996.2 Stereo Upgrade Options

[Dammit]

Interesting, BT calls are perfect with my Becker Cascade.

[BrotherMouzone]

Any update on this?

DAB working well?

Thanks.

[Sandy59]

alfapork said:

Yes.



Buy from here: http://www.vdoshop.co.uk/acatalog/CDD7418UB-OR.htm...

DAB, bluetooth phone integration (works really well) and USB for memory sticks (doesn't charge though IIRC).

I have two, one in my G one in my C3.2. In orange LCD it would fit nicely with a 996. I was thinking of putting one in my GT3 but the car is so original I have bought a cheap Amazon Bluetooth -> FM cig lighter adapter to see how I get along with the standard radio.

Or this, although might suit older models better and don't think it's available as yet but might be soon, presume connections behind the cassette flap :

[Bloitus]

BrotherMouzone said:

Any update on this?

DAB working well?

Thanks.

Morning - yes mini update - Radio arrived on friday, but i wasn't in, so I'm collecting from UPS pickup point this afternoon - I'll post some unboxing pictures later this evening.

Quick note about vdoshop - when i placed the order on their website i didn't get an order confirmation or tracking number via email - only the receipt and order number. The part comes from shipped from germany so takes a bit of time. Recommend waiting a day after ordering then calling the vdoshop customer support desk (who were very helpful) to get an estimated date for delivery.

[alfapork]

Sorry forgot to mention the delivery from Germany bit. Both times I have ordered from them it's taken 3-4 days.

On the DAB ariel, I couldn't find anywhere to mount it vertically (back window would be perfect but the lead is not long enough).

On the 3.2 I mounted it horizontally on the screen and it seems to do fine, on the G-wagen I did the same and the reception is terrible.

[Bloitus]

As promised ...

Electronic version of the manual can be found HERE

1) The box - showing part number CDD7481UB-OR



2) Radio (Front) - comes with metal sleeve - 2 retaining screws on the top are removed prior to fitting.



3) Radio (Back) - see page 10 of manual - link above


4) Other stuff -

Left = mic (3.5mm connector)
Green ended cable to 3.5mm = to connect mic to head unit
Yellow ended cable to phono = aux in
blue/black to 3.5 mm = no idea probably not important
in the bag = Screen mounted DAB antenna

5) manual with head unit removal keys - no pic

Hope to have some time tomorrow eve to check pin outs and go for a test fit. Might need to wait for the weekend to figure out how to route the mic and DAB antenna.

[alfapork]

I've been doing a bit of research on the 996.2 cars which seem to have a MOST interface for controlling the CD changer, and more notably the amp. I think I'd be careful adding an aftermarket unit to those cars without also changing the amp.

You'll be fine on a <2003 though, I don't think you'll even need an adapter harness as the pin out looks the same as the becker units.

[Bloitus]

alfapork said:

I've been doing a bit of research on the 996.2 cars which seem to have a MOST interface for controlling the CD changer, and more notably the amp. I think I'd be careful adding an aftermarket unit to those cars without also changing the amp.

You'll be fine on a <2003 though, I don't think you'll even need an adapter harness as the pin out looks the same as the becker units.

You are right... just checked the pinout on my car which is a 4 speaker setup <2003 Carrera with changer (which i'm removing). It looks like i can plug straight in without a harness.

I have bought this harness as was expecting to do modifications in order to fit which is needed for later systems.

WD-40...What stereo system is fitted to your 996.2 you are buying? (amped bose...etc...?)

[BrotherMouzone]

Thank you both. Very helpful.

My 996 is 2005 so stereo + harness then.

Do the radio removal keys that came with the Continental fit the Becker? Or do I need to buy a pair of cheap Becker removal keys?

Thanks again.

[WD-40]

I think this is the head-unit I have, the CDR 220 - it’s the very basic one (with tape player, and CD changer in the frunk), from an early 2002 996.2:

https://www.nettivaraosa.com/en/autohifi-ja-tarvik...

[alfapork]

I don't think that unit is a MOST. Tell tale will be an optical port on the back if it is.

[Bloitus]

BrotherMouzone said:

Thank you both. Very helpful.

My 996 is 2005 so stereo + harness then.

Do the radio removal keys that came with the Continental fit the Becker? Or do I need to buy a pair of cheap Becker removal keys?

Thanks again.

No, the radio keys on the continental are different than the becker (i'll check and post the two types later)

[Bloitus]

WD-40 said:

I think this is the head-unit I have, the CDR 220 - it’s the very basic one (with tape player, and CD changer in the frunk), from an early 2002 996.2:

https://www.nettivaraosa.com/en/autohifi-ja-tarvik...

If its a CDR 220 then you might be in luck as it could be the same setup as me. A quick google has revealed it should look like this which doesn't need the adapter:

Link to CDR220 rear picture and pinout

Obviously - to be sure remove the unit and take a look...

I also found a great guide on pelican parts, which is worth a read before starting, as that actually uses a harness and is for a bose setup (i think)

Link to pelican parts guide

[WD-40]

Double checked my head unit when I got home last night, and I've actually got the CR-22 (with CD-changer) - so I'm guessing that's even worse than the CDR-220?!

Anyone know if that's plug and play or needs a harness or other equipment, to swap for the Continental?

[Bloitus]

WD-40 said:

Double checked my head unit when I got home last night, and I've actually got the CR-22 (with CD-changer) - so I'm guessing that's even worse than the CDR-220?!

Anyone know if that's plug and play or needs a harness or other equipment, to swap for the Continental?

So... This guide has a list of a bunch of different porsche headunits and their interface types. Looks like the CR-22, along with a bunch of other units have a becker Be2365 interface (appears to be the same as PORSCHE CR-31) which is the same pinout as my unit, so no wiring harness needed with the continental replacement.

Later units (as alfapork said) use a combination of MOST interface and CR-31 or PCM etc... Again, best to pull your head unit following pelican parts guide above and check the back. Forgot to post the radio keys yesterday - i'll do that when i have time later.

[WD-40]

Bloitus said:

So... This guide has a list of a bunch of different porsche headunits and their interface types. Looks like the CR-22, along with a bunch of other units have a becker Be2365 interface (appears to be the same as PORSCHE CR-31) which is the same pinout as my unit, so no wiring harness needed with the continental replacement.

Later units (as alfapork said) use a combination of MOST interface and CR-31 or PCM etc... Again, best to pull your head unit following pelican parts guide above and check the back. Forgot to post the radio keys yesterday - i'll do that when i have time later.

Thanks for the further advice - I look forward to hearing how you get on with the installation

[Bloitus]

Life seems to be getting in the way but had about 20 mins free and managed to install it (without DAB antenna and external mic)!

1) Radio Keys - On the left is the Becker style key and on the right is for the Continental


2) Followed this guide to aid with removal of old unit and check the pin outs.

3) Installed new continental sleeve (its very tight!) and pushed the tabs out to secure it in place.

Note: I only connected the black, brown and round radio connector. As mentioned I did not connect DAB antenna and mic as i expect will need to remove bits of trim i'm not looked into yet!

4) Connect up the Radio (Bottom - Black plug is power, Top - Brown is for speakers)


5) Then slid the radio in (until it clicked into place. Then fitted a plastic surround and turned it on!


Overall pretty happy with it. The screen is a bit on the bright side which i might try and smoke with acetate, however it was quite nice to stream spotify using bluetooth. Let me know if you have any questions about it.

Edited by Bloitus on Saturday 25th August 16:29

[alfapork]

Looks much better than the usual Sony or Kenwood graphics and button fest. Display is a little bright though compared to air con controls in a 996.

I am going to try one of the optical Bluetooth connectors on my CDR-23 this time around though, my car is bone stock and so mint inside I want to keep it totally OEM looking.

But if that doesn’t work i’ll be buying my third Continental unit!

[BrotherMouzone]

Thanks for the write up Bloitus.

[Dammit]

Be great if you could invert the colours of the display to match the air-handling.