Well, I'm looking for a few answers to some questions I have.

First, I'm looking for a system similar to one my friend has. It's a double-DIN touchscreen system with a CD/DVD player, Satnav, iPod control, and Bluetooth telephone control. Here are some kinks I want to work out beforehand.

1. What's the best faceplate kit to buy? One that replaces the stock unit (I have the Bose unit) and has cutouts for the HVAC controls and emergency flashers.

2. Will I be able to make my steering wheel audio controls still work? This is very important to me, as they're absolutely perfectly placed for my left hand

3. About how much will the faceplate, wire harness, and all the "extra stuff" (that is, before you buy a unit) cost me in USD?

4. What brands/models would you recommend that have a:
-Touchscreen interface
-CD/DVD player (duh)
-Satellite Navigation (also duh)
-iPod control (I'll have an iPod connected in the glovebox, I want to be able to navigate menus and choose songs/playlists from the touchscreen)
-Bluetooth mobile phone integration (I want a microphone up near the sun visor on the front pillar and incoming audio through the speakers).

Any information you have is appreciated. I'm a total novice at this sort of thing, but I want to get the right stuff and have it installed properly (for which I'm probably going to have to seek professional assistance). If you've got suggestions, or testimonials (about what you've got) or pictures, it's all appreciated.

Thanks guys.

 

#1 =You only have two options for dash kits. One from the major chain "Metra" or from a smaller company who originally designed the kit "Kanatechs" (sold through corksport.com) I bought the Kanatechs kit because the Metra kit was not in production when I made the plunge. Both kits have their advantages and downfalls. I guess I shouldn't comment on the Metra kit, but I can for the Kanatechs. It's downfalls are that it's more expensive, uses flat black bezels on the sides of your double din unit, and the factory clock no longer works. However, the dash kit color AND FINISH match is dead on to factory. The operational stability of it is ROCK SOLID. I suggest reading the Metra dash kit thread to see how that kit matches up....

#2 =Yes you can. Which product you buy will be determined by which aftermarket headunit you decide on installing. I have a Pioneer. So I used the PAC SWI-PS. Works great.

# 3 =Think the Metra kit is like $210ish. The Kanatechs kit used to be $450ish I think, but they have now moved the pricing to "call." With the introduction of the Metra kit, me thinks that the pricing on the Kanatechs kit will be a little more reasonable. Call to see what kind of deals they can work for you. Tell them you're a member of RX8club.com. Dead serious.

#4 = There are several great options out there. I have the Pioneer D3. It has all the features you mentioned. Love it. Pioneer has since replaced the D3 with the Premier F90BT It has it's advantages and disadvantages versus the D3. But other than it's unusually long load times, it is the superior unit. Just stick with a major brand name and you'll be fine. Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, etc

 

Do you have a photo of the faceplate installed? as i m quite interested as well.

 

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