chachiarcola

My wife and I just bought a nice 2016 MDX. I felt like a bit of a dunce because I thought it had the tech package and it turns out it did not as the labeling of all of the cards on the lot didn't specify which did and did not have it.(However the RDX listings were clear).

Well whatever, I'm over it. Then my wife realized Carplay might be a possibility which solves a lot of issues...then she may have realized that is NOT a possibility.

So, are there any solutions via upgrading the audio/stereo package in the 2016 MDX that won't compromise the integrity of the aesthetics of console?

Am I missing what the stock(non tech package) stereo is capable of?

Are aftermarket stereos/nav the only way to go?

Thanks

714tman

The cheapest and easiest upgrade is to add an aftermarket module that has Carplay. Navtool sells one that is plug and play. There's a thread on one of this forum for the details. I recently installed the non-carplay version of the Navtool module in my 2017 and it is working great.

mdms

you mean only phone mirror?

714tman

Yes.

Rowaxe

I'm in the same boat with my 2011 MDX. I got the base model and would love to have CarPlay to resolve the lack of features (and I'm an Apple guy). The only display I have is the the backup camera display in the rear view mirror. I've searched for about 4 months with no answers for a DIY fix. Apparently no one has ever done it themselves. Changing the main console stereo requires a whole new wiring harness if I don't want to lose the steering wheel controls. I don't have shrouds to fit a display above the head unit as that is a single DIN space with a clock only and I don't know if another shroud from an MDX with the larger display will fit my car correctly. I could custom fit a single DIN CarPlay stereo but it will require all custom wiring to bypass the amp, connect directly to the speakers, and rewire the backup camera if I want that. I'm good with mechanical stuff but all the custom electrical is a nightmare for me.
Anyone can correct me if you have information to the contrary. I'd love a solution that allows a double DIN carplay solution so I can use my phone to run the Nav and audio without rewiring the whole dash.

BLEXV6

I know you all bought used and as such your choices are limited. However I will always spend the extra to get the features I want as it is much cheaper to get them included with the car. How many times do you hear, just bought the base model and want to install fog lights. Should have just got the model with the foglights, because the costs and extra features you get with their package is so worth it. The purchase and install of extras can be very expensive if even viable. Integrated OEM items usually work best. My 2 cents.

Rowaxe

Well I would have been ok if I had known that any 2011 would not have A2DP (allows music over bluetooth). I assumed that the bluetooth feature in a luxury car had all the modern upgrades as the support for music over bluetooth had been out for a few years before the car was made. The idea of a nav unit through my phone was assuming that replacing the stereo with a slightly more modern one would resolve every issue. Unfortunately the head unit in the MDX is wired into so many other controls that it is not a simple resolution. I'm still debating on pulling the head unit and losing the steering wheel controls as I can use Siri to control so much now.

jdpdata

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