RaisedOnPorsches

Will do. Thanks again.

I just bought a used CDR-220 and I'm hoping to crack the radio code. Serial number is Y5037200. Thanks!

CDR-220 Becker 1 Type 4462 Serial # W5006362 The shop didn't warn me that they'd disconnect my battery. :(

I've been playing with the idea of taking a roller such of this and converting it to a purely electric or plug-in hybrid based drive system for the heck of it. I definitely don't have the bank role for such a project. Keep us posted on what you end up choosing to do with your Boxster. You have my sympathy. -J

The skinny to all this is Blaupunkt and Becker have similar connections, but their pins for their AUX ports are different. The pin layout is different as well as what each pin does. If you simply plug a cable wired for Blaupunkt into a Becker unit you risk frying your iPod. Regarding differences between iPod and iPhone. Apple has made some serious design changes to the underlying circuitry in the latest iPhones and iPod. The latest versions charge off a 5 volt USB circuit instead of the 12 volt Firewire circuit used in earlier model iPods. For car audio purposes this complicates things because the automotive electrical system is all setup around 12 volt circuitry. Add to this the fact that Apple has included certain requirements for line-out functionality on iPhones (i.e. that annoying "not approved for iPhone use" error) that needs to be adjusted for. Getting a single cable to accommodate the limited Becker AUX port design, step down the voltage to from 12 to 5 volts, AND trick the iPhone into thinking it is connected to a USB data cable isn't easy. Even if this is all done, the iPhone will need to be in Airplane Mode while plugged in or you will have HORRIBLE feedback playing through your speakers from the data signals that it broadcasts. It is a tricky problem. I'm working a little with a contact in Apple to find a quick solution to all this, but it isn't easy. In the meantime take a look over in the Special Offers section for details regarding a single cable that allows older iPods to play and charge through the Porsche CR/CDR-220 system. Sincerely, -Jeremy

It really is hard to beat an iPod when it comes to music storage. If you have a CR/CDR-220 head unit PM me about connectivity options for an iPod. In my case I have a black 60GB iPod devoted to use in my Boxster. Since it is black it is hard to notice sitting in the cubby holders of my console. When I park is more risky locations I unplug the iPod and toss it into the elbow-rest glove box along with any other visually tempting valuables that a thief might want. Buy a previous generation iPod Classic (the ones with lots of storage space) and devote it to your "driving experience." -J

I could hear the sound while the car was moving. Didn't matter if there was a wall or such next to me to bounce the sound back. The sound was more internal that external. As of last weekend I've gone ahead and replaced the AOS anyhow (due to other symptoms). I also noticed that I still have the original coolant cap and there is a little bit of white crust around the port. Possibly that was the cause. I'll be swapping out that coolant cap ASAP. I should have done it last weekend, but after doing an oil change, spark plug change, air & pollen filter change, and AOS replacement I lost track of that last item. If I'm ambitious enough I'll be cleaning my throttle body this weekend too for good measure. Good luck diagnosing your sound. -Jeremy

Greetings, On the way to work today I noticed a soft hissing sound coming from the engine compartment of my '99 Boxster. It sounded like the hiss of steam, faint but steady. When I got to work I immediately stripped down the car to access the top of the engine while leaving the car idling. I didn't notice anything. The hissing only seems to be present when in motion. As soon as I got to work and parked the car, the sound was gone. Leaky vacuum tube somewhere? Another symptom of failing AOS? (I am planning to replace this Saturday) Coolant leak? Anyone run into this issue before? Have an suggestions? First thing I'll do this afternoon when it is time to drive off is check the rear tires to be certain it isn't a puncture. That said, I am almost certain the sound was internal and from the engine compartment. I've only heard the sound when in the cockpit, but I had a passenger who noticed the sound too so I know I'm not going crazy/paranoid. Thanks, -Jeremy

How did the sounds quality turnout?

Having installed the rear speaker unit twice now (once in my Boxster and once for a local friend), it is MUCH easiler to pull the wire through the passenger side sill than it is to push it. Use a wire coat hanger (something rigid but manipulable enough to shape it so it does not snag inside the sill). You should be able to guide the speaker wire half way into the sill on its own, then pull the rest through with a hooked coat hanger wire. I recommend taping the wire tips together on the speaker wire such that you have a loop to hook the wire hanger through. Good luck. This takes a little time to do, but really isn't that hard. When you disconnect your battery make sure you have your radio reset code at the ready! Nothing else should need resetting when the battery is reconnected. -J

All in all how much installation time did that require and how much $$$ did you end up spending? I'd like to upgrade my speaker setup eventually, but it looks like a serious and costly undertaking.

I'd be interested in stopping by and watching the process. It is not on my immediate To Do list, but eventually I'd like to do it myself. I'm located in the East Bay as well.

It's been awhile but I installed this kit a few years ago. You can find a couple great write-ups around here somewhere. You'll need a Dremel type cutting tool and some hot glue - other than that the install is a breeze. NOTE that if is the exact same kit as many of us have, it does NOT produce what you would call 'hi-fi' sound. It adds more of a surround effect - quite nice for my tastes! I purchased one of those rear speaker kits at the low low sale price a day or two before someone else bought them all out to resell on ebay. The Porsche factory rear speaker kits definitely helps to balance and round out the sound of within the car. I have a MY 99 boxster with speakers in the door panel. The rear speaker kit was definitely worth the upgrade cost of $80. Eventually I do want to replace the factory speakers and amp with something slightly more powerful. There are certain songs in my collection that just don't sound right because they are bass heavy and this sound system just doesn't get deep enough. I'm not talking rattle the windows in buildings as you drive by, I simply want my rock and roll to sound like rock and roll. Scout around and see if you can get them for less than $170. Be patient and I am sure another deal will roll around like that last promotion. -Jeremy

If you go on to the Crutchfield website they list an enclosure volume of 0.15 cubic feet which is equivalent to a a 9" x 9" x 6" (3/4" mdf) enclosure. Not sure how you fit that kind of cube under the drivers side or passenger side dash. even if you flatten it out out the driver is over 4" deep. Sounds like a custom fiberglass enclosure to tuck in there. Seems like this storage tray sub-box might be a better way to go, if it ever moves forward. There is a car audio shop in Redwood City, CA that makes a custom fiberglass subwoofer kit that mounts on the side of the passenger footwell. It isn't totally out of site, but it takes up very little space at least. I believe this place was Monney Car Audio.