So here's the deal, the stock CDR23 started acting up a few months ago...basically, it just keeps turning on and off (keeps blinking) every second by itself. It could never stay on, and I couldn't even just turn to leave it off. However, it does stay up every now and then, especially after a long drive. But it certainly goes back to that funny behavior a day later.

Finally decided to bring it in to a reputable shop in the area, along with other minor issues, technician gave me two options:

1. Repair CDR23, probably cost $400 on the unit alone. I found it insane for this dinosaur-age CD player, but he shows me that a new CDR23 would cost $900 new. I guess it pays to keep that OEM look

2. Go with an aftermarket stereo unit. I have my concerns that I don't want to turn this into an expensive project, but technician is very confident that he can get it to work without major rewiring or replacing all speakers/amplifier as I heard from other stereo shops

Have some of you done something similar? If yes, is #2 truly possible? I went to the bestbuy website and their vehicle check shows the following Alpine unit is compatible while 90% aren't.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Alpine+-...&skuId=9215413

I did ask technician to just do an extra check to determine if this is truly a CDR23 or some loose connection problem.

 

I found a Pioneer AVIC z120bt at Amazon. Had a 25% off all Pioneer at the same time which dropped it to $750 or so.

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-Z...6786773&sr=8-1

A local shop installed it with backup camera for a few hundred bucks. I had them install a Escort 9500ci as well. The total price for the radar detector, Pioneer and camera installed was about $2300. Not sure exactly how much labor was each part.

 

+1 for the Pioneer AVIC Z120BT. That's what I installed and it has everything.

 

So the cdr23 is NOT a fiber optic system?

 

I went with the Pioneer Avic-x920bt (Z120bt's little brother), picked it up from Amazon during the holidays, it was a lightning deal at about $499 with a $100 rebate, so $399 isn't bad (normally a $800+ unit). I picked up the double din install kit from eBay with the Porsche lettering on the double din bezel. I also purchased the double din factory mounting frame ($40), alot easier for those that don't want to dremel out the factory piece.

Did the install myself, took my time, would be ALOT quicker the second time around. I have a 2002, so it's an easier install. I'm using the factory amp and speakers, sound is good enough for me. A decent unit, still getting used to it, need to play with the nav a bit more, which is the weakness of these Pioneer units. Did the bypass hack, mainly because I was too lazy to run the wire to the parking brake

I also installed a vehicle mount from ProClipUSA (passthrough holder) for my iPhone 3gs. Came out clean, I like to able to glance over at my inbox on the way to work, and be able to launch Pandora on the iPhone if I'm using the Pandora link on the head unit. Alot safer this way, no fiddling around with the phone.

 

Seems amazon only has the AVIC-Z120BT for $1297.00. I've been using Sonic Electronix for years and had only great service by them. They have the same unit for $969.99 if anyone wanted one.

http://www.sonicelectronix.com/item_...IC-Z120BT.html

 

Stereo ???

I love my GMG exhaust.

 

Looks like the eBay double din install kit is providing some hope here without putting in $3k as some car stereo shops like to suggest. I can live with the stock speakers, I just need some music after all...rather than watching the CDR23 going crazy.

 

You need to do more research on this. Since you have the MOST system there is more involved than just the stereo. I can't remember the details, but it's more than a simple swap.

 

I changed out to a Pioneer Z120bt. Its awesome. It will cost the same or less as replacing your stock unit. Better sound quality, aesthetics, functionality, added NAV. Its a no brainer

 

I agree, did the same. Works great!

 

JSBear: Which factory radio did you have? and how did you get the amp to work, as I thought the 2002 had the fiber optics. I have an 03 and was told from 02 on, the fiber optic amp was incompatible with all aftermarket head units.
Thanks
Scott

 

Everyone here who is saying they just swapped it out and everything was fine don't have the MOST bus that is is the 03 MY. The speakers and the head unit are all integrated and I think the radio is tied into the ECU. I don't think you can use the stock speakers or wiring with and aftermarket stereo.

I understand why anyone would want to change it. I think Porsche purposely put a sh*tty system in these cars. They couldn't be bothered with such superfluous things such as audio systems. They didn't even take A/C seriously until the Boxster came along.

 

Fiberoptic Most came on 03 and on. 02 and 01 had the regular wiring.

 

On mine we used stock speakers with a JL amp I think it sounds great