TheNoble

Those of you that have replaced the HU with a double din, which one did get?? I know some people enjoy stock look and went with dynavin but I am not inclined to spent that much yet...

Just saw this on Amazon as #1 Best Seller.... .... too good to be true???


Best
-Noble

lmal355

i dont think they make an aftermarket bracket anymore so your only option would be one of the OEM dynavin replicas

Rudeney

Actually, for a MY2003, you can get the double-DIN faceplate adapter - the W203 will fit it fine. It's only the facelift (MY2005+) where the W203 faceplate adapter won't quite fit, but it can be "adapted".

As for a head unit to get, there are so many choices. Personally, I'd spend more and get a name-brand unit like Pioneer or Kenwood. About 6 years ago, I put a Pioneer AVIC int he C240. it was a factory refurb for about $350. By today's standards, it's not very sophisticated but back then, it was really nice.

TheNoble

Thanks Rudeney!!!!

Honestly I agree, I do not want to go through installing a cheap one and works poorly into a Mercedes...

Would I be correct in assuming that I would need a new amp since mine is the Bose system?

Rudeney

With Bose, the factory radio sends its audio signals to the amp in the trunk only via fiber optic - there is no analog wiring from the dash to the speakers. You will need to run your own analog wiring to the trunk and then attach to the analog speaker wiring as it come out of the Bose amp, thus bypassing it. As for an amp, most aftermarket radios have a built-in amp with about 25w per channel. If that's adequate for your needs, just run the necessary 4-channels of high-level speaker wire. If you want a more powerful system with a separate amp, then run low-level wiring to the trunk and install an amp there.

TheNoble

Thanks a lot of the help Rodney! I'll slowly get what I need now and then start this up over the summer when I can enjoy working on the car !

Or I might give it to Best Buy. They gave me a pretty reasonable quote with parts and labor included outside the HU of about $280. They also said I can bring them parts and reduce the price a bit!

Rudeney

I would make sure BestBuy knows what they are doing. I have heard many stories of people taking their cars to BB and being told they can do the job, only to find out they can't because of the fiber. Also, the vehicle wiring harness does not supply switched 12v nor does it supply illumination. Those can be picked up easily enough from the center console (ashtray light and lighter socket). Another consideration is the antenna amp - it needs 12v to activate it, which can usually be done by connecting the radio's power antenna lead to the appropriate lead on the vehicle's harness (A5).

TheNoble

That was my biggest concern as well and when I was having the discussion with the "specialist" he seemed to be 100% aware of the fiber optic and amp bypassing and most, if not all, of the necessary cabling. Actually he gave me a list of all the parts and part numbers they were going to need so I could get them if I wanted to. I can post it here if people are interested.

Before doing the job I intend to be very blunt with Best Buy about the quality of the job and that I do not intend to pay more than what they give me after a delicate estimate as I know how they work.