Clarion stereo upgrade - swap out

[Loose Cannon]

I am having trouble with my Clarion CMD4 stereo and Sirius SIR-CL3 tuner (locks up and requires complete reset often). Not sure where the problem lies so looking for a quick swap out. It sounds like the Clarion CMD8 is a direct swap in terms of the harness; however, I'd need to replace my Sirius tuner (need SXV-200) and helm remote as the newer stereo does not support my current remote. Does anyone have experience upgrading from the CMD4 to a newer Clarion model? Any general recommendations or experiences with the replacement effort? I was hoping to keep it simple in terms of swap out effort although Bluetooth and other newer features would be nice. Not touching the speakers or Amp at this time; only looking to replace the head/main unit and Sirius tuner on a 280 Sundancer.

 

[hblock72]

My M455 head unit, which is of the same vintage as your CMD4, stopped working on me this spring. I would have liked to have just upgraded the head unit, but it would have also obsoleted my wired remotes. Replacing the remotes would have increased the cost by about a factor of 3. I decided to send the M455 in for repair, which cost me $125. Not much of a deal considering a new head unit w/ Bluetooth would have been ~$175. It's the $350 extra to upgrade remotes and wires that made it cost prohibitive. Here's a link to Clarions FAQ section on their website. There's a question there on remote compatibility that may help you. It will show you a compatibility chart. There may also be one for Sirius tuners.

http://www.clarion.com/us/en/user-support/faq/

Also, there is an adapter cable to use an old remote with a new stereo, but you loose some of the functionality.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Clarion-CCU...remote-Adapter-Cable-equivalent-/130738444207

I didn't want a remote that only "half worked" so I didn't consider this an option, but it may be fine for some people.

 

[Loose Cannon]

I just purchased sferguson727's old CMD4 and Sirius tuner. This should allow me to troubleshoot and replace the malfunctioning component at low cost. Thank you!

 

[bigpursuit]

YOu can get the old remote to work with an adapter wire. Clarion doesn't sell them but here is a link:
http://www.discountcarstereo.com/CCUMRA1.html