Hey Guys,
I'm looking into putting a Kenwood DNX8120 into my 05 C230 but I just have a few questions. Hopefully someone who has done this before or someone who just knows can help me out.

1. Can i use the stock amp to run the speakers or do i have to bypass and run the unit directly to the speakers? I went to 4 different shops in my area, two said i had to bypass, one didn't know and the other said i could use it.

2. Do you know the parts/numbers to keep the steering controls. Ive searched the PAC swi-can website for the module, but they don't list one for the 05 c230??

Thanks in advance.

1] Stock amp is fiber, so you won't be able to reuse it.

2] take a look at http://www.connects2.com/ - they are pretty popular over here, I'd imagine you can get them stateside as well.

thanks! so i have to bypass the amp, hmmm that sucks. Has anyone hooked up the DNX8120 to the factory speakers without another amp. How does it sound? Does this mean i can only power the front speakers and the rear door speakers until i get another amp?

Anyone know if the pac-swi-jack and the pac-swi-can will work in a 2005 C230??

website just says 02-04 or w203 with similar plugs???

Thanks...

ROLLNNN

I have a Kenwood DNX7100 and I connected it to my factory speakers in a Volvo and then added a kicker Amp and Sub. The results were fantastic, when I crank it the mirrors shake so much and I cant tell what kind of car is behind me (not that I care). I just bought a 2007 E-350 and will purchase another Kenwood (the latest and greates) and do the same again. So I highly recomend leaving the factory speakers and just connect a matched amp and sub. You will be very happy. If you live in MA I will show what can be accomplished allbeit in a volvo S80. The 350 will get the same once I figure out what is needed.

BTW does anybody here have experience in pulling a HU from an E-Class (W211)? I am doing lots of research becuase I dont trust anybody else to work on the car and the Pros are way too expensive. I prefer to spend the money on the hardware, take my time and have it look professional.

^ Kevin did a good job of posting how to pull the Comand. Even though he does it in a W219 CLS55 it pertains to W211s as well.

https://mbworld.org/forums/cls55-amg...-ipod-fix.html

Whats up guys.
I had my DNX8120 installed this past weekend. I had it done at Gold Star Audio in Irvine. I really want to hook up the steering controls. They told me that there are no modules that work with the 2005 C230K as of right now. Some other shops have told me that it is possible?? Has anyone ever done this before or heard of anyone doing it with the 05 w203??? and what modules were used??

Thanks!

Try this
http://www.pac-audio.com/swixprogram...rogramming.asp

Thanks for the reply,

i asked the stereo shops about the pac-swi jack & the pac-swi can, but they said it doesn't work with the 05 w203's... On the pac site it says it only works on 04 and older w203's, but other shops told me it would work and others didnt know.... maybe ill call PAC and ask them..

anyone here with an 05 w203 that has used steering controls with an aftermarket head unit???? anyone seen it done??

Might want to ask sleewell about it. He has an 2006 C230.

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...g-rse2-my.html

Looking slick.

ROLLNNN,

What did you do about powering the the speakers? Did you add an amp or did just drive four speakers? I am thinking I am going to put the same stereo in my E350.

By the way stereo looks slick how do you like the unit?

Thanks!!

Thanks, I love this thing, i'm still learning how to use all the functions though. I just remembered i had the remote control in the glove box, took it out and started using it, The steering controls aren't as important to me anymore....

I'm using the power from the head unit. My car didn't have an external amp or a sub. So basically the wiring harness was plug and play as much as i know. I didn't do the install so i'm not 100% sure. but they did tell me it was a straight up install. So i'm just running the speakers i was using with the factory head unit. This HU makes it sound a lot better...

i recommend this thing 100%

I just changed the start up screen image. Instead of it saying Kenwood it now shows this: