Replacing CDR23 head unit

[tomehrstrom]

I have just bought a 2002 Carrera with the CDR23 head unit which I would like to have replaced with a modern double din unit. I have read some articles suggesting that it would require re-wiring. At least if it has the MOST. How do I find out if I have MOST? I don't think I have the Bose package, but not sure.

I would appreciate any advice!

Tom

[whall]

Tom,

I far as I know, the MOST bus architecture was not introduced until 2003. (I have a MY02 Targa with Bose which does not have the MOST bus.) The quickest way I know to tell - with some accuracy - if you have the Bose system, is to look for the Bose logo on the door speaker grills. The code for the Harmann "hi fi" is M490; the code for the Bose is 680 (there should be an options tag attached to the under side of the bonnet). If you have either the the Bose or the Harmann system, there will be an external amplifier in the front boot mounted just above and behind the spare tyre (996-C2). In any event, if your car does NOT have the MOST bus, the installation of an after market double DIN system is pretty straight forward.

Now, you idicate that your car has a CDR-23. That model number is a unit found in MOST bus equipped cars - MY03+.....at least US versions. ROW cars could be different. If your car is indeed equipped with the MOST bus, installation of an after market system is doable but just a little more complicated due the need to wire around the Most bus.

I have a MY03 Boxster, with the M490 Harmann system and the MOST bus, in which I installed a Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT. The mechanical part of the installation was fairly easy. The electrical part was a little more complicated. I ended up wiring the HU directly to the existing speakers, by-passing the external Harmann amplifier. I also ran a power wire from the fuse panel to the HU that would allow the system to remain powered until I had physically removed the key from the ignition switch. I realize by wiring the HU directly to the speakers I don't have enough audio power to part my hair. However with the car static or with the hood up I get enough sound. With the hood down and the car in motion it reallly doesn't matter.

Bill

[gnetwerker]

Whall is correct -- if you have a CDR23, you have MOST. If you don't have MOST, you probably have a CDR-220. On a CDR-23, the CD goes through the front panel, while on a CDR-220, the removeable front panel flips down to admit the CD. If you want to install a new unit, you'll need a double-DIN frame for the dash (part number listed elsewhere in the forum), you'll need to move the HVAC panel to the lower console, and (unless you want to install a PCM-2), and you'll need to wire around the MOST bus. This guy did it, and didn't seem to have any problems, so you probably could too. Depending on what you want to accomplish, however, a Dension or MoBridge or a Becker hack to your CDR23 might do what you want with much less expense.

P.s. this thread discusses swapping out the head unit from a MOST system.

Edited April 1, 2011 by gnetwerker

[tomehrstrom]

Thank you for the replies,

You are right of course. I checked and the unit in my car is the CDR22. I can't find an amplifier in the boot, and there's no mention of the bose or harmann option codes on the sticker in the service book. I suppose this means there is no external amplifier?

So, if I understand it correctly the only thing I need to do is get an double din installation kit and replug the wires from the CDR22 to the double din unit?

Thank you for your advice! This is really a great forum!

Tom

[whall]

Tom,

Here's a link to RennTech board member "trieullionaire" web site:

http://cgi.ebay.com/2002-PORSCHE-996-CARRERA-2-DIN-INSTALLATION-KIT-/320658362619?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4aa8ba50fb

His kit takes most of the angst out of installing a double DIN HU. Plus, he is always available to help trouble shoot any problems that may show up.

Here, also, is a link to his installation guide:

I've got no dog "in the fight".....just a satisfied customer who has used trieullionaire's kits on a MY02 Targa and a MY03 Boxster.

Bill