Pioneer Avic-z1 in-dash nagivation on '97 Q45

[pnanda16]

Allright, so now after driving my 1997 Q45 for 6.5years (142Kmiles) and enjoying every bit of it, I would like to renew the love with an updated gadget - a cool one from all the research I have done so far. I wanted an in-dash big-screen GPS system with integrated bluetooth. Clarion failed because they don't have bluetooth integration yet. Alpine didn't work because they are DVD based navigation (I like Hard Drive based-faster...) pioneer AVIC-Z1 fit all the feature options/integrations and more like voice activated nav/bluetooth/dvd/ipod/30GB upgradeable hard-drive, 11-million points of interest (highest)/navTraffic update/...http://www.pioneerelectronics.....html

So now that I know I want the AVIC-Z1, I have been reading their forums and our Q45 forum for installation tips. Will have to get a professional installation done, but most likely they won't understand the factory bose setup/wiring. So I have been doing some research in this forum for some information. The following thread provides great input (from 97Q45t) on the '97 speaker wiring.

1. AVIC-Z1 allows voice-activated input in addition to bluetooth integration, so placement of the microphone is also important and heard suggestions that mike can sit on the steering column behind the wheel and in front of the dash-board. BMWs put their mikes at the roof close to the driver near the reading lights. I will have to make a call on that.

2. Installer thinks there is a single amplifier and bypassing that will be enough. From what I learnt in the post, the rear two speakers are self-amplified and I might have to replace those. Are there two amplifiers or a single that is in the trunk near the two rear speakers?

3. There are hacks available to make AVIC-Z1 play DVDs, or allow routing changes while in motion - have to remember to get those done while the instalation is ongoing.

4. They will need to tap into speed sensor(precise guidance), head-light wire (auto-lighting), parking brake (feature disabling) etc. to get some features going.

My primary reason for posting this is to get a nod from the Q45 gurus to see if I have overlooked anything. Should I change anything else at this time now that I have opened up some parts?

Did you agree with my assessment on the pioneer AVIC-Z1 unit or you have a better suggestion?

thanks! I am getting all set for my christmas present.cheersPhal

[Qproject]

just to clarify your speaker wiring question, there is amp under the rear deck that power the front and rear door speakers.

the rear deck speakers are mainly for sub frequencies and are self powered.

[pnanda16]

Great! Thanks.

Got more information:1. To continue to use the bose amp, one could get a Bose Adapter for Nissan/Infiniti so that the Pioneer can connect to it instead of bypassing it.

2. An antenna connector is required (I guess that is for FM?)

3. A nissan harness is required. Not sure what that is required for...

[BadQ45t]

the antenna connector is a standard Nissan item as I have had many aftermarket radios installed into Nissan's which have the "Diversity Anntenna" which requires an adapter, very standard any pro installer will have them in stock. The harness is also standard and you would expect to do one of these with any car with aftermarket radio.

Nice choice, BTW, i was looking at these and the Pioneer and Eclipse looked the best to me. I will do one of these in a year after 19" rims are installed and paid for....

[audiovisiony33]

I have installed avic-z1 in MBZ C class before. I recommend Eclipse AVN6600 over Pioneers any day. Pioneer graphics are great but it takes too long for the hard drive to boot up when you first turn them on. In order for you to bypass the video you need to do extra parts & labor to by pass them. As far as blue tooth I would buy external unit (ie:Parrot). If something goes wrong with either unit you will loose both at the same time. ( ie: blown fuse)

Eclipse have dual dvd drive so you can use top for cd, mp3, dvd for front or rear seat entertainment still do the navigation or dvd with dvd drive on the bottom. Go check it out at http://www.eclipse-web.com for more info.

[Fenvy]

regarding the dual dvd part: I believe that is only available to double din size

Pioneer's AVC-D2 is the cheapest model that goes for 670$ brand on on ebay, it is double din size, dual tray.

I would just get the AVC-D2 myself. For your additiona info, the D3 is due to be released in jan 2007 so I am hoping that will drive the D2 price further down from 670$

[audiovisiony33]

You know that Pioneer avic D2 is dvd navigation only and can not play dvd.You need to buy external dvd player plus mods to by pass to view video.

[Fenvy]

oh yeah sorry, I was thinking about "my" usage

I don't need to watch dvd, it's a distraction. But I get lost so often, I need a navigation :P

[pnanda16]

Thanks for your comments, yea I heard that the pioneer z1 takes time to boot up. But I do value the integrated bluetooth, the effect is just too good to let go...

When a call comes, the audio gets tuned out, the 7inch screen splits and shows the caller while navigation and NavTraffic are on. The address database shows up in the big screen for making calls that easy. Teh microphone is conveniently placed at one location that is used for voice activation for the system as well as for speaking to bluetooth system. The whole idea of spending a lot of money is to have a well-integrated system that does it all and no more dash-clutter. Parrot etc. might be good, but then again, a device for every usages makes the system really not worth it.

I considered AVIC-D2 but moved on because: 1-don't allow bluetooth integration, 2-no HDD based navigation (DON't like DVD-nagivation - really really old technology, laser issue, slow start, slower calclation etc.), 3-no DVD player.

I found an installer here in bay area who knows the Bose on our infiniti really well and has all the adaptors for bypass (video to work, previously grayed out GPS-entries to work during driving etc.).

cheersPhal

[Q_SHIP]

No adaptors are needed if you can just find the remote turn on for the Bose amps.

[pnanda16]

I think the bose adapter is needed to do a high-to-low conversion. Bose amp/speakers need 1volt where as the after-market HUs send out 2Volt output. Can you please explain what you mean by no adapters needed for bose amps?

By the way, I have now got the system installed and looking real good!!! Can't wait to drive the car again after work hours! I will post pictures and other details shortly.

cheersPhal97 Q45, 142K miles

[BadQ45t]

Hey, share with us (me) who the Bay Area based installer is...I'm still driving down to LA to get stereo equipment installed in my cars!!! I'm hot to do this 12 months from now after the wife forgets about the $1200 of suspension and $700 for tires and spacers

[pnanda16]

Sure, while I am working on getting the pictures...Here is the installer/shop that I felt really knew the nissans/infinities and installed the 2D HU, bluetooth & microphone, XM, navTraffic, ipod adapter, all within 2hours and very clean work.AMS Car Stereo in Stevens Creek Blvd in Santa Clara. The sales guy's name is Kurtis and he has a hell of an experience with audio equipments and cars - been doing this for 18yrs if I remember that right.

He is pricy but is bargainable.

Phal

[Jesda]

Oooh, NavTraffic! Thats a really, really sweet head unit. This is proof that buying a new luxury car JUST for the gadgets (ahem, BMW and Lexus) is worthless, because you can still add them to an old one.

[qsiguy]

Sorry Phal for not getting back to you with some prices on that equipment. I got sick shortly after talking to you and am just feeling better.

You probably did better buying it from the installer. You will usually get hit pretty hard on install fees if you bring in your own equipment.

[Q451990]

Oooh, NavTraffic! Thats a really, really sweet head unit. This is proof that buying a new luxury car JUST for the gadgets (ahem, BMW and Lexus) is worthless, because you can still add them to an old one.

Where do I buy the self parking module for my 90Q?

Heath

[BadQ45t]

Thanks for the info!! I wii give him a try.

[cheez80]

...But I do value the integrated bluetooth, the effect is just too good to let go...

ummm, ahhhh, the Z1 does not have integrated bluetooth; rather, it supports bluetooth integration with a separate module. pioneer's website makes note of this.

[pnanda16]

Hey quiguy, no problem. I realized you were out of work and taking care of things at home. I did get a good package from the dealer/installer, so no issues. Thanks for responding.

Hi Cheez80, not sure what you mean by an 'external' module cannot be considered integrated...let me clarify:

They have a separate module so that they can charge separately, but also more importantly to consumer, when Bluetooth 2.0 becomes popular and provides more features, you just replace the hardware module and not rip apart the main headunit. What is 'integrated' is the complete bluetooth s/w interface with the rest of the unit. For example, once the hardware module is installed and tucked in somewhere hidden (not visible in the dash board), when you walk in and start the car, the Navigation screen shows 'bluetooth connection established with my phone' and you will see the 'bluetooth' icon on the screen. You can make calls by using the navigation touch screen and never having to take the phone out of your pocket. The addressbook is pulled automatically from the phone to the Z1, so you see the complete address book on the large screen. When you are in the call, all other audio is muted (to your liking, e.g. 90% reduced, 80% reduced or completely muted). Also, if you search a business and that has an address and a number, you can click the button close-by and it calls the number from that POI (point of interest).

'Physically' separated units don't challenge true integration - units could be physically far off. This is the case with a backup camera integration, ipod adapter, XM, NavTraffic, steering remote etc. They are all physically separate units but the Z1 supports them all...wonderfully.

Jesda,I agree with you completely. I am a gadget addict and was really looking at the brand new luxury cars without realizing that what I really appreciated was their technological innovation and integration of cool new stuff. I actually feel as if I am driving one of those brand new cars without all the downpayment & monthly $$$$. Now all I hope is that my 141KMile Q45 runs for another 100KMiles miles so that I can fully enjoy my new upgrade .

Still to post pictures...

cheersPhal

[PoorManQ45]

Have you changed the speakers yet?

If not don't waste your money on a new HU.

The only thing it'll add is MP3 capability, the ability to play movies, and a headache at night.

Sound quality will still be non-existant.

Change the fronts to 6.5 components from a brand of your liking. Then get an amp to power them.

[BadQ45t]

I think the stock setup is pretty darn good, non-existant is hardly descriptive. I agree that components would be nice, but you would have to power them, really depends on much you want to crank it loud...overall the stock sound is pretty darn good IMHO.

[maxnix]

The only thing it'll add is MP3 capability, the ability to play movies, and a headache at night.

And XM (traffic) radio, accelerometer, BT integration, optional rear view camera, DVD NAV, 30GB hard drive, remote control, voice activation and command, and probably more.....

While the Bose system will require the correct harness adapter, one could do much worse just throwing even higher end speakers at it with no frequency sweep and equilization.

[PoorManQ45]

I think the stock setup is pretty darn good, non-existant is hardly descriptive. I agree that components would be nice, but you would have to power them, really depends on much you want to crank it loud...overall the stock sound is pretty darn good IMHO.

While the Bose system will require the correct harness adapter, one could do much worse just throwing even higher end speakers at it with no frequency sweep and equilization.

A product like JL audio's cleansweep could take care of this.

Note: I'm not against changing the HU. I'm against people only changing the HU.

And XM (traffic) radio, accelerometer, BT integration, optional rear view camera, DVD NAV, 30GB hard drive, remote control, voice activation and command, and probably more.....

All that stuff is useless to me if everything still sounds like garbage. That's just me though

[pnanda16]

Here are the pictures...

http://picasaweb.google.com/pn...ation

Definitely in love 'again' with my Q45 - a must needed upgrade for those who love gadgets...

[PoorManQ45]

Looks very good. Fits perfectly.

Now change those speakers out

[Romeo5k]

as ,uch as i wanna go that route.. I might not just yet..> I just gave my Pioneer DEH680 was gonna get the dbl din... but im scared if i spoend that money somoene will come with some projectors for my 95. And that is also a must have.. Im really starting to hate factory lights more and more. But anyways... I like the new look.. Im right behind u tho. As for speakers.... I changed mine already.. I have pioneer all around on a 1000watt amp. ( 4 6X9 and 2 6.5) and 8 tweeters going around. And the sound is alot better. Gr8 job ... U get 3 thumbs up on this one.!!

[qsiguy]

Here are the pictures...

That's awesome! I'm a gadget addict as well. James Bond would be proud to drive it now.

[maxnix]

What? No rear view camera? Show us the accellerometer nesxt time!

Nice installation.

How do the Bose sound through the adapter?

[BadQ45t]

Looks nice!!!! How is the sound????

[PoorManQ45]

Darnit, the sound will be pretty close to what it was with the Bose HU.

The only difference will be that the new one will more then likely give you a few more EQing options.

The only way to really change the sound is to change the speakers.