armanchosbenz

Hi folks
i have a stupid question to ask,i'm not that knowledgeable with
audio tech...my ride is a 97 e320 with the original radio/cassete
player...where i'm located fm radio sucks,theres nothing good to
listen to ...so i was wondering if i could hook up an ipod to the exsisting
radio on the car,but i dont want to remove the exsisting radio thats
in the car because i want to retain the classic look of the console.
Is it possible to do this,or does the exsisting audio in car have to be
gutted.

If it is possible would you trust chain stores like best buy or circuit city
to do the instalation,because i dont know any other places.

wwd_mbtch

You can get and aftermarket kit that would wire in and use the factory radio. You would have to plug your ipod into it and then it would probably send a signal throught the radio antenna wire. Or you can use a cassette adaptor.... easier, but sound might not be as good.

lkchris

http://beckerautosound.com/1692-1996-97/aux_input.htm

ldangeli

PM me for info.

Maja216

The cassette adaptor sounds the best and is the easiest way of doing it. The only thing you have to keep in mind is that the ipod has to stay around half volume or the signal will be distorted.

OBOPI

I just replaced the original factory audio system on my '97 E300D with a JVC unit with disc and ipod because the days of having 30 discs rolling under the seats are over. Replace the whole unit - the JVC unit I purchased was $365 installed and the tech didn't need to use any adapters to make a clean install. I can play the ipod either via the aux input through the ipod headphone jack, or directly through the ipod jack on the bottom - which is hidden away in the glove box with about a 3 foot cord - cool. The original audio system on Benzes leaves a lot to be desired - even with the new unit in place I know I'll be changing the speakers - sound is too fat, too tubby, and artificial. i don't think you'll be able to find any product out there that will be easy to adapt to the factory - in 1997 ipods were a long way off.

Skylaw

The Harman Kardon Drive+Play and Drive+Play2 have several ways of being connected; has a separate monitor that replicates the iPod screen; and is a pretty nine looking unit. http://www.harmankardon.com/drive-1/...egion=USA&#btm (you may have to start with the HK site at www.harmankardon.com and search car products). A direct connection, even if you use an FM in-line modulator to feed signal directly into your antenna line, would provide far better sound than an FM transmitter or a cassette interface.

The Drive+Play2 promises a Sirius add-on kit and a Bluetooth cell phone interface as well - but I don't know any more about them than I see on the HK site.

Stores that sell them could probably handle the installation. If you get it through mail order, try a custom car audio shop - they're more likely to have the better installers.

And your question wasn't stupid.

armanchosbenz

Thanks folks for the input
the reason i didn't reply 2 weeks ago is because i was in europe for
3 weeks...while i was there i saw some outrageous benz's with diesel
engines that are not available in the states....

I would probably go with the cassete adaptor even though the JVC
system is probably superior....the reason being is i dont want to
remove the original radio...i want the dashboard to look original

thanks again for the advice

Maja216

Thats cool I just came back from europe 2 days ago. What countries did you visit?

armanchosbenz

Just one....Bulgaria