Bluetooth Dongle for CDR23

Want to keep the stock stereo/look but would like to add Bluetooth. What brand has been working best? Thanks!

Amazon Amazon I use one of these (Bluetooth FM transmitter), and it works pretty well. I'd be interested in something better, however.

I think I need to pull the stereo out and see what I'm dealing with. I hope for a connection that will be hidden in the dash and activated by selecting AUX or similar.

I used a Tranzlt Blu RF device. I think if you have a CD changer there are devices that use that input. I don't have a CD changer so had to wire it in.

CDR-23 uses an optical MOST bus, so no conventional aux port in the back. You can put an FM modulator on the antenna to create an analog aux port. Sound isn�t great but it is easy and cheap. (I think I have one I can give to you for shipping cost if you PM me.) More expensive and better are the MOST gateways from Dension, which is what I ended up doing. I think there are other vendors out there now with MOST gateways as well.

Rats! I was hoping this would have been easy. Really want to keep the stock unit in place, just because it looks so right. Which model Dension did you buy? Maybe it's time for me to try one of the Continentals? I appreciate the offer for your FM modulator. I'm going to see what I can make work.

Do you have a CD changer? If so you can get the "Mr. 12 Volt" MOST bluetooth interface. Really, that's what it's called. I have one and it works quite well. I paid about $120 which was a lot nicer than $500 for the Denison device. I think rennkit.com has them.

It looks like there are more options out there now. I see Pelican Parts has the Porsche Rennkit Bluetooth Retrofit Kit for Most Fiberoptic Audio Systems . If I didn't already do this job, I would probably give that one a try since it combines the MOST gateway with the bluetooth capability and looks as easy to install as an FM modulator. I also prefer the factory look and don't see myself ever swapping out the original head unit. Unless Porsche adds wireless carplay to their new PCCM+ AND they lower the price to the $xxx's range.

I do not have a CD changer. I'm guessing there's differences with CDR23 units, if the car was optioned with or without a CD changer? Is there? That would be sort of weird.

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Good info. And yeah, the Porsche unit is super $$$.

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The MOST bluetooth devices emulate a CD changer. If I select "disk 1" it's bluetooth. Disk 6 is the AUX input cable. If you don't have a CD changer, the radio won't let you select CDC as an input source. You need to find someone to code the radio to have a CD changer. This can be done by the dealer. I am not sure if Durametric could do it. The bluetooth capability is pretty limited, it does phone audio and has an external mic that you mount somewhere. It plays audio and the next/previous track buttons skip songs. It shows artist/title on the screen if your radio supports that, mine is a PCM2 double din and it does show artist/title. That's about it. Can't accept calls, or place calls, that has to be done with your phone.

Looking at the operation guide for the CDR 23, it appears there's no anti theft/security code to enter in case of power loss, battery change, etc. Seems the car knows if the unit is a match or not, automatically. Is this accurate? I can remove the stereo then reinstall with no security issues? Remember the days when car stereos were frequently stolen?

I have an 03 C2, I bought the Tranzlt Blu RF device and the two antenna adapters you'll need. Easy to install, works great, been using it for almost 2 years now. Tranzit Tranzit Antenna Adapters Antenna Adapters

@sasilverbullet The dark blue metallic is suhweeeeeet.....

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Thanks!

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I have removed the stereo many times and disconnected the battery and never had to enter a code. I know that's not everyone's experience.

The MOST systems store the radio code in the DME. Or they store the VIN in the radio, I can't recall which. Either way the radio and DME coordinate so there's no code that needs to be entered.

That's what I was thinking. I just ordered a Continental unit for an old Mercedes 560SL. I had been considering the same for my '90 964 but am good with the mod to the stock unit (iPhone cord to the AUX). If the Continental works fine with the Mercedes, I may consider it for the 996. I'm so conflicted!!

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Working off memory here, but I don�t believe there is any separate connection on the head unit for the cd changer optical. It�s just spliced into the �MOST loop� if it�s present. To run with a unit that emulates the CD changer, the car needs to be programmed to think it has one. You can go to dealer for this (previous owner on mine had this done to make Dension work on 03 with CDR-23 and no changer) or perhaps one of the consumer ones like durametric can do it. Actually theprof said it all above

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There is one fiber optic loop connector at the head unit. Rennkit has some evidence that the Durametric can switch on the CD Changer function. Our BTR-3 is here: https://rennkit.com/product-info/blu...-retrofit-kit/

Durametric CANNOT do it - I have the Durametric Pro version - it cannot update the radio to be CDC enabled. I installed the MR12VOLT unit, and had to visit an independent shop that had PIWIS capabilities to enable CDC. While I was there waiting - it seemed to be taking too long, as it is a very simple process. Out comes the shop manager, says he has a problem. They cannot get the radio to switch to CDC as I have no changer installed. I had already told them what I had, and what I needed. They had indeed coded the system to enable the CDC, but they did not know how to actually implement the change. What I knew, based on this forum, was the simplest way to get the CDR23 to reset is to use the key fob to lock and unlock the car. I had them close the doors and the frunk lid, locked and unlocked the car, and then CDC was selectable on the CDR23 - and music started playing from my phone. Also - if you ever have the issue where there is no sound coming from the CDR23 - again, do the same thing. Stop the car, use the keyfob to lock and unlock the car. Restart and the CDR23 should have sound. -Tom 2003 C2 CDR23/MOST/MR12VOLT

Not sure if the OP considered this option: Send to Becker for an internal bluetooth streaming mod. They list the CDR23: https://www.beckerautosound.com/porsche I just had this done by them for a CDR210 and although it is very basic (streaming only, no phone) it is a step up from the FM modulator I was using. No external changes so looks stock. $125 iirc.

I just added the BTR3 module to my CDR23, its super easy to install, hides in the dash, and keeps all functionality other than the CD changer

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Just found out about this thing today. Looks awesome! I want to maintain the stock look, but just add bluetooth. How is it a few months out? Also, how long did it take to install? Was any wiring modification required?

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I installed the MR12VOLT (which I believe the BTR3 to be a relabled version of) last year for my CDR23. I have no complaints. Bluetooth works fine, as does the USB cable for using a USB stick. I also use it as aux input for my SirusXM radio. Just know that you will lose the CD changer in the frunk if you have one, and if you don't have a CD changer in the frunk - you will have to have the CD changer "option" turned on in the CDR23 via PIWIS (dealer or indy). Durametric Pro will NOT enable that option in the CDR23. -Tom

Tough to find these days due to obsolescence but I have a Motorola roadster 2. Connects to the phone via Bluetooth when it hears the car door and also has a FM transmitter to transfer the sound to the radio station of your choice. Clips to the visor, complete with microphone.

So does anyone know the difference between the BTR-3-Rennkit vs the MR12Volt devices ...they look identical or is one a Chicom knockoff

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MR12VOLT has been around longer, and before that it was named something else (cannot remember the prior name). My hunch is BTR-3 is a relabel. -Tom

sorry for the late response here, no idea on the mr12volt stuff but the BTR unit looks like a pretty basic generic adapter. no complaints whatsoever with the BTR. had some sound quality issues but found out my phone was turning the microphone on when connected (thinking it was a phone connection and not audio). so a simple settings change fixed that.

Good grief........ This is snowballing into a lot of trouble/money. My car didn't come with a CD changer, so the unit needs to be programed to think it has one. Dealership is telling me $300 to do this. I am waiting for in independent service shop to call me back with a quote, if they do this type of work at all. $300 for that, BTR-3 with handsfree another $200, new speakers, install and stuff....... Maybe I should consider the Porsche Classic single din instead?

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This is unfortunate. There is also a debate on whether the Durametric can switch on the CD Changer functionality. I've heard both yes it can and no it cannot . Would love to see some detailed menu path info on using the Durametric *if it is possible*.

My independent shop quoted me one hour to perform the programing. That's a lot better than the $300 I was quoted.

I was really excited to use a BTR-2 with my '99 that has the PCM1 and CD changer...then I found out that the CD changer has to actually work...which unfortunately I found that mine doesn't. I went as far as taking the CD changer apart to try to fix it to no avail. I hit the same point of quickly escalating cost and trouble too. I gave up on the PCM1 being useful for this, and the unused BTR-2 is for sale in the marketplace if anyone is interested. I'm still working on this...I went the replacement double DIN route but am still struggling, as apparently cars with the PCM1 send the security code to the external amp allowing it to turn on, but a Sony double DIN of course will not do that. So I'm still stuck, perhaps I'll have to replace the stock amp with something aftermarket. More scope creep.

Unrelated, sort of. Wife recently had a Continental unit installed in her old 560SL. Looks great, super easy to use (owners manual is maybe 4 pages total?) and sounds fine. I like it. I still want to keep the stock CDR23 though. Here's a photo of the Continental unit.

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Not sure about the security code needed for the amp. I had a PCM 1 and replaced it with a CDR-220. No issues with the amp.

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Your wife is my wife?! �88 560SL black over that tan leather (plus some bbs wheels).

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Thanks...I'm still trying to figure this out. I hear of some reports where it's plug and play with the PCM1, some where it's not. Example of not being plug and play: (Posts 2 & 17) https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...-system-2.html But then again I hear of some who may not even have the amp who can simply remove the PCM1 and replace with an aftermarket double DIN: https://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...ting-bose.html I apparently am in the former camp, as I have the red Metra connector (from kit 70-1787) to interface with the factory yellow plug as well as the power adapter, and while power works fine I get no audio. Sony XAV-AX1000

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To resolve this (I know it's a bit of a hijack of this thread)...I found the wire on the amp that needed to be grounded with my PCM1/M490/M680 audio system to get the amp to turn on with the aftermarket double-DIN: https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...l#post17894978

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Nice! Strategic move on my part. I was ready to buy another essential unessential car, and knew if there were any car she'd give a flip about (she doesn't care about cars very much) it would be the 560SL. Thus making a different car purchase for myself fly under the radar. It worked.