I got an '08 Cayman about 7 weeks ago. I ordered it in May '07. The dealer assured me when I placed my order that it was possible to have Bluetooth installed instead of the costly PCM option. I left my vehicle in today for the Parrot Colour Kit to be installed (at long last!). However, the dealership service department then phoned me to say that it was not possible to install the Parrot kit and that it could not be wired into the speakers nor could the MUTE function be operated. My car has a six disc changer and the upgraded sound system (non-BOSE). The dealer said that all previous model year Caymans accepted the aftermarket Bluetooth because they had normal wires etc. However, apparently the '08 Caymans have fibre optic cables instead which he tells me cannot be spliced etc. Accordingly, they have told me that they will not install a Bluetooth handsfree kit. Can anyone shine any light on this apparently ridiculous scenario? I spend alot of my business day in the car on the phone and I need it sorted asap.
All Caymans are fiber optic including 06, 07. Check out Dension with bluetooth adapter or go for an aftermarket product like a Garmin Navi with Bluetooth like the C550, works very well.
To my knowledge all caymans came with fiber optic harnes, which was pretty widely discussed on this forum. Not to be pre judgemental, but your dealer might not done to many, if at all, any
of these installs.
06 and 07 cayman stereos (non Bose) have analog connections. That is how so many on this board have been able to swap their head units. Those with the Bose option can not replace their head unit without requring their entire car to be rewired
because it is tied into a fiberoptic network. Unless something has changed, you should be able to install what you want. But i have not read of someone with an 08 swaping their head unit, so i dont know if the analog connections are in fact still there.
I have an 08 and I was able to swap my headunit with an Avic D3
well, there you go. Analog connections still there. Take your car to someone that knows what they are doing. It can be done.
I have no idea if they changed anything either but I installed a parrot into a CS with Bose and with Fiber and the Fiber part of it has nothing to do with the install. The mute connection is also pretty clearly available whether you have bose or not.
Just to clarify... The CDR24 which is the base unit in the Cayman S or the Sound Plus option for the base Cayman does have actual wires to the speakers from the amp. The Bose uses fiber optics to the speakers which is what makes another head unit difficult to install. However the CDR 24 does use a fiber optic loop to connect to other accessories like PCM, CDC, etc. This is why the Denison can be used with the CDR 24 non-Bose (you can still tap into the fiber optic loop). If you replace the head unit and amp you then attach directly to the speaker wires.
Gents
My dealer is still being difficult. He tells me that he can only install the Parrot Bluetooth if he fits an external speaker in the passenger footwell?
I have also consulted a local In-Car Entertainment Specialist and he advised that he is happy to do the work. He did not foresee any problems. However, he then emailed me the following as regards the use of the MUTE facility:
Dear Wayne
Depending on model of head unit, a mute may be available.
Model nos. CD21 / 22 / 23 / and PCM2 are all covered by an available interface which I can order for you at a cost of 29.95
Models CD24 and PCM2.1 are currently under development.
Regards,
Russell.
Clearly my '08 Cayman has a CDR24 - is is the case that no interface is yet available, or can you guys let me know where I can source such an interface? I live in Belfast, Northern Ireland (United Kingdom).
