Head Units - I can't figure it out!

[gantonski]

I've been googling for hours and all i do is end up with more questions. here are a few pieces of information that i think will help me sort my life out a bit if anyone can offer me some insight

I have an OEM 2015 brz limited. i have an OBDII (OBDLink LX)


here is what i want:

1. perfect fitment (200mm, but only in au region? sad) (or at least a fitment that looks natural to the interior design of the car)
2. digital gauge cluster (research has shown me android auto, or maestro rr) my preference is to be able to use Torque Pro for multiple reasons
3. if necessary/possible i would happily buy a center panel assembly (part #66077CA201) and install it, if it fits my 2015
4. i want to stream audio from my phone via wireless (bluetooth)
5. again... digital gauge cluster
6. i don't want a ton of extra thingers (wires, gps antenna, new mic, etc...)


i don't know what else to say... the biggest issue seems to be finding a reliable product in NA, though there are plenty of highly complained about android tablets yada yada...


i appreciate you!

[Mr.ac]

Ok, well for #1, 3-6 are all pretty much standard features.
Fitment, don't worry about that, everything fits. That's the least of your worries.

The prefect question is how much do you want to spend?
The Masetro rr feature is going to start out at $300 I can tell you that right off the bat.

[gantonski]

Originally Posted by Mr.ac

Ok, well for #1, 3-6 are all pretty much standard features.
Fitment, don't worry about that, everything fits. That's the least of your worries.

The prefect question is how much do you want to spend?
The Masetro rr feature is going to start out at $300 I can tell you that right off the bat.

my issue with the fitment is that if the gaps need to be filled then i'd like for it to look natural.

i'm flexible on the price but most importantly i want to retain my music streaming, and i was to gain the custom gauge layout and PID data (and preferably all the options that come with Torque Pro).

the price is the hard part because i'm not sure what i'll have to sacrifice. i plan to continue modding my car (forced induction this year, maybe) and want to monitor certain things that aren't in the analog gauges (or have to install analog gauges)

[pwest]

I'd like to join in on this w/similar desirements. I have a 2014 BRZ and am seeking the same 'perfect fitment' (and would also be fine with purchasing a replacement center panel if available/necessary). All I really desire is full Apple Car Play compatibility--I don't need or even want built in nav, DVD/CD, or XM. FM would be OK, being able to run Torque Pro and Android Auto would be nice.
For the last 6 months I've had an inexpensive DUAL XDCP97BT which had the desired features (less fitment) but I've had 3 units fail and am now giving up on it.

-Phil

[MX-5RACER]

Atoto A6, the newer ones should come with CarPlay already working. I had to buy a separate dongle.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129106

[Yoshoobaroo]

FYI, the android units will not connect to the Obdlink LX, I've tried. you need the usb version (OBDLink SX).

[gantonski]

I think the best option for me would be to get a new unit that has android auto capabilities. i'll be able to use my torque pro and not rely on whatever the manufacturer decides to make available to the consumer - plus i will have fewer layers of communication to between devices.

now i just need to find one that has a nice fitment, price range, yada yada.

[wuhoo]

in the same boat. does anyone know if the Pioneer AVH-w4500nex is 200mm?

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by wuhoo

in the same boat. does anyone know if the Pioneer AVH-w4500nex is 200mm?

No, its not. When you configure it at Crutchfield.com it comes with Metra 95-8202 Dash Kit which are the brackets that include the left/right filler space.

[pwest]

I had a chat session w/Crutchfield last weekend and they told me they could offer no HUs that would fit w/out spacers.

[xdavidx]

Originally Posted by gantonski

I think the best option for me would be to get a new unit that has android auto capabilities. i'll be able to use my torque pro and not rely on whatever the manufacturer decides to make available to the consumer - plus i will have fewer layers of communication to between devices.

now i just need to find one that has a nice fitment, price range, yada yada.

I have racked my brain on a new headunit also. Found that the two issues I can't get around without a lot of hassle are"
1) Fitment - I think unless you go with an Australian market unit and deal with the hassles of the wiring harnesses and controls on the opposite side, you are going to end up having to use a 90s style aftermarket unit adapter kit
2) Microphone - seems no one has found a way to make the stock mic work with aftermarket head units. You will have to route the one that comes with the new head unit and hopefully find one that will sound decent without having to mount it external to the stock location.
This car probably has more head unit replacements than any other new car (since most are dash integrated). I don't get why no one has made one that just works perfectly and does everything we want.

[Leonardo]

Originally Posted by pwest

I had a chat session w/Crutchfield last weekend and they told me they could offer no HUs that would fit w/out spacers.

Yes, these things. They all need them, except the factory upgrade Audio.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by pwest

I had a chat session w/Crutchfield last weekend and they told me they could offer no HUs that would fit w/out spacers.

Yea, I did the same back when I switched the original non-touchscreen headunit for one out of a newer model 86.

[Dadhawk]

Originally Posted by Leonardo

Yes, these things. They all need them, except the factory upgrade Audio.

I'm sort of surprised on of these companies hasn't made a replacement dash surround (whatever that piece is called) that would close the gap without this. I mean it's just a piece of plastic. I guess you would have to replace the whole thing though rather than just the piece around the radio because of the pattern matching.