big_willy

Just picked up a '05 SLK350.

Would like to replace the stock HU with a LCD screen/DVD player unit.

I've been to a couple of stereo places and some say it's not possible (it's fibre optic) while others say it is possible.

I'm not looking to change all the amps and all the speakers. Just want to add a unit it there so I can watch DVDs and maybe hook up a PS2.

Can someone give me the lowdown on this, and please recommend some LCD/DVD Head Units which are good for my application (was looking at some Pioneer, Panasonic, and Alpine units). Expected install price/price of HU?

Thanks.

figure1a

It is possible to upgrad the HU and keep the stock amp and speakers. The fiber optic network connects the stock head unit to the CD changer, phone system and steering wheel controls. So if you don't mind losing those functions, you can do the upgrade.

MBenzNL

If I were you, I would go STOCk and get myself a eurospec R171 SLK comand unit that has an integrated DVD player...in that case the steering wheel controls and instrument cluster display still works AND the unit is compatible with the fiber system in your car...no need to change anything except for the actual HU and as it gets replaced by an original SLK part, it even looks like it is suposed to be there.
In addition you can install a MB navigation drive in the trunk as well...

In case you are interested in a eurospec SLK comand, I do have one in stock (which is already in the US).

BTW: the R171 SLK uses an audio gateway as well...the speakersystem is connected to that AGW which is connected to the HU through FIBER...which makes going aftermarket quite a hassle.

greetingz,

big_willy

MBenzNL:
How much for the Eurospec unit?
I'm actually located in Canada..

I see you mentioned that the SLK uses an AudioGateway. Are there any aftermarket units you can recommend which would work well with my car (ie: have a fibre optic out that can connect to the audiogateway)?

If there are no such units what would one have to do in order to connect an aftermarket unit? Is there some kind of adaptor?

Thanks for the help MBenzNL.

scorchie

Actually as of today, no, it's not.

The connection from the back of the headunit in a US-spec R171 is just a single plug, consisting of two fibre optic lines and three copper lines (power, ground, wakeup).

Unless you know of some head unit that will plug into that, I suggest going with an aftermarket amp and speakers.

Besides CD changer, phone system, and steering wheel controls, you would lose ability to use TeleAid as well as any access to the microphone (unless it gets tapped).

-s-