Replace Stereo in w211

Apr 12, 2006 | 11:22 AM

tfulmino

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

Replace Stereo in w211

I would like to replace the stock OEM stereo in my car with an Alpine Nav System (CVA-1004). Every installer I have talked with has informed me that the w211 has a fiber optic stereo, so you can not change it.

I seem to find this hard to believe. Any incite would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Apr 12, 2006 | 11:33 AM

Jakpro1

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 7,092

Likes: 13

From: Salt Lake City (but not Morm)

2003 E55 & 2014 GL550

Doesn't happen often, but this thread has exactly the information you need.

Guy did exactly the same thing you wanna do.

Worth a call to the installer in Atlanta to ask a couple of questions.

You owe me a beer.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...alpine+atlanta

Apr 12, 2006 | 11:34 AM

steph280

Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 491

Likes: 0

From: Irvine, CA, USA

Tesla

yup the COMAND headunit is on a fiber ring that connects your AGW, NAV, phone, voice command, etc. Remove the headunit would break this ring and cause some major problems. But I did see in another thread somebody installed an Eclipse nav unit. might want to search for that post and ask the poster how they did it.

Apr 12, 2006 | 11:13 PM

j3cubcapt

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Texas

2003 E320, looking to buy a Black 03 ML500

Quote:

Originally Posted by steph280

But I did see in another thread somebody installed an Eclipse nav unit. might want to search for that post and ask the poster how they did it.

Not sure if this is the link you were talking about, but http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...190735&posts=9

This is what I plan to do in my car.

Apr 13, 2006 | 08:35 AM

tfulmino

Thread Starter

Newbie

Joined: Apr 2006

Posts: 11

Likes: 0

Thanks to all who replied.

j3cubcapt, the link you sent was very helpful. It is indeed what I plan to do. The price on installation is VERY steep, but could just be the installer.

So, am I to assume I can not utilize the amps in the car then?

Apr 13, 2006 | 10:09 AM

j3cubcapt

Junior Member

Joined: Feb 2006

Posts: 41

Likes: 0

From: Dallas Texas

2003 E320, looking to buy a Black 03 ML500

Quote:

Originally Posted by tfulmino

Please keep me informed on what you find out foe price and parts.

I have spoken with the person who did have the Nav installed and he stated that eveything works except the volume control on the wheel. All other wterring wheel buttons still operate.

I know the price is high, but I would spend the same amount to get a factory replacement that has less funtionallity. I plan to keep my car until the wheels fall off, so I'm not concerned about changing from the factory look.

Please continue to post to this tread about any info you find.

Thanks

Apr 13, 2006 | 11:16 AM

davis449

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Apr 2003

Posts: 1,252

Likes: 2

From: San Antonio, Texas

2016 BMW Z4 sDrive35i M Sport

This may help. The fiber optics in all the Mercedes cars, to the best of my knowledge, is only for communications between components like CD changer and cell installation. My 99 has fiber optics and the only thing I lost was my changer. Yes, you would lose steering wheel controls, but I'm sure that can be remedied as well. This should be as simple as buying a NAV unit (i.e. Alpine), a wiring harness, wiring it up and off you go.