Renault Clio Advice needed

[Stace 12587]

Hi,

I have just bought a Renault Clio 2003 Dynamique and it comes with a
Tuner List CD head unit. I am having a bit of trouble with the whole
thing to be honest.


This is my first car and basically I want to keep my head unit (if
possible) and Just add a CD Changer to my car. But many people are
telling me its better to buy an MP3 CD Player head unit for my car and
just replace my head unit. The only problem I have with this is I don't

want to make my dash look silly with a CD player that doesn't match. I
need help with the following:


1. Is it better to get an MP3 compatible head unit or an MP3 compatible

CD Changer?
2. How do I unscrew the Tuner list head unit? It has small black
screws.
3. I need it to work with my steering wheel controls.


Can anyone give some guidance to a young first car owner?


Thanks

[In-Car Express]

On 16 May 2006 13:16:09 -0700, "Stace 12587"

Post by Stace 12587
1. Is it better to get an MP3 compatible head unit or an MP3 compatible
CD Changer?

The biggest problem with using an MP3 changer on the orignal head unit
is that you won't normally get folder support - so navigating through
up to 100 tracks per disc can be a nightmare.

Post by Stace 12587
2. How do I unscrew the Tuner list head unit? It has small black
screws.

They're normally just fitted using a locking cage mechanism, so you'd
just need a set of normal DIN removal keys to remove the unit
(http://www.incarexpress.co.uk/view_product.php?partno=DINKEY). It's
not uncommon for the holes that the keys fit into to have small allen
bolts screwed into them, to prevent the keys being inserted.

Post by Stace 12587
3. I need it to work with my steering wheel controls.

Presumably you've also got a remote display? If so, the best option
would be to look at something like a Sony CDX-GT300 with a Connects2
DRNS003 interface. That would give you single CD MP3 support, whilst
retaining both the remote display and steering controls.

Jon

[Stace 12587]

So either way I will need to buy the Connects 2 DRNS003 lead whether I
choose to instal a CD changer or a new head unit so that I can see my
cd information on my dash and still be able to use my steering wheel
controls?

If i buy those DIN keys will I be able to remove my current head unit
with them? As it does have small allen bolts screwed into it as you
said. Its not like a common screw that I could remove with a screw
driver as it doesnt have the slot on the screw to fit the screw driver
into.

Are there any mp3 compatible head units you recomend that would match
the interior of my car well? Or that would match the clio?

[In-Car Express]

On 17 May 2006 06:38:15 -0700, "Stace 12587"

Post by Stace 12587
So either way I will need to buy the Connects 2 DRNS003 lead whether I
choose to instal a CD changer or a new head unit so that I can see my
cd information on my dash and still be able to use my steering wheel
controls?

You'd only need the DRNS003 if you were fitting a new head unit. To
fit a changer you'd need a different interface - for a Sony MP3
changer, you'd need an ARNS003 (which only works with the Sony
CDX-T70MX changer, not the 757MX). If you fit a CD changer to the
original unit, you won't get any text information on the display -
just track numbers.

Post by Stace 12587
If i buy those DIN keys will I be able to remove my current head unit
with them?

Yes, plus an allen key to remove the screws, which usually tends to
need an allen key about 2.5mm.

Post by Stace 12587
Are there any mp3 compatible head units you recomend that would match
the interior of my car well? Or that would match the clio?

Using the DRNS003 interface ties you into buying a Sony unit, so the
options are a bit limited.

Jon

[Stace 12587]

So really I'd be as well buying myself the £99 leads to connect my
ipod to my current head unit, as it would make life a whole lot easier
wouldn't it?