Hello,

I just bought a 350z and the only problem is that the original head unit is broken. I want to keep the interior as stock a possible so I found an OEM Radio for sale. Is it just a drop in replacement or do I have to do other things to get the new radio to work ?

 

Did you figure it out yet?

 

Nope

 

Welcome.
You don't say whether the og radio is installed or aftermarket is installed.
If it's the original it's safe to say the wiring hasn't been changed. If that's the case pop the old one out, transfer all wires to new one and install. GL!

 

Y’all might want to do some searching on “radio PIN codes”. Not sure if I’m dreaming or something but I seem to recall a thread on needing a code after power disconnect and/or installing a different OE head unit. Could be old man paranoia or just a senior moment though.

 

The ex's 04 Acura had to have a 4 digit pin, I don't recall seeing that in my Owner's manual for the Bose 6 CD but you may be right.

 

Currently there is an oem head unit installed but the disk drive does not work. When I put a disk in there it always says "check disk".

 

Oh yeah, I remember that one. Dumped it for a double DIN, switched the display color to same as factory gauges and done.

 

I get you wanna keep it "factory look" but mobile electronics have changed a whole lot for the better in 14 years. In addition to built in apps like Spotify and Waze my Kenwood double DIN allows me to make calls hands-free which is nice. Just keep the old Bose in case you sell the car.
You might want to pull the old unit, attach all wiring to the replacement and make sure all functions work properly on the used one before you bolt it in. Gl!

 

The CD player stopped working in my OEM Bose head unit of my 2004 Z shortly after I bought it three years ago. The dealer replaced it for free with another OEM Bose unit, which was surprising since my car went out of warranty about 10 years ago, but much appreciated. However, the CD player soon died in that unit and I replaced it with a Pioneer touch screen and have never looked back.

 

Does anyone have any recommendations for an aftermarket head unit ?

 

Go to www.crutchfield.com - see/make a list of all the features you may want, see what's in your budget and go. Crutchfield provides install kits (usually free or used to be), detailed instructions for whatever car (obviously for Z in this case). You can get a pretty decent unit for pretty cheap these days.

I went with a JVC double DIN that has all the features I wanted (long time ago).... Bluetooth, pre-amp out, decent power if needed, front USB feed, the all important color change display, etc. Probably paid less than two bills for the HU. I fed it into a five-channel amp and Focal speakers, plus a sub (which I still need to change out to my self powered unit). I think I have less than $750 into my entire system and it still gives me enjoyment on those runs out to the coast!

Decent sound when I want to listen to real music versus the music of my exhaust. Haha!




Oddly, my biggest desired feature was the color change display.... those wild blue-purple-red displays, while cool looking, simply clashed with my clothing (and rest of dash). Laff....

 

I really wish they made aftermarket radios that weren't so flashy (shiny, colorful screen, digital a$$ screen font, etc). Just subtle like OEM radios. Or even if there was a company that took OEM radios and upgraded them! That would be awesome

 

Most units have display color options, brightness and a button to turn the display off.