General CD changer question – who manufactures the standar

[wmsteele]

Just bought my first Fiat, a Stilo! It’s all very exciting.

I will be picking the car up this Friday (30th) and was wondering if anyone can tell me who manufactures the tape/radio unit in a Sep 2002 Stilo? I was considering purchasing a CD changer to fit in the boot or possibly the glove box. Not sure what changers will be compatible with the standard Stilo equipment. I did notice that the stereo was CD changer compatible but didn’t mention exactly what this involved.

Any help would be greatly appreciated

Wm.

 

[christos]

Hi there,

All standard Fiat audio equipment is Blaupunkt made, including the optional cd changer (5 CDs) which can be fitted in the glove department (I've got it, it's very practical having full access to it without having to get ot of the car, but there have been many reports of faulty units, so be careful. Mine didn't work from the start but was immediately replaced by Blaupunkt Greece). I posted my opinion on the optional 260W hifi in the forum a few days ago, so check it out. From my previous experience (dad's Marea and mom's Punto) standard Fiat audio units can only be combined with Blaupunkt CD changers, so expect the same for Stilos too.

Hope I helped you out,
Christos

 

[wmsteele]

Hi, thanks for your advice.

I have since visited my local Fiat dealership, they also advised fitting a Blaupunk changer in the glove box.

The exact model is IDC-A09. Is this the same as you have fitted? It looks good, it’s a five disk changer that doesn’t need a cartridge, having five slots on the front for direct CD access.

The only problem is the price, the dealership quoted, £350 for the unit including fitting. After a bit of web investigation this looks very overpriced. I tracked down the unit for £165 (inc. vat & carriage) and a 1.3m extension bus cable for a reasonable £17 (inc. vat & carriage).

I have fitted more than my fair share of car stereos, but have never fitted a changer.

Any advice, or should I just bite the bullet and pay the dealership price???

Wm.

 

[mdevine72]

Hi,

I've just purchased a Stilo with the CD player (5 disc) from a Fiat Dealer and he's only charging £250. It might be an idea going back to your dealer and getting the price down.

It the same one that you've mentioned although I haven't seen it yet as i'm not picking it up until next week.

 

[wmsteele]

Thanks for more good advice

It appears that Fiat dealers can charge anything that they want for these units!!!!!

I contacted a random selection of dealerships within the Glasgow area, 6 in total. Prices for these units ranged form the ridiculous £350 to a reasonable £250 (including fitting).

All the above prices are for the same Blaupunk IDC-A09changer in the glove box.

Needless to say my Stilo is now booked in for this to be fitted for £250.

Wm.

 

[wmsteele]

Got the unit fitted today and it came in under the quoted price.

Wow!!

The grand total being £235.

Anyone in Glasgow looking to get this fitted I can thoroughly recommend the Fiat dealership in Pollockshaws.

Wm.

 

[Lodestone]

wmsteele,

Can you prvide details of the delership that you mention?

Regards

Lodestone

 

[rriggs]

They haven't got a branch in Hertfordshire/North London have they? My expensive (but very good) local dealer wants £425 for the unit including fitting.

Roja

2003 Silver 3-Door Abarth

 

[damo8]

Be very careful when purchasing CD Changer from anyone other that Fiat. Fiat have changed the software in the head unit so it doesn't work with the standard Blaupunkt Unit. (I know I tried one).
But if you go back to your local Fiat Dealer they may well do a bit of discount. I got a good 15% off mine from Reg Vardy so I bought the Stilo sill protectors aswell.

NB. Some ICE dealers are buying a specific unit now that does work with the Stilo Head Unit. But Check!!

Here's the Email I got from Visteon Product Support (Visteon make the Head Unit in the Stilo)

Reference your question to Technical regarding a compatible CD auto changer for use with the Visteon audio unit in your Stilo.

The Fiat / Blaupunkt DC A-09 changer will work with the Visteon head unit but there are two very similar versions, one is compatible the other is not.
You will need the one designated 150 - this has a grey front panel and is the official Fiat service product (Fiat part number 735273184).

The other version is designated 100 and has a black front panel this is the Blaupunkt aftermarket unit (46001779). This will not work with the Visteon head unit.

Both units are usually available at Fiat dealers, as long as you get the right one there should not be a problem.

Hope this is useful,
Damo.

Stilo 1.8 Dynamic 3 Door(Tiziano Red)

 

[daftcars.com]

I've already got the multi-changer, it came with the car new. But I want to do the opposite to you guys, and change the head unit whilst leaving the multiplay. I love the way it fits in the glovebox, and the sound quality seems reasonable.
Anyone with head unit changing advice, feel free to post. Obviously I need one thats compatible with the changer. Which models though- thats the question.

 

[andyblackett]

I'd like to know the answer to this one too! I'm fancying hooking up some Xplod subs in the boot again (had 2x 12" ones in my bravo and were seriously loud) but I love the changer, it looks well smart custom fit in the upper glove box surrounded by that felt stuff. I might email Blaupunkt and ask them if their head units are compatible and which ones. (will post any answers I get)

Andy

02 Stilo Dynamic 5 door. Moire Black

 

[lamie69uk]

I've just bought a new Blaupunkt Modena CD53 to go with the factory fitted in dash IDC-A 09 in my 2001 Punto Sporting. The head unit works great, but doesn't control the IDC very well - I can select discs, but they won't play [V].... is this likely to be because of this Fiat software change thing?