Boxster Radio

daleflesburg · 08-03-2012, 01:31 PM

I need a new radio for my 2005 Boxster. The dealer wants $1700 for a new one.

Super 90 · 08-03-2012, 04:30 PM

My opinion... don't buy whatever Porsche wants to put in there!! My 2008 has the factory Becker CDR-24 and it sucks so bad I can't believe it. The optional Bose speakers and amp are okay, but the head unit absolutely blows. The AM (if anyone ever uses it - I do for talk radio!) receiver can't receive more than about 3 blocks from a transmission tower (not much of an exaggeration!) and Porsche can't do anything about it.

The dealer told me that everything is functioning okay, but that they simply cut corners by going to the in-windshield antenna and unless someone wants to bore a hole in their fender for a regular antenna, it's simply going to suck. I'm not kidding here.

I investigated other head units - you're going to be paying a lot, especially if you want something custom fit to the console, that doesn't look out of place. Others here will point you towards kits with faceplates that match - that's what you'll have to do. A high-end sound system place near me said they can't do a lot with without modifying the antenna setup. They said the quality of the Becker head is not that bad, and the trade-off to get something better is going to be a lot of $$ and something that doesn't look like it matches the car.

Hopefully someone here will be able to point you to something that worked for them.

Can you tell I'm more than a bit peeved? A very expensive little car compared to my Toyota Tacoma that has a stunning sounding stereo... with a great AM section!

Good luck with this and I'll be watching your thread. Please keep us updated on what you do!

(I really liked the simple Kenwood 2 channel am/fm "radio" I put in my 911 back in the 80s... complete with 2 door speakers... times change!)

daleflesburg · 08-03-2012, 05:46 PM

My radio shorted out and was draining the battery. The dealer disconnected the radio's hot wires.
I agree with you. I like AM radio out of Chicago. My old suburban will pick up WLS for over 300 miles. My Boxster would pick it up at 100 miles but marginally. I really do not listen while on a road trip. I would rather drive with the top down and listen to the engine.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

The modern, aftermarket units are very good these days. Here's my article on the installation:

Pelican Technical Article: Changing Your Boxster Stereo Head Unit / Installing Boxster Ipod Integration - 986 / 987

-Wayne