Becker Grand Prix CD player for my 996

Hi everyone, i recently bought my first 911 (zanzibar red 996 Carrera with a cup aerokit) - although i love everything about the car the sound system is a bit antiquated now and i'd like to update it whilst still retaining a 'factory' look. I'm not bothered about upgrading to a sat nav system either. I've come across the Becker Grand Prix head unit which looks very similar to the CD22 which i have at the moment but has bluetooth phone preparation and plays MP3's and WMA files as well as letting me connect my ipod. this one here..... http://www.sextonsdirect.co.uk/becker/p~GP7992.html has anyone else changed the head unit in a 996 and is it a fairly easy job to do - do i require some kind of adapter for the porsche wiring harness or will it just plug and play (i have the 'hifi sound' option in the car if that makes any difference!) on the same subject - does anyone else accidentally reach for the cigarette lighter plug instead of the volume control on the cd player or is it just me!!?

Hi Scott, and Welcome! What model year is your car? Do you have an audio pack (M490 or 680 option codes)? I think most of us have been guilty of trying to turn up the volume with the fag lighter!

I can thoroughly recommend a Becker Grand Prix - had one in my last car (Audi) and they are very good, look "standard" and work well.

hi Richard it's a 2000 with the option code 490

+1, I have one in my 996

thanks for the feedback guys! think i will go for it unless there is any problem of compatibility with the 'hifi sound' option!

It's nearly plug-and-play, but not quite. You need to provide a switched power supply to the amplifier. Most people use the switched output for the antenna, and connect it to the feed for the amp. Hope the attached helps. If you can't make it out, drop me a PM with your email addrees and I'll send you a pdf (too big to attach here).

thanks Richard!!

I have 2001 996 and I too have replaced the original head unit (CDR22?) with a Becker Grand Prix. My car does not have the upgraded hi-fi etc so it was a straight swap. The only tip is to stick some tape half way down the metal casing on the left hand side of the stereo in order to cut some sort of electrical circuit - otherwise when you lock the car the alarm blips. Actually I have a second tip (courtesy of this site) which is to first remove the climate control head unit (above the stereo) first so you can then pull the stereo out with your hands - much easier than fighting with the metal ring pull things. Regards, Ben PS - I also have the Becker iPod adapter which plugs into the CD multi-changer. Very easy to use and I managed to route the ipod interface cable out through the underside of the dash board into the passenger foot well.

slighty off topic, love the Zanzibar Red, I recently missed out on a 996TT in Zanzibar.. any chance you can post up some more pics? :thumb:

we had some work done on the car at Sports and Classic in Knutsford recently and they had a Zanzibar 996TT in at the same time - what are the chances?! could have been the same one? would love to show off some pics.... i'll start a new thread though to keep this one on topic

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Hi I'm a forum virgin so I hope this reaches someone who can help me. I have just installed an ipod ready pioneer to replace the CDR22 in my 996 cab. Like Ben the horn now 'toots' when I lock the car. I tried putting tape down the left side of the stereo but this has not solved it. I did notice some sort of electrical connection, ( a proximity switch?) in the stereo housing slot on the left - does anyone out there know, a) what it is, and b) if it is the stereo alarm switch can I short it out to prevent the horn from tooting when I lock the car? Thanks Clive

Just diconnect and insulate the wire which went to the cage. Connecting it to earth will cause the alarm beep.

Hi Thanks Richard H exactly as you suggested - no more annoying beeps. Cheers Clive