
Recently fitted a DAB double din into my NB and I have to say, I am happy with the results. Have a USB cable running through into the centre console, (Under the arm rest), and the DAB Ariel running up behind the rear view mirror. Will take more snaps if required
Based on the above I think Double Din is a good choice if budget allows, nice clean install tempted by DAB but I’ve had enough issues wiring up my headlights without having to worry about an aerial too!
Hi Pete
Fitted a single DIN Sony unit to mine. Had to fit adaptor plug in wiring, easy peasy. The cubby hole that I fitted below radio is useful for the MP3 player, remote control unit (which is never used) and mobile phone.
I changed front speakers. Door cards fairly easy to remove but had to adapt wiring connectors as replacements from MX5 parts were different. Nice tone though when fitted.
Alan
Thanks Alan. I quite like the idea of a double DIN unit. I don’t like the standard issue clock and rarely use the cubby hole next to it as things tend to fly out if I accelerate a bit hard!
I’ll probably get the existing stereo out over Easter to see what’s there and what I might need to get in terms of adaptors. Where did you get your wiring adaptor from?
Well, my new Xomax stereo arrived on Saturday and I wasted no time fitting it. A few small problems along the way, the main one being taking the old unit out which was a challenge as I had no removal tools and it seemed not to have been fitted in a standard way. However, I took the dash trim off and then got the clock/cubby hole unit out which gave me good access to the stereo. New unit went in easily enough but unfortunately, none of the trim provided (two variants) was enough to fill the gap between the stereo and the dash trim so have had to order some wider trim.
Otherwise, very happy with how it looks and operates. makes the centre dash look less cluttered. The micro-SD card set up is great for all my music as it can take up to 128Gb. Got Bluetooth for the phone (although I would rarely use the phone whilst driving) and have a USB cable through the centre console to the arm rest so will be able to plug my phone in to charge. Will post some photos once I have the new trim fitted.
Still need to remove the old CD changer unit in the boot. Got to figure out where all the wires were threaded through. Will also need to reconnect the old unit temporarily so I can power up the CD changer and eject the CD cassette. Forgot to do this when I removed the old unit so can’t retrieve my CDs!
That looks incredbily neat. Did you use a cage? How was the unit secured? My Mk2.5 NB has no cage so the unit I just bought has no obvious anchor or mounting points in the car…
Here are a few photos from the installation of my 2-DIN unit…
This is the gap below the cage. Not very aesthetic.
This is the filler piece I made from modelling plasticard and painted black. The square piece sticking out the back has two functions: 1. it helps to support the cage stopping it slipping and keeping it flush with the top of the console, and 2. it acts as a strengthener for the strip across the front that will be visible.
Here is the filler piece in place ready for the cage to be fitted.
With the cage in place…
The stereo fitted…
And another view from the front…
I think it looks pretty good and when you’re sitting in the car the filler piece is actually barely visible. Ultimately I may make another filler piece that comes flush with the stereo surround and the heater controls below but for now I think it looks fine.
tempted by DAB but I’ve had enough issues wiring up my headlights without having to worry about an aerial too!
