After doing a lot of research (reading various forums, etc.) I decided that the 06 Bose head unit was improved enough to try -- so I could retain a stock look but gain features (such as aftermarket Aux connectivity).

Along with the upgrade to the 06 Bose HU, I replaced everything (added an amp & replaced all speakers -- Infinity Reference series all around). It all works and sounds fantastic!

The only remaining issue is my loss of steering wheel controls and antenna amplifier power. It turns out the connector for this in the back of the Bose is different from the one on the base radio. I read somewhere that the right connector can be found under the dash -- that its just folded back somewhere. But I don't see anything. Can anyone verify this is true? And if not, is there an adapter? or pin-outs I could use to make one?

Thanks to anyone who can help...

 

It appears from the schematic that the wires coming from the steering wheel switches are the same colours for either Base or Bose systems.
They are: Y/G , OR , R/G
On the base system these wires go to 23, 22, 21 respectively on a 8-pin Brown connector.
On the Bose these wires go to 25, 23, 22 respectivley on a 16-pin White connector.

For reference the wire colours correspond to:
Y/G -- Steering switch GND
OR -- Steering switch B
R/G -- Steering switch A

Hope this helps

 

Anyone have any idea where I can get a 16-pin white connector? (Think this harness is something the dealer can get for me?). I want to make an adapter, but I want to have at least one side of it be able to just jack-in...