I am getting close to buying a new car. After owning two SUVs, I lust for a car... a fast car. In the running is a Saab 9-3 Viggen, Audi S4, and BMW 330xi. I am leaning most toward the Saab since I love it's styling.

The problem is the factory stereo. AFAIK, it is oversized. Not quite Double DIN and too big for GM size. Crutchfield offers a fitting kit for recent Saab 9-3 SE models, but only supporting this trim makes me wonder. It is my understanding that the 9-3 SE comes with a single DIN stereo. So, replacement on the SE should be trivial.

I would like to hear from anyone who has done, or even seen an aftermarket stereo in a 9-3 (non SE) or 9-3 Viggen. I suppose something custom would have to be made for the odd sized opening. I also wonder about actually getting the an Empeg to interface with the electronics of the car. Apparently the car has it's own bus like a LAN that everything communicates over, including the original stereo.

If anyone has insight, please post. Thanks.