Advice on new ICE vs. Connect Nav+

[injectx]

Hi guys/gals,

I've been thinking about this for some time now but I can't seem to make a decision.
I'm thinking of replacing the ConnectNav+ system in my 2003 Stilo Abarth. I've already bought a new 2DIN frame to fit a new car stereo. Thing is I don't really know if it's a good choice. Maybe I just need to buy one of those CD changer emulators, maybe that's good enough..

Disadvantages of buying a new car stereo:
- I can't get into the car preferences anymore so changing the car's clock/date could be a bit of a problem
- Steering wheel controls may not work anymore(I've read some topics that it might be possible but I don't know if it's that easy to do)
- Connecting the factory built subwoofer to a new car stereo isn't that easy (from what I read)
- It may look dull since it's not standard anymore (doesn't have to be of course)
- I'm guessing that the built-in microphones that are being used by the phone function are not useable with a new car stereo (not sure though)
- Expensive

Advantages of buying a new car stereo (of course depending on the model but my choice goes out to the JVC-KW-AV60BT):
- connect a USB harddrive or USB stick to play some MP3's at last
- connect phone to play music through Spotify/iTunes
- call using bluetooth on your phone
- new navigation system with updated maps (i've seen systems which can use the phone's navigation system like tomtom, really handy)
- more convenient and faster interface (playing a mp3 cd through the connectnav+ is a nightmare imo)

Advantages of buying a CD changer emulator system:
- get to keep the original connectnav+ system so all functionality is intact
- play mp3's through USB/iPhone whatever
- use phone's navigation system using aux on cd changer emulator
- dialing of numbers/choosing names to call via phone, not via big screen like a 2DIN stereo (doesn't have to be a great disadvantage though)
- connect USB drive to play mp3's
- Less expensive

Disadvantages of buying a CD changer emulator system:
- No navigation instructions while using the radio (OR sound via phone OR the radio)
- Slow and inconvenient interface stays the same

Disadvantages of staying with the ConnectNav+ system
- Slow and inconvenient interface
- I always have to turn off my phone when using the car phone system (otherwise my phone goes nuts)
- cd changer broken (only plays from 1 slot, also makes awefull noise)
- music doesn't resume from where i left off
- navigation system with outdated maps
- display is not that clear and crispy anymore
- no USB port (no phone charging, USB stick/disk etc.)
- no bluetooth
- bad radio reception (don't know if that's connectnav+ related though)

So what to do? Maybe someone with a aftermarket ICE or CDC emulator can give some advice/user experience.

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Marsupilami]

Hi Injectx,

I'm in a similar situation: I'd like to substitute my Connect Nav+ in my (2006) CROMA for some of the reasons you mentioned already. Despite that I used since the beginning a CDC emulator I ordered in Italy (got one of the last 5 built) and all known disadvantages the amplifier module of CN+ is good. That's why I kept it over years, also because I improved sound a lot by replacing factory speakers with Pioneer speakers. Ultimately it is the dramatically decreased FM reception sensitivity which pushed me towards the decision to replace CN+, although I invest last energy to find the reason, probably a deteriorated antenna connection at the backside of CN+ (antenna itself replaced and regulary checked for corrosion).

My biggest concern is: How will I access all other car settings without CN+ ??
The operation manual says that presence of CN+ strongly limits access to settings via dashboard buttons. OK, I can accept that. But I completely removed CN+ in order to test parameter accessibility, in order to simulate presence of a new car stereo. Big surprise is: Nothing changed!! Means access restrictions persist as if CN+ is still present !?!

So my question is: What or where gives a code (electric or whatever) to the car indicating the presence of CN+, since even after removal the car behaves as if CN+ was still present? Is it a bridge somewhere in the connectors for CN+ ? (If it was a PC I'd say its a jumper or DIL setting issue, but it's not a PC here. So what delivers that encoded information?

Now I'm reluctant swapping to a new stereo (yes, also 2 DIN), as long as I'm not shure whether I can access via the foreseen dashboard butons (Mode, + and -) to all car parameter settings without CN+ connected.

DOES anyone know an answer to this question and can help me override the virtual CN+ presence in my 2.4 CROMA?
injectx: May'be you moved already away from CN+, may'be you live since with limited parameter acces? Or perhaps you've found a solution to the abovementioned problem - and may work analogeous with CROMA? If none, you've perhaps remained in the same situation since and an answer to my quastions from pros in this forum can halp us both further?
We'll see; I'll post this also as a new call for help.

Thanks a lot to anyone who can help me/us! Greetings!

 

[injectx]

Hi Marsupilami,

I've been thinking about swapping the CN+ with a regular car stereo (2DIN) a lot. One of the main reasons i still didn't do it is because i think it will be either a lot of work or will cost me a lot of money. I have replaced car stereos before but from what i have come to know, this is a different story. So i'm thinking about letting the garage help me place the new stereo (which will cost me extra money). So i'm still a bit eager of what to do know. A CDC emulator won't cost me that much money and is easy to place but is still not as convenient as a new 2DIN stereo.

Besides that, i don't think i personally will miss the settings the CN+ gives me because i don't use them a lot. Only thing i do is reset the km's after i fueled my car but i can live without that so there's really not much of a problem for me there. Maybe your Croma has more settings or you use some settings more often, i can understand that.

So on specific questions about the CN+ i can't help you sorry. I'll let you know when i decide to put a new stereo in my car. Good luck!

 

[Marsupilami]

Hi Injectx,

I've asked the same question about CN+' presence detection in the TechTalk forum and Davren - he's really good I've noticed - has replied the following :
"After removing the CN+, the car will need the Proxy Alignment procedure carried out to tell the Body Computer that the CN+ is no longer present. The PA procedure can be done at a Fiat dealer, or you can do it yourself with the Multiecuscan software."

Well, that makes me - and you - confident to use more functions should I consider another car audio device. But right now I'm reassembling my - disassembled - CN+ because finally I suspect the antenna plug didn't have a good inner contact with its female opposite on CN+ side. So I'll give it a try. If improved, then I'll probably keep the CN+ to save money because I mostly listen MP3 through analogue device, connected via mini jack to the CD emulator. That works fine and audio quality is good. If no improvement then I'll buy a new device.
After many comparisons of technical data (e.g. THD, channel separation) and becaus of the 4-line display I've decided so for to go then for a Kenwood DPX504U. I don't need bluetooth since I have another solution in the car for that. The DPX504U offers fantastic value for money, actually also pretty attractive price in UK; I've seen it for 120 GBP. Car-specific cable adapter kit is about 14 GBP. Should you wish steering wheel control via CANbus thats about 40 GBP on top. Again, around 135 GBP is affordable and shouldn't you dare to mount the unit by yourself then the total including garage help won't hurt too much.

What is your priority when choosing a new device? Or what would you like to use most: CD, USB, aux-in or just radio?

 

[Marsupilami]

Addendum:
I just noticed you're in NL, so prices I've mentioned are 199,-/20,-/65,- EUR (in Germany).
Greetings