joeribs

Hello all,
I am new to the site so this is my first post. I have a '99 E320 4-matic with 33,000 miles on it! I've recently put a lot of work in to it such as headlights, foglights, interior work, and also painted the roof. Anyway, my next project is the stereo. I currently have an ipod wire that is connected to the stock radio but for about a year now its been making terrible frequency noises and so i want to place the entire stereo so the AUX can have its own place rather than going through a station. Anyway, I was wondering how the stereo replacement goes. Can I just remove the stock and put one in its place with the existing wires or is there more work that has to be done. I've removed the radio for interior work and so I'm familiar with the plugs in the back and this radio:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_495LA10...o-LA-1000.html

seems to have the same connectors in the back. Can this just go right in with the exiting wires??

Thank you! and I will soon be uploading pics once the snow is off the ground and I get a car wash.

RichardM98

When you purchase a aftermarket radio from Crutchfield you should receive a patch cable that connects to the car's wiring harness and the back of the new radio. Also, you should receive an adapter for the antenna input. If you already know how to remove the radio then it's PlugnPlay.

Another option includes having Becker Auto Sound (NJ) install a AUX IN cable to your existing radio. They have an exchange program as well.

Chief Wiggum

Wiring Harness: Metra 70-1786
Antenna Adapter: 40-VW10

Things to consider when looking for a replacement aftermarket head unit:
- USB
- 4-channel RCA preout
- Bluetooth

Paronoff

Check this site out, http://www.marcusfitzhugh.com/CLK/DIY/headunit2.html. Lots of detail and color photos. You don't need to add the steering controls adapter, it adds to the cost. I put in a kenwood with blue tooth for hands free telephone. I added tweeters by replacing the dash car phone speakers with 11/2 inch pioneers. The sound over the Becker head unit is a magnitude better. Playing music from iPod or USB is convenient and sounds great. If you do decide to to do the steering wheel controls, make sure you are in audio mode before re-programming. Good luck. Also, Google this, another good DIY for W210: W210 Aftermarket HU with Bose-MBWorld.org Forums

kcblaisdell

My 1999 E320 wagon was rear-ended, spun and totaled (with me in it) by a berserk driver here in Richmond, VA. It happened almost a month to a day after changing out the head unit and door speakers to update and enhance the OEM Bose system. I had the head unit and speakers removed from the totaled vehicle. They are in perfect one month old condition.

So, I am selling:

CDE-HD149BT Alpine advanced bluetooth cd/hd receiver. It replaces the Becker perfectly, and did not need a any kind of bezel. Includes harness. $320 on Alpine website (http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-hd149bt)
R-165S2 FOCAL 6.5” speakers (x2). They fit in the upper inside of the front doors near the dash. $150 on FOCAL website (http://www.focal.com/en/auditor/498-r-165s2.html)

Both integrated beautifully with the BOSE optical system. The 6 CD changer is disabled with this install, but iPod and USB access more than compensates.

This install fixes the vexing problem of outdated media in the E320’s.

Get Real

Was this sold?

QUOTE=kcblaisdell;6060567]My 1999 E320 wagon was rear-ended, spun and totaled (with me in it) by a berserk driver here in Richmond, VA. It happened almost a month to a day after changing out the head unit and door speakers to update and enhance the OEM Bose system. I had the head unit and speakers removed from the totaled vehicle. They are in perfect one month old condition.

So, I am selling:

CDE-HD149BT Alpine advanced bluetooth cd/hd receiver. It replaces the Becker perfectly, and did not need a any kind of bezel. Includes harness. $320 on Alpine website (http://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/cde-hd149bt)
R-165S2 FOCAL 6.5” speakers (x2). They fit in the upper inside of the front doors near the dash. $150 on FOCAL website (http://www.focal.com/en/auditor/498-r-165s2.html)

Both integrated beautifully with the BOSE optical system. The 6 CD changer is disabled with this install, but iPod and USB access more than compensates.

This install fixes the vexing problem of outdated media in the E320’s.[/QUOTE]

kcblaisdell

Good morning

I have NOT sold the Alpine or the two door speakers. My brother thought of installing the Alpine in his Mitsubishi SUV, but decided not to.

Let me know. (Where do you live?). Ken Blaisdell

Get Real

Hey Ken

I live in Cali, are you willing to ship?

kcblaisdell

Yes. I'll ship. What are you offering for the Alpine and the Focal speakers?
Best. Ken

Get Real

Hi Ken, sorry to take so long to get back to you. I just bought a 99 E320 for my daughter's first car and so far the battery, ac, radio, and auto locks have all gone out.

Anyways the Bose amp is fried so I don't know if the stereo system will even work but I'm willing to try and get it to work.

Would you take $200 plus shipping? The Alpine can be had new now from $200-$300.

LMK, Thanks.

kcblaisdell

Hi

Did you get my return message?

Get Real

No I didn't and I just sent you pm.
Thanks