Wow, you went from debating to installing in a week! I just got my Espelir springs (installing this week), but I'm going to be on a head unit ASAP after that (I can't take one-CD-at-a-time anymore).

Looking forward to seeing the pics.

Oh yeah, did you wind up using a Modifry harness and/or DCI interface?

 

has alpine fixed the 2009 models and whole dimmer switch not working with modifry or pac?

http://www.modifry.com/products/dci/ida-x001.htm

this problem made the dash controls not work properly with the alpine lights were dimmed. apparently a problem on the 001/100/200/300. hopefully fixed with 303/305???

 

just installed ida-x305 this week with modifry's dci, no problem with dimmer

only problem with 305 is that the HU cover can hit the double action rotary control when closed. However, you won't mistakenly trigger any input if you close the cover by the upper left/right corners of the cover instead of the top middle.

supplied cable runs to the hidden compartment with no problem.

the only difference between the 303 and 305 should only be the display, but I'd have to make a call to confirm that. Also, the 305 would be much easier to navigate due to the multiline display vs the 303.

only complain: the 305's buttons feel so cheap... I can't get over it since I've owned and played with quite a few expansive HU's in the past. Luckily the modifry dci makes sure that I don't need to touch those buttons much, lol

 

[QUOTE=Claus,Apr 24 2009, 06:39 AM] only problem with 305 is that the HU cover can hit the double action rotary control when closed.

 

stock brackets and it sits all the way in. The unit is flush Won't notice that it is hitting the knob until actually paying attention and looking at it.

Wondering how yours was done and maybe share us a little tip?

And, I have the resource to talk to Alpine Engineers directly to find out the exact differences(ex. check whic the DAC they are using in the 303), was just offering to help...

 

i just finished the install in my MY01 and i'm w/ Claus... door hits an edge of the "gas receipt holder thingy" (at least that's what i use it for) that's molded into the back side of the door. it just barely clips the left bottom edge of the enter button when the 305 is installed w/ stock brackets. i'll definitely have to see if the top-left push to click Claus suggested works. it can be a nuisance since "shuffle all" can happen if you close/open the door a few times quickly.

hopefully i can post pics and my "what i've learned" soon so others can benefit, but here's my install in case anyone is interested:

Focal 165 krx2 splits, tweeter mounted in front of lock w/ custom bracket (no drilling into door)
Focal Solid4 amp in the trunk
Modifry DCI w/ SCV
Alpine iDA-x305 HU

it was a fun if not "interesting" project. as always it took longer than expected but i learned a lot about my car in the process... and discovered a fried passenger window switch. $87 for a stinkin' switch!? guess it's off to the junkyard......

-e