Is the (2016) stereo the same as any other models?

[3DBB]

I'm in the buying process now, and I'd like to upgrade the head unit to something that's Apple CarPlay compatible. But Crutchfield doesn't list the 500e. Do any of the other Fiats use the same stereo, so I could look up compatible equipment?

Thanks!

[smark]

All the 500’s use the same radios. I find it strange, you still can’t obtain Apple Car play, and Android Auto. In any of the small 500’s.

You can get it in the Fiat 500X. I curious if that head unit, would fit the small 500.

It’s a shame Fiat, doesn’t offer anything like this. That Ford does.

[smark]

Fiat offers them, only in Europe..... Not sure, if the radio frequencies. Would be comparable. Nice 7” display too.

[PLP]

Actually frequencies will work when bringing radio from Europe to USA. Going the other way would create issues.

Years ago I got a nice stereo in the USA and took it back to Poland only to find out that both scan with one decimal point, but US goes in increments of 0.2 MHz, while Poland 0.1 MHz (99.1, 99.3, and so on vs 99.1, 99.2...).
Hence, European version should work just fine in the US.

Actually, I could still use that one back in Poland, only some stations were not clear or not heard at all.
It took some small repair... something was replaced (cost of 10 USD at the time) and it worked with 0.1 MHz scan.

Good luck and let us know what the result was as I am thinking of getting better system. Yet, I am afraid it might mess up the "vehicle info" from GPS.

[3DBB]

Thanks! I'll look for that Euro version. when I checked Crutchfield for "regular" 500 CarPlay-compatibe head units, every one said "we're not sure if this will fit." And none of them had volume knobs, all push-buttons.

(Edit) Wow, I'm glad I did that search on my phone instead of the work computer! I never realized that car stereo listings on eBay are almost soft-core porn.

[smark]

The only other issue, I see with the European 7” sound system. The 500 steering wheel controls are different. A competely different steering wheel. Will the NA wheel controls operate the European head unit. Especially VR, to operate Siri. Different wiring harness from the wheel to the head unit.

[Wimbledon]

Anyone have a good connection to order Euro parts in addition to the stereo? I'd also like to order the Euro leather parcel shelf cover.

Also, the 2018+ US cars have a backup camera. I don't know if that would require a different or additional harness.

[tvmaster]

I was in Modena, Italy last week - went to the FIAT service and parts shop (not a dealership, but the parts depot) because I wanted those logo-stiched floor mats seen in the photo. They could have the mats for me in two days, special order, but the would NOT ship to the USA. For that matter, they wouldn't even ship to Sorrento, where I was heading the next day. Bummed me out. Wasn't sure if it was the depot, or FIAT Italy's rules, but when I tried to inquire about putting a 2018 North American radio with backup camera in my 2017 USA Abarth, the FCA people on the other end of the phone (the dealership parts department was asking for me) flatly said "NO" to supplying the newer radio. Seemed kinda stupid to me. Guess that's one reason they aren't succeeding - stupidity...

[map]

I can't speak to the '18/19 radio fitting in your car, but I ran into the same thing when asking about upgrading from the 3.0 radio to the 4.0 in my 500. Fiat didn't install a wiring harness that will work for that install and the harness is not available. (The 3.0 doesn't support uConnect's service.) I received the same No, but with that explanation.

You could look for someone who has installed an aftermarket stereo. I notice there's one on eBay for $140.

[smark]

It’s a shame, there was a aftermarket unit for the early 500’s here. Alpine unit, Apple Car play, Android Auto, navigation,
Backup camera, steering wheel wiring harness, and new face plate and center vents. Avenue sound. Maybe, they have a aftermarket solution, for the later day 500 inforscreen radios. I’d contact them.

http://avenuesound.com/

[tvmaster]

I can't speak to the '18/19 radio fitting in your car, but I ran into the same thing when asking about upgrading from the 3.0 radio to the 4.0 in my 500. Fiat didn't install a wiring harness that will work for that install and the harness is not available. (The 3.0 doesn't support uConnect's service.) I received the same No, but with that explanation.

You could look for someone who has installed an aftermarket stereo. I notice there's one on eBay for $140.

I have the uConnect in the 2017. I imagine after running the wiring for the camera, it shouldn’t be a problem, but who knows what limitations or restrictions FIAT setup for each model year. I understand some programming to the VIN is needed, but the ONLY difference between 2017 & 2018 is the rear camera.

[map]

Hmm... maybe it's already has the wire for the BU camera in the head unit? I wonder where a person could get the wiring diagram for this.

[Fiat500USA]

I was in Modena, Italy last week - went to the FIAT service and parts shop (not a dealership, but the parts depot) because I wanted those logo-stiched floor mats seen in the photo. They could have the mats for me in two days, special order, but the would NOT ship to the USA. For that matter, they wouldn't even ship to Sorrento, where I was heading the next day. Bummed me out. Wasn't sure if it was the depot, or FIAT Italy's rules, but when I tried to inquire about putting a 2018 North American radio with backup camera in my 2017 USA Abarth, the FCA people on the other end of the phone (the dealership parts department was asking for me) flatly said "NO" to supplying the newer radio. Seemed kinda stupid to me. Guess that's one reason they aren't succeeding - stupidity...

Were you inquiring if the FCA in Italy could get you the US radio or were you in the US asking the US dealer to get the parts? If you were in Italy, traditionally the dealer network won't get parts from the US and vice versa. That would be seen as supporting a grey market import or a car that bypassed the home dealer network and that is frowned down upon. The last I looked, you can only get warranty work done in the country the car is from and that also went for parts.

If it were a dealer in the US inquiring about getting a US spec car, that is weird they wouldn't get it, but it may have something to do with not wanting to get stuck with a radio return.

[smark]

That really strange they wouldn’t order a part for you, if you paid cash, and shipping. My old 2009 smart car Brabus. I ordered the quad fog and driving lamps. The European Brabus leather hand brake, and steering wheel. From a German smart car dealership. Paid by charge card, and shipping. They ship the parts to me. Not a issue.

Gray market, means buying a whole car, has nothing to do with parts. You buy and install your self. I was thinking about buying the OEM European led tail lamps.

[tvmaster]

Were you inquiring if the FCA in Italy could get you the US radio or were you in the US asking the US dealer to get the parts? If you were in Italy, traditionally the dealer network won't get parts from the US and vice versa. That would be seen as supporting a grey market import or a car that bypassed the home dealer network and that is frowned down upon. The last I looked, you can only get warranty work done in the country the car is from and that also went for parts.

If it were a dealer in the US inquiring about getting a US spec car, that is weird they wouldn't get it, but it may have something to do with not wanting to get stuck with a radio return.

Yeah, sorry, reading back I can see the confusion. The floor mats was an Italian issue. The radio scenario took place here in Ca. USA. FCA wasn’t at all helpful to my dealer with regards to swapping out my 2017 uConnect for a 2018 version. And I recall that FCA may have wanted the old part, i.e. I wasn’t allowed to keep both. The cost wasn’t cheap either - maybe $800 plus a $400 swap fee? The whole thing seemed confusing and restrictive. For a radio with a safety feature now deemed mandatory. How could FCA not get behind that? The dealer was quite happy to do the swap - just FCA made it difficult.