Hello folks:

Just in case there is someone else out there like me, I thought I would share my recent project to update my 2002's PCM stereo. There are lots of great examples of people installing iPads and aftermarket systems, but while extremely cool, my needs are a bit more basic. I like the look of the stock system and stream music only occasionally. Here were my goals:

-Add Bluetooth streaming to my stock system
-Modest budget
-Maintain stock look

Leveraging various websites, I thought I would consolidate and footnote my sources, I am not saying that my method was the cheapest or best performing, but it met my goals and I'm quite pleased. Here we go:

Step one: removed the PCM1 CD ROM and replaced it with a shelf
http://www.renntech.org/forums/topic...pcm1-nav-unit/
This was remarkably easy task, the only trick was getting the CD ROM's mechanisms to trip, once successful, the unit slides right out. Four Allen wrenches made quick work of this puzzle. Here is the shelf I bought:
Upper console shelf:
http://www.suncoastparts.com/product//shelf986.html
$45

Step two: PCM1 removal
http://www.911uk.com/viewtopic.php?p...3340d208cddd73
The two clips were a little difficult to trip so the unit would slide out, but after struggling a bit, it is true . . . the PCM slides right out and I installed this adapter that hijacks the trunk mounted CD signal and bypasses to a 3.5mm headphone jack. The changer needs a CD for this method to work, but I can't remember the last time I listened to my CD changer. This is a plug and play solution, no splicing required (really easy)
AUX cable:
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/3.5-BKRCD.html
$35.06 delivered

3.5mm headphone jack to Bluetooth:
$7.56 delivered

Additionally, I used a dual cigarette lighter converter to USB to power the headphone jack to BT and a USB to lightning charge cable. A quick trip to Radio Shack provided the cigarette lighter adapter and a female cigarette lighter. It just took a little while to find switched power to tap into.

What this allows me to do, is play Pandora on my smartphone and get audible interaction with Waze . . . wirelessly. The only disadvantage this method has compared to an aftermarket headunit setup, is this does not allow for Bluetooth calling . . . For that, I still need a BT headset, but this met all my personal goals and I hope this helps someone else out there! KH

 

Thanks for posting! I may be removing my iPod cord and switching it with this set up!

 

+ rep

 

Follow up on this:

I think I will have to improve my ground choice for the switched BT power, I am getting some alternator whine, not horrible, but noticeable . . . The reality is that I really don't use it much, but it's great when you want to stream. As an alternative, I stumbled on this little gadget that would be even easier than what I outlined above:

http://www.radioshack.com/radioshack...l#.VIIvnTHF-So

No idea about the quality, but it couldn't be simpler! Just another option! KH

 

I have an 03 with nav. I'm dying to get an ipod adapter to listen to some tunes when driving. Any new systems that have been released that have been tried and true? Any help would be greatly appreciated. All I hear is 03's make it difficult because of the "fiber optics"?

 

I just found a neat solution. Without having to change to a double din (i prefer the original stock look), I just purchased the wireless kit from elektronic-idee.
Basically it replaces the stock GSM card reader with a bluetooth kit and you get to retain every single function(such as using the original handsfree mic) with the addition of music streaming via bluetooth. It's a little pricy @ 250euro but for me it's exactly what I wanted.

 

Do you have a link for this gadget? i just bought a 2002 with pcm nav and need to add bluetooth calling, streaming audio is secondary. sounds like this item would be great.

 

google,facebook or youtube search for elektronik-idee and look for their products. I have just replaced the monitor and also installed this wireless upgrade, but unfortunately something went wrong and the PCM couldn't be turned on.....I am still trying to figure out what went wrong..