My initial goal was to add an iPod interface to my factory-fitted Symphony head unit (complete with 6-disc changer) in my 2002 Rover 75 Connoisseur CDT; putting up with what I’d personally describe as the ‘adequate’ system overall. However on further investigation into the costing of various options, along with the true interfacing nature of this solutions (or lack of!), I’ve decided to go down (only just) slightly more expensive route of a new ‘iPod ready’ head unit.
For those at all interested, I’ve decided to go for an Alpine Unit – either the CDA-9847R or CDA-9855R (both complete with the KCA-420i iPod module). The former of the two can currently be purchased from Halfords for just less than £200 including free installation (or online for around the £180 mark). Seems a worthwhile investment to me, especially as even for the cheapest iPod solution didn’t give me much change out of £100.
Relating to this upgrade I have a number of questions I’m hoping some of you Rover-all-knowing people may be able to answer:
Dash fit: I’ll obviously need a 1 DIN facia to fill the void removing the Symphony unit will leave (which looked around 2 DIN). There seems to be two variants (or perhaps even more) mentioned – either what is effectively a big piece of plastic with a single DIN in the centre (which can be procured from many places) or what to me is more desirable an original MG Rover part (or replica of) which has the single DIN and makes use of the add ional space with a storage compartment. This seems to be harder to get hold of – Rimmer Bros have offered me the following two part #’s (both needed apparently): FJV001100PMA & FJV001110PMA at £7 each; can anyone confirm these to be correct or point me in the correct direction?
ISO wiring: My new aftermarket Alpine head unit will have the standard ISO connection. What will I find plugged into my current Symphony unit? I’m expecting either an ISO connection (ideally!), a BMW proprietary connection or a Rover proprietary connection. Also, if it is one of the latter two is the necessary converter readily available (Halfords etc) or is this another Rover-specific part I’ll have to order?
Steering wheel remote: I wish to keep the functionality of the factory-fit steering wheel remote, and the new Alpine unit is specifically lists compatibility with the majority of factory-fit remotes as a feature. Will I need some sort of conversation connection here (bearing in mind the Symphony is an Alpine unit and the new unit is also an Alpine unit)?
6-disc changer: I also wish to retain the use of the factory fit 6-disc changer, which I’m led to believe is an Alpine unit. Will this have the standard changer bus lead coming out of it and therefore connect straight up to the new Alpine unit, or again will there be some necessary converting required?
Many thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any assistance on some/all of the above.
For those at all interested, I’ve decided to go for an Alpine Unit – either the CDA-9847R or CDA-9855R (both complete with the KCA-420i iPod module). The former of the two can currently be purchased from Halfords for just less than £200 including free installation (or online for around the £180 mark). Seems a worthwhile investment to me, especially as even for the cheapest iPod solution didn’t give me much change out of £100.
Relating to this upgrade I have a number of questions I’m hoping some of you Rover-all-knowing people may be able to answer:
Dash fit: I’ll obviously need a 1 DIN facia to fill the void removing the Symphony unit will leave (which looked around 2 DIN). There seems to be two variants (or perhaps even more) mentioned – either what is effectively a big piece of plastic with a single DIN in the centre (which can be procured from many places) or what to me is more desirable an original MG Rover part (or replica of) which has the single DIN and makes use of the add ional space with a storage compartment. This seems to be harder to get hold of – Rimmer Bros have offered me the following two part #’s (both needed apparently): FJV001100PMA & FJV001110PMA at £7 each; can anyone confirm these to be correct or point me in the correct direction?
ISO wiring: My new aftermarket Alpine head unit will have the standard ISO connection. What will I find plugged into my current Symphony unit? I’m expecting either an ISO connection (ideally!), a BMW proprietary connection or a Rover proprietary connection. Also, if it is one of the latter two is the necessary converter readily available (Halfords etc) or is this another Rover-specific part I’ll have to order?
Steering wheel remote: I wish to keep the functionality of the factory-fit steering wheel remote, and the new Alpine unit is specifically lists compatibility with the majority of factory-fit remotes as a feature. Will I need some sort of conversation connection here (bearing in mind the Symphony is an Alpine unit and the new unit is also an Alpine unit)?
6-disc changer: I also wish to retain the use of the factory fit 6-disc changer, which I’m led to believe is an Alpine unit. Will this have the standard changer bus lead coming out of it and therefore connect straight up to the new Alpine unit, or again will there be some necessary converting required?
Many thanks in advance to anyone who can offer any assistance on some/all of the above.
