Hi,

I'm the proud new owner of a 2001 Bonnie SSEi with the Bose system. Before buying the car, I had seriously considered changing out the head unit. There'* a few nice models out there with sirius and ipod integration, but I don't think I'm really up to all of the work involved with taking out the original head unit and replacing it. I'm fortunate enough to have the bose system, so if I really wanted to upgrade the sound, amplifiers and new speakers are obviously easy enough to do since the factory deck has low level outputs..

So, since I'm not (at least right now) willing to swap the factory deck, that leaves me with some issues. I want to use my iPod, and I want to use my sirius receiver. Sound issues aside, I live in a huge radio market (NYC) and there'* no free spectrum anywhere anyway. That rules FM modulators out.

I've seen some references to the PAC AUX-BOX as a good way of doing this (a coworker gave me a harman kardon drive+play that he wasn't using, so that means I don't need such tight iPod integration. I figure I can use the drive+play'* aux input for sirius, the ipod cable for my ipod/iphone, and pipe the audio into the aux-box). Will the AUX-BOX work with the factory system in the 2001 SSEi bose system? If so, what is the correct cable? I've seen references to the PAC AB-GM10 as being the appropriate cable for this application, but then some sites leave the 2001 Bonnie/Bose system off the list.

Also, does anyone have any recommendations as far as installers in the Long Island/NYC area? I may still consider changing my head unit, but I really want the work done professionally given the complexity of this particular car.

It seems the more research I do, the more questions (versus answers!) I come up with.

PM me your location there specifically and I will get you to a shop that can handle the install. I know of a couple out your way that can 1. Answer your interface quetions witht eh Harmon Unit and 2. Can handle any level of install you are thinking of. Just let me know and I will send you their info. Thanks.

I tried to PM you, but it seems you haven't been around to reply..

Does anyone else have any ideas? I've become a lot more agreeable with the idea of changing out the head unit, but I want something that'* going to look good and perform well. It needs sirius integration, the ability to retain steering wheel controls (via perhaps the pac box?) and preferably control an ipod. Do the double-din units fit in this car? I don't want a void in the middle of my dashboard.. I'd like a comparably sized radio.

I'm not to good with the Bose systems, but the AUX-BOX would integrate auxilary inputs into the factory head unit, but as for changing to a new head unit you need a special box that retains your chimes, RAP, and since there are Class 2 Serial Data lines it keeps that in line, will run you about $70 off Ebay, then for steering wheel controls there are a few options, but the most flexible on is the PAC SWI-X, as long as you have a remote for your head unit this will work, abour another $70 off Ebay

I was thinking about the AUX-BOX, but I've decided that I really cannot stand having to look down at my sirius plug-n-play tuner to change stations/see what'* playing. I've become really spoiled, as this is my first car with steering wheel controls and I want to use them for the sirius!
I know about the PAC SWI-X, and also the box for the integration (I think GMOS09 is the part number if I remember correctly)..
I guess I'm most interested in hearing about a) what radios fit nicely/look good in the dash on these cars and b) how hard is it to get them installed.

I replied to your PM sorry about the delay. Also I would go to Welcome to InstallerNet to find an installe too. The issues with the Bose system is the harnesses and the Bose amplifiers. If you want to keep that stuff and just are changing the head unit the harnesses can get spendy but are worth it, again look for the MECP certification and quiz the installers and salespeople about their experience with Bose setups. If they just say oh sure we can do that without explaining what they are doing and why then find another shop.