What functions are lost if you replace the tape deck with an aftermarket head unit?

 

All functionality is attached to the tape deck. The display is just that, a display. So, the short answer is everything.

 

setup with the factory nav installed.

still the same issue?

 

If you have some time to spare, unplug it and see what works and what doesnt work. I dont know anything about the GX system but with some Bose radios, if you remove it / unplug it, the door chimes, keys still in the ignition chime, custom user 1 & 2 seat settings, traction control, oil reminder etc. will stop working since theyre all tied to it.

 

I've had the unit out when I instaled the iPod interface. all dash lights, etc. work, but every button under the navi screen is tied to the head unit, so you lose all functionality with climate control, etc. there may be adaptors, but after seeing the mess my friends went through to keep way simpler systems working, I never pursued it. may be best to convert the outputs to line level and replace everything from the amp back. the speakers are all 8 ohm, so you'd have to address them with any head unit swap, unless you figure out the slew of connections to the amp. doubtful it would sound half as good as the junky but strangely good sounding ML setup though. It's pretty much amp back or nothing from what I've seen and read.

 

well, that is real odd!

thanks for the info!

 

Not all that odd for newer highly integrated vehicles. Since the functions are displayed on the navigation screen, everything runs through the head unit. It's just a price we pay for that cool look, not to mention the killing the manufacturer makes for the initial markup and the dealer for replacement parts. It is by design and even the lower end vehicles have gone that way. Only, in their case, there's enough moders to provide options. People on this forum have posted some super nice upgrades, but none have been easy or inexpensive. Most successfull upgrades have been on non-navi units.

 

what i found odd is, the fact that so much would run through the tape deck.

 

Anyone got more info on the tablet install?
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This is quite common on complex luxury vehicles. Since 2000 most German and other luxury vehicles have been using the tape deck/cd player as the brain of the infotainment systems.

In “audi world” these are called the “5F module” and they run everything... and cost an unbelievable $3,500-$5,000 dollars.

 

My buddy's id swapped a stereo in a jetta and the car went to limp mode. What a nightmare that was. Here's what I did with my cassette hole:
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.clu...f881818ec5.jpg

 

Have you guys checked out this video yet?

 

you’ve got to have a $150 can bus simulator(or jam the old units main pieces down behind the climate controls or in the glovebox)... taking out certain portions of the infotainment can system will make the pow train can flip out.

I miss putting systems in late 90’s to early 2000 model cars. It was like $8 for harness from Walmart. Lol