CD & MP3 Players

I'm seriously considering putting a non standard radio
in my 2003 Astra. I realise I will loose the radio controls
on the steering wheel, but can anyone tell me if I will also
loose the digital clock and temp display from the dashboard
digtal display.

My wife has just had a Panasonic radio / CD / MP3 player in
her clapped out Ford and it puts my bog standard Vauxhaull
radio to shame. So I would really love to put one in the Astra.

Kevin B

 

You shouldn't necessarily lose your steering wheel controls as most
manufacturers will provide accessories to keep everything as standard. I put
an mp3 player inmy omega and whilst I don't have steering wheel controls the
only quirk is that I lose the date on the display when the radio is switched
on. Try emailing Jon at in-car-express. He'll be able to give you all the
info you require.
I really don't know why car manufacturers are so behind the times when it
comes to fitting mp3 compatible players in their cars as there are so many
advantages with the mp3 format - like being able to get over 13 hours of
music on 1 cd!

 

I installed a Kenwood MP3 player around 2 1/2 years ago to my Mk3. Astra,
and I have indeed lost the date and time function when the unit is on BUT
there is a small in-line device also from Kenwood that when installed
ensures I DON'T loose the date and time!!

Couldn't be bothered to fork out another £70.00 quid for the privilege so
gave it a miss!!

You may want to take a look at www.caraudiodirect.co.uk good prices and a
good service to boot - I highly recommend them from personal experience.

;-)

 

I have a Sony CDX MP30 in my Astra Mk4. You can get an adaptor such that you
retain all the steering wheel controls and the head up display, the only
thing you seem to lose is the ability to automatically correct the clock on
the head up. If you're interested in a new MP3 I suggest you buy a copy of
one of the 'cruise' based kiddie car mags aas these have pages of adverts
from companies selling discounted car units at prices FAR less that halfords
and the like.

RJO

 

Mines also a Kenwood and just like you, I wasn't going to fork out 70
either!

 

Thanks everyone for replying.

Regards
Kevin B

 

Kavin,

I fitted a kenwood mp3 unit from www.justkenwood.co.uk < i think

i got the wireing harness for the steering remotes but have lost the
clock no big deal the sterio has a clock on it also if you take
thsi route when you come to fit it split the 3 gang from the engine
loom to ensure a tight fit of all 3 connecting blocks and then just
tape up it shouldnt take more than 1 hour, just remember its vauxhall
so you need to change the perminant live think its orange to red not
red to red it will say in the manual.