So I have been reading all the threads about installing my Pioneer Avic 130BT into my 2013 Clubman and some I'm getting I don't need to leave the factory unit in and some I do. What is the reality, has anyone done an install on a 2013 yet??
If you have did you leave the stock unit in, if so was it the base system?? What Ribbon cable did you need??

The stuff from Integrated Solutions sounds fantastic but it also has the price tag to go with it. I'm sure it sounds fantastic and they do have a great rep.. but its just a ton of money that I would rather use towards suspension and performance.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

By the way my name is Steven and I am now the proud owner of a 2013 clubman. I will post pictures later today.

 

I've never heard of leaving in a stock radio as well as fitting another. That said, You need to be really sure what the factory wires do before connecting to them. I cannot help with wiring diagram but I bet someone has worked it out and posted it some where.
If you are competent (be honest) once you have the car's wiring diagram the rest is downhill - even if you have to trigger the Harmon Karden amps.

 

I agree.

 

Head unit in and done. Pics tomorrow!

 

Excellent!

 

Couple pics.

 

Nav screen

 

looks good!! did you use the PAC or Metra axxess interface to keep MFSW functions?

 

I used the metra stuff. They were great to deal with. I emailed him about using all their stuff and they said that they hadn't tested it yet. I told them I wanted to give it a go. He sent me the pin outs that they had and what to test and look for. It made everything even easier than it would have been. Came out great and worked perfect.
I will admit it is a lot of work to get in there and get to it all and its a challenge to make it all fit but it does. I even managed to hide my XM receiver in there and use the factory antenna. i am really pleased. Sound is so much better.

 

So total cost of the project? That looks extremely slick.

 

Total cost not including the head unit was 210.00. It took me about 25 minutes to wires solder and shrink tube the head unit to the metro wiring harness. It took me about an hour and half to take the dash apart, I could do it faster now that I have done it once but I was taking my time. There are two wires that need to tap into the harness for the steering wheel controls, 5 min with some posilocks. Then you have to run the memory wire over to the fuse box. The instructions said to go to the battery but I used an open spot in the fuse panel that has permanent power to it. Again like 5 min. Hiding, tucking, squeezing a little and putting in all back together about another 1.5 hours. So about 4 hours total time and a little over 200 bucks. I am really happy. If anyone needs any help please don't hesitate to reach out to me.

 

I don't get it. Why would you put this into a new car? Does it sound better? Did you need to change the speakers?

 

Maybe he wanted something better than the stock radio and didn't want the god awful Mini Connect? Just a guess.

 

Thanks! I kind of like the quirky radio controls. But planning on doing the swap and putting in better speakers.

 

Bingo!!! And at a better cost. I have full nav, iPod, blue tooth, voice command all in one touch screen unit. Yes it sounds 10 times better and no I haven't changed the speakers yet. Will I maybe but right now I'm pretty happy with where I am.

 

OP: So how hard was it to fit the area where the stock radio was in? Had to modify the surrounding plastic? I'm really tempted to do this but it'll cost close to $800 if I DIY(cheapest I found the unit was around $550 + the $210 in supplies)

 

It wasn't that difficult. I made a minor modification to fit my xm receiver back there just because I didn't feel like running the wires under the seat and I wanted to use the factory antenna. I could have just as easy put it under the seat but once I made my decision I stayed with it. Be patient and use your head and you'll be fine. It all fits you just need to tuck it here and there. If your local ill be glad to help or if you have any questions during your install feel free to ask.