so i have the 99.5 stereo where the entire radio panel is different from the '00.... I want to change to the newer stereo and a/c controls... what parts do i need to complete the install?? the entire dash there looks different (much bigger for newer b5) do i need to swap the entire panel there or what?

 

you will essentually have to pull out eh whole center and replace the radio bracket (probably called a different name), ive foudn this part on ebay for around $80. after that youll need the updates controls and all, ive looked at all the connections and froma visual inspection they look like they should all just plug in. the only real advantage to swapping everything out is you get a cupholder. your probably looking at maybe $300 in parts to do the swap. also just wondering the 99.5 had the new style. the newer radios and everything should just swap over. pis of the radio and your center would help.

 

I've got a 2000 symphony head unit if you're interested.

 

i have a cupholder in mine.. i want the in-dash cd player as i can't stand having to get out of my car all the time to switch cd s out. i love my music and always listen to cds, not the radio as my subs just sound oh so nice... i like the look of the newer one s to compared to my little red pixels on the front.. so are u telling me my best bet would prolly be finding a salvage car to take the entire dash/ cd unit out??

 

If you want a CD player don't go for the symphony.... that would actually be a downgrade I believe. Get an aftermarket CD player and put it in the existing slot save a couple hundred probably while your at it. The only reason to up grade from a 99.5 to a 00-01 is to install a double din GPS or DVD.

 

I wanted to do exactly that. I was looking to set up a kenwood DNX5120 double DIN navigation unit in my 98.5, pre-face lift dash with the single DIN deck and old control units. However, it looked as if I would need to change the entire panel including the a/c unit and controls unit, as well as adding a cup holder and a new ashtray. So I have kind of abandoned the idea. I really would like to do it if it was a little more reasonable. I'm guessing no one here has really taken the time to do it, huh?

I don't want to install a single DIN retractable deck because they stick out too much and degrade the look of the dash.

 

Ya I dont know what it takes to do it on a pre face lift car. The 99.5 center console is nearly identical to the 00 but the ash tray is raised a little leaving a pocket under it and less space above it. But on the 99.5 the surround is exactly the same as a 00 just need to change out the center as well as the ac controls ash tray and I think the radio cage. Then it would be your radio choice and a double din kit.

 

I'm actually doing the same thing right now. I have the single DIN and changing it to double and installing the Audi Navigation. I tried finding information on doing it myself and no one could really help, and parts could be hard to find. So I went to a custom audio car shop close to me, and the technician said he can easily redesign that entire area to fit the Nav. So if you're going to try that, I'd suggest just taking it to a custom shop. Total for my custom job can range from 1500-2000 depending on my source to find the Audi Nav.

Good luck

 

ya, i'll prolly just be putting in a single din pop out video.... i like the look of the double din stock unit compared to mine and thats about it.... i also had to put rca pre-outs on the rear speaker for the subs so it prolly would just be better to buy and aftermarket for those outputs. .. i ve been told it will make my subs hit cleaner but i ve never heard a system sound as smooth as mine anyway (dynamat probably helped the most) so who knows what direction i'll go but i'm running out of relatively easy things to do to the audi... pes sc, paint, suspension, bodykit and not much left on the list.. thanks for all the input guys!!

 

I have the entire center console from the facelift(the part that surrounds the radio). PM me or email if interested.

Hernandez3011@hotmail.com