Can i install new components in my '01 E430, steering wheel controls w/ new head unit

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Jul 2, 2004 | 06:06 AM
  #1  
I have read somewhere that you cannot install new components in the dash and door panels as the bose stereo system utilizes fiber optics cable and i also have the 6 disc changer in mine. I hope this isn't true as i have the one of the first sets of Diamond HEX audio components to come out before they sold the company and started buildin the speakers in china and quality of them has gone down significantly. I also have 4 JL 12's, Zapco Studio 500 and 300 amps. The other thing i need to do, is find a head unit that you can retain the factory steering wheel controls of the stereo. I have an Eclipse head unit, but it is like 3 years old.
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Jul 6, 2004 | 08:54 PM
  #2  
ttt
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Jul 7, 2004 | 02:24 AM
  #3  
You will have to keep your head unit if you want control from the steering wheel. You may want to upgrade to Audio-10 (European market), which some have praised as having better sound quality than the stock one for North American market. However, since your car has Bose, I don't think Audio-10 would help.

If you replace your OEM head unit w/ an aftermarket one, regardless of brand, you will loose the ability to control from the steering wheel, the ability to view audio/radio information via the instrument cluster display, and have to change the OEM CD Changer as well. The OEM head unit control the CD changer via optical connection. Between head unit to amplifier to speaker, it's still regular wires.

You best bet is to upgrade the amplifier, hook it up w/ a cross-over, and replace the entire set of crappy Bose speakers.

Quote: I have read somewhere that you cannot install new components in the dash and door panels as the bose stereo system utilizes fiber optics cable and i also have the 6 disc changer in mine. I hope this isn't true as i have the one of the first sets of Diamond HEX audio components to come out before they sold the company and started buildin the speakers in china and quality of them has gone down significantly. I also have 4 JL 12's, Zapco Studio 500 and 300 amps. The other thing i need to do, is find a head unit that you can retain the factory steering wheel controls of the stereo. I have an Eclipse head unit, but it is like 3 years old.
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