Double Din install
 

Has anybody out there installed a double din head unit in the lower center console? I want to keep the cup holders. If so what obstacles did you run into during the install.

many times. search here or youtube

It's easy. You just move the HVAC module to the bottom. Doesn't affect the cup holders.

Don't see how that is possible with pre 03 cupholder.

What I meant to say was the lower center console closest to the shifter. I have cupholders and the ac controls in the upper console. I have a line on a new double din head unit from a friend and would like to keep my cupholders and ac/ controls where they currently are.

well seeing as there are 2 different setups for cupholders and not knowing which year your car is, it is a little hard to help with that

03/04 - No changes to cup holders as they go on top of the HU
up to 02 - cup holders need to be removed. hvac control goes to bottom below cubby/storage tray.

You can't fit a double din in the lower console by the shifter, just not possible unless you are going to completely fabracate your own lower console there isn't room to get one in there.

Plus...what can you even fit in the cup holders and do you really even need or use them?

Many modern double-din are only that size due to the screen. Many are single DIN behind the screen. But, as Stl-986 point out, the issue is that likely nobody makes a double-DIN console made to fit on the lower portion.

To the OP, I had the same thought, and have run into the same challenges. If money weren't an object, I'd explore the Porsche Classics single-DIN carplay unit and see if it would be compatible with the 986 vs the double-DIN unit they sell. There are single-DIN units with floating screens that might work.

I looked at the single DIN floating screens.
They're all way too big and will cut off buttons etc.

And what's even more annoying is that you simply cannot get a decent double DIN headunit with wireless apple carplay/android auto that also has a physical volume knob.

Just why ?

That is one of the reasons I’m considering the Porsche Classic double DIN. Physical buttons and knobs. No back up camera though :(

Yeah it's the girlfriends daily.
So as much as I hate the lack of a physical volume knob the other conveniences won out.

Honestly. Physical volume control is why I first looked at the free floating screens.
But they're simply too big.

Yeah, volume knob is going to win out over wireless carplay for me. Sony has an affordable one with a front USB port. I've considered the Porsche one as well even at 4 times the price. The lack of a backup camera doesn't really bother me given that I hardly ever drive with the top up anyway.