English Automotive

Find out more about updating in-car entertainment systems in a Bentley. Our expert insights offer a roadmap to seamlessly integrating modern infotainment into your Bentley. English Automotive provide specialist Rolls Royce and Bentley restoration throughout Dorset, Surrey and London. Stay ahead of the curve and explore how to update your in-car entertainment system to match your style and preferences.

Can Bentley Owners Update Their Radios

For Bentley owners looking to enhance their car stereo system with modern features without incurring exorbitant costs, there is now an appealing solution available. Older model Bentleys often lack the connectivity options found in today's car stereos, such as smartphone integration with CarPlay and Android Auto.

Moreover, finding replacement parts for outdated radios can be challenging, and purchasing a used model from platforms like eBay can still be expensive, reaching prices of up to $2,500, while failing to provide the desired smartphone connectivity. Another significant hurdle is the intricate integration of Bentley radios with the car's heating, cooling, and defrost systems.

Replacing the radio with a popular, up-to-date model from renowned brands like Pioneer, Kenwood, Alpine, Sony, or JVC necessitates extensive custom installation work, often resulting in substantial costs. In fact, reports indicate that installation shops have charged over $11,000 for Bentley radio replacements due to the complexity of integrating the car's electronic systems. 

To address these challenges, NAV-TV has developed the Bentley radio kit HUR V1, a specialised "dash kit" that offers an innovative solution. Compatible with 2004-2011 Bentley Continental, GT, GTC, and Flying Spur vehicles, this kit provides a digital interface with the car's factory amplifier, eliminating the need for complex modifications or drilling.

The result is a seamless integration that provides a factory-like finish, blending harmoniously with the existing dashboard. Moreover, the Bentley radio kit HUR V1 enables compatibility with steering wheel controls for Alpine, JVC, and Kenwood radios. This feature allows Bentley owners to effortlessly navigate their new audio system while keeping their attention on the road, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience.

With the Bentley radio kit HUR V1, Bentley owners can now relish the benefits of a modern-day radio, complete with enhanced connectivity options, while preserving the luxurious and sophisticated driving experience that Bentley vehicles are renowned for.

Replace the radio: If you have an older car with a basic radio, replacing it with a modern unit not only provides more power (potentially enhancing the sound quality of your existing speakers), but also offers a range of new features like Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.

Invest in new speakers: If you're serious about upgrading your car's audio setup, investing in new speakers is a must. Aftermarket speakers typically deliver richer sound and a more detailed audio experience, which is particularly beneficial when driving at higher speeds where wind noise can be a challenge. Ensure that you purchase speakers that are compatible with your car's existing inputs; a specialist vendor can guide you in selecting the right units for your specific needs.

Add an amplifier: Installing an amplifier is an excellent way to elevate your in-car audio to the next level and unleash the full potential of your new speakers. A quality car amplifier significantly improves clarity and detail in your audio system, whether you're playing energetic techno tracks or enjoying your favourite podcasts. If you're unsure about installing an amplifier, detailed step-by-step guides from reputable sources like Crutchfield can provide valuable assistance.

Determine your requirements: If you're on a budget and looking for a more affordable audio system upgrade, it's helpful to identify exactly what you need. To do this, assess your existing audio performance. Listen to music at higher volumes than usual and identify any shortcomings. Are you missing treble or bass? Does the sound become distorted at high volume? Diagnosing your current system will help you identify the components that require replacement, allowing you to allocate your budget accordingly

How to Update Your Car’s Outdated Stereo System?

If you find that the buttons and touch screen of your existing car stereo have stopped working or become unreliable, it's a clear indication that a replacement is necessary. In such cases, you can explore options like a Dual XDM16BT Bluetooth receiver, which can be found at retailers such as Walmart for an affordable price.

While it may not offer all the fancy features and sleek design of higher-end models, it gets the job done by providing the necessary signals to your speakers. Though it may stick out oddly from the dash, it offers a budget-friendly solution to restore audio capabilities in your car.

 Upgrading an Existing System

With the advancements in technology, many cars no longer come equipped with built-in docks for classic iPods or MP3 players. Bluetooth connectivity has become a standard feature desired by many for streaming music and enabling hands-free calling.

If you want to upgrade your existing system, consider investing in a Bluetooth audio transmitter that connects to your car's AUX jack. This transmitter allows you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.

To power the transmitter, you'll need a 12-volt USB adapter plugged into your car's lighter. While managing a few wires may be necessary depending on the distance between the AUX jack and the lighter, this upgrade provides the convenience of Bluetooth connectivity in your car. You'll be able to enjoy your music wirelessly and make hands-free calls, enhancing your overall driving experience.

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This article answers the question: Updating In-car Entertainment Systems in a Bentley. If you would like to follow up on more information regarding Bentley restoration, repair or servicing, feel free to contact us to discus your requirements. We work with Bentley and Rolls Royce car owners throughout London and the home counties including; Middlesex, Sussex, Dorset and Kent.