HI all!

New owner here. I have done due diligence and I have searched this forum and the rest of what google has to offer.

I need to get my iPhone integrated with my car. There are a couple of options, several actually, but I haven't found any that properly does the job.

The likes of xlink, connect2 etc - USB interfaces - They can do the music part but not telephony.

Then we have the bluetooth kits like GROM - This one looked like a strong contender for a long time as you can play your music over bluetooth and also make calls. But everything is done through the phone still.

I have been looking at carputer installs. They are a bit too involved and I don't think I'd ever reach a point where I'd be _done_

The final solution is a replacement double din head unit. Pioneer has a few, the ones within my budget are getting truly awful reviews.

So I'm pretty stuck to be honest. I'm happy to pay up to 500 to have a bit of iPhone integration, I think that's reasonable? Any suggestions?

 

What year/model do you have? Which model of iPhone? (30 pin vs lightning) You want integration. How much integration?

I have a 2009 GT with an iPhone 5. I've been doing the stock bluetooth hands free for calls and 3.5mm jack to Aux in arm rest for music/nav. Am working on a flip up docking station that will handle the charge/audio connection. Will be tying in separate button to activate Siri to handle tasks. Some of the older kits tie into the steering wheel controls for back/next but don't recall seeing any for lightning connectors.

 

I have a 2005 rx and an iPhone 5

Preferably I'm looking for enough integration that I can make and receive phone calls with my phone in my pocket and control the iPod library as well obviously. I have this in my land rover so I'm a bit spoiled already

 

Honestly, get an adapter with bluetooth integration. Then you won't have to worry if you change phones to something with a different connector (iPhone <5, iPhone 5, Android, etc).

I had the Grom unit (no bluetooth) and I liked the functionality; I was able to control the music with the steering wheel and dash controls. There's an optional bluetooth adapter that should let you do what you want. Mazda 02-08 Bluetooth Hands Free Car Adapter Kit

It's an easy install (Did it myself with only a little blood). Be careful when removing the plastic panel under the dash at the steering wheel; there's a metal plate behind it that will bite you. Wouldn't have been an issue had I been wearing my mechanics gloves. The basic procedure is here but you can find a number of how-to videos on youtube.

 

It looks like the grom unit is the best option really

 

Hmm, kinda wish I would have come across the GROM. I ended up using the GTA Car Kits adapter. It works fine, but doesn't handle phone calls or have have bluetooth :-/

 

I have ordered the xcarlink now anyway. They are in the uk so I'll have it in the next couple of days.

 

How did the Xcarlink work out?

 

In short, it didn't....

So first of all the bluetooth component is a in-line dongle on the mic so you can't hide it in the dash. The mic itself is one of those you clip on to your shirt rather than the type with a plinth for a permanent install.

Second, you can't control the phone through the steering wheel controls.

It was a right pile of **** and was promptly sent back.


I instead bought a GROM bluetooth unit. I can control the phone through the integrated controls. The mic has been installed correctly and the _only_ thing you can see of the whole install is the mic at the top of the a-pillar. No dodgy dongles hanging out or anything.

The GROM has 'misbehaved' a couple of times where it doesn't connect to the phone properly but overall I'm pretty happy and I would recommend it.

 

Appradio is gona be your best bet.

 

I was looking at Appradio but it doesn't seem ready yet. Leave it mature for another couple of years I think.

 

I have it, does everything I need. OBD II interface, bluetooth, gps, video.