4200 Radio & Satnav upgrade

Navcorr

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3,839
Do you know if it's easy to find the connections for the backlighting for the controls and switches below the info screen and then run a simple 12v supply from some of the other backlighting or dash lights? Do you know of anyone who's done this and found a solution other than retaining the NIT?
Easy to do? Probably although haven't investigated. Maybe someone has had success doing so but haven't searched.
I wanted to keep the trip data available so kept the NIT & screen. Any particular reason you want to do away with them?
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
Easy to do? Probably although haven't investigated. Maybe someone has had success doing so but haven't searched.
I wanted to keep the trip data available so kept the NIT & screen. Any particular reason you want to do away with them?
I was thinking I could use the space taken up by the NIT unit for more storage or a small coolbox. And/Or possibly a double cup holder that would pull out from roughly where the NIT CD ejects from - although that will also require a bit of a Modification of that bit of plastic also
 

Navcorr

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3,839
If you're modifying the NIT cover bear in mind the plastic parts are finished in rubberised paint - they don't take overpainting at all well. Iirc there are photos of what happens on ML. Makes a real mess. The metal mountings in the central lower dash can be painted though but, again, you'd need to disassemble first.

72718
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
If you're modifying the NIT cover bear in mind the plastic parts are finished in rubberised paint - they don't take overpainting at all well. Iirc there are photos of what happens on ML. Makes a real mess. The metal mountings in the central lower dash can be painted though but, again, you'd need to disassemble first.

View attachment 72718
Yeah, my 5+2 switches are a mess with the rubberised finish coming off but the rest of the surrounds are not too bad. Thought I’d sort out the switches while I’m doing the stereo & satnav upgrade - it’s turning into a never-ending list
 

Navcorr

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3,839
Have you found reference to the plastics refinishing Lorenz offers in the US? Wicked Coatings can refinish but they don't laser etch the decals - they've no plans to offer the service either. There is a place here that does it but they're usually too busy and can be tricky to get hold of at times.
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
Have you found reference to the plastics refinishing Lorenz offers in the US? Wicked Coatings can refinish but they don't laser etch the decals - they've no plans to offer the service either. There is a place here that does it but they're usually too busy and can be tricky to get hold of at times.
I’ve been searching the various posts for solutions but don’t really want to send the parts away as I’m using the car daily at the moment. The price of a new set of 5+2 switches is scary - somewhere north of £500 plus VAT....
I have the front seats booked in for refurbishment on 27th July (and the alloys on 20th) so with the full service (Migliore cars in Bromsgrove were outstanding) new tyres already done (Michelin Sport 4s all round) audio/satnav upgrade planned and custom 5 piece luggage on order, I have ‘invested’ quite a bit in the week and a half of ownership already
 

Navcorr

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3,839
I’ve been searching the various posts for solutions but don’t really want to send the parts away as I’m using the car daily at the moment.
If and when you want to send yours away I've a spare 5+2 unit you could borrow. By all accounts Lorenz's work is top notch.
 

CatmanV2

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48,557
Are you UK-based

are you Uk-based Catman? Any idea of cost and how long it takes?

I'm UK based, but I'm also a mod on the US forum. If you contact Lorenzo direct he'll give you and idea of how long it is, but days, not weeks (plus shipping, of course)

C
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
I've found someone who can do CF hydro dipping so that could be a solution rather than rubber spray paint for the bezel - might then extend that to the next metal switch surround below for completeness.
I also found on Maserati life someone who has a suggestion for using a Chrysler (or similar) hazard warning switch (as the one on the original head unit is wired onto the head unit board of course....). He lists the cable colours on the NIT connector for connecting to a separate switch - I just need to find somewhere to locate the switch but that's minor. I still don't know how to power the backlighting for the lower centre dash backlighting but assume it's something to do with that same connector that powers the hazard switch - have searched the forums here and on Maserati Life but haven't found any suggestions for that yet....
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
72778
here’s the components gathered together. The reversing camera is neat - and comes with an HSS bit of the correct size if you want to drill it, as well as a small bracket. I’m waiting for a different (roof mount) microphone (not sure if there’s a connector for that or if I’ll have to solder it on to the board of the new head unit to replace the internal one - might leave that until I see what the sound quality is like with the installed mic first!
 

Sablewolf

Member
Messages
103
:urock:Hah, that’s brilliant - that should make my ‘trial & error’ slightly less risky!
Just need a pointer for the dash backlights now!
I’ll collate all of this into one post in here with photos when I’m (eventually) finished to make easier for anyone else contemplating similar updates, as the info seems to be available but in disparate posts both on here and ML and not easy to find!
Sanmiam on ML worked out that pins 1&3 of the white screen connector control the hazard function.
 

Navcorr

Member
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3,839
Part of the problem is most of the available info. dates back a good few years on ML.
For SM, on the other hand, the lack of appetite for these modifications limits interest.
The majority seem happy enough with a Parrot, etc., but that still relies on the sh*tty NIT.
 

Delmonte

Member
Messages
878
Just a note on the NIT cover... I bought a new one off Eurospares last year, still available despite rumours to contrary. Was surprised (but happy) it was not covered in the rubbery stuff but in a grey pigment hard surface... so messing with one you can get a replacement and it won’t be rubber.
Impressive project btw. Watching with interest
 

Navcorr

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Messages
3,839
The covers are known to be somewhat fragile so, imho, proceed modifying it with caution. A chap in the US ended up with this:

72786

Which may well have been a clumsy effort but even so at approx. £160+ to replace ….