2006 9-5 Radio Swap

[uncleared]

Hey all,

I just returned to the fold of Saab ownership with a new-to-me 2006 9-5 SportCombi. It has all the options I want, but it also includes one I didn't, which is the navigation system. I won't use the navi and would prefer real buttons. I found a stock 2007 radio on eBay and am wondering if it would be feasible just to swap the two so I can get the line in and real buttons.

I just want to know that its possible without too much difficulty, and will connect properly with the six disc changer, on star, and night mode lighting without any hacking of the cables.

Thanks for any input anyone can provide.

-Eric in Austin

[Brad Lauzze]

The simple answer is no, it is not a straight swap. The harness/connectors for the standard radio vs. nav are different. Additionally you would need to have the dealer or indy with a Tech 2 program everything.

[uncleared]

Thats what I was afraid of, was hoping perhaps the 2006 with the more GM-ish parts may be easier than the earlier iterations.

Guess it will have to be an FM modulator.

[Burnsside42]

What exactly does the radio/nav unit not do you want it to do?

[uncleared]

I really want a line in so I can listen to the music on my iPhone instead of being limited to CD/Radio. It appears the 06 Nav unit was built without an aux-in port, so I was thinking of switching to the non-nav as a quick and easy solution. Also, i prefer real buttons in my car as opposed to touch-screen.

[Burnsside42]

So who made those units - Alpine or Pioneer? I should know - but I can't remember. I would think locating a detailed wire diagram would allow for an AUX jack splice and locating a AUX port anywhere you wanted it. Should be a way - and I can't imagine it being too difficult to do right.

[nordwulf]

They are made by Denso. I researched options for my 2005 with the nav system and the FM modulator connected to the antenna input was an inexpensive solution.

saabaux.com has some optional wiring requirements for the nav system but $275 was a bit too much for me. FAQ | SAAB AUX

Other ideas that never materialized:

http://saabworld.net/f15/music-playe...ger-line-2259/
http://saabworld.net/f15/wire-harnes...what-kind-533/

[uncleared]

SaabAux is definitely a consideration, thanks for the tip. Turns out that their navi adapter is compatible with the 2006 navi even though their site does not indicate as such.

Now to decide if I want better quality is worth trading off CD changer functionality.