OK, last June I bought a used 2004 G35x sedan with very low miles on it. This past week I was listening to the radio at normal volume - heard a loud pop - and that was it for the sound through all inputs (AM/FM, CD, Satellite). I am still getting a signal (the radio stations display their info, Sat displays channel info, etc.), but no sound. Took it in to the dealership and they diagnosed the Bose amp blew and they want almost $900 to replace the amp ($680 for the amp, $170 for labor + tax).

I would like to add that I am not a car audio guy. I greatly admire the work many of you have done in this forum but the factory sound system was fine for my needs. I don't feel comfortable taking apart my dash and running wires from front to back. That being said, if I have to spend $1000, I'd rather it be on something that is "new" and offers more functionality (iPod control - I currently listen to my iPod via an FM transmitter) - rather than just replacing an overpriced Bose amp. I've done some research on this forum this entire weekend and determined these are my options.

1) Pay the dealership the money.

2) Find another Bose amp on e-Bay or somewhere similar and swap it out myself. Seems like these are readily available for under $100.

3) Get a new aftermarket headunit to power the factory Bose speakers and bypass the amp (losing the Bose "sub") . I then have the option to add a sub with a separate amp (or a powered sub like an Infinity Basslink).

I've got a few questions about scenarios 2 and 3:

Scenario #2:

I've noticed the amps in the 03/04 Coupes are slightly more powerful than the amps in the 03/04 Sedans (225 watts versus 200 watts). Is it OK to install an amp from a Coupe into my Sedan? It seems the amp is held in place by a 4 or more bolts. Can I simply remove my dead amp - unhook the cables (I think there are 2) running into it - replace it with another - and everything should work? (Provided the dealer diagnosed it correctly) I would be fine with doing this myself.

Scenario #3:

Let me preface this by saying I live in Indianapolis. It seems my options for car stereo work include Best Buy, Fry's, HH Gregg, Ovation (regional chain) and some mom and pop's. If I have someone do this for me, I want to make sure they know what the hell they are doing. I've talked to the guys at BB and Ovation - BB will not charge more for install if I bring in parts - Ovation said they would charge more (not sure if that was typical salesmen BS or not). Ovation actually quoted me out without any sort of dash kit which tells me they don't exactly know what the hell they are doing - when it comes to an '04 G35.

Also, I would like to maintain both Sirius Satellite radio (which involves the purchase of a "Sirius Connect Vehicle Tuner" and something to connect the tuner to the third party radio) and steering wheel controls (I know Peripheral makes them - model number varies on the brand of radio). The Sirius stuff is $90-$100 online and the Periperhal control is $45-$50 online. As you know, cost on this stuff is twice as much in your average store.

As I see it - there are two options to use for a dash kit. First, the Metra 99-7604B for $170-200 (I have black interior - the gray/silver seems to be the most common one that's out there - I definitely want my interior to match) or the JDM OEM solution (buying the double din console, radio bracket, and AC control) for about $325-350. I do not want to lose my dual climate control but I agree with those that have said the JDM solution "looks" better. I have never used a soldering gun (and I've mentioned my level of car audio expertise) so I'm not sure removing the button from my factory board and soldering onto the JDM board is really an option.

Is the JDM OEM Solution available in black to match my dash? Where is the best place to purchase? Places that do installs (any of those mentioned above) - are they willing to do the soldering work needed to maintain dual climate control? Any of you live in the Indy area and want to make a few bucks?

It seems if I go with Scenario #3, I am already at about $500 in parts (JDM OEM solution, Sirius, Peripheral steering wheel controls) before I even pick out a headunit (and without all associated install costs). I'm not sure if it's relevant but I was leaning toward the Alpine IDA-X100 - (I don't play CD's - just satellite radio and an i-Pod) until I thought about the fact that even when changing the Alpine from "blue" to "red", the color won't really match. Are there any headunits (preferably under $300, but I'll take any suggestions) that will come close to matching the interior color (amber - for lack of a better description)?

The biggest hangup I have in doing scenario #3 is finding someone competent enough to do the work. Some high school kid that thinks it would be "cool" to install car stereos would not be that person.

Sorry for the length of my first post - but I wanted to list all the questions I had after reviewing dozens and dozens of archived posts. Help or advice that any of you can provide is greatly appreciated.

 

i'm no longer running stock, and have the bose amps still sitting in my trunk, i'm planning to remove them in a week, if you can't find yourself something in a coupe amp. my advice is to go with the aftermarket scene. it is a lot of money, but the sound is night and day, the options for what you can do, how often and which parts you can upgrade is unlimited... it really is worth it.