Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)

subienewbie2 · January 2006

I am sorry but anyone who wants to watch video while is need of some serious whooping up the side of there heads.

What kind of an idiot would do that - oh yeah - the ones that chug a beer, woman who do their make-up and other assorted fools who type e-mails on their PDAs while safely driving down the road.

Come on folks - wake and smell the coffee - if you do that you are just stupid, stupid , stupid.

Great example for your kids if you haven't already killed them.

cluelesspa · January 2006

I think the issue is with the stereo head unit. try making a data CD with a bunch of 128 bit or higher MP3s on it.

play that compared to the CD or Radio and you will definitely hear the base.

I am assuming you have the factory stereo with the rear sub in the back

vger105 · January 2006

The head unit? Doesn't that make it virtually unreplacable?
I'm not terribly knowledgable about this sort of thing, so I really appreciate the input.
I thought maybe the speakers needed upgrading but again, I have no way of knowing.
I find it unfathomable that a $34,000 car should have a marginal stereo.

brianpilon · January 2006

ya, the audio system is horrible- i just had all the speakers replaced. i was shocked by the stock speakers. to be honest it sounded ok for what it was. never seen speakers built so bad. it was made from cardboard and plastic. the subwoofer is horrible too. take my advice and have the speakers replaced.

brianpilon · January 2006

thanks for the input preacher- i am actaully a firefighter paramedic and dont drink. for the reason i want the dvd on the front screen is for my front passenger. not to watch it myself. dont need people like you to wine

about others habits. to bad people couldnt just worry about them selfs. this is a learning forum not a compliant forum. WORRY ABOUT YOURSELF

subienewbie2 · January 2006

The fact of your employment - though a noble one has nothing to do with the issue, unless a requirement of your department is to only hire perfect humans.

Safety on the road is my business, I am sick of driving next to the lame brains I described. Maybe you do not intend to watch but I guarantee there will be moments when you (the imperfect human, like the rest of us) will glance at the screen. I only hope no little child decides to run out in front of you at that moment.

The fact that you can administer medical assistance will mean little.

once_for_all · January 2006

even more ridiculous is the tailgater trying to watch the DVD of the car in front :surprise:

John

robotb9 · January 2006

even more ridiculous is the tailgater trying to watch the DVD of the car in front

I think that's what the rear screen is for.

b9bingo · January 2006

I also would like to know of a fix for the Nav. to display video while driving, for the front passenger of corse. Other than fooling the e-brake switch that causes your brake light to come on and your day-time running lights to go off. As soon as someone finds out how to get around, it let me know. please!

b9driver · January 2006

Anyone who thinks the forward screen is unsafe hasn't thought it through when it comes to kids...and most folks want it for their kids.
We didn't want the stock system because it compromised the rear view. The rear view is ALREADY less than great. But not having a working screen up front meant an adult can't navigate DVD menus for young kids. The working forward display keeps the adult in full control of the material. We also went with a custom system that could be loaded from the front seat easily.
The front screen should work on the stock system for the above reasons. I'm "human" and have yet to watch a movie while driving, even though I can see it fine on the passenger viser. I do like listening to them though!

Video system
http://members.aol.com/bobsprit/images/mvideo.jpg

RB
B9 Limited

robotb9 · January 2006

TV in the front seat while driving is illegal here in Minnesota. Could be different elsewhere.

169.471 Television; headphones.

Subdivision 1. Television screen in vehicle. No television screen shall be installed or used in any motor vehicle where it is visible to the driver while operating the motor vehicle except:

(1) video screens installed in law enforcement vehicles;

(2) closed-circuit video systems used exclusively to aid the driver's visibility to the rear or sides of the vehicle; and

(3) video screens installed as part of a vehicle control system or used in intelligent vehicle highway applications.

ateixeira · January 2006

b9Driver's system is pretty darned ideal if you ask me. And he paid less than the OE system, too. :shades:

At least the windows are tinted so you don't get tailgaters watching your films!

-juice

b9driver · January 2006

b9Driver's system is pretty darned ideal if you ask me.>>>

Thanks, we really like it. The dealer here in NY connected me with Icon TV, who did the install and matched my Subaru Warranty on the whole setup. Also included: 3 pair of FM headphones that work so well I can walk away from the car and still hear the movie. All three screens have wireless remotes...because who can be bothered reaching 16 inches across the great space between face and screen.
It was 1500.00 installed. The BAD part is that it's still using an FM modulator, but this has worked perfectly, 100% static free even on long drives to Ohio, PA, NJ and CT. At this point we may have another car before we solve the direct connect issue, which would make for better frequency response. The dealer also promised me a 900.00 credit on the system when we trade within 3 years. We're trading in two. I hope the B9 STI is out by then!

Robert B
B9 Limited

ateixeira · January 2006

That is one of the few aftermarket add-ons that will truly increase the resale value. Vans with DVDs sell for more, so you will get some of it back.

Enjoy.

-juice

mewmew · January 2006

I am from Ontario, Canada, we bought a black B9 originally but now changing our mind to the Atlantic blue after I have seen one on the road. Wondering if dealer would give us hard time because the sales person said the manager has to call us back regarding changing colors..... Are we entitled to change color as long as it's before delivery?

x5killer · January 2006

"Here is the link:

tribeca prototype?? "

I like the color and it wasn't one offered. Its kind of like the recent popular burnt/rust orange (probably popular with Texas Longhorn fans, congratulations to them btw) used by Nissan (FX35) and cadillac among others but this looks more subtle and more red then orange i dunno.

Also like the silver cross bars and the exhausts seem to be a brighter silver and stand out. I like the rims better as well. the rest looks the same.

x5killer · January 2006

"did find a contact switch at the emergency brake foot pedal. when you push in the emergency brake it pushes in this contact switch. so I was thinking its easier to just fool the switch. BUT !!! I realized just manually pushing the switch causes the red warning light to come on on the dash and the daytime running lights turn off! headlights still work, but the daytime lights go off. they are linked to the switch #$#$# because when you are parked with the EBrake on the car turns off the daytime lights."

nice find. I know some ppl were looking for a way to turn off the daytime running lights. This kids 2 birds (maybe more) with one stone? There inlies the problem though i guess as someone mentioned that switch migh deactivate other stuff?

I dont really despise the daytime running lights but dont see the point of them in bright sunny daylight conditions, you can always just turn on your parking lights anyway.

How would you suggest permanently or semi permanently depressing the switch that the parking brake brake activates. I guess you will always have the parking brake light on and therefore wont be reminded that it is on when it really is would be one downfall.

Again, to me being able to use the NAV while in drive is more important as most other cars allow this and we have all stated its annoying and still safe for a passenger to operate etc. The Dvd would be nice but not as important as the nav. The daytime running lights off would be a plus i guess to save the bulb life.

x5killer · January 2006

"Has anyone seen any stats as to what percentage of B9s have been purchased by present Subie owners as opposed to first timers like myself.

For SOAs sake it would be good if the majority of B9s went to newbies."

I was a Nissan/Infiniti loyalist who chose a B9 over a Murano or Fx35.

x5killer · January 2006

"Also just got a new 7 ltd pearl white w/charcoal interior (was going to get the beige but it's more "light yellow" than beige...). Very smooth handling and riding car compared to my previous MDX."

hm, unless they changed the desert beige, mine is not yellow at all and do know of car makes that have a yellowish beige, Acura being one of them. I love the desert beige and the charcoal has perforation which makes it look sportier but more like cloth and not as luxury plus i had perforated charcoal cloth in my last suv.

Pretty impressive for Subaru that you came from an MDX which is a fairly high rated (in CR) mid size suv (same category as B9) and is made by Acura who seems to have the best tech in the car right now..ie. voice activated superior Nav, bluetooth etc.

x5killer · January 2006

Speaking of tech, there is a nice bluetooth solution since the B9 does not have that and many would like it. It is a rear view mirror with bt built in and shows the cell phone caller id in the mirror. I think it may have been mentioned here but it might have been somewhere else in which case I'll try and find the link but I'm sure one could find it searching.

In trying to keep up with the Acura TL and other such cars with integrated bt mostly for cell phone use it seems to be a nice solution that would seem integrated.

Problem is for those of us wanting a backup cam solution, also one of the best is a kit that comes with a replacement rear view mirror that has a display in it for the cam.

I am interested in both but obviously you can't have 2 mirrors, so hopefully someone makes one with both in one. There are some interesting new tech for Cars being shown at the 2006 CES (Consumer Electronic Show) and I saw a few things worth posting here that might be of use to use Tribeca owners.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

I changed the color of my unit (from black to blue also)after I placed the order. The manager must call the factory and advise of them asap but as long as they have not put it on line they should be able to change it.

Also, here in the lower 48 - even after the car arrives you can refuse delivery and get a full refund. If that is the case in Canada, mention that to the dealer if they are not co-operating.

Also, call SOA directly if the dealer is lazy and file a complaint.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

Motorola makes 2 in car BT hands free systems that are very slick with great voice quality.

I purchased the base version for about 129.00.

It automatically bonds with my razr when I turn on the ignition, has voice dialing, mute, and maintains power while on a call even if you turn off the ignition.

Very nice and very safe.

b9bingo · January 2006

For SOAs sake it would be good if the majority of B9s went to newbies.

I'm a first time Subaru buyer. I usually buy Acura or BMW sedans. Almost bought a Rx330.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

I am a former BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar owner

dean7 · January 2006

I read somewhere about a speaker upgrade. The limited seems to be decent sound but not near the Acura MDX Bose system. Someone mentioned replacing the speakers. If so, do you just go to a car stereo installation place and replace the two front door and two back door speakers....the woofer also...the tweeters. What is the easiest and most reasonable for a slight upgrade? Thanks.

prime2 · January 2006

Just purchased a 2006 Tribeca w/the touchcreen navigation system. When navigating, the location you are going to is off up to 1/2 mile. For example, my New Jersey home address is wrong by 1/2 mile. When I reach my house, it tells me to keep going down the road. Took vehicle to dealer - confirmed this as true (tested several addresses - some right, a high percentage wrong). I noted that the East coast disc box and disc itself is labeled with a version number for 2005-2006, However, when you run the software it indicates a different lower version number. the subaru deler identified the issue as a software problem -- anyone having the same issue and, if so, have you had any resolution. Please post areply or email me at mevcomcast.net if you can help. Regards and thanks.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

My nav does the same thing, as you are approaching it will say "....you have arrived at your destination on the right etc." and usually about a half mile later you actually arrive.

However when the destination is my house it is right on the money, which would seem to negate the system being out of calibration.

I now just start looking after the announcement. I guess it is better than it waiting until you right at the entrance and can slow down enough to turn in.

vger105 · January 2006

I have the same concerns as I find the sound of the Limited's sound system disappointing.
I found speakers for our Tribecas on Crutchfield's site:

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-7dZcscLlzGa/cgi-bin/ProdGroup.asp?g=400

I'm waiting to see if anybody on our forum has had any experience with speaker replacement. I'm not about to start pulling the panels off the doors to replace speakers, so maybe someone here can offer some much appreciated advice.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

I had my first B9 to car contact today,

I cut it a little close swinging into a left turn lane and my right mirror clipped the mirror of another SUV. From the sound I just said "Oh s--t". But when I got out to inspect the damage there was not a sratch on my mirror or the SUV's. Mine just folded in as designed.

I had a similar event in my Q45 and it cost me almost $600 to replace that mirror.

prime2 · January 2006

Just purchased a 2006 Tribeca w/the touchcreen navigation system. When navigating, the location you are going to is off up to 1/2 mile. For example, my New Jersey home address is wrong by 1/2 mile. When I reach my house, it tells me to keep going down the road. Took vehicle to dealer - confirmed this as true (tested several addresses - some right, a high percentage wrong). I noted that the East coast disc box and disc itself is labeled with a version number for 2005-2006, However, when you run the software it indicates a different lower version number. the subaru deler identified the issue as a software problem -- anyone having the same issue and, if so, have you had any resolution??? Regards and thanks.

no_more_vw · January 2006

do u get a good deal and a good car or in this case Tribeca buying it from the dealer or the manufacturer. what would you all recommend

b9bingo · January 2006

I remember mine being off too, but if you read the manual for the Nav. it trouble shoots this problem. I don't remember how I did it, but Ever since I trouble shot it, it has been fine. Follow the instructions and you'll fine tune it. However this navigation system has led me to a couple of dead ends. Over all it's been great.

brianpilon · January 2006

i did have my speakers upgraded at a stereo shop. the stock speakers suck, card borad and plastic. they replaced all the door speakers and tweeteres and i had a small box built for the back to hold a new subwoofer and 1 amp. much better. night and day.

brianpilon · January 2006

i totally understand the problem with glancing down at the dvd while driving, but to be honest the navigation seems to be more a pronblem. even with limited control. so if the dvd is a problem then the radio you can say is just as bad. trying to control it. look at your station. man you can go on for days if you want to complain about things that distract drivers. so why make a dvd the compliant. maybe people should worry about themselves and if you do something stupid you have to leave with it.

again this site is for people who are interested in improving there vehicles. so preaching which is understood, is not needed.

vger105 · January 2006

As I'm not terribly knowledgable about this, may I ask what kind of speakers you bought (brand) and how much everything cost?
Thanks for your help.

pschreck · January 2006

Hey guys. We're looking at Tribecas for a future lease/purchase. Have any of you owners tried a lower grade or fuel than premium? Did you have problems with lower grade? Thanks for any help.

b9bingo · January 2006

My salesperson told me at first they were saying 91+ grade only, and the book says use only higher grades, but he told me they got a memo saying that using regular grade was fine. Although I haven't tried it yet, and am not sure if I will.

c_hunter · January 2006

The only downside to replacing factory speakers is that higher quality aftermarket speakers almost always take more power to drive. Which means the sound levels will be lower at a given volume setting with the new speakers. If you can live with that, then you will probably benefit from increased sound quality from the aftermarket speakers. If, however, you feel that the system is not loud enough or just barely adequate, then the aftermarket speakers will only make the situation worse.

The thing to remember about recent model Subaru stereos is that they tailor the equalization in the head unit to be "kind" to the factory speakers. Among other things, it means reduced bass response at high volumes (try cranking the volume up -- past a certain point, it won't get much louder as the EQ kicks in). Unfortunately, you have to live with this EQ adjustment even if you replace the speakers. Probably not an issue for most of us, but if you're after super high quality audio, ultimately you'll be limited by the head unit, regardless of which speakers you have.

CRaig

subienewbie2 · January 2006

Brian tell that to the woman who killed my niece because she was reading an e-mail off her blackberry and did not see this lovely 9 year old in the cross walk.

So you see I am worrying about my self and family.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

Can you tell us the installed price and brand/Part numbers?

Thanks

pschreck · January 2006

Thank you b9bingo. I appreciate the input.

cluelesspa · January 2006

when the price was up near $3... I was running regular grade - found that I lost about 1 or 2 mpg and performance (pick up) was slightly affected.

Mid grade is what I run now 89 octane.. I got the mpg back and performance is pretty close to premium.

running 93 I gain no MPG over mid grade but I noticed a little improvement (very subtle) in uphill acceleration.

cluelesspa · January 2006

did you have the standard system or the Premium audio system?

there was a difference in sound between the two factory options when I played a MP3 cd in both vehicles at the dealer.

cluelesspa · January 2006

Does anyone have a stand alone GPS AND the NAV system. if they could go into the Diagnostic screen and verify the GPS is reading the same as their hand held that would confirm that its not the GPS receiver but the DATA Maps that are incorrect.

brianpilon · January 2006

very good point but if you want better sound then stock and are looking for just a very clear sounded system and good all around performance. any audio store is going to explain you need an amp added. there is many places to hide an amp in the tribeca. i have the 7 passenger one with nav and i had all the speakers replace and added a 5 channel amp with a 10" sub. the sub and amp were hiden in the back were the tire jack was. it comes up a bit but really didnt lose any room. i have kids so need all the room i can have. but the new audio sound with the stock head unit is night and day. i work at a fire station and everyone there was very impressed. and at a fire station thats not easy to do. if better sound is what you want then replace it. well worth it. and not that expensive.

brianpilon · January 2006

all the audio stuff i bought was crossfire. never really heard of them but the shop loved them and i have had them doing stuff to all my cars for years so i trusted them. plus they came with a 3 year warranty from any shop that sold them. lets see. the 4 doors were 6.5" combinet speakers and they came with the 4 tweeters. i also had a 10" sub added in the back with a 5 channel amp-700 watts. the sound difference is unreal. that all cost around 600-700 hundred installed. but i also had a 9.5 dvdtv installed in the back attached to front screen. satelite radio, an alarm to auto start the vehicle and auto roll up all windows when armed, the stock alarm sucked and i didnt like the fact the doors did not lock when you start the car. have kids and like that. now for everything i had it was less then 2500.00. which is very good for what i got.

brianpilon · January 2006

i have only used mid grade since i have had it and i have not had any problems at all. its been 3-4 months.

brianpilon · January 2006

i see many people die from stupid mistakes in my job. i also have 2 daughters 4 and 5 that are my life. but i am not worried about a few stupid people who shouldnt be on the road. so to say dvd in front is any worse then a navigation system, or even the radio. things happen and thats life. if someone wants to add things go for it. hopefully they can be smart about it. but to complain about the idea of a dvd in front. you dont have kids and wife. man keeping the kids and wife happy with a movie keeps them from distracting me while driving. so honestly i think the dvd in front makes me a better driver.sure many others with a family would a agree.

subienewbie2 · January 2006

Also there doesn't seem to be a way to put in an intersection of 2 streets like other NAVs though I vaguely

It took me 2 months to figure that out.

You can input an intersection-

Press DESTINATION - on the screen in the upper left you will see a touch pad with an arrow in it.

Touch the arrow and it takes you to the second page of the DESTINATION menu. This is also where you find the TELEPHONE Number input for a Business. I only got to accept a phone # twice not very reliable.

Another thing I wish the NAV would allow is to enter just the name of a city. My Infiniti had this and it navigate you to the city center. It a nice feature when you pleasure driving and want to visit a town you've never been to and just want to check it out.

Another cool feature from my Infiniti was if I came across a restaurant for example that I really liked, all I would have to do was pull in front of it - press a button and save that location to my address book.

Infiniti address book allowed you type in a name and I think it could hold fifty locations.

B9 Nav is easier to use but lacks a lot of intuitive features.

brianpilon · January 2006

my origional system was the premium, but again if you look at the speakers that they consider premium its a joke. the worst speakers i have ever seen. really ill try and post pictures of them when i get out of this fire station in a few days. i only replaced the stock stuff because it was to queit and not enough bass. the cost to have all 9 speakers replaced with good combinet speakers and a 10" sub with 5 channel amp was worth every penny. i am very big into sound. didnt spend 40,000 not to have a great sound system.">link title

Subaru B9 Tribeca (B9X)

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