sibirjak

budget is around $500

can anyone recommend an aftermarket stereo with gps, that'll work on my 2001 clk55 amg?

requirements are:
- bluetooth, for my iphone
- ipod compatibility
- builtin GPS (not a unit that has the OPTION of purchasing navi for another $300, but a unit that already comes with GPS)
- it needs to be able to work with the stock speakers/sub/etc
- it needs to have an adapter available for steering wheel controls that will work with my car

any suggestions?

Skylaw

Not for $500.

sibirjak

care to elaborate?

Skylaw

The units that do all that you want - such as the Kenwood Excelon series (double DIN) - run around $2,000. The single-DIN units with pop-up screens run around $1000 and up (up especially for those with integrated gps, not add-on).

A little searching - either on the forums or on Google - with terms like "Kenwood Excelon" "Pioneer AVIC" and "Alpine navigation" will get you all kinds of information - as will visits to the manufacturers' sites.

In order to use those units, you will be getting rid of your fiber optic based amplifier, so you may need to consider adding one - which may or may not involve new speakers, but will certainly involve equipment such as the Audion Bit-1 or the JL Cleansweep sound processors - since you will be also getting rid of the firmware that tailored sound for your car.

sibirjak

I've seen plenty of units that do what I want for much cheaper.

For instance, why wouldn't this one work? http://www.amazon.com/Clarion-VX400-...3621633&sr=8-1

The amp also seems to be copper based, not fiber based. At least according to this source here:
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...av-my-clk.html

The only fiber component is the cd changer.

Skylaw

Then a better approach may have been to identify the units you are interested in, provide links (as you have), and ask opinions, rather than asking us to do your homework for you.

Perhaps someone has experience with the unit you identified. I don't, so cannot advise, except to say it does not have built-in GPS; it is an external add-on feature, exactly what you ruled out in your initial parameters.

The Clarion NX500 unit shown toward the bottom of the page has a built-in GPS, but is over the price you specified. There is only one left, according to the listing.

I have no idea about adaptability of steering wheel controls for the Clarion units; that would be extra cost if an adapter harness is available. So would the amp you may need, and a CD changer (yours is fiber optic and is not compatible with copper wire systems such as most aftermarket head units).

Again, you won't meet your stated parameters for $500.

sibirjak

does anyone have any experience with this $289 pioneer unit in their w208?

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-U...b_auto_image_0

how about this one?

http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-AVIC-Z...3663167&sr=1-4

and last but not least,

http://www.amazon.com/Jensen-Vm9414-...8&sr=1-2-fkmr2

any opinions? thoughts?

SoCalCLK

The Pioneer units look nice. Does Alpine make any that would be compaitable?

Also, consider the fact that our cars mostly have Bose speakers as well, would you need to replace all the speakers in addition to the $500 spent on the headunit?

Paul Brummer

I own a 2002 ML500 and the radio system is a combination of GPS,tel,TV. How can I upgrade the unit software and the GPS. It must be loaded with a cd and mine is very outdated

Sreilly

2001 should still be D2b fiber so the amp can be retained with new head unit. The u310 is a cheap unit real glitchy Bt and real basic navi. You will need a mounting sleeve from pioneer to install it. But that's honestly a waste of money. I would save a bit and buy a Alpine INA-w900BT just my $.02

LAWYER2

Any feedback on the pioneer app radio

wodturner

I am looking for the same only for my c230 coupe, pre-facelift. I can't find one. I am staying OEM. I was going to go aftermarket but all that I looked at LOOK aftermarket. I decided to go OEM or not at all. I have a garman. All I need is Ipod hookup and looking at the dension gateway lite. I am still on the fence with that. I don't mind losing my CD.

Bob

jbondox

second one is over 500, third is junk, 1st is OK, but a lot of people hated it

wodturner

First one I think it cheap looking. Second, look at the responses. Third, *I* like the double din look but it looks aftermarket. As said before, I am looking into the gateway lite. I will keep the stock look and only spend $200-250 bucks I will lose the cd player but o well.

c-ya
Bob

6spdcoupe

Old thread, but couldn't resist. You posted specifically what you wanted, someone tries to help and you fire back ..

So this is what YOU found on your own and that suits what YOU want ? Oddly it doesn't have built in Nav, something that You specifically said you wanted and not as an add on.

To save you the trouble of checking .. Directly from the link you supplied:

Navigation Touch Panel Operation
The NP400 hideaway navigation system can be connected to the VZ400 directly and controlled through its touch panel. So with this multimedia station, you can upgrade to a car navigation system at any time. Count on voice guidance messages and high-resolution map displays to get you safely to your destination.