Hi all, I've read through all the integration threads, but none seem to address this exact combination and all seem a bit dated...

In other cars I enjoy having my ipod classic 160gb permanently in the car inside the glove, and having bluetooth handsfree calling for my iphone 4 which always stays in my pocket.

Any advice on what setup would work this combination, if any?

Text support, hu/steering wheel controls, and ipod charging would be required features as I do plan to keep the ipod in the glove. Also, it would obviously be ideal for the bluetooth to automatically pair with the phone when the ignition is turned on.

I have an 07 GT with the 6 disc changer and Sat. I plan on disconnecting the sat from the hu since I do not plan on paying for the service.

Thanks!!

 

I'm currently also looking for a iPhone integration solution to answer calls and listen to music... steering wheel controls are a must and text display would be nice.

There is xCarlink + bluetooth, the only 2 issues are:
1) I don't think you can change songs with the steering wheel over bluetooth. (This might have changed since the iphone has AVRCP since 4.1...)
2) No text (on bluetooth or plugged in).

I had also at one point been considering DICE, since it connects to the SAT port and has display support, but it doesn't have bluetooth which I'd really like simply for being able to answer incoming calls over the speakers.....

There is the GROM which seems similiar to the xCarlink, except it does specifically state it supports AVRCP (so you can change songs on the steering wheel using bluetooth).

Finally there is the Axxis, which from what I can tell is a cheaper xCarlink...

Unfortunately i don't know of anything with Text, bluetooth, and steering wheel support.... bump!

 

I just asked the guys at theRPM store, they tested it and said you can't change songs use the steering wheel controls.

I'm going to go with the GROM + Bluetooth, and let you know!

 

Thanks... look forward to you review!

 

It really is the only crap thing about the RX-8 IMHO. The media. Then again if anyone wishes to invite us to STFU and go buy a Ford Fusion be my guest.

 

I think the best solution is to change the head unit completely with something that supports Ipod/bluetooth/navigation and all that jazz. That is also the most expensive option, but I think it will be worth it. As of now I'm just using an fm transmitter because I don't want to tear up my dash. My car is still new to me.

 

I actually just got my car last month.... unfortunately most of SoCals FM bands are clogged up... at least personally none of the FM tuners i've heard sounded very good. When I took a road trip up to san fran with a friend we had one, and it sounded just fine most of the way, but just stopped completely when we got back into LA.

Also, I really wanted to keep steering wheel controls and the ability to use the screen.... So i figured my best bet was going with an integration kit!

Edit: Also I can't STAND only having radio to listen to....

 

Most aftermarket units come with an adapter for steering wheel controls. If you really want to use the screen, then an integration kit is probably the best option.

 

So I got the GROM reciever last week on monday! Just installed it tonight! It was a sucess!

I couldn't find a great place for the mic... so it's dangling by my seat... and i broke one of the clips on the center console over. If you're installing it yourself, all the clips are very strong, except for one on the back rear clip by the brake handle. Be careful! But it still went in and fits fine... so i'll probably leave it be.

On to the GROM! So far it's great. Best part? Steering wheel controls DO work to change songs when using bluetooth! You can also answer and end a call using the up/down track buttons on the steering wheel. The ipod connector will charge any iPhone as well...

Also the mic seems to work very well. From the other side of the car the person i was talking to was still about to hear whispers (this was not with the car running, but still!)

I'm very happy, i'll report back in a month or two for a longer term review.

 

So with the GROM, the only thing you're missing is the track/artist/etc. display right?

By the way, does the standard RX-8 display (the one with temp, radio station, etc) show MP3 information? I don't have my RX yet.

This caught my eye a while back. Sony has this offering. Bluetooth, TomTom, iPod, etc. and I've seen it as low as $700.

 

Correct. It will just say EX 1 : 1 and the time. I haven't figured out how playlists etc work.... but the next/previous track work over bluetooth, and it charges a 3GS with the included cable.

My car has the built in Bose 6 disk changer, which doesn't support MP3 CD's... or i failed at burning them.

Yeah there are a lot of decent dash replacements you can use with the metra kti... idk what you'd need to keep steering wheel controls, but you would lose functionality of the middle part of the screen i think.

 

I also have the grom, the only thing that is missing is the text display.

I love the bluetooth feature so much, I don't bother to connect it to the cable. The sound quality is awesome.
With the cable connected I did hear some feedback - but I've heard a ground loop isolator helps.

The microphone is easy to route - I removed my radio, center gauge cluster, and A-pillar. I used the infamous tape and a coat hanger trick to route the microphone wiring over to the A-pillar. Works flawless.

The only downside of the bluetooth audio is - you need to hit play on your phone every time you re-enter the car.



You may have issues running bluetooth hands free, while using your ipod with the cable.
While using bluetooth audio - then connecting to the cable, the music pauses like it's reconnecting.

I use my iphone 4 for everything and I'm running 4.2OS