Newer head unit in '99 Bonne
 

Has anyone attempted to install a newer head unit in a '99 Bonneville?

I want to pick up an Ipod adapter, but I have the in dash CD player that doesn't have an AUX button... so I was thinking of getting a unit from a 2004 era Bonne or Grand Prix.

I imagine the wiring harness is different, but can it be rewired? Would I lose steering wheel controls? Would it fit?

In other thoughts... I really hate aftermarket head units installed in an adapter, sticking out of the dash. Do any companies make a 1.5 DIN head unit that looks more OEM?

Thanks.

Stephen

if you buy an aftermarket head unit, you dont have to have it sticking far out of the dash. behind the stock radio there is a plastic piece sticking up with a hole in it. cut that off, then you can remove the 1.5" spacer from the adapter, and mount your radio flush, and it wont stick out. dont use a headunit from a newer car, if it would even work, you would have to do a lot of wiring to make things match up. just get an aftermarket head unit, they work much nicer with ipods. look for one that advertises ipod compatibility or something like that

In 2000 GM introduced the Class 2 Serial Data Bus and related components into their vehicles. Head units of the 2K+ vintage rely on this and won't function unless they can see a BCM which will provide a VIN over the data bus. This is how the TheftLock in the newer generation of vehicles works. Since the Pre-2000 vehicles (except for perhaps some Caddy's - not sure though) don't support this technology, you would have to install and wire more that just a newer head unit.

I have heard of this being done, but it's far more work than you would see benefit from. As mentioned, aftermarket is your best bet here.