ok so I know a little about this subject and yes i HAVE searched but i wanted to get some direct opinions.

First: I want a nav

Second: I want direct Ipod connectivity and steering wheel controls would be a plus

Third: I like the fact of being able to hold 600-700 songs (mp3) on my six disc cd changer (Although this would be largely irrelevant with the adition of the Ipod but not completely)

So anyway I've been looking at some eclipse and other similar dd setups and like what i see but am not sure if i can retain steering wheel controls and I know I'll loose my ability to hold six mp3 cd's. Having said that I've also looked into the OEM nav conversion along with an ipod connection with steering wheel controls being added to the existing oem system. This would be the more expensive cost by far from what I've read. Anyway, just wanted to get some thoughts, ideas, suggestions, inputs, experiences etc from guys of have done either or both. Also if people wouldn't mind posting up some ballpark pricing figures for what they dropped turn key on these options I would greatly appreciate it.

 

First, to help in your search on the forum, search "f900bt" and "f700bt" and you'll find great threads regarding installation of these units AND retention of steering wheel controls with the PAC unit. And YES, eclipse also allows you to retain steering wheel controls (for audio) with a similar pac unit (search "pac audio" in google)

I own a Peripheral PXAMG for my Acura and it's wonderful -- it's only $150, you can install it yourself, and asides from a little bugginess, is great audio quality, easy to use and navigation, and full control of my ipod.

I'm currently about to install a Pioneer F90bt in-dash doubledin navi unit in our 2006G35x, and I've done extensive research on all the aforementioned topics in your OP. The totaly cost (me doing the installation) is $1000 even: ($550 for ddin pioneer, $330 for JDM dash finisher, rest of $$ for steering wheel controls, wire harness, etc). This had direct ipod connectivity (you can read about it on pioneerelectronics.com)

Best of luck

 

both can cost about $1000 after all said and done if you do your own work.

OEM navi kit, runs about $1000 on the for sale forum.
pro- clean look, shealth like,

con- not much options with it, radio can always crap out.


DD = about $300 for the kit and $500-800 for the radio and ipod kit.
pro= TONS of options, everything OEM can give you. ipod is almost on ALL radios. you have 1 disc MP3 which is only 700mb but you have a 80gb ipod. navi maps look better to me on the aftermarket unit.

cons= not hidden, can get stolen.


with all that aside, I have the OEM navi right now. i'm debating between going the tvandnavitogo kit that lets me play dvd's on my OEM screen and getting a ipod kit.
ipod kit runs me 50-100$ and the navitogo runs about $200-300 or go with a DD radio for $1000, most likely cost me about700$, i'm looking for dvd playback and ipod control now.

there are a lot of options out there because you can do it more ways then one. the stock navi isn't all that great. i didn't want it but the car came with it so what the hell right ?

 

Personally I would recommend the OEM Navi because it is a nice clean factory look. If you're in the market to do it now there is a guy selling everything to install the OEM stock navi on here for only $500 so pick it up while you can.

 

link?

 

Sprint HTC Pro with navigation -> tvnav2go-> OEM nav unit

navigation is voice guided and alot better than OEM system. The HTC also has 32 gig harddrive for music and movies.

You will need PAC thing for the sound

 

I think I'm probably going to stay with stock and do the ipod integration for now with steering wheel controls.