Stereo unit upgrade ideas for a 1.8TQS (99.5)

[jb1999]

Am thinking of upgrading the stereo unit in my A4 99.5 (B5). It currently has the single DIN concert stereo and an auto-changer unit in the boot (image on left) and have started looking into options for getting a sat-nav unit.

Any one know what the best options are for this model? And would anything other than an Audi unit still work with the DIS on the dash?

A few options I found:

- a built-in unit like the other two images. Found several options like this (see image on right), including retro-fitting Audi units, all requiring a double-DIN centre dash unit. There's som great guides to doing it out there. Could need some time sourcing parts, re-working of the dash and would likely be the most expensive option but would be fun to do (hopefully!?) and would leave a good factory fitted look.

- stumbled over a single DIN unit with a smaller display - JVC KD NX 5000. satnav, mp3 unit, dvd. Looks good IMO, reasonable reviews, selling for around 630 quid.

- leave the stereo as it is and get simple tom-tom type unit mounted on the dashboard... bit boring, but given the age of the car...
Any other suggestions, thoughts?

[jb1999]

FYI - have also posted this under the in car entertainment section:
https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...ad.php?t=35865

[deeb]

Have a look at the becker cascade range, expensive £700+ but single din with sat nav, blue tooth for phones, and ipod options. They also look like they'd match the audi console perfectly.
http://www.caraudiodiscount.com/acat...avigation.html

Alternatively I use the Nokia navigator phone, it has route66 (which has been better to me than tomtom) software, doesn't look nearly as bad as a dedicated satnav on the dash and when you leave your car you take it with you so you don't have to worry about someone breaking in to steal it.

[dcross]

I'd probably go for the JVC option. It looks a nice smart unit.

[routers77]

Hi.
If you do decide to change your head unit, would you consider selling your cd changer? Sorry for being so cheeky.
Neil.

[jb1999]

Many thanks for your comment guys, some very interesting and sophisticated options to add the list. Clearly I'm not up to date with the latest technology / sites as I'd not realised mobile phones were up to the job too! As you say deeb, the Becker units do look like they suit the Audi dash, and its nicely set in so might appear factory fitted! But I do like the larger screen on the JVC, though it looks like it might stick out a bit - not found any good pcitures with it installed though.

Am hoping to spec out and cost up a retro-fit of a double-din Audi unit, from the starting point of a single DIN space, and then will make the call. The challenge of fitting it appeals, though maybe my fitting skills won't match! I'll post any interesting conclusions... but progress will be slow as I have a 5 month old sprogette who keeps much of my free time (and my wallet) occupied!

[jb1999]

Hi.
If you do decide to change your head unit, would you consider selling your cd changer? Sorry for being so cheeky.
Neil.

No apologies needed Neil! After all, if you don't ask, you don't get!

I was hoping the CD changer will be compatable with a new unit, along with the driver info display (DIS?) on the dashboard, but have not managed to find out if either is the case yet... Depending on what system gets installed, I may decided to return everything back when selling it in the future so would probably keep it anyway. Sorry.