nicolaselhani

I know this question has been asked before in many forms. But after more than ten days of research I decided that I need to ask it specifically for my case, at risk of being a redundant question and/or an annoyance.

Basically I have an ML320 1999 W163 with a Bose single DIN part no. 1638200286 (see pictures).

I am restoring the whole car leaving no detail unturned. And one of the things I want to do is upgrade the OEM radio to either AUX or Bluetooth.

There is a lot of useful information on this forum but essentially nothing precise enough for this specific model.

After much thought I realize the best way to do it is to solder the AUX cable to the radio. Though I am quite proficient in audio video and computer equipment, this older mechanical radio and soldering is something I’m completely new to.

To make a long story short, the following are the resources I found that have helped give me a general idea of what needs to be done:

1. Instructions with no pictures for the W203 https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...-complete.html
2. Instruction with pictures for the W203 based on above post https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...x-my-ipod.html

But I cannot extrapolate the information from either posts to apply to the W163 radio.

I found three other resources that do not involve soldering on this forum:

1. Buying this product, but is more specifically for USB/iPhone/iPod and it’s quite expensive, would just prefer an AUX http://www.autotoys.com/x/product.php?productid=14473
2. Buying this cheaper one, but apparently doesn’t work with the W163 single DIN Bose radio 3. Buying this bluetooth module but the post is for the ML55 with the double DIN connect radio https://mbworld.org/forums/ml55-amg-...tion-pics.html

I attached photos of the radio.

So basically what I’m asking for is if someone can guide me through the process or point me to a resource that can help me solder an AUX cable to this specific Bose radio.

What steps I should take, what PINs to solder to on which board. How to disable the tape motors, etc.

Even if there is a more updated completely different way of doing, I’m open to suggestions.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Nick

jbondox

so you want to keep your 17 year old radio and band-aid it up for aux? have you ever heard of GIGO? garbage in garbage out... well the quality of that radio is low to begin with, I suggest just replacing it with an aftermarket and any 12v car audio shop can do this for a reasonable price

jekson

мой друг,приветствую тебя. я восстанавливаю такую же систему бозе. каких результатов ты добился?
my friend, greetings to you. I am restoring the same bose system. what results have you achieved?