Thanks la bouche. I'll check the price at LR. IF they come at 300 quid in the uk I shudder to think what LR Au will be charging. At that price, frankly, I'm more interested in a total head unit transplant. If I had that kit on from the start (I don;t think it was even offered in 2010 when we got ours) - I'd still be happy with it.

Thanks again for your input. I'll check it out but don't think it's the solution I'm hoping for.

Hi all,

I also have a 2007 HSE with the Alpine stereo, 6x CD changer and Nav system.
I like to listen to the sports channel on the radio and due to the way the BBC broadcasts in the UK that means I predominantly use the AM mode, at least I used to but that has now failed! So I'm looking to upgrade to a digital broadcast now rather than replace the AM module as I've been told that that will be relatively expensive to fix in itself. So I'm curious to learn about anything you can share in this respect re system upgrades and options available. If it's all a bit pricey then I'll settle for being able to connect my iPod.

On another unrelated issue, does anyone know how to fix the cigar lighter sockets in the centre console? They don't work. I've checked the fuse boxes etc but all seems well with those!

MTIA

pde

Hi all, just thought I'd pop on here and tell all of what would be involved of upgrading the Freel2 audio sat nav system.
Firstly, it will cost and I mean cost. The wiring system and optics are totally unique to the Alpine premium unit even down to the ohms of the speakers. The amp and sub will not be compatible with your new radio either. Basically, for the Alpine factory system to be upgraded, the whole lot, speakers, wiring, sub, etc will have to be ripped out and start from scratch. But be warned, there are cowboys out there that will tell you different and probably say that this is not the case, give you a deal with a unit, jigsaw behin the original fitting and then have all kinds of imbalance and frequencies coming through. If you want anymore help, please contact me and don't go to your nearest so called audio specialist.

thanks Minkydooda,
whilst that's useful and valuable to know, it's also very disappointing news.
So, what's the alternative? Any not so radical suggestions?

Update on my situation - on getting a quote from a trusted audio installer, I think I've decided to have a Parrot mki9200 installed. Will give me iphone (plus usb) input (which is my main requirement) plus Bluetooth means I can eliminate the current hands free device. If I get the iphone properly mounted I can use it for GPS (had a play with maps for the first time last weeked and was quite impressed) so can take out the current GPS thus eliminating up all the spaghetti of cable. $650 for the parrot (installed) vs $1500 - $2600 (installed) for various new head units with navigation etc.

For the money - the parrot is the best value for me. I may also look at a small subwoofer just to give the existing stereo some kick. I'm half deaf thanks to a former career in pubs/nightclubs, so the current stereo is fine as far as 'high fidelity' goes.

I live in regional Australia so it will be a a couple of weeks before I make the 400km trip to Brisbane to have the unit installed. I don't know (and hence don't trust) the local guys. I'll give an update when it happens.

pde- re: the lighter socket - have you checked that something hasn't fallen into it (a bit of plastic etc) - I had that happen with the inner seal from a drink bottle lid. 2yo was responsible (according to the 4 and 6yo LOL) but it was a week and a half of 'WTF is wrong with this thing!!' before i physically checked there wasn't something in there. I'm not an idiot... I swear!

Glad to be of help pde. It depends on what you want, if it's dab with iPod compatibility through your factory Alpine unit, then I would honestly suggest Alpine ezi dab module, or the same thing sold under the Pure brand. This is a brilliant unit as you can use iPod and usb through a cable preferably left in your glove box. Just make sure you don't use an FM frequency as some lazy fitters might suggest. Tell them to go
through the auxiliary feed which is your 3.5 mm jack. This will give you perfect digital signal unlike the FM which is basically a transmission from the ezi dab to your unit, honestly, not the same. Finally don't forget the antenna! This is a crucial and most important part, the best without a doubt is a roof mount. Don't be fobbed by an amplified screen sticker excuse. Yes they work and Alpine do a very good one, but the signal and coax cable will loose quality, probably not that you would notice unless you were to test against a roof mount. Check out dabonwheels wheels web site. Hope this helps. One last thing, the installer! I've had a lot of experience here and believe me the good ones are few and far between, but, can suggest a site that only uses the good guys

Thanks Minkydooda, such information is very useful and much appreciated
I'm still undecided as to what the best course of action is to take w.r.t. repairing, upgrading or modifying my ICE; however, if I'm not mistaken I think you are offering to inform me of a trustworthy website so I would be interested to know which one that is please? As for the other suggestions you make, thanks, I will look into these but it will be done 'slow time' as this is not a high priority for me at this time.
Thanks once again.

Sorry so long replying pde, glad to be of help. The website is ifitstuff.com if my memory serves me right. Depending on what option you go for, they'll have a good engineer to help ,though if you do decide on the full blown rip the whole system out jobby, then this will require a different approach and engineer. If you do decide that, let me know as this is where you have to be careful as to who actually does the installation. I had two awful companies who were Alpine agents that nearly wrecked my freel2 and that's why I don't want anyone to go through the pain, anguish and expense I did.

Hi, I have a an 07 SE and was wondering if you kept the sat nav dvd unit(from under the drivers seat when you upgraded, my sat nav unit is u/s and I having problems sourcing a replacement. Just hoping. Tom

Hi Tommytroot,
I assume that your message was aimed Minkeydooda rather than me but just in case...
fyi - I still haven't progressed my 'upgrade' as yet because and as I said previously its a low priority for me at present; however, I do hope to explore the available options further this summer.
My sat-nav is (currently) working fine and I don't anticipate changing that, I just intend to do something along the lines of Spelcheck and fit a Parrot system or similar to give me better radio via digital and to be able to use my iphone/ipod etc.

cheers,
phil

Hi Tommytroot, yes I thinki did keep the sat unit and dvd drive. Certainly won't be going back in mine as totally re-wired. Are you looking for the original system?

Hi Minkydooda, just looking for the sat nav unit as mine is U/S its labelled 6G92 10E887. I have it bypassed with an optical link at present, rest of system OK. Cheers Tom

le bouch wrote:

le bouch - thanks very much for that. I'll check it out. Just a couple of questions: the iphone is plugged in, inside the glove box? Also - I assume you have to control the track selection etc from the iphone itself, is this correct? Does the steering wheel controls do anything when the iphone is the input device (other than volume I guess)?

edit -> Oh, one more: does the iphone connection also charge the iphone?

There is a small control box which plugs into the rear of the head unit. This box is taped in place behind the glove box but could be put anywhere, within reason.
Plugged into the control box are three leads - one has a 30 pin Apple plug on the end, one leads to a USB socket and the third to another small box with RCA phono inputs.

The small box and USB socket are screwed to a horizontal support which you can access when you open the glove box but again, could be put anywhere within reason. The Apple lead is only short so just hangs loose inside the glove box.

I have a 30 pin extension lead connnected to the Apple lead, fed behind the dash. Plugged into this is a genuine Apple 30 pin >> Lightning adaptor lead - this plugs into my iPhone, held in a Brodit holder. The Brodit is mounted to the right (RHD car) of my steering wheel on a Brodit mount.
Album / track selection can be done from the iPhone but all the steering wheel controls still work too so you can advance the tracks forwards / backwards, turn the volume up / down etc. Yes, it does charge the iPhone 5s just fine.

The signal quality / signal to noise ratio is so much better than plugging your iPhone's headphone output into the 3.5mm Aux input which LR fit as the standard input (mine's on the centre console, behind the handbrake).

The kit is expensive and is not perfect - it would be great to see track names on the head unit, for example. They retail in the UK for about £300 I believe, plus fitting, but having seen how it's installed I would say anyone reasonably competent could do it - it really is plug and play.

I got my dealer to include it in the purchase price of the car and you do see them come up on eBay now and again - I saw one go for about £100. FYI, there is an older kit available too which I was told to avoid (can't remember why now!) - the model number I quoted above is the correct one.

Can't speak for the iPod but the iPhone screen displays as you described. I would imagine the short answer is yes 😁

Thanks Le Bouche.