Can You Replace The Monsoon Stero

[Randy367]

Just a quick question for anyone who may know. My mother has an 05 Beetle with the Monsoon stereo with the tape deck. We were going to have it replaced in Las Vegas for her birthday, but every store we went to told us that they can not install a new system in her car because it was a Monsoon system, and that we would have to buy a system from the dealer and have them install it. Now are they full of crap or is this true. Thanks

[turbos03]

they are full of crap... and ask yourself this, if they are telling you that do you really want any of those shops doing the install..???

are you just looking to change the factory system so your mom can have a CD player in the car..?? if so you can add a CD changer to the factory system easy and for less than the cost of having a new deck installed... there are always people on this site selling OEM CD changers for cheep..

[CGK]

That's very odd. The Monsoon head units with cassette tape players were replaced with units that had MP3 capable CD players in them. The change was made in early 2004 so I'm surprised that an '05 NB would have a tape player head unit in it.
At any rate, you can definitely replace the system with an aftermarket unit but it won't look the same as a factory unit.

[The Cheat]

yeah, you can replace it.

no, it won't look like it was supposed to be there.

yes, you'll get better sound.

sound>looks imo.

[Chaz1138]

CD players have been around since the 70's and I find it completely absurd that any car manufacturer would not have a CD player as standard equipment by the turn of the millenium.

Not meaning to knock VW or Beetles, just all car manufacturers attitude toward car audio.

Originally Posted by CGK

That's very odd. The Monsoon head units with cassette tape players were replaced with units that had MP3 capable CD players in them. The change was made in early 2004 so I'm surprised that an '05 NB would have a tape player head unit in it.
At any rate, you can definitely replace the system with an aftermarket unit but it won't look the same as a factory unit.

[umaxblaze]

i was told the same thing by every place that i went, they first told me that i couldn't wire a sub into my factory head-unit, they were wrong. then they told me that it was impossible to change out the head-unit without pulling out the monsoon amp, wrong again. but ironically enough, i was just considering putting my factory head-unit back in tonight, i miss the ominous blue/red glow

[Karaokerobot]

Hey Randy! I definitely would check out Crutchfield.com

They can help you out with what exactly you need. I am looking into a new headunit, and they have one for every budget. Kenwood would be great because in my 03 it matches the blue and red light scheme!
I purchases my two front speakers from there and I haven't had a problem, and they were really easy to install.

They send you everything you need, (I think you might have to buy the chasis, removal tools, and a wire harness) But instructions to an exact Beetle model are included!

GOOD LUCK!

* I totally didn't mean to sound like an advertisement.