Parrot works extremely well but a Motorola TK30 works even better both now come with a Iphone connection lead and usb lead.The Motorola allows two phones to used seamlessly swopping between the two ,plus they are a lot cheaper than Parrot.You plug a DAB unit in through the aux port .

What type of car is it there are not many cars produced where a new unit cannot be fitted encompassing all the atributes you require I suggest the first port of call is ebay then a local ICE shop.

Edited by Collos25 on 21/02/2013 at 09:59

The Parrot systems are very, very good. I plumbed a 3200LS into a Zafira and found it very simple. Adaptor harnesses are available for the majority of vehicles that require one. Anything with standard DIN fittings is a simple "plug 'n play" job. The fact that your existing head unit also handles the heater controls suggests that it may have non-standard connectors and require an adaptor harness.

The results look far better than a standalone unit and using the car's existing speaker system provides vastly better sound than a small speaker in a box ever will.

Multiple phones configurable, with one designated as "preferred", eliminating the fight when two or more of its clients are present. Phonebook downloaded at connection time, so none of that monkeying around with synchronisation that plagues others. Regular software updates available from Parrot and easily applied using a laptop with bluetooth on board, so no danger of that new phone not working with it.

Also, the only one I've found that both supports voice dialling internally and gateing through to use the phone's own (your choice which and configurable by device).

You can even download your own pic as the head unit's wallpaper, if that floats your boat.

Anyhow, I ran that car for four years after installation and it's spoiled me. I've been horribly disappointed with every manufacturer's built in solution since......

but I can't lose my OE one as it also the heating controls!

Your heater controls are part of the radio? What car is that?

Parrot are good, but why not just fit something like the Alpine CDE-136BT which is a DAB in-dash radio with iPod link and BT. If you have remote controls on the steering wheel, there's probably an Alpine harness for your model of car which will retain their use.

A dedicated DAB head unit is better than add-on unit linked via FM.

A really good external DAB aerial is a must, what ever setup you chose. Don't fit one that sticks on the inside of your windscreen or use a splitter off your existing FM aerial; they're next to useless.

Edited by BigJohnD on 21/02/2013 at 16:38