On the Russian site drive2.ru I have seen some impressive mods but have never seen this upgrade done.

But maybe this is an alternative: https://www.drive2.ru/l/531211451847672204/ (Translate with google translate).

They moved the original small screen to the roof and installed an aftermarket screen on the old location.

Hi Guys,

Thanks again for the replies, very much appreciated. The Russian example is very innovative and certainly something worth considering as a backup. As it stands I need to do some more investigation with the vehicle and find out exactly how tricky the upgrade will be. I am not 100% put-off but am starting to appreciate the magnitude of the task.

Responding to some of the comments from Stuart:

1. Noted. I think (hope) this is covered by the other comments.
2. The lack of MOST wiring is a potential stumbling block. If this isn't present is it just a question of adding the cabling between the various modules (I understand that the MOST system is specifically related to the various audio devices and not any other vehicle functionality)?
2. I am not fussed about the GVIF & CVBS if this relates only to video functions such as a reversing camera.
3. Speaker wires are fine as I can remake these from the boot.
4. Door harness wiring is a concern, apart from speakers and audio what else is different in the doors?
5. Again power lines will be tricky but achievable.
6. Main chassis and dash wiring harness differences are a concern, especially if they relate to anything outside of the infotainment system. I was hoping to be able to run any new cabling separately to the existing and leave that in place but disconnected.
7. CCF changes are again a concern. I am not sure this is something I would want to mess with myself (if there is a risk of serious damage) so presumable would need to go to a specialist.

Assuming I (possibly foolishly) still want to go ahead and can obtain all of the relevant modules can anyone help with the following:

1. Can you purchase pre-made looms anywhere or failing that LR specific connectors?
2. Given the difference between the low ICE and Meridian, is it possible to retain the current speakers (for now) and wire them back to the new amp located in the boot? Presumable this is just simple speaker wiring and nothing more complicated? Will the system also work with less speakers?
3. How would I go about making changes to the CCF? Is this something that only JLR can do, or would a decent auto electrician with the right kit know how to do it?

Thanks again for all the help.

Just to add to the previous comment I have found a number of complete dash wiring looms for sale for the hi-line which includes the MOST system. I am assuming they wont cover cabling from the dash to the boot but that's potentially a time and cost saving in terms of connectors and cabling?

As I said great that you want to take on this project but there’s a reason why it’s never been done.
My best advice is to spend a little more time on topix with your VIN, print off/download all your existing wiring and compare with a vehicle with Meridian. This is my “Best” advice to you!
MOST ring will not exist in your car!
CVBS is more than just reverse camera image feed. Telematics is all CVBS and it’s also phantom power for all the aerials.
GVIF is a digital signalling BUS and nothing will work without it as the FCDIM is the gateway module.
You’ll have to have extremely deep pockets if you want to buy off the shelf harness from LR. Last time I looked a floor harness was £2k! MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Thanks Stuart. I have got a copy of the wiring diagrams so will take your advice and print them off and work out what I have and what I don't have. Already discounted new wiring harnesses but they do seem readily available on eBay. I think if I decide to crack on with this my plan will be to acquire all the parts I don't have then make a mock up of the system out of the vehicle.

I got the FL2 very cheap for the year and mileage so although it may seem expensive, the net cost will hopefully be comparable to buying a higher specificiaon vehicle. It only has one previous owner (my patents) and is immaculate. I also like a challenge!

One just has to weigh up the advantages & disadvantages of simply replacing the car in a week with the right gadgets!

I once had a Lancia I bought from my parents, it was supposedly serviced properly. Ended up costing me a bloody fortune. Got rid of it after 2 years. Procrastination, mankind's greatest labour saving device!

Acoustic insulation ARB TPMS 3xARB air compressors After cooler Air tank On-board OCD pressure air/water cleaning Additional 50L fuel Carpet in doors ABE 2x1kg Waeco 28L modified fridge Battery 4x26ah Solar 120w Victron MPPT 100/20 DC-DC 18amps 175amp jumper plug Awning 6x255/60R18

So how do you propose to duplicate the CAN both MS & HS, MOST & LIN out of the vehicle?
You do realise what this will require? MY15
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Surround Camera System
InControl Apps soon to be replaced with CarPlay (WIP)
Meridian Premium Surround Sound
Digital Audio Broadcast
Timed Climate
Cruise ECO Data
Follow Me Home Reverse
Extra Features Menu
Picture In Motion
4x4i screen (WIP)
Digital Broadcast TV
Meridian Rear Media with WIFI
Factory Powered Tailgate
Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM)
Reverse Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Electrochromatic Wing Mirrors (WIP)

Thanks again for the input guys. Hopefully you can help with this query but it is specifically directed at Vanny as it makes reference to the modules listed previously.

Thinking about the modules for my audio upgrade, as a general rule of thumb are older modules compatible with newer modules providing the key connectors are the same? I am looking at the AAM in particular at the moment.

I am going with the DH52-10E889-AG FCDIM and CF6N-18C815-HE IAM (the same or comparable to the modules listed by Vanny) and I have also managed to get hold of a wiring loom with the MOST connections. The issue is that the AMM connectors look to be for the older style amplifier, an example being the 6H52-18C808-DD. The majority of connectors look the same, but the extra connector for the additional surround sound speakers in the boot and dash centre is different. I am not sure I need to install them straight away so I wondering what my options are for the AAM.

If an older AAM would be compatible with my FCDIM and IAM I can go with that (they are also cheaper) then if I want the extra speakers I can just plug in the extra connector on my loom. If not I would need the newer AAM (such as EW93-19C164-AB) but then to add the extra speakers I would need to change out or adapt the connector on my loom.

Thanks in advance for any assistance! I can add some photos to illustrate this point if needed.

I have manged to find some pictures to illustrate the point in my previous post regarding the AAM.

The photo below is a EW93-19C164-AB Amplifier. The connector that is circled is for the additional surround sound speakers that are in the boot and the centre dash speaker (optional extras I believe):



My wiring loom has the same connectors for the power, main speakers, headphone units and MOST loop but the connector for the additional speakers is slightly different to the example above so it looks like my loom would fit an earlier Amplifier. Some of these have this connector blanked off as shown in this 6H52-18C808-AB example:



This is an example of the earlier Amplifier without the extra speaker connector blanked:



So my question is am I better off going with a newer amplifier (presumably if I want to add the additional speakers at some point in the future I can adapt the connector on my harness) or the older one which I have the wiring for?

My thought process is as follows:

1. Are there fundamental differences in the architecture which mean that an older Amplifier wouldn't be compatible even though all of the other connectors are exactly the same?
2. Is it possible to source connectors for adapting the wiring loom? In the example above I would need the blue connector for the additional speakers to replace the grey connector on my current loom.
3. Will an Amplifier that has the capability for the additional speakers work without these installed? I can't see why not as presumably the speakers aren't 'intelligent' so the Amplifier doesn't know if they are present or not?
3. The older 6H52 Amplifiers are usually about half the price on eBay!

I have read this post (which is excellent) but don't think I have fully got to grips with the compatibility of various modules yet:

https://bxproject.co.uk/blog/lr-electrical-architecture/

Thanks!

The older amp/amp with fewer connectors is not compatible with the Gen2.1 high spec system you aim to install.

The newer amp comes in a number of styles based on how many speakers you want to connect. On eBay have a look at the picture of the label and on the right hand side is a coloured label. If you dont need the premium amp (16 way) then dont buy it. My premium amp came off an XJ and cost £200 ish

Thanks Vanny, I think you are right if I am attempting the upgrade I may as well use Gen2.1. It would therefore appear that my replacement loom is for the older modules as the connector for the FCDIM is not a MX34 16 Way! The loom only has two wires to this connector for power so providing I don't need anything else it could be a simple swap of the connector. You can see this on the photo below:



I also seem to be missing some connectors (the ones that don't have anything plugged in) but I am hoping they are already present behind the dash for other modules. It is not 100% clear on the photo but it is the white LVDS connection and the purple, brown and green FAKRA connectors.

In other news I have finally picked up the vehicle so it is now in my possession! I have checked the VIN and mine is MY15 which I am delighted with as that seems like it must have been one of the last few that were made!

Quote:

I also seem to be missing some connectors (the ones that don't have anything plugged in) but I am hoping they are already present behind the dash for other modules. It is not 100% clear on the photo but it is the white LVDS connection and the purple, brown and green FAKRA connectors.

The only wiring diagram I have managed to get hold of is L359 09 MY LHD Job1 Issue 2 09 July 2008. This is older than the vehicle or system I am intending to install but contains the wiring for the INFOTAINMENT MOST HI-LINE CIRCUIT 9G92-70441-B-A which looks to be fairly similar. I certainly have been reading though it an trying to piece everything together but the various codes are like a foreign language to me at the moment! It's also not 100% clear which modules are which based or the type of connection on each cable (apart from to MOST and FAKRA).

Couldn't have looked very hard

The first link in the electronics sticky has a link to all three major wiring diagrams

https://www.freel2.com/forum/topic31381.html

Download the 13my+ one, have a good read and it should answer a lot of these questions. Better still, do as Stuart suggested and get a weeks subscription to topix and you'll be able to see extensive detail about each connector.

I've just read through this entire thread . . . . . and have no idea what you're all talking about. Topping up the washer bottle's about my limit