986 Boxster (04) audio upgrade options

[shinjuku]

Does anyone have an experience in upgrading the 986 Boxster centre console audio?

We'd like:
Bluetooth
iPod
Aux

ideally.

Car is January 2004...

[srsmith73]

I know it's not as fancy as having a new console but I use one of these Bluetooth FM transmitters in my Boxster:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/VICTSING-Transmitter-Ha...

Plus it allows me to use my phone hands free as well.

[shinjuku]

srsmith73 said:

I know it's not as fancy as having a new console but I use one of these Bluetooth FM transmitters in my Boxster:

https://smile.amazon.co.uk/VICTSING-Transmitter-Ha...

Plus it allows me to use my phone hands free as well.

Thanks for the info. We tried something similar once before and weren't that impressed...

I don't mind getting involved in an install, but there's not much information about this around!

[KPB1973]

There are lots of single-din stereos which can do all that. Does yours have the factory upgraded sound system installed (there'll be a small amp in the front storage mounted behind the spare wheel).

If so, that will probably mean you'll need a converter harness to bridge between the car's built in audio and the new stereo's ISO connector.

Mine is fitted with one of these...

https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/pt2592_2606_-cma81-...

For info, fitting an aftermarket stereo can result in a 'beep' from the horn when you lock the car, but I believe there is a way of stopping this.

[shinjuku]

KPB1973 said:

There are lots of single-din stereos which can do all that. Does yours have the factory upgraded sound system installed (there'll be a small amp in the front storage mounted behind the spare wheel).

If so, that will probably mean you'll need a converter harness to bridge between the car's built in audio and the new stereo's ISO connector.

Mine is fitted with one of these...

https://www.design911.co.uk/fu/pt2592_2606_-cma81-...

For info, fitting an aftermarket stereo can result in a 'beep' from the horn when you lock the car, but I believe there is a way of stopping this.

Ideally, it would be a single DIN stereo with CarPlay, but even the basics would be good enough at this stage. I will have to get inside the car to check about the upgraded sound system. It doesn't have AUX.. but I believe it is a BOSE system.

Appreciate the reply, I will have a look this weekend.

[kingston12]

shinjuku said:

Ideally, it would be a single DIN stereo with CarPlay, but even the basics would be good enough at this stage. I will have to get inside the car to check about the upgraded sound system. It doesn't have AUX.. but I believe it is a BOSE system.

Appreciate the reply, I will have a look this weekend.

It might be worth checking out Boxa.net as they have a lot of 'how to' guides on this type of thing.

I installed a Pioneer SPH-DA120 in my 987 a few years ago to replace a PCM 2.1 and it makes the whole car feel more up to date. I guess it would do even more for a 986.

Keeping the Bose in my car saved a lot of hassle and a bit of cost overall. I did have to buy an adaptor for about £180 that would allow the Pioneer to sit on the MOST fibre optic ring and control the Bose amp. I'm not sure if that is the same for the 986.

I'd definitely advise going for CarPlay if you can. I find it a really slick system and the beauty of it is that it stays up to date with updates to your phone. The Pioneer native OS feels awful in comparison, even though that is much better than the PCM 2.1 was.

[shinjuku]

Appreciate the advice thus far.

Her 986 does not have the BOSE system; double DIN is an option with a lot of work. I am also personally up for a behind-the-scenes option to just give AUX or BT somehow. Even the CD storage tray annoys her and the replacement cubby hole part is about 60 quid!

I’ve bought her the BT via radio thing from Amazon as it’s her birthday in a few days and hopefully this can tide her over. She had one before, but it broke. Also, the car seems to lose battery charge or something, as the radio presets are routinely lost, which borks this kind of radio-BT hybrid thing.