Hello all,

I am thinking of taking the plunge into the work of a FFRR.

However I would like a 2006-2009 model, and would like to upgrade the media side of things.

The new Alpine Freestyle units look like they could be a really good choice to completely fill the screen area...

https://www.alpine.co.uk/p/Products/SingleView/X901D-F

I see there is fitting kits for cars with MOST, but seems most advertised a RRS, does this use a different amp?

Is fitting a new head unit to one of these a whole world of pain?

Thanks

G

Why do you need to upgrade?

The Vogue SE has aux in and an MP3 changer - just add a bluetooth adaptor. If you fit aftermarket you lose all the 4wd info and even the basic ability to set the time! Plus that would look like a Kia has crashed into your dash... 

Welcome Gizze Are you the Gizze that has done a fair few audio mods on Audis and BM's in the past ? If so I know you know your onions on this type of thing and it has been done before on older vehicles but as Dan alludes to its a world of pain as you loose functionality that cant be replaced by an aftermarket head unit. If you go down the route of a 2006 - 2009 model you will end up disappointed by the audio unit compared to similar aged Audis & BMW's , the best you can do in reality is an ipod module to plug into the head unit that gives you some steering wheel control, I fitted one to my 2009 I think, I'll see if I can find the part number.

Edit Part number and fitting instructions is this thread:

http://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic40270.html?highlight=ipod 2021 P400 Silicon Silver AB
Gone 2011 Bournville TDV8 VSE
Gone 2008 Black Canadian HSE LUX

Unnecessary quote removed

Haha, yeah I get your point on the Kia dash. However, I do think the Alpine unit could look very oem if done properly.

All I really want is music streaming and dab. I was thinking with only one Aux I could have one or the other but not both.

Does the non SE Vogue get an aux input?
If it can it be added?

Unnecessary quote removed

Yeah the same gizze.

I will take a look at that, cheers.

I much prefer oem, however I bought an Alpine W925r for our old ML, and I really liked it, brushed metal finish, very subtle UI that didn't look like a Chinese unit, ambient light sensor that dimmed everything nicely as the cabin got darker.
It was the first aftermarket unit I genuinely liked more than the oem system.

I was sort of hoping for similar with the Freestyle unit, but think sticking with oem might be better and save a few quid too.

I really think OEM with the Ipod integration is the way to go and as you will find out if you get an RR there is plenty of other things to spend your money on  2021 P400 Silicon Silver AB
Gone 2011 Bournville TDV8 VSE
Gone 2008 Black Canadian HSE LUX

Haha, thanks.

I'm trying to decide whether to keep my 2012 E350 estate, petrol so very rare and actually a really nice everyday car plug going forward would be nice to have a car I can drive into London with being hit at �25 a day, and get a 2008ish TDV8 or just get a late 4.4 and swap the E350 for something cheaper as a second car.

Had some figures back on a used L405 with 45k miles on it and was surprised at the price, but not sure I want any more finance, need to start getting the mortgage paid down.
�45k with �6k down was �430 a month over 48 months with �24k balloon or �500 a month with a �20k balloon.

I reckon a late 4.4 L322 would lose around �270 a month over the next 4 years, add warranty at �150 a month and the L405 starts to look like value.

But I think I actually prefer the L322 looks wise.

Anyway, I have another week in Spain to look at Autotrader and drive my missus insane with car choices!!

But thanks all, I have taken it on board and will stick OEM.

That iPod kit looks like a Dension 500 unit? Probably with custom firmware.
But it means it will take an iPod 30 pin bluetooth dongle, which would cover music side of things and still leave the aux free for DAB.
Unless I add a dedicated DAB unit, do any of the ones that send data over FM have and FM aerial?
I had the Dabmotion Rola before, but the FM signal was wireless only, so patchy as too many pirate stations interfered with it, would be nice to have an fm out and simpy disconnect the factory FM aerial, once you have dab with a decent aerial I never use FM again.

I will look into it all. Thanks!

I fitted the Alpine Ezi-Dab which comes with full iPod control and it's fantastic.

I missed your post nwmgc, sorry.

I wish units like the EZ-Dab had an actual FM lead, so you could remove the factory aerial from the radio and plug this straight in.

The problem I have with it is while driving around the country, especially London, is it keeps getting interference as radio stations encroach on the FM frequency you have selected. London is very bad as the amount of stations (many pirate) means there is very few fequencies free.

And I'm slow too! I haven't had any trouble in London - much to my surprise - but I did install the windscreen aerial. Whilst keen not to 'spoil' the view it actually is very neat and barely noticeable.

I see the Pure Highway version does have a hardwired FM cable as well.


However, after living with the Range Rover system, I do think one of the Alpine units could look really very good and very OEM.

I can't see why I would miss the 4x4 info screen to be honest, it is just a graphical interface for the controls on the console, it doesn't really tell you anything extra.

Only setting the clock is a problem as far as I can tell?
I suppose you simply disconnect the negative terminal at midinight if you need to reset it? Haha Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

Does anyone have the pinouts for the factory Harmon amp? Porsche 911 (996)
2015 BMW 5 Series Touring
Not got a LR of any kind at the mo, and got itchy feet.

Just saw someone has fitted one of the Alpine Freestyle units to an L322...