Launchstation

So, I decided to replace the boring COMAND head unit a couple of years ago. I replaced it with a Pioneer AVIC 8000NEX with included DVD and navigation. I also bypassed the pro-logic amp in the trunk (fiber optic). To do that, I had to disconnect the wire harness from the amplifier and then run separate cables to each speaker in the car. I spliced/tapped into the existing wiring and then ran it all to the speaker output leads on the aftermarket head unit's wiring harness. In the future, I plan to simplify the setup by running RCA cables from the back of the aftermarket head unit to an aftermarket amp that I will install in the trunk. The speaker leads will then be rerouted to the amp in the trunk. I made each lead extra long so that I wouldn't have to remake them in the future after installing the amp. To retain steering wheel controls, I had to install a CANBUS control adapter. The only drawbacks to the setup as far as I can see is that you will lose "NAVI", and "AUDIO", information on the DIC display, as well as voice controls (no big deal). I also spliced the factory GPS antenna with the connector head of the included aftermarket antenna to avoid having to mount the tacky magnetic aftermarket antenna on the vehicle. XM radio is through an add-on hide-away module that I installed behind the dash. It's receiver antenna is magnetically mounted to the center channel speaker grille. All wires are hidden away, nice and neat. I did the entire install myself, using information found on this forum and elsewhere on the internet. I've just recently added a Chromecast to the setup to allow full WIFI mirroring of my cell phone's display to the head unit's screen. This has exponentially added extra benefits to the system, allowing for Google maps, on-screen internet access and other phone related content. Now I can have the most updated maps FREE, FOREVER, all of the time, without having to go to the stealership to pay for their map upgrades (yeah, they're expensive).