ok audio installers, i need your help!!

dkim · 07-11-2007, 07:41 PM

I have searched and searched....

there doesnt seem to be a concensus on how to add an aftermarket HU to a bose fiber optic system.

I read threads that say it's impossible without replacing the bose speakers,amp, and rear sub.

I read threads that say that the bose amp need to be replaced along with the rear sub only.

I read threads that say a simple VW harness plugs right in and no changes need to be made to the speakers, amp or sub.

I am in the process of replacing my HU with an eclipse avn5500. Just need info before buying the damn thing and dropping $1000.

please do no respond if you are just giving another opinion

I would please like to hear from those who have actually done the aftermarket change to your clks.

please help!!

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2004clk320 · 07-12-2007, 10:10 AM

greetings,

I am in the same boat as you, i have a 2004 clk320 and i want to just change my HU and keep everything else stock; but like you, search and search but can't find any info on a simple YES or NO answer. can someone help us out?

thanks!

Freddy2081 · 07-13-2007, 01:37 PM

here in italy theres noone that makes an adapter to change the hu and leave everything else stock, i tried calling up alpine, pioneer, and many other companies, of hu and adaptors,but they told me that theres no way to do that (I had this problem with an ML, so i guess its the same thing)

dkim · 07-27-2007, 08:28 AM

ok, took my car to an installer in jerz and they said they can do it easily without rewiring the entire car. Pretty much plug an play with a vw harness.

I did have one question though. The guy said that the sub can be powered by the sub-out in the head unit along with the 4 speakers (guess i'll be losing the center?).

Did plenty of searches and didnt hear of this method before.

Anyways, he guaranteed me that it would be done for $150, so i'm just waiting to win an auction for an eclipse avn5500 on fleabay.

I'll post followup comments and pics as soon as the install is done (or not done.)

Hopefully I can shed some light on this age-old question.

netboy · 07-27-2007, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkim

Anyways, he guaranteed me that it would be done for $150, so i'm just waiting to win an auction for an eclipse avn5500 on fleabay.

150$ is cheap! i paid 350$ to install my Kenwood x891 HU. I know 350$ is a ripoff, but every1 said it' hard to install on a car with Bose. haha

MikeDC · 07-27-2007, 03:58 PM

Please let us know how this goes and provide pics if you can. Many of us have been looking for a solution to this problem. I would replace the head unit if it looked good and provided iPOD support. I have an 04 CLK500 with the same Bose system you have.

dkim · 08-03-2007, 08:42 AM

ok, received the american international kit and VW harness in the mail from buy.com for $6 shipped using google checkout coupon hehe.

Bought an eclipse avn5500 slightly used off fleabay for $540 (I think i got the best price ever on it!) that's coming in today.

The installer told me to give him a call after all the parts came in to see if he can do it this saturday (tomorrow). If he can, I will post pics and info on the installation assuming the guy knows what he's doing.

Total cost=

harness+dash kit = $6
Eclipse unit = $560 (shipped)
Installation = $150
antenna adaptor = $20

$736....not bad if it all works without a hitch

illery · 08-03-2007, 10:03 AM

I would also like to know if this works...GOODLUCK!!!

netboy · 08-03-2007, 12:46 PM

i installed Kenwood kdc-x891 on my 2003 mercedes c320 coupe with BOSE.
main feature of this HU,
CD-TEXT, radio text (display song and artist from listening to radio!)
ipod support (with optional cable), play by artist, songs, top rated, etc.
my main complain about this hu, display is unreadable under direct sunlight.

IMG]http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l255/netboy_2006/IMGP0635.jpg[/IMG]

MikeDC · 08-03-2007, 12:52 PM

Thanks for posting the pic. It's great to see options to solving this iPOD integration problem!!

phatisfy · 08-05-2007, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkim

ok, received the american international kit and VW harness in the mail from buy.com for $6 shipped using google checkout coupon hehe.

Bought an eclipse avn5500 slightly used off fleabay for $540 (I think i got the best price ever on it!) that's coming in today.

The installer told me to give him a call after all the parts came in to see if he can do it this saturday (tomorrow). If he can, I will post pics and info on the installation assuming the guy knows what he's doing.

Total cost=

harness+dash kit = $6
Eclipse unit = $560 (shipped)
Installation = $150
antenna adaptor = $20

$736....not bad if it all works without a hitch

Could you please let me know what VW harness (model#) was used?
I have the Eclipse unit also and just need some info b4 I do the install.
And could you please see or ask who's doing the installation,where did they tap the VSS wire. Thanks in advance

dkim · 08-06-2007, 10:07 AM

Harness: Metra VW 70-1784 from buy.com

I'm getting it installed at Mobile Werks in Lodi, NJ. The guys there are extremely helpful and friendly.

They are still working on the car, and i'll get an update today.

From what I am told, the VSS is on the fiber optic system (CAN BUS). They said if they cant tap into the system, they'll just leave it off which is apparently fine. The navi might be off a few feet which is fine with me.

I'll post an update as soon as i hear back from them.

phatisfy · 08-06-2007, 07:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkim

Harness: Metra VW 70-1784 from buy.com

I'm getting it installed at Mobile Werks in Lodi, NJ. The guys there are extremely helpful and friendly.

They are still working on the car, and i'll get an update today.

From what I am told, the VSS is on the fiber optic system (CAN BUS). They said if they cant tap into the system, they'll just leave it off which is apparently fine. The navi might be off a few feet which is fine with me.

I'll post an update as soon as i hear back from them.

Thanks for the update.I heard you could tap the vss wire to the esp switch?

dkim · 08-07-2007, 10:03 AM

ok, here's a quick update.

The bose amp WOULD HAVE worked with the HU if it wasnt connected to the factory HU via fiberoptics. I thought all mercedes bose systems had the HU connected to the amp via FO. Can anyone verify this?

Anyways, what a let down. I thought the install was easy and a mere $150.

The guy at Mobile werks said it was his mistake and is rewiring the speakers and sub to an aftermarket amp for a good price.

More than what i wanted to pay, but still under my budget for the total install.

I was going to keep searching different installers who claim to work on mercedes cars, but it wasnt worth the extra time. If the w203 owners have such an easy time with the install by merely using a harness, I thought we would have just as easy time with it too.

I'll post pics and give a final update when i pick up my car tonight.

sorry for the bad news. Looks like a few hundred bucks to rewire which i think is worth it just because the becker unit with the compartment looks like ***.

phatisfy · 08-07-2007, 09:31 PM

So you lose the bose amp? That's gonna make the speakers sound bad

dkim · 08-07-2007, 11:36 PM

yeah they pulled the bose amp. Sounds really good even the sub with the new amp. The front speakers sound crisp.

The 2 problems i'm having after the install are the wipers dont work and the air bag srs error message came on.

I was told that the srs would go off after about 30 miles and the wipers had a bad relay that is totally unrelated to the stereo install

anyone have any experience with this?

pics to follow

netboy · 08-08-2007, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkim

The 2 problems i'm having after the install are the wipers dont work and the air bag srs error message came on.

I was told that the srs would go off after about 30 miles and the wipers had a bad relay that is totally unrelated to the stereo install

anyone have any experience with this?

pics to follow

everything works on mine. wipers works, and never has a SRS error message.

Lance10 · 08-08-2007, 07:47 PM

Lookin forward to the pics!

phatisfy · 08-08-2007, 09:51 PM

The reason why your SRS light came on is because they probaly disconnected your seats to run all the wires.I also have an RSX w/bose system,and I had my seats disconnected before,and I got the damn SRS light.The dealer would be able to reset it tho.

Lance10 · 08-09-2007, 06:53 AM

Thanks DKIM and Phatisfy, great information.

DKIM, did you replace your speakers or just the amplifier powering them?

Did they mount the additional amplifier in the dash or somewhere else?

Do you have any pics of their install?

dkim · 08-09-2007, 09:21 AM

amp was installed in the trunk.

Finally got the wipers working along with the hood latch. Just need to get the abs light off at the dealer or at the installer shop.

I will post pics tonight...sorry for the delay...just been crazy getting everything to work. I was seriously regretting installing the HU because of all the headache and trouble.

When i first got the car back, the system sounded horrible. Clear uppers and mids but the bass was terrible. You could hear the bass chirping when the volume was just moderately high. I wanted to kill myself. Go through all the trouble and have your system sound worse than stock.

Messed with the HU equalizer for about 30 minutes and still could hear the bass chirp. turns out the sub grill cover wasnt put on right and that's what caused the chirping and terrible sound.

The double din unit looks soooooooo much better than the becker and having navigation is awesome!! The american international kit is definitely the way to go. Buy.com has the harness and kit for $8 after google checkout. hehe.

I'll tell u right now, VSS is not an issue. Drove around for about 2 hours yesterday with no problems.

After all the calls and issues i had from Motorwerks, I would definitely recommend them to anyone living in new jersey. They probably learned a lot after working on my car, so you should have an easier install.

dkim · 08-09-2007, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lance10

Thanks DKIM and Phatisfy, great information.

DKIM, did you replace your speakers or just the amplifier powering them?

Did they mount the additional amplifier in the dash or somewhere else?

Do you have any pics of their install?

oops almost forgot, only the amp was replaced. speakers are stock.

phatisfy · 08-09-2007, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkim

oops almost forgot, only the amp was replaced. speakers are stock.

Do you mind showing me a link for the dash and harness kit so I can place an order on these bad boys? Good to hear you got everything workn now

Lance10 · 08-10-2007, 07:05 AM

Love to see pics of it DKIM!

Today I'm installing an Alpine IVA-W205 unit and will try to get pics up as well. Hope I don't have your woes but at least you prepared me!

dkim · 08-10-2007, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phatisfy

Do you mind showing me a link for the dash and harness kit so I can place an order on these bad boys? Good to hear you got everything workn now

http://www.buy.com/prod/metra-70-178.../90135406.html

http://www.buy.com/prod/american-int...202749565.html

make sure to use google checkout with a new account . should be $10.94 shipped. i think i wrote down the wrong total before

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07-12-2007, 10:10 AM	#2
2004clk320 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Sunshine State Posts: 2 Drives: 2004 CLK320	greetings, I am in the same boat as you, i have a 2004 clk320 and i want to just change my HU and keep everything else stock; but like you, search and search but can't find any info on a simple YES or NO answer. can someone help us out? thanks!

07-13-2007, 01:37 PM	#3
Freddy2081 Almost a Member! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Italy Posts: 26 Drives: 2003 CLK 270 CDI AVANTGARDE	here in italy theres noone that makes an adapter to change the hu and leave everything else stock, i tried calling up alpine, pioneer, and many other companies, of hu and adaptors,but they told me that theres no way to do that (I had this problem with an ML, so i guess its the same thing)

07-27-2007, 08:28 AM	#4
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	ok, took my car to an installer in jerz and they said they can do it easily without rewiring the entire car. Pretty much plug an play with a vw harness. I did have one question though. The guy said that the sub can be powered by the sub-out in the head unit along with the 4 speakers (guess i'll be losing the center?). Did plenty of searches and didnt hear of this method before. Anyways, he guaranteed me that it would be done for $150, so i'm just waiting to win an auction for an eclipse avn5500 on fleabay. I'll post followup comments and pics as soon as the install is done (or not done.) Hopefully I can shed some light on this age-old question.

07-27-2007, 03:58 PM	#6
MikeDC Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 79 Drives: 2004 CLK500 Cabriolet Designo	Please let us know how this goes and provide pics if you can. Many of us have been looking for a solution to this problem. I would replace the head unit if it looked good and provided iPOD support. I have an 04 CLK500 with the same Bose system you have.

08-03-2007, 08:42 AM	#7
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	ok, received the american international kit and VW harness in the mail from buy.com for $6 shipped using google checkout coupon hehe. Bought an eclipse avn5500 slightly used off fleabay for $540 (I think i got the best price ever on it!) that's coming in today. The installer told me to give him a call after all the parts came in to see if he can do it this saturday (tomorrow). If he can, I will post pics and info on the installation assuming the guy knows what he's doing. Total cost= harness+dash kit = $6 Eclipse unit = $560 (shipped) Installation = $150 antenna adaptor = $20 $736....not bad if it all works without a hitch

08-03-2007, 10:03 AM	#8
illery Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 35 Drives: CLK 320	I would also like to know if this works...GOODLUCK!!!

08-03-2007, 12:46 PM	#9
netboy Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Bayarea, California Posts: 126 Drives: 2003 C320 coupe	i installed Kenwood kdc-x891 on my 2003 mercedes c320 coupe with BOSE. main feature of this HU, CD-TEXT, radio text (display song and artist from listening to radio!) ipod support (with optional cable), play by artist, songs, top rated, etc. my main complain about this hu, display is unreadable under direct sunlight. IMG]http://i98.photobucket.com/albums/l255/netboy_2006/IMGP0635.jpg[/IMG]

08-03-2007, 12:52 PM	#10
MikeDC Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 79 Drives: 2004 CLK500 Cabriolet Designo	Thanks for posting the pic. It's great to see options to solving this iPOD integration problem!!

08-06-2007, 10:07 AM	#12
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	Harness: Metra VW 70-1784 from buy.com I'm getting it installed at Mobile Werks in Lodi, NJ. The guys there are extremely helpful and friendly. They are still working on the car, and i'll get an update today. From what I am told, the VSS is on the fiber optic system (CAN BUS). They said if they cant tap into the system, they'll just leave it off which is apparently fine. The navi might be off a few feet which is fine with me. I'll post an update as soon as i hear back from them.

08-07-2007, 10:03 AM	#14
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	ok, here's a quick update. The bose amp WOULD HAVE worked with the HU if it wasnt connected to the factory HU via fiberoptics. I thought all mercedes bose systems had the HU connected to the amp via FO. Can anyone verify this? Anyways, what a let down. I thought the install was easy and a mere $150. The guy at Mobile werks said it was his mistake and is rewiring the speakers and sub to an aftermarket amp for a good price. More than what i wanted to pay, but still under my budget for the total install. I was going to keep searching different installers who claim to work on mercedes cars, but it wasnt worth the extra time. If the w203 owners have such an easy time with the install by merely using a harness, I thought we would have just as easy time with it too. I'll post pics and give a final update when i pick up my car tonight. sorry for the bad news. Looks like a few hundred bucks to rewire which i think is worth it just because the becker unit with the compartment looks like ***.

08-07-2007, 09:31 PM	#15
phatisfy MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 1,151 Drives: S550 w///AMG PKG	So you lose the bose amp? That's gonna make the speakers sound bad

08-07-2007, 11:36 PM	#16
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	yeah they pulled the bose amp. Sounds really good even the sub with the new amp. The front speakers sound crisp. The 2 problems i'm having after the install are the wipers dont work and the air bag srs error message came on. I was told that the srs would go off after about 30 miles and the wipers had a bad relay that is totally unrelated to the stereo install anyone have any experience with this? pics to follow

08-08-2007, 07:47 PM	#18
Lance10 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 8	Lookin forward to the pics!

08-08-2007, 09:51 PM	#19
phatisfy MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston Posts: 1,151 Drives: S550 w///AMG PKG	The reason why your SRS light came on is because they probaly disconnected your seats to run all the wires.I also have an RSX w/bose system,and I had my seats disconnected before,and I got the damn SRS light.The dealer would be able to reset it tho.

08-09-2007, 06:53 AM	#20
Lance10 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 8	Thanks DKIM and Phatisfy, great information. DKIM, did you replace your speakers or just the amplifier powering them? Did they mount the additional amplifier in the dash or somewhere else? Do you have any pics of their install?

08-09-2007, 09:21 AM	#21
dkim Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Northern Jersey Posts: 221 Drives: 2003 clk500, 2010 RRS	amp was installed in the trunk. Finally got the wipers working along with the hood latch. Just need to get the abs light off at the dealer or at the installer shop. I will post pics tonight...sorry for the delay...just been crazy getting everything to work. I was seriously regretting installing the HU because of all the headache and trouble. When i first got the car back, the system sounded horrible. Clear uppers and mids but the bass was terrible. You could hear the bass chirping when the volume was just moderately high. I wanted to kill myself. Go through all the trouble and have your system sound worse than stock. Messed with the HU equalizer for about 30 minutes and still could hear the bass chirp. turns out the sub grill cover wasnt put on right and that's what caused the chirping and terrible sound. The double din unit looks soooooooo much better than the becker and having navigation is awesome!! The american international kit is definitely the way to go. Buy.com has the harness and kit for $8 after google checkout. hehe. I'll tell u right now, VSS is not an issue. Drove around for about 2 hours yesterday with no problems. After all the calls and issues i had from Motorwerks, I would definitely recommend them to anyone living in new jersey. They probably learned a lot after working on my car, so you should have an easier install.

08-10-2007, 07:05 AM	#24
Lance10 Newbie Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 8	Love to see pics of it DKIM! Today I'm installing an Alpine IVA-W205 unit and will try to get pics up as well. Hope I don't have your woes but at least you prepared me!

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