Hi,
I am in the process of ordering a 2008 Cayman (Arctic Silver with terra-cotta interior, five speed) and this is my first post here.
First, let me thank everyone who has posted about their experiences installing the AVIC D3! This unit seems to address every issue I have with the factory stereo, and without your posts, I would not have known where to begin on this project. Thanks especially to Stevie, gogoallen and TresX.
I'm interested in going "full boat," with Bluetooth, backup camera, iPod integration, navigation system, etc., and have a few questions. Please pardon my ignorance if they've already been addressed, but I haven't found any answers in the archives.
1. Is the CanBUS adapter worth its $150 price? It sounds like it makes the installation a lot easier.
2. Does the AVIC D3 come from the factory with a bezel suitable for use in a new Cayman, one that matches exactly the factory look and finish? Or does one have to buy the bezel from a third party source? I've seen several references to a Japanese supplier of the bezel. Is that person the best source for a bezel that matches the factory can exactly? How do I contact this supplier? I love the look of Stevie’s installation, the bezel looks like it came from the factory, and that is what I would like to have in my car, too. This is a key consideration for me.
3. I've seen some references to a factory installed microphone in the steering wheel. Is that correct, does the car come with a factory installed microphone in the steering wheel? If so, has anyone been able to connect that microphone to the AVIC D3 head unit for use with the Bluetooth cell phone system?
4. Where is the best place to locate the backup camera? If above the rear license plate, i.e., outside, will there be problems with weather or when washing the car?
5. Where's the best place to locate the iPod? In the glove box, in the console, or somewhere else?
6. Are there any glitches that anyone who is installed the AVIC D3 has encountered?
7. I'm thinking of installing unit myself, although it seems rather more complicated than other stereo units I have installed in the past. I'd be happy to pay a highly competent shop to install the unit, but I'm not aware of anyone with extensive Porsche installation experience in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Does anyone know of a real expert in the Twin Cities (or even Chicago)?
Thanks very much in advance. I'm really excited about this car and hope that I too can successfully install the AVIC D3.
Bob Woods
St. Paul
In my opinion, yes if you are self installing, it will save you from having to do a whole lot of wiring into the front and rear of the car.
Stevie's bezel was custom made by his installer, he also soldered all the wires together instead of using the simple,
reversible
wiring harness that comes with the bezel from the Japanese source that the other guys used. The Japanese bezel is an exact color match for the car. The supplier is ebay user, eurokit_CONTACT.
Click here for a listing for the bezel and wiring harness.
There is a factory installed microphone in the steering wheel, and I have the wiring diagrams for it which shows a copper speaker-level (high) signal coming out, but nobody as tried getting access to it; it's much simpler to just mount the tiny external mic and the Porsche mic isn't known for it's sound quality, those with the factory phone kit find it horrible.
TresX used a camera that mounts on a liscence plate frame, in my opinion, those are the easiest camera's to install because no drilling has to be done.
I have my iPod located in the center console, it was an easy install and a great location to get access to it.
See Stevie's review on the Avic D3 in the Articles section, it's very comprehensive. See avic411.net for further issues with the unit and a great, simple way to bypass the navigation\dvd player lockout while driving.
Good luck either doing the install yourself, or finding a good installer!
- Suneet
Thanks!
Whoa, what a terrific (and helpful) response! Thanks again.
I just installed my D3 this past weekend and if I were to do it again, I would probably skip the expense of the Canbus adapter. I was running wires all over the place anyway, why not run a few more and save some dough. I ended up running the reverse lead to the back anyhow, since the Canbus didn't seem to be sending that particular signal to the head unit. I mounted the backup camera in the middle of my license plate. There is already a hole there in the bumper where a tow hook goes so no need to drill any holes other than in the license plate. Ran the wire up thru the rubber grommet that holds wire for license plate lights. The bumperette is a BITCH to get back on tho. Got an el cheapo camera off ebay that does 0 Lux with infared LEDS...very cool!!! I'll attach some pics shortly. Good luck!
I just got mine installed as well and my local installer charged $400 for the bezel and the labour...although it isn't as pretty as the one from Japan like gogoallen's , i am very very happy with the unit and you should get one asap!!!
As soon as I can come up with the extra money, I intend to buy this unit, it sounds awesome.
Did you get nav and the rear camera?
