Alfa Romeo Android Head Units – what you need to know
The Alfa Romeo 159, the Brera and the Spider were given a shared dashboard, so the same Android head unit fits all three models – and that is the basis of TopNAVI's Alfa Romeo range. The 939-coded model family was built between 2005 and 2011 and, as was typical for the period, came with a factory head unit that is thin by today's standards: no smartphone mirroring, navigation was an extra, and Bluetooth was for phone calls at best. The model-specific Android unit goes in place of the original radio with a factory-look frame and a plug-in wiring loom, so the dashboard does not have to be taken apart or modified. The specification includes an eight-core processor, an HD touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS navigation, Bluetooth hands-free calling, a reversing camera input and a multi-language menu; the steering wheel buttons are retained after the learning procedure. Two things are worth watching before you buy. One is the factory sound system: the 159 and the Brera could be ordered with the Bose system, which has a separate amplifier, and in that case the head unit wiring differs from cars with the standard specification, so this always has to be clarified before installation. The other is the Blue&Me system, which appeared in the model's later years; if keeping it matters to you, ask in advance, because it can need a different solution from car to car. It is important to know that the other Alfa Romeo models – the 147, the 156, the GT, the MiTo, the Giulietta, and the newer Giulia and Stelvio – were given completely different dashboards, and the 159 kit does not fit those. If you are unsure, send us a photo of the centre section of the dashboard and we will tell you what options there are. Every Alfa Romeo head unit we sell carries a 2-year warranty, and items in stock are posted within one working day.
Frequently asked questions
Which Alfa Romeo models does the unit fit?
The 159 saloon and estate (2005-2011), the Brera (2005-2010) and the Spider (2006-2010). These three models were given a shared dashboard, so the same kit belongs in all three.
Why is it the same head unit for the 159, the Brera and the Spider?
Because all three are built on the same 939 base, and the centre section of the dashboard - the area around the radio - is practically identical. The body and the suspension differ; the radio aperture does not.
What about the factory Bose sound system?
The Bose system has a separate amplifier, so the head unit wiring differs from cars with the standard specification. Let us know before ordering if your car has Bose, so that we can recommend the right solution.
Are the factory functions retained after the swap?
The steering wheel buttons keep working after the learning procedure, the factory speakers and aerial can be used unchanged, and if the car has a reversing camera it can in most cases be rewired to the new head unit.
Does the unit fit the 147, the Giulietta or the MiTo?
No. The dashboards of the Alfa Romeo 147, 156, GT, MiTo, Giulietta, and the newer Giulia and Stelvio are built completely differently, and the 159 kit does not fit them. If you have one of those, send us a photo of the dashboard and we will see whether there is a solution.
