2003 SL 500 (R230) XM Radio MyFi Installation (No 56K)

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Jan 2, 2005 | 08:27 PM
  #1  
Hi all,

I wanted to show you the installation I did on my Mercedes SL 500. This isn't a permanent installation -- I just ran wires underneath paneling.

First off, I put the antenna on the rear deck. The deck is leather covered aluminum, so there's no direct way to mount it without damaging the surface. I placed a large magnet on the back of the panel and that seems to have done a good job keeping it in place.




The car has a 3.5mm AUX jack. Great sound, since it's in the glove box it's not in the best location. Unfortunately the MyFi has created a ground loop, so I had to add a ground loop isolator. This is the only one I could find that was 3.5mm at both ends. An irritating side note: The Roady 2 I had installed previously did not have the ground loop problem, so there's something different with the MyFi's equipment.

The wire is tucked down to the back of the door.




Here are some pictures of the cradle. I have it sitting in the cup holder that comes with the car using the Belkin XM Radio TuneDok Cup Holder Mount. The power cord is really the most obtrusive part of the installation. I've considered adding a DC power adapter in the glove box.





And finally some pictures of the antenna with the roof up.



Reply 0
Jan 2, 2005 | 10:43 PM
  #2  
Excellent install.
Its nice to see people do such a good job without professional help - It gives hope to people like me!

By the way, can you post pictures of the head unit when its all together and you are ready to hit the road? I'd like to see what the egronomics are like from the driver's perspective.

Thanks!
Reply 0
Jan 3, 2005 | 12:15 PM
  #3  
Here you go with a couple of pictures. You've got good visibility and it's just in reach. However, on the downside, it's too far away from the windshield, so it's not good to be playing with it on the road. If I'm channel surfing, I move the installation into one of the cup holders under COMAND.


Reply 0
Jan 3, 2005 | 02:28 PM
  #4  
For those of you wondering, I got the Ground Loop Isolator at http://www.electricalconnection.com/...se-filters.htm
Reply 0
Jan 7, 2005 | 10:11 AM
  #5  
boller,

How do you like the MyFi?

I've been thinking of switching from an original Roady, but wanted to get some realworld insight.

Thanks.
Reply 0
Jan 7, 2005 | 10:19 AM
  #6  
Quote: boller,

How do you like the MyFi?

I've been thinking of switching from an original Roady, but wanted to get some realworld insight.

Thanks.
The MyFi is a nice XM radio. To me, the best features are:

1. Accessories included to use in car, house or while jogging.
2. Small size.
3. XM2Go -- Record up to five hours of programming to listen to later.

Having driven with the top down, in this installation, the only thing I wish for is a less reflective surface -- it occasionaly reflects into my eyes.

I have a new-in-box MyFi for sale if anyone's interested.
Reply 0
Jan 7, 2005 | 11:00 AM
  #7  
boller,

Check your PM box.
Reply 0
Feb 6, 2005 | 02:52 AM
  #8  
Can I do that in my 2002 W220?? btw it looks GREAT!
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