Technical Replacing the Radio

[kingchris]

I test drove a 500x yesterday and loved it.

But it had the low end radio with the tiny low resolution screen.

I might order a brand new 500x, but don't want to pay the £500 extra to upgrade to the 6.5" screen.

As it's still not very modern, I want Android Auto / Apple Car Play.

Sony have a £450 unit that is better then Fiat's offerings.

My question is if the head unit is replaced are there any settings for the car which are only accessible via the radio'silence touch screen?

 

[g8rpi]

Hi,
Not sure what functions you would loose, but on a highly integrated system in the 500X you need to be careful about warranty. I'd want it in writing from Fiat that fitting a different radio will not affect your warranty. It's too late to argue the point when sonething goes wrong and they refuse to pay.
I've had a main dealer argure warranty over a "non-standard" (but OEM branded) electrical item and I had to find a specification sheet to prove it was fitted as standard for that trim level.

Robert G8RPI>

 

[twobigdogs]

I test drove a 500x yesterday and loved it.



But it had the low end radio with the tiny low resolution screen.



I might order a brand new 500x, but don't want to pay the £500 extra to upgrade to the 6.5" screen.



As it's still not very modern, I want Android Auto / Apple Car Play.



Sony have a £450 unit that is better then Fiat's offerings.



My question is if the head unit is replaced are there any settings for the car which are only accessible via the radio'silence touch screen?

Don't bother....if you want the bigger screen just pay the extra and save yourself any hassle....

 

[kingchris]

Don't bother....if you want the bigger screen just pay the extra and save yourself any hassle....

The lack of modern functionality is the main issue rather then just the screen size.

With Android Auto, your smartphone is mirrored to the screen and you can get access to the superior Google Maps, and better control of Spotify etc.

 

[Garree001]

The lack of modern functionality is the main issue rather then just the screen size.

With Android Auto, your smartphone is mirrored to the screen and you can get access to the superior Google Maps, and better control of Spotify etc.

The TomTom sat nav on the 6.5 inch screen in the 500x is actually quite good.

 

[VeneziaBlue500x]

I'm rather disappointed in the 6.5" satnav device, definitely not worth the 1000 euros that it cost me as an extra to my car.

If you've used a smartphone, you'd realize its 70's technology, a bad/cheap touch screen with the outdated uconnect software from chrysler. Horrible

Take a look at this thread, for an (expensive) alternative:
https://www.fiatforum.com/500x/445495-replacement-uconnect-unit.html

 

[kingchris]

I'm rather disappointed in the 6.5" satnav device, definitely not worth the 1000 euros that it cost me as an extra to my car.

If you've used a smartphone, you'd realize its 70's technology, a bad/cheap touch screen with the outdated uconnect software from chrysler. Horrible

Take a look at this thread, for an (expensive) alternative:
https://www.fiatforum.com/500x/445495-replacement-uconnect-unit.html

Thanks. That box seems to solve the potential issues.

This Sony unit is the one I have my eye on.

https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/in-car-receivers-players/xav-ax100