[Pam C]

Hi I just bought my 1998 SLK and it has an aftermarket JVC KD R200 with a detachable faceplate. From what I can tell he put it in 2011.He did not buy the Bluetooth Add on nor did he leave me the remote control. I would like to upgrade the system with one that has Navigation, a Back-Up Camera and Bluetooth. I was wandering if someone has a flip up system as the screen otherwise I think it would be pretty small. I am concerned that the motorized screen will breakdown and that when flipped up it will cover the heating controls. I don't want to monkey around with the controls or the cup holders, in fact if JVC made a unit with all that I wanted I would just buy an upgraded unit and hopefully use the existing wiring.

Can anybody give me some feedback. Has anyone changed up for a flip up? Has anyone gone to an upgrade without the flip up with the Navigation, backup and bluetooth? Any feed back would be appreciated.

PS I am not a do it yourself kind of girl and my husband says he won't attempt anything involving electronics. He says he would prefer to pay for professional installation and avoid screwing up anything unintentional. If anybody knows of a place in the Toronto Ontario area that sells and installs this type of stuff and is experienced with these old classics it would be appreciated.

 

[Pam C]

Any experience with rear view mirror GPS,Back Up and Navigation

I haven't had any feedback on my previous post about updating the stereo. I forgot to mention I read prior posts about stereos and couldn't find what I was looking for in terms of answers to my questions posed. Since then I was wondering if anybody has gone the rear view mirror route? Apparently they now make a rear view mirror replacement that can also act as a GPS system, Back Up Camera and Bluetooth. I don't have any issue with the updated stereo itself already in the car from 2011 put in by the first owner. If anybody has experience with them (rear view mirror replacements) I would appreciate some feedback. The stereo the previous owner put in is quite good altough the radio can fade in and out depending on the area I am driving in. The music playing from the USB works well (without interruption and very loud and clear) so if the rearview mirror replacement works well and doesn't interfere with anything else I might go that route.

 

[Mn car guy]

This is a good source for audio options Car Stereos at Crutchfield.com. The problem you might encounter is that you don't know what the po did to get the current system to work. The stock system is kind of weird and has seperate power amps for the subs (why they designed em for 2ohms is beyond me and they are pretty weak to boot.. Do all the speakers work with the current system? If you guys don't want to tackle a custom install yourselves, you'll have to find someone in your area. At least the crutchfield stuff will let you figure out what your options are.

 

[Pam C]

Looking into system upgrade local auto service company

I made several calls today to people in the car business here in Toronto and finally found a fellow with a company that specializes in aftermarket stereo/electrical upgrades. The fellow is looking into single DIN replacements. He only uses Kenwood and Clarion and is sure he can get a Clarion. I have read some reviews about Clarion and given that he is quoting around $1400 to $1500 Canadian dollars I asked him to look at the Kenwood model. I have read in reviews they are more reliable in terms of the motorized screens and the fact they use Garmin are more user friendly. The price quoted me would be for all of it including installation. I admit the cost is steep for a 1998 car but my car has just 100,000 kms and no rust on it and never been in an accident. I plan to keep this car until it just dies which I hope will be several years away and I drive it all year round. The fellow is going to call his supplier and see if he can get his hands on a single DIN Kenwood and call be back.
With respect to getting a new JVC with what I need he said it wasn't possible and he doesn't come across a rear view mirror that has both navigation and back up camera on it at least not one from a known and trusted manufacture.

 

[Mn car guy]

That seems like quite a lot of money. FYI a 'single din' just refers to the size of the system. A stock slk audio system is single din. I'd really get a second opinion. I don't get the feeling that the person you talked to had much of an idea how to integrate the aftermarket head into the existing speaker system. I did a quick craigs list search and came up with these guys. Henosa Car Audio & Security - Home

There website is crappy looking but it looks like they do a fair amount of custom work. Probably worth a call.

 

[Pam C]

Update on Nav, Backup Camera, and Bluetooth

After further research and after contacting more local car audio/visual shops I have decided to put in a new Rear View Mirror with Navigation, Back-up and Bluetooth built in.

I am keeping my JVC stereo as I don't have any issues with the sound or anything it just didn't have the extras. The quotes for the mirror and installation are $900 to $1000 total. One shop has guaranteed their work for life. I have an appointment today with the shop to actually see my car. The quotes have all been by phone so far but if they confirm the price and guarantee I think I will go with this option.

Anybody get this type of thing? I know their are cheaper models on eBay and such but apparently the one they are quoting is from a brand name company made in the USA and the unit itself is $600 not including the back up camera.