I just installed the XCarLink MP3 player so I figured I would make a simple DIY.

First off. I purchased this at therpmstore.

I wanted this system over the other alternative because it still allows me to use the steering wheel controls and is self powered so I don't need to recharge anything.

Tools:
Philips screw driver
Flathead screw driver (for popping of the panels)
10mm socket wrench

1.) Remove the shifter **** by rotating counter clockwise

2.) Use the flathead screw driver to gently pop up the center console. The placement of the screw driver head should be in the center console storage box right under the two corners.


3.) Pull up the center console plastic piece being mindful to remove the connector for the heated seats.

4.) Unscrew the cigarette light base plate. Slide it out and unclip the power adapters. If you have a problem removing the light place the flat screw driver into the back of the plastice cigratte lighter unit and use it as a lever to get the lights plastic tab out of the slot.


5.) Unsrew the two center most bolts the are in the area behind the cigarette lighter. They are mounted the the shiny plastic rather that the dull plastic.


6.)Unclip the driver's side plastic panel right below the steering wheel by pull on it's top two corners.

7.) Here is the tricky part. Removing the "invisible bolt" is kind of a pain. If you are looking into the components under the steering wheel you will see a metal support pillar with two bolts in it. THOSE ARE NOT THE BOLTS. Behind it you can feel the bolt with your hand. You the socket wrench to remove it. You may need an extension. (Mine was already removed) For more information about this check this out.

8.)Slide the head unit out by pulling on the bottom right corner and holding the lfet corner steady. Once it pops out, you will hear and feel it. Repeat this on the left side. Once both sides are popped out pull the head unit out about 2 inches. Unclip the clip on the left side of the head unit (release is on the bottom) by reach in from the left side. After that pull the head unit out 1 more inch and reach up from the bottom and unclip the remaining enviroment clip (release is on bottom)

9.) At this point you should be able to thread the XLink cable from the glove compartment to behind the head unit. Plug the cable into the 12 pin adapter and then reverse the procedure. If you still have a hard time unclip the main power connector (release on bottom) , fm antenea (just pull away from the head unit), secondary connector (release on side facing front of car) to the head unit so you can pull it out completely.


Additional resources:
Illustrated picture by picture remove (need steps 1 through 6) here
Video of head unit removal here

Final Picture



Final thoughts:
Overall the installation is simple and straight forward. The component is well made with a aluminum housing with rubberized contacts and corners. The SD card slot clickes in the SD card and holds it well. The AUX input uses a micro usb connector i think. It fits snuggly and doesn't fall out. The sounds quality from the AUX sounds great and the MP3's sound crystal clear. Only thing I would recomend is plastic covers for the input slots if they are not being used.

 

i have one similar to that... its greattt

 

Did you get the bluetooth adapter? Anyone have any thoughts on that? Also I am just trying to verify that this will work with the Bose 6 cd changer OEM head unit and still allow the steering wheel controls to work. Thanks

 

I haven't tried the Bluetooth one but it works ony bose on a 06 rx8. Keep in mind u have to unplug ur cd changer and plug this unit in instead. All the steering controls will work because ur cd player will think ur using the cd changer

 

I didn't know that! So the in dash cd player wont work anymore after the unit is hooked up? I guess it's still worth it but that's good to know. Just to make sure I've got it you can't play cds at all. Thanks.

 

could you wire this to the tape/MD funtion so that your cd player still worked up tape/MD funtion turned into an MP3?

 

Bump.

Can anyone give definitive answers to posts #5 and #6?

 

Just installed my Xcarlink and the Bose in dash 6 disk cd changer still works. You hook the harness up to the only connector on the back of the head unit that it fits into and toggle between the cd player and the xcarlink with the cd button on the head unit.

 

does this xcarlink works without the CD player? I mean can I take out my CD player which I hardly use?

 

I am having a real hard time looking for the base plate. Where do I start to pull that thing off?

 

i just received my xcarlink usb/sd card adapter and bluetooth attachment today and i am going to install it in the pocket to the left of the steering wheel.

i want a clean install, so im gonna try to cut the back of the pocket out nicely so i can recess the modulein there and still be able to close it and stuff things in it if needed.

anyone ever tried this before or have any thoughts?