Hi everyone, my question is about a 2000 S500 that the trunk area has been underwater (that or the previous owner used to fill it up to take baths in) and so now the entire audio system is kaput. The amp, cd changer, and phone module are all bad now. Is there a dash bezel made to take the place of the stock GPS system there now so that a complete aftermarket system can be installed, or is this vehicle basically screwed?

 

First, the leak needs to be repaired. That model year has a vent behind the wheel well, in the electronics bay, that could be allowing water in. Or, there could be other leaks around the wheel well.

Second: You could have other damage to the copper wiring that you might carry over into a 3rd party system.

Third: Any good double-DIN DVD/Nav system can replace the OE COMAND. However, since the phone, power amp, CDC, and all audio components are fiber optic, you'll replace it all. No big deal - good units such as those by Kenwood (Excelon series), Alpine, or Pioneer will replace those functions and also add provisions for Sirius and iPod. Getting a good fascia for the new system, one that looks remotely original, will be a challenge (some folks have done cutouts and refinished their original fascia - see https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ash-piece.html and http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w220...ouble-din.html).

However: When you remove the amp and H/U, you remove the active equalization algorithms that Bose designed for the car. You will need a good amp and also a very good audio processor, such as an Audion Bit-1.

Fourth: Unless you are very careful in choosing the replacement HU, you will not be able to install a CAN Bus tie-in that will retain steering wheel controls. There are some available. PAC Audio makes some; see http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...market-hu.html but I don't know if they cover the '00 model year.

Last, the original Bose speakers are 2-Ohm. Most systems use 4-Ohm speakers. Keeping the original Bose speakers will limit the size of the amp (if too large, you'll blow them; and if too small, the lower impedance will drive it quickly to clipping). If you replace the speakers, you're into matching sizes, and getting the sub out of the rear shelf is a bear.

Lots of choices, lots of work - and one could easily spend the retail value of a damaged car on the audio system replacement.

I usually advise folks who want to overhaul their Mercedes audio to take the car only to high-end audio shops that have Mercedes experience. Unless you have such experience, you could easily get in over your head. On the other hand, you may be just such a guy, who only needs the fascia you asked about - hope the links help.