Will an American stereo work in a UK car?

[big al]

Hi all,
I am looking at buying one of the Pioneer AVH-P3100 units, noticed there is a quite substantial price difference between UK stockists and US ones, I appreciate I will pay customs charges...maybe, but was wondering if there are any other problems with getting one from America, advice appreciated, as I want to get this soon if I can.

[Hurdy]

I can't see any reason why it wouldn't be exactly the same as a UK model. It isn't as if the US cars run on a different power supply or anything!

If there was a derivative for the US market it would have a different suffix to mark it out.

 

[Alexander]

I think the RDS system is slightly different so you may not get station names come up, but I may be wrong.

[nick-barnes07]

the stations will be different, where our sterio's search in 2's. i think theres search in 3's, so some stations you wont be able to get, stereo will work fine though, instead of radio 1 being 98.6 it would be 98.7 for instance and so on

[TomB]

Yeah thats right, their FM frequencies are a bit different to ours. 

If it takes DAB input, buy a DAB adaptor and problem solved.

[Andy]

as above - it wil work but you won't be able to get some radio stations-not a problem if you only play cds

[Hurdy]

Even I'm confused now

How can you tune into a different frequency and still get the same station?

Or are you just talking about the frequency search function?

[big al]

Nice one guys,
Well after a bit of e mailing I have managed to sort one out for a great price of £220 Shipped,
Not too bothered about the radio names, as  hardly ever use the radio and if I do its just for Radio 1 in an evening, but may go for digital connection at a later date.
Will update once it gets ordered and delivered, no more 40 odd cds in the glovebox, yay!!!

[TomB]

According to Wikipedia, US stereos go from 87.8-108.0 with a 0.2 gap, so if Radio 1 is 98.2 like it is sound here, you'll still get it.  I think the stations with an odd number are the difficult ones.  

Sounds like you got a very good deal there, I look forward to seeing pics!  

[DanoGTI]

It's because most radio stations transmit on multiple frequencies  (to cater non-interference with local radio et al)

As long as the frequency scan covers the same range, you'll be alright - as stated, you'll *potentially* have issues with the station names.

Dan

Even I'm confused now

How can you tune into a different frequency and still get the same station?

Or are you just talking about the frequency search function?

[Altered Carbon]

Will update once it gets ordered and delivered, no more 40 odd cds in the glovebox, yay!!!

Did you end up ordering one from the US mate? Tempted to go down a similar route with the potential savings to be made...

[big al]

Will update once it gets ordered and delivered, no more 40 odd cds in the glovebox, yay!!!

Did you end up ordering one from the US mate? Tempted to go down a similar route with the potential savings to be made...

To be honest mate, with the hassle I had fitting it today I would go for UK, the saving was about £100, but the rear attachment is different meaning a specialist fitter is best, there are a few parts not included, meaning I had to pay a fair bit more due to all of this. AND the dvds don't play as they are obviously region 1,