2000 996 Becker Bluetooth module install (Becker PDR220)

Wanting to keep the radio stock but still wanted bluetooth connectivity without using USB cigarette lighter that connects to an unused radio station, I pulled the trigger on the Becker Bluetooth streaming module. https://www.ebay.com/itm/266676449021 First step is to remove the CD holder, cubby beneath the CD holder, climate control and side switches, before pulling out the radio with the removal keys. You don't have to disassemble like I did but it was easier to push the radio from behind to get it to move than it is to just use the keys. Pro tip- protect the shifter with a thick towel in case the radio comes out with some force. Plug the bluetooth module to the back of the radio (top left plug if you are facing the back of the head unit). Stuff the bluetooth module somewhere behind the head unit or climate control. It's the blue thing behind the radio in this picture. For power, I tapped into the telephone plug for ground and accessory power (you'll need 12 volt accessory power) I ran an extension since the bluetooth module's wires were not long enough (18 gauge). I used spade connectors for the extension so I can disconnect easily, then added heat shrink. Removing the CD holder and lower cubby makes it easier to route the wires down and out. Test before putting everything back together. You Tube Test again after putting it back together: You Tube Also test with the engine running, AC & heater on to make sure you don't get any type of whine. Mine sounded good but it will require a bit more testing to make sure it's whine and static free. My CDR220 uses the stock amp and speaker.

Before I went with the Continental head unit on my '99 C2, I was using one of those. I won't use those Scotchlok connectors so I went with the plug & play version. It was ~$10.00 on Ebay. It's a great option if you're trying to stay original and don't need phone function.

Do both of these work with the CD changer removed? I installed a similar Bluetooth adapter, but it uses the CD changer input. I really like it, but it skips occasionally when the CD skips, and I�d like to remove the CD changer.

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My car didn't come with the CD changer. However, if there is any skipping or interruptions, check all your connections to make sure they are solid.

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I hate to admit that I agonized for a month or two whether to go with the Bergvill Continental unit (looks period correct, plug and play with their harness, but the lighting seems inconsistent with the rest of the dash), the inexpensive Amazon Bluetooth adapter (did not like that it was always on), a refurbished Becker CDR220 with the bluetooth built in (from Becker Autosound but was around $600) or the Becker bluetooth module. In the end, I wanted to keep the car as OEM as possible so went with the Becker bluetooth module. Hopefully the taps don't give an issue since it's not in a high vibration area.

Thanks for the great write-up instructions. I currently have one of the cigarette lighter adapters, but this looks like a good option when I want to upgrade.

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Funny you mention the cigarette lighter adapters. This is what I was using before the Becker module. Amazon Amazon However, when you select a station and you are traveling, sometimes you would get to an area where there is some interference with a local station that uses that frequency. Plus, once I installed the Rennline phone mount, my iPhone would interfere with the cigarette lighter adapter which was the final straw for either going with the refurbished Becker CDR200 (with bluetooth installed) or the Becker bluetooth module.

I installed the predecessor to this bluetooth adapter for my CDR-220 nine years ago and still love it. It's completely plug and play and does hands-free phone very well. It plugs into the CD Changer port of the radio, ,so I you have a CD changer that will no longer work. https://www.discountcarstereo.com/BT...ategory_id=433

Update- The rain finally let up today so I can go on a drive to test it out. There is some whine and it seems like there is a base whine and a whine that increases with RPM. I reached out to Becker to see if an isolator is possible. On a related, note, was able to find some old CD's (Bruce Springsteen- Greatest Hits and U2- Rattle and Hum) so put those in my CD holder. Classics for the classic.

Where did you source the Becker Bluetooth PDR220? Thanks Jeff

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https://www.beckerautosound.com

I installed the mr12volt Bluetooth for my Bose/MOST system in my 40AE. Having full volume on the phone negates any whine while music is playing- faint whine if dead air after playlist finishes on phone…should probably install a noise filter, but I just load new tunes…fyi.

FYI- This did not get rid of the whine.

Got rid of the whine by tapping into A5 for 12v power (filtered) and A8 (chassis). This was based on feedback from Becker Audio.

Quotes source post: 20062565

I'd guesstimate the alternator whine was caused by the ground loop created by connecting the Bluetooth module to a different ground point than the stereo.

For those that are interested, here are some details: Posi-tap and splice into A5 (filtered power) and A8 (chassis) Wrapped the Becker Bluetooth module with some Koozie foam and painters tape to prevent it rattling. Testing before putting everything back together: You Tube