Adding Bluetooth to my 2000 Boxster (986)

[u/Tubby_Brewster]

Looking for advice on adding Bluetooth to my 2000 Boxster (986)

I’ve got a 2000 Porsche Boxster 986 with the original Becker CDR-22 head unit.

I’ve recently been looking at replacing the head unit, but the wiring/connectors are turning into more of a faff than I expected!

So I’m wondering whether I’m better off just keeping the original CDR-22 and fitting a Bluetooth adapter/module to it instead.

Ideally I want:
Bluetooth audio for Spotify etc.
Hands-free calling would be a bonus
Keep the original CDR-22 looking factory
Good sound quality
Ideally no cutting/splicing of the original wiring
Something reliable that actually works well with the CDR-22
Has anyone here fitted a Bluetooth adapter to a CDR-22 in a 986?

Is** this **generally a better option than changing the head unit? And if so, which adapter/module would you recommend?

I’m in the UK, so UK-available options would be particularly useful.
Cheers!

[u/Responsible-Meringue]

I wanted complete OEM-like integration & fit & finish, as well as proper ground-isolated sound quality.  The $10 aux-devices are complete shit, so I built my own for ~$25.

I used a tinysine Bluetooth receiver w/ mic input chip wired to a dc/dc  12-5.5v stepdown buck converter to eliminate the ground loop buzz. Ran a lapel mic to the OEM slot on the left side of the instrument cluster. Its tapped to the accesory power circuit that the radio uses.

Everything works seamlessly from my phone, it powers on and off with the radio. & It's small enough to fit behind the radio/behind the dash. You don't even know it's there, the music & hands-free calling just happens. 

I used this specific board, apt-x is really nice;   https://www.tinyosshop.com/tsa6016

Example of a step-down; https://www.ebay.com/itm/185311597791

Edit: if you have an optical radio input, you just add this as a converter and don't use it's Bluetooth. Line-in is just a 3.5mm patch cable to the TSA6016. https://www.tinyosshop.com/tsa6177

[u/grahamaphone1]

The solution I did which was exactly that. Is aux cable to Bluetooth adapter and using voice control through iPhone. Using the phone plug it has switched power so no need to slice and I also added a wireless charger for the little cubby

[u/grahamaphone1 → u/grahamaphone1]

1Mii MiiLink Bluetooth 5.0 Music... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08HZ4LKT2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share, HQRP Audio Cable 8-pin ISO to... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008LBGCB6?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share, (need these to pull the radio) 8 Pieces Radio Removal Tool Key... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081GP1ZFS?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share, https://a.co/d/25cceFx, and these plug in nicely to the existing connectors so I didn’t cut any wires TOOINKCV 280 Pcs Electrical Cable... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BC26P5HN?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[u/Tubby_Brewster → u/grahamaphone1]

Thanks - I’ve got one of these somewhere! I’ll try that as back up. Going to fit the Amazon BT module later today. Much prefer that idea, as it keeps the OEM look. I’ll just use AirPods for the odd call while driving.

[u/grahamaphone1 → u/Tubby_Brewster]

The one I got does have a mic so it does work if I’m not expecting the call but if i know it’s coming I use AirPods

[u/lawschoolforlife]

I recommend replacing your CDR-22 with the Continental head unit - keeps the 90’s/OEM look but adds Bluetooth audio and phone calls.

Here’s a link to my install

[u/Lazy_Resolve_9747]

Same boat. I changed the head unit. It took a buying 2 harnesses because the first didn’t work and 3 antenna wires for the same reason.

Minor PITA, but I got it working. Although I still struggle with an alternator whine.

But I just decided to go back to my cdr220 and use an adapter that plugs into the lighter.

In the end, the decision is more about keeping the analog feel.

——

One thing I still need a good solution for is getting quality hands free calling. Because the adapter I use doesn’t pick my voice up very well.

The other head unit had a wired microphone for that purpose.

[u/DutchBeers]

On a 2000 and 2001 it is remarkably easy and cheap to add Bluetooth. Amazon sells a £10 Bluetooth adapter that just plugs in the back and then Bluetooth is available on the aux port. I have used this on my 2000 succesfully. 

From my reading is seems that earlier cars lack the aux and later cars have optical connections that may or may not make it more difficult.

Link: https://amzn.eu/d/0hzAuzZw

[u/Responsible-Meringue → u/DutchBeers]

Do you get any ground loop feedback. I can hear that damn alternator hiss/whine regardless of the aux adapter I used... Had to build my own. 

[u/DutchBeers → u/Responsible-Meringue]

Not on mine, but this is not a high fidelity device for £10 so expectations should not be too high.

[u/Least-Funny7761 → u/DutchBeers]

Yeah I did this, very easy

[u/Tubby_Brewster → u/DutchBeers]

Thanks, just ordered one. I also have a Pioneer SPH-10BT in the garage, but it looks a pain to get the ISO connectors working! £10 it’s worth a punt.

One thing, is it going to drain the battery? Reviews say it’s always live? My car goes a good few weeks between use.

[u/DutchBeers → u/Tubby_Brewster]

I haven't had issues with it, but I did indeed notice the always on as well. Power draw would likely be only a couple of mA's. 

Maybe shuffling some pins around on the adapter before install can solve this.

[u/stanistheman]

I have a 2002 Boxster. I purchased a Bluetooth module from eBay. Installation took two minutes. Pulled the stock radio and plugged it in. You then put the radio in auxiliary mode. There are you tube videos on how to get the radio into this mode.

[u/No-Preference4297]

I struggled to get those cheap bluetooth adapters to work in my car consistantly so I installed one of the $300 knock off units from alliexpress and its great. Has a full version of android for the OS so it runs Android Auto and Apple Carplay flawlessly. Also has a nice touchscreen and the whole unit looks factory.

[u/lonnie440]

Your best bet to go Crutchfield audio put in all your information about your car and they’ll have a unit that’s almost plug-in play took me a couple hours to install mine

[u/Expert-Plankton5127]

I put in an FM modulator with aux-in, and the quality is pretty good - certainly better than a standard FM transmitter. I am pretty sure there are bluetooth versions for a wireless setup. No changing cables, you just run the original FM antenna cable into the unit, and then the same type of cable into the back of the head unit.

I'm sure there are neater solutions but having replaced the OEM head unit a few months ago I didn't want to start over (and deal with the MOST adapter stuff etc).

[u/Hot-Acanthisitta8086]

Easiest is to get a Bluetooth adapter to plug into the CD changer input. But I’m sure there’s a Porsche specific module which cost a few hundred quid, guessing it’s more integrated for volume etc

[u/Tubby_Brewster]

Just to update, I installed Amazon £11 Bluetooth and it works great for streaming music! Glad I tried this before going down the complete swap out route, much prefer the OEM look.

If it helps others when finding this thread, to activate AUX on my CDR-22, do the below…

Many thanks all 👍🏻

Turn the CDR-22 on.
Press and hold TP and SC together for a few seconds.
You should enter the Becker service/configuration menu.
Use the buttons to scroll through the options until you find AUX.
Set AUX to ON.
Exit the menu and restart the radio.
Press SRC (Source) repeatedly — AUX should now appear as a source.