tfulmino

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.

Jakpro1

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

steph280

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.

j3cubcapt

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.

tfulmino

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?

j3cubcapt

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

davis449

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.

steph280

The stock amp is AGW I believe, which does signal processing based on proprietary signal transmitted on the fiber ring. Aftermarket headunits probably will not be able to talk to it.

Will do you actually fly a J3? Love those planes.

j3cubcapt

I did fly one until I sold it about 4 years ago. 1946 J3. Now my other car is a Boeing 737.

j3cubcapt

tfulmino

Have you done the install yet? Please post pictures and any info you find.