Kenwood Double Din Nav/DVD
 

Hello:

I am considering installing this:

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Product/Item/Main.aspx?g=168550&i=113DNX7120&c=3&tp=75

I do have a few questions though. I'm not certain if the unit will fit where my current AC unit and factory stereo reside. I'm concerned that there will be a good amount of space to deal with surrounding the unit. I have a 2003 Boxster S. I can move the AC unit....I've done that before on other cars. Will I need to fabricate a bracket to hold the unit in the opening in the dash? Also, what will I need to do to get a factory look in regards to making a face place to surround the head unit?

Your help is much appreciated. Also...please feel free to recommend other head units.

Thanks.

The ac unit can be easily moved with no fabrication needed. The wire are even long enough to be relocated just above the batwing. The trim piece can be purchased at the dealer for about 10 bucks. This is an o.e. part. If I'm not mistaken your MY 03 should already have the ac control located above the batwing correct? because there should be cup holders above the radio, right? Anyways, that is a simple install, in fact a guy is selling a nice install kit for double din conversion here. Look in the classified as they have a link to and ebay auction. Personally, when I went though my research for the right navi head unit, I went with the pioneer avic. as I have had 2 kenwood decks die on me. I also like having a dial for the volume as its much faster to turn it up and down. I also went with a fold out unit because I felt the double din looked too attractive to thieves also when the top is down which is 98% of the time for me here in cali, the screen washes out in the sunlight so I will most of the time keep the screen folder as the led screen is easier to read.

Boxs2000,

I have a strong suspicion that maybe these units are burning out is because the lack of the heat shield not being applied during the installation. The climate duct above the after-market puts out a lot of radiant heat. Test it yourself by cranking your heater up for 5 minutes. Then try to put your hand near the climate duct. Now imagine the entire area closed off with your after-market unit in, It's like putting your unit in an oven. Putting a barrier between your electronic equipment & the climate duct I believe will protect & improve the life your component.

Trieullionaire

I've got a Pioneer AVIC-D3 in my BoxS. I did the install my self and it was pretty straight forward. At first I made my own faceplate but then I saw the kit trieullionaire sells. I bought it and it is a huge improvement in looks and durability.

I'll get some pics up as soon as I get my car back from the shop.


Oh, and tri's kit comes with a heat shield which I agree is a must.

I was looking at the Kenwood DNX5120 with Garmin GPS as I have the Avic D3 now. However, I don't like the navi system on the Pioneer AVIC D3 too much. Much too cumbersome to use and search for POI's is terrible. I applied the bypass to be able to input the address while driving. I have a standalone Garmin Nuvi 750 I use when I travel and now that has replaced my AVIC D3 as my primary GPS. I prefer the Garmin interface and ease of use when compared to the generic AVIC. I have someone interested in taking the AVIC off my hands and looking to switch to the Kenwood DNX5120 as it has the volume knob and is IPOD, Bluetooth, XM radio capable with the right add ons. Price is considerable less as well when shopping around.

If you have some extra bucks to spend the, Kenwood DNX-8120 is the one to get if your looking at the Kenwood, however no volume knob. Here is a video on the DNX-8120
DNX-8120

Have you guys seen this?

http://www.slashgear.com/pioneer-avic-f-car-entertainment-voice-recognition-bluetooth-xm-radio-2111271.php