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Adding in dash factory navigation system

22K views 10 replies 5 participants last post by  lags72 
#1 ·
#2 · (Edited)
I'm sure it's possible (most things are !) but you might want to ask yourself if the end result really is worth the hassle.....??? :roll:

The factory Nav system is widely regarded as being very limited in functionality and outdated by current standards and user-friendliness. Apart from which, the screen shown in your link is of course only one of a list of items you'll need to complete the mod ..... although I guess you were aware of that.

Others (including myself!) have instead removed the stock radio/CD/tape deck combination and used the space to fit an aftermarket unit. My multimedia Kenwood system incorporates radio, bluetooth phone facility, CD & DVD player, integrated ipod facility, usb option, as well as fully-updateable Navigation system. It also allows for various other compatible add-ons if required (e.g. rear parking camera, digital tv receiver etc). Very little of this is feasible with Saab's OEM system :cry:
......except of course in the recently-launched new 9-5 which has taken a giant leap forward as regards ICE

ps sorry missed your last question as regards other parts..... others will have more knowledge on this but I believe you need the dvd unit which goes in the back of the car, the gps aerial and a host of wiring etc
 
#4 ·
Others (including myself!) have instead removed the stock radio/CD/tape deck combination and used the space to fit an aftermarket unit. My multimedia Kenwood system incorporates radio, bluetooth phone facility, CD & DVD player, integrated ipod facility, usb option, as well as fully-updateable Navigation system. It also allows for various other compatible add-ons if required (e.g. rear parking camera, digital tv receiver etc). Very little of this is feasible with Saab's OEM system :cry:
......except of course in the recently-launched new 9-5 which has taken a giant leap forward as regards ICE
Some of the new aftermarket nav units are indeed impressive with all the features. I'm currently working on getting a bluetooth handsfree phone and streaming MP3 audio solution installed with the factory radio, and I entertained getting the old nav unit to retrofit as well just for aesthetic reasons since it looks more updated than having the tape deck. I agree it is really behind the curve, but it looks perfectly at home in dash since it was designed to fit. Our interiors and dash are very sterile-looking IMO, and the grey components are particularly hard to match. I've yet to see an aftermarket head unit, single or double-din, that didn't look completely out of place in our dash.

I'll be glad for the day when car companies stop making nav systems all together and just allow a line-in to pull in everything from smart phones. The google turn-by-turn nav on my phone puts any car navigation I've seen (factory or aftermarket) to shame. The only caveat is that you need 3G service for it to work, but I'm sure they could work out caching a particular region if you know you would be visiting there. Navigon actually makes phone apps that does just this, but the app is pricey at around $40 I believe....
 
#3 ·
I am trying to see if it is possible to add the factory navigation system from a 2005 9-5 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2005...Audio_Video&hash=item20b47b0eba#ht_3313wt_980) to my 2003 9-5 Aero Wagon. Based on this picture: http://www.channingavenue.com/saab/20.jpg I believe that it would fit perfectly in the middle where my cd and tape deck currently are. Does anyone know if this will be possible? Also what other parts do I need?
As posted it should fit, your 2003 tho had the older kenwood not the denso ( I think here) but it should be a direct fit.

I would wonder why you would want an old nav, unless you like missing exits and new roads, there has only been one map upgrade for these in 06...
 
#11 ·
Hi there !

The 2-DIN frame surround was actually supplied by Kenwood (you should be able to find them on their official website)

However, I believe it comes in a sort of 'piano black' finish only. My conscientious installer took the original Saab radio unit, once removed, to a paint specialist who mixed a colour match and then sprayed the frame. Hence the neat result :)
 
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