The original alpine head unit in the car worked great but it was gaudy as hell. Lights galore and most didn't relate to any real world function. They just lit up for the heck of it. It also didn't have bluetooth, USB, or aux-in. I could have added an aux-in through the CD-changer connection, but I opted instead to repalce the entire unit.
Blaupunkt has started making modern head units modeled after their retro flagship devices. I got a Frankfurt RCM 82 DAB, which looks just like their original Frankfurt tape player from the 1990s. But this one doesn't play tapes and behind the tape door you find the 3.5 mm input, the USB port, and the micro SD card slot. So far I am very happy with how the Frankfurt looks and works. The only downside is how rediculously expensive these new Blaupunkt head units are. But in the long run the cost will be forgotton.
I also replaced the shfit knob. There are very few touch points with the driver. The shift knob is one of them.It was well worn and the shift pattern was worn off. The new unit is alright. It is in better shape but still not that great to hold with its foam rubber body. Maybe at some point I go to an aftermarket unit.
I also replaced a charge cooler mount that had snapped in half. When it snapped the charge cooler came disconnected from the air intake tubing and I lost all boost pressure. I am glad the car gods gave me such a softball first repair.
I also intended to get some additional keys but the blanks I purchased won't work for my car. Bummer.
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