Some more AVIC-D3 questions!

Hi All, I have searched for the answers but just wanted to confirm they are correct before I go-ahead and order the unit!! I am having the unit installed by a recommended dealer, but could someone please confirm the below; I have the CDR24 sound upgrade, NOT BOSE., So this should be a straight swap? I see the Japanese Bezel on ebay is a good match for the interior, are there any alternatives other than making your own? eBay Motors: Porsche 911(997) BOXSTER(987) Cayman 2DIN DASH KIT (item 280171730733 end time Dec-09-07 01:25:36 PST) I do not have a CD changer, although the fibre optic cable will be installed as standard. So can this cable be ignored? Any further info would be appreciated! Thanks

Hi, The eBay facia looks a reasonable match but it's by no means perfect. I get the impression from the photos that it has a smooth surface rather than the original slightly textured feel. All the same it's the one that's most impressed me and since I don't feel confident in cutting and spraying my own, it's the next best solution. There are people that have sacrificed the panel from the CDR24, which might work but it all depends how far you want to go. I'm not sure you could incorporate the Porsche CD changer (I have the Sony CDC4) down to its MOST fibre connection but it's one less problem for you to worry about. From the articles here it's not a straight swap but still quite feasible. Read the articles and make up your mind. You making the change soon?

My eBay bezel does have a texture to it. I found the match VERY good and it's going to be way better, IMHO, than even what you'd get by sacrificing the CDR24. I hate the CDR24 so much that I wouldn't be above cutting the thing to bits just for fun, though. --Donnie

Hi Donnie Did you buy the regular one from the Japanese eBay site? Here eBay Motors: Porsche 911(997) BOXSTER(987) Cayman 2DIN DASH KIT (item 280171730733 end time Dec-09-07 01:25:36 PST)

I bought that one - it's on it's way... I'm going to put in an Alpine IVA-W200 unit. I wish the Japanese site could post better pictures! But, based on comments here and elsewhere by people who have ordered this one, the match sounds about as good as it gets. I was bound and determined to keep my CS "pure" and not modify anything at all. But, when I found the CDR24 didn't work as advertised (wouldn't play a variety of burned CDR, mp3, etc.) and the sound sucked, I figured a change was in order. The dealership and an aftermarket guy scared me off an initial upgrade inquiry due to the MOST concerns. Thanks to Cayman Club for the real 411 on upgrade possibilities! (Now that I'm corrupting perfect car, I'll have to do the exhaust, too... *sigh*) -Mark

Sounds good. Let us know how the install works out. Nearly Christmas Day here in the UK. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas!! :cheers::cheers:

Yeah, that looks like the same one I got. Pretty sure it's the same folks who have the CAN bus adapter that you'll also want if you want dimming, vehicle speed sensor, etc. --Donnie

I thought using the speed sensor on the car was just a case of connecting to the cable identified on one of the articles. I know with the AVIC-D3 and other Pioneer equipment they provide a cable for the purpose. I also saw a reference somewhere to only needing the CAN Bus adapter if you had Bose fitted to the car. Guess I was off on the wrong track.

Have most of the people on here bought from the same guy? It seems odd that his feedback is only at 25!, are there others listing this part?

Depends on your point of view. I personally don't often use eBay so I only have a feedback of 6 BUT it's 100% positive. This guy's positive feedback is also 100% therefore he seems pretty reliable. Although I've not ordered yet, I'm quite happy to buy one. Don't know about any alternatives. Few things in life are absolutely certain!

I'm interested in installing the AVIC D3, and also have the Sound Upgrade with the nine speakers. Are you planning to also installing a woofer as part of the package, or just use the existing speakers?

I got a PM on this, but I wanted to reply in public on the Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) issue. The reality of it seems to be you *can* find a VSS wire and there's probably a tech article on this site (I'm pretty sure there's at least a forum post somewhere if you search) on how to find it. I don't recall it being easy and it certainly doesn't exist really close to the radio compartment. That said, that's not the biggest deal. The biggest deal, IMHO, is that you REALLY want dimming to happen, and at least with the Z1 and Z2 you have to have a dimmer wire connected from the car. If you don't, that thing is just WAY too bright at night and will drive you crazy. I've not heard of anyone finding a way to get that signal without the CAN adapter. I'm sure you *can* find it with a wiring diagram and/or enough digging (and a LOT more dash removal, I'd bet). But at that point, getting the CAN bus adapter makes a lot more sense, IMHO. Yes, it's expensive at $300 or whatever, but it was worth it to me. It may not be to everyone, I can't say. That eBay seller treated me right and seems reputable. --Donnie

I've discovered alternatives such as this: Low Cost Car Audio | Accessories | Porshe | Soundlinx CAN01POR - Porsche CAN-Bus Interface It seems to be a similar piece of kit and is slightly cheaper. Not a problem for me, because it's on a UK site, but double the British pound to get an approximate dollar price.

That piece looks to do the same thing, but note that the "plug and play" probably isn't entirely true for Japanese aftermarket head units. It may help in that you can get the CAN bus without splicing into any wires (which is what I did since I didn't have any ISO connectors and didn't want to go digging to find them and then order them), but it looks like it provides those signals back *out* on an ISO connector, which your Pioneer or whatever doesn't use. So you'll still have to cut that connector off or find the ISO counter-part to wire into your Pioneer harness. Still, looks to be a good option, and is a really good option if you have access to the ISO connectors you'll need. --Donnie

Hi Mankey I wasn't doubting the guy's integrity. I was just trying to ascertain whether or not there was another source of these parts, or if the listing was from the supplier that "everyone" uses. Given the seemingly plentiful positive comments about the facia, I was supprised that he hadn't sold more. I think I will order. Nice find on the UK supplied CAN bus. I like the idea of a supplier that speaks english, if I get into trouble. Is it Cayman compatible, it only references Boxster, are they the same?

Hi, It does look as though he's a reliable supplier, but you never know until you've heard from a couple of people who've used them. As for suitability of the adapter from the UK site, might just be worth checking with them that it is 100% suitable. I found them as easily as Googling the right words and as you say, at least they speak English. I would have thought anything like this would apply to the Cayman as well the Boxster - there are so many similarities I sometimes wonder whether the only difference is with the body of the car. David

Take your point about the connection. May not be straightforward to connect to a Pioneer. Hmm. I've no doubt you can make all the hard-wired connections yourself if you know precisely where. David

I'm just using the existing speakers. I'm actually quite happy with the Sound Upgrade, it's the functionality of the CDR24 head-unit that annoys me. If it played MP3 CD's I might have lived with it. I spoke to my installer today with regard to the CANBUS adapter and automatic dimming. He said he could wire the unit up to the headlight circuit without the need for the adapter. I will speak to him again next week about the Speed Sensor. I read in the below thread you can wire it under the bonnet; http://www.planet-9.com/cayman-electronics/13439-d3-installed.html I hoping to get away without the CANBUS adapter. I'm going to double check with my installer. He seems very clued up. He's given me a reasonable quote for the Unit and fitting, not the cheapest but he's been recommended by several people now. I'll let you know what he says. In summary, I think the CANBUS adapter is for simplicity and not a requirement??? PS I have just bought the Bezel from the ebay site used by everyone else, hope it turns up!!

Have your bits arrived from Japan yet Tim? Out of interest, who are you going to get to fit them?. I am based in East Yorkshire and have an installer in mind, but would travel to get it done by someone who came recommended.

Not arrived yet . But the money only left my account on Thurs (I used Paypal). Should be here sometime next week I hope. I'm using WTCR (Wentworth Thames Car Radio) in Surrey. PM me if you want to know the quote.

Did the parts turn up Tim?

Yes they did - eventually!! I got stung for £30 VAT by UK customs + £12 handling fee from Parcel Farce. Apparently it's luck of the draw. You may get charged you may not. You might be able to work something out with the seller to avoid paying this.... The bezel is a very good match though. Will book the install within a couple of weeks.

Just a quick update. I had the AVIC-D3BT installed yesterday. I used WTCR in Surrey (UK). There is enough D3 info on this site to help decide which is best for you. Personally I am using an iphone connected via the CD-I200 cable hidden away in the Centre Console. It works like a charm! There were a couple if problems, first the installer did need to use the CANBUS adapter, this was not factored into the original quote. I stated this and they apologised. They did remove my Parrot Bluetooth kit and my hardwired Garmin Nuvi at no extra cost. When I got home and had chance to fiddle with the EQ I found the sound quality to be awful. I spent about an hour messing around with it and (PM'ing Suneet here on CC) until it was concluded they had wired the D3 up incorrectly. I took it back this morning armed with some pointers from Suneet and now I have an amazing sounding stereo. The ebay Bezel is a good match but not worth the money. If I were to do this again I would probably sacrifice the CDR24 Bezel instead. Despite a couple of problems with the install WTCR did a good job. They fixed the wiring issues whilst I waited. Big thanks to Suneet for your help. I'm VERY happy with this unit.

bezel FYI, many installers here in the US (at least the pro installers) make a bezel out of wood and have it paint matched to the interior...still not cheap but its what most do!

Hi Tim Glad you've got everything sorted now. Looks like your installer is not as clever as he thinks - can't believe you were sent away with the speakers not sorted. I installed my AVIC-HD3BT (probably close to the Z2 in the US) in my Boxster This is the model: AVIC-HD3BT Pioneer Navigation - GPS system - Satellite Navigation - GPS I agree that whilst the bezel is not a perfect match, it is pretty good all the same. You will see from the main D3 article here that the CAN-Bus interface is not absolutely necessary even for the more difficult connections. I located the speed sensor in the front compartment and picked up the dimmer/illumination under the centre console. The kit works like a dream and links perfectly to my iPhone for calls. It's only taken from the phone but here's the end result: http://i273.photobucket.com/albums/jj228/mankeyone/IMG_0021.jpg Who needs a prehistoric PCM?

Yeah, I thought the same thing, how could this have sounded right to them? Knowing what I do now I would have installed this myself.... we live and learn!

Hey, Read a couple of your posts, and I saw your mention of the dimmer/illumination wire in the center console that you were able to tap into. Can you give me more details as to the exact location, color of the wire, etc. Many regards, Bryan

Hi Bryan, I'm hoping I can help you out, but it's worth mentioning a couple of things. Firstly my car is a 2005 Boxster, although as far as I've been able to tell so far, the wiring is identical to the Cayman, apart from any options of course. Secondly because I live in the UK, of course the steering wheel is on the right hand side of the car so you may just need to check the other side of the car if you don't find the wiring in the same place as mine. You'll find the illumination cable you need at the rear of the centre console. I know we British sometimes have different names for things, so it is the unit that mounts the PCM or CDR24 Radio/CD unit. I needed to remove the right hand panel to properly get access, but once you follow down the rear edge of this panel, at the bottom you will find some cables behind it, I think where the bracket mounts the unit to the floor. It was 18 months ago that I did this, but you should find a Grey/Red wire that runs back to the ashtray further back in the main console between the seats - I simply tapped the wire running back to the light in the ashtray. I thought of tapping it directly but didn't want to pull apart the whole centre unit. I don't know what you guys call them but I used one of these to make the connection. Out of interest, which unit are you fitting to the car? Is it an AVIC-D3? By all means come back to me to you need any more information. Pleased to help and hope you have a good weekend. Best Regards, David