I have searched for the forum on this but couldn't find answers. I have an 03 coupe but I would like to be able to play MP3 CDs. Since the 05 models can play MP3, I was wondering if I can simply buy the 05 head unit and swap into my car?

In other words, are all hardware mounting locations and electrical wirings/connections the same?

Is anyone selling their 05 unit? (Maybe because you did a double DIN conversion?)

Any responses appreciated.

On a separate note, has anyone had experience with a vendor (i.e. not DIY) that adds padding to the car to make it quieter?

 

good question..

 

how about just mp3s.......not on a cd? try <A href="http://www.phatnoise.com">phatbox digital audio player, it connects to the sat prewire</a> you wont regret it....(and far cheaper than a dash changout).

not a vendor, but tons of people have done dynomat and been happy with the results.

 

i am pretty sure it is not the HU that reads MP3s.

 

Phatbox looks to be in the $700 range, plus I have to learn how to use it. Not that I'm dumb, but nowadays I'm pretty lazy. Though I would still like to do this installation myself. Plus, I want something as stock and as "ordinary" as possible. E.g. being able to burn MP3 CDs on any computer with an up-to-date windows media.

So NOBODY has swapped with a newer head unit?! I refuse to believe that!!

 

So what do you think reads the mp3?

 

i wouldn't consider an 05 head unit, center console, ac controller and all the affiliated parts and wiring put into an 03 stock or ordinary. But that's just me. Try a forum search, it has been discussed many times, but i don't think i have seen anyone actually do it.

 

why not an 20Gb ipod through a PAC hardwire? $300+$75 =~$375?

If you get someone to sell their 05 HU which would be the IC board which has the AC controller, radio and CD controls all on the one IC board, I think it would cost about $500 anyway.

FYI, I think when I looked last, the 03-04 IC board was about $450 WITHOUT mp3 playing capabaility so I'm sure the 05 costs more than that.... plus the 05 AC controller has a rotary **** instead of push buttons which would increased the cost of the 05 "HU"

doc

 

....and if you try to retrofit an 03 with an 05 HU, you'll have to swap out the entire center console since the AC buttons are different in the 03-04 and 05 models......

AND .....the 05 center console parts are NOT compatible with the 03-04 dash. (different parts with different clips and screws, different AC vent parts, etc etc etc)

too much work IMO to get mp3 capability. the simplest and probably cheapest alternative would be IPOD, RIO, or any other mp3 player connected through the PAC unit hardwire........

doc

 

OK you've pretty much convinced me not to swap with an 05 unit. I know I'm being lazy, but can u give me some quick pointers/links about "PAC hardwire"? And $300 is for the ipod, right? $75 for PAC hardwire? Certainly seems much more affordable than phatbox.

 

Arnt the actual head unit, and Control board two different parts? If so will the 03 04 control boards just plug into the 05 head unit? I wouldnt think the harnesses would be different. This way no dash swap required.