BLUETOOTH SPEAKERPHONE:

The majority of reviews I read on the CD-BTB200 complained of compatibility with their phones. I can say that I not only didn't have that problem, but was blown away with how great the unit worked.  I have two phones.  A Verizon Wireless Blackberry (7130e) for work and a Sprint Samsung Katana as my personal phone.  I initiated the first sync from the handset with the D3 in "open" mode with both phones and both mated perfectly.  I was able to transfer my phonebook to the D3 with the Samsung (didn't try with the Blackberry because they're all work contacts) and they both auto-sync flawlessly every time.  The sound quality is nice considering it is a speakerphone and I do not hear any echo at all.  I can honestly say that this product performed exactly as expected.  I apologize for not having pictures of the bluetooth interface but trust me when I say it's straight forward and quite simple.

Here is where I have placed my bluetooth microphone.  There was room to slide the mount under the lip at the front edge of the steering column.  In this location I've not experienced any road noise or spotty pick up problems.  It looks larger in this picture than in person.  It doesn't block any guages and is very non-intrusive.

Bluetooth Microphone Location

STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS:

I installed the PAC SWI-PS steering wheel controller as I couldn't bear the thought of giving up my controls just because I switched head units.  Installation was relatively simple.  I simply had to tap pin 18 of the factory radio harness with the PAC's white wire, and tap pin 19 of the factory radio harness to a ground.  Programming was pretty straight forward and the unit simply works.  The headaches I expected in installing this product never materialized.  I don't' notice intermittent control, didn't have to install a resister to make it work, it simply worked as designed.

FINAL THOUGHTS....

I can honestly say I'm generally pleased with the Avic-D3 and associated accessories I installed along with it.  This unit is not perfect as I indicated above, but it does everything advertised pretty well and even managed to surprise me on several fronts.  The bottom line is that for the Avic-D3, Bluetooth module, iPod interface cable, wireless remote controll, Sirius receiver, Sirius bus adapter, steering wheel audio controller, mounting kit and wiring harness I paid a grand total of $981 to the door.  That's a lot of gear for under $1000.  I dare say that there isn't another unit out there where you can purchase everything I did and be less out of pocket than $1300-$1500 and in most cases A LOT more than that.

I'm not going to waste any more of your time with a Pro/Con list as if you read this review you already know what I like/dislike about the unit.  I can honestly say I would recommend this unit to anyone looking for a complete solution at a relatively reasonable price.  $1000 is a lot of money, there's no way around that.  But for under $1000 you get a lot of radio, a lot of features, and a lot of convenience.  That's not mentioning the "bling" factor or that the factory nav unit is a $2000+ feature and doesn't do nearly the long list of things this does.   There are a lot of GREAT head units out there, some better some worse.  At the end of the day I decided on this D3 because of price, that it had a volume knob (odd desire I know), and the color scheme can change to match my interior.  What you decide on is up to you and your budget, but I don't think anyone would have regrets with the Avic-D3 by Pioneer.

If anyone has questions or comments about this review/tutorial feel free to drop me a line by CLICKING HERE.  (Sorry for the form but the internet ad crawlers will blow up my inbox otherwise!)

That's all I have.  I've included a few additional photos below of the installed unit for your viewing pleasure.  The top picture shows the mounting kits flush fit with the dash after adding the 3 washer shims I mentioned previously...

THANKS FOR READING!