does anyone know if the 08 radio's will fit in and work in an 04 TL? I have an 04 Base model and was wondering I got my hands on a newer one like say and 08 with navi, if it will work in my car...

 

psheu tried this and I don't know if he is had 100% success yet; I think he had a problem with the 04 radio no longer functioning or something..

But you would need:

- 08 Radio
- 08 Nav Drive
- 08 Harness (or you might be able to modify your 04 harness)
- 08 Nav Screen
- White Nav Disc >4.x

mebbe other stuff... I think that's the bulk of it

 

psheu huh?? I will have to look him up. thanks

 

well.... look no mo.... i'm hea ... i've driven the 08 TL w/navi for a loaner this passed weekend and the change is quite a step up.... i'm searching for a deal on the newer navi drive and the HFL/bluetooth unit along with the newer XM module. you'll need at least the newer XM module to work with the newer navi drive... if you put the newer head unit in place of the older HU, everything will work except the DVD changer (which is the important part to play mp3s) and everthing else will stay the same. the newer system allows for mp3 disc play, backup camera (plug directly into the navi drive), and other tweeks on navigation (finer resolution, more icon, navi traffic, background, etc.) I can tell u this is not a simple mod as I have predicted before. few components will have to be swapped out. i have 2 sets of wire harness behind my HU now (one for the original HU and one for the newer HU) because of this

I've considered getting an 05-06 MDX navi drive before, but now I think about it, might as well get the real deal instead of going through the headach of trying to make it work. the only plus side on the MDX navi drive is that it doesn't need the newer XM module and still have the plug for the backup camera.

 

wow... thats a lot. do you think I can just drop an 04 navi and hu in place of all all the gear I have in there now, since I only have the base model now with no navi

 

to convert from non-navi to navi, you'll need to put in similar time and $$$... there are a few ppl on this forum that did it. if you can find cheap parts that's off another unfortunate TLs, it'll save u some pennies... otherwise, if you want to go from non-navi to navi might as well get the newer ones... but from the look of it, you'll also need to get the bizel on top of the HU and the hands free command button for the steering wheels... if you buy the parts from dealers in brand new condition, it'll run you approx. $5 - 6000... just on parts... IMO that's too much doe to spend for that kinda upgrades...

 

I recommend Pioneer Avic-Z2 or Z3, an excellent unit, also supports XM Nav Traffic, and you have a hard drive, you can rip CDs! Awesome gadgets in the unit also. Amazing equalizer and radio enhancement options. And it will run you about $1500.

Disadvantage: no security, mine Avic-Z1 was stolen

 

you can also go with the carputer method....

 

Yeah... it's hard to go with an aftermarket setup because pretty much the entire center stack is radio related.. then you need a big blank and I think it looks bleh =/

 

Agree Timmahh! but that's where creativity comes in... there r quite a few ppl that did the car-puter mod... I build computer on my spare time and the work they did left me in the dust... completely blew me away ... reminds me of that show on MTV, Pimp My Ride. The only draw back on that method is that it'll be a bit less convenient than the stock OEM setup, but it gain lot more than what the OEM HU can offer... with that thought in mind, i'm still hunting waiting for some good deal as always