derwae

Hi:

I have a 97 C230 and I'd like to install a CD changer in the trunk. Which makes/models are most highly recommended? Are there any recommended units that play MP3s? Where can I get specific installation instructions (including what extra parts I'll need, if any)?

Thanks in advance.

Robert

dilligaf

I bought an alpine from crutchfield, I also bought the adapter they sell that lets it be controlled from the stock radio.

I don't know the model number but if you go to crutchfield.com and look around you can find it. thats how i found mine.

ricerokets4life

i purchased an Alpine CHM-S630 6cd changer (no mp3 though) with a Peripheral MBZIL OEM adaptor.

derwae

Thanks for the replies. I've seen other posts that suggest that the Alpine S630 model is the one that local installers seem to prefer (althought the next model up - I think it's the S634 - has MP3, but also seems to require some adapter that may or may not work in my car). And a model by a company called USA Spec is mentioned on the Crutchfield site. Unfortunately, neither plays MP3 so I may have to give up that option.

I'd like to buy a model that fits the factory pre-drilled holes in my trunk. The USA Spec does not and I can't tell from the material on line if the Alpine does or not. Presumably, the OEM models that are available on eBay do, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have any definitive information about which makes/models fit the existing hole scheme?

Robert

vas2vas

in addition to the cd changer you need the M/B mounting bracket for the w202 in order to mount it in the factory location (I used an E class bracket personally, but I had to modify it to fit)... the alpine cd player will definately not come with this... some of the factory ones that pop up on ebay will not have it either... make sure the one you get includes the correct bracket.... or you can buy the alpine changer with adaptor and get the bracket separately.... that is also possible b/c the m/b changer is made by alpine and dimentions and mounting holes etc are the same....

btw personally I'd go with an in dash cd/mp3 player... or put in an ipod with an auxilliary connection

Benz916

vas2vas, can you explain the ipod thing a little more in detail I am also lookin to add cd via cd player or changer to my 1998 c230.

vas2vas

check this out...
http://www.club202.com/forums/showth...&threadid=2934

dilligaf

The mercedes shop I use installed mine with the alpine brackets, they installed it under the rear deck in the trunk. If you do it that way you do not need to buy the MB brackets. I'll take a pic in a few minutes so you can see where it is mounted.

dilligaf

http://img14.photobucket.com/albums/...s-benz_014.jpg


That is the only pic I have right now. My batteries are dead in my cam or would have gotten a pic of the mounts.

ricerokets4life

i had trouble with the factory mounting location so i just mounted it on my rear shelf. problem with this mounting location is that you have to drill your own holes and it skips alot because of the excess vibrations which the rear shelf is prone to.

Don C230

Having just gone through the same thing, here's what I did:

Deciding that I wanted to keep the factory "radio" (things like the "weather band" are important to me), I ran down this "OEM SPEC" changer on line -

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-wk0RxAh...toinfo.asp?lp=

The cost was more than reasonable ($249.99), and included all shipping (UPS ground), adapter cable, and mounting brackets. They also have a 1-800 type technical assistance number that's available for however long you own a product bouth from them. I ended up using that assistance when I had trouble locating the factory connector. A plus was that I was able to discuss alternate mountings. In the end I mounted it in the "well" next to the battery using super grip Velcro (c)! Installation took almost an hour, including tossing the packaging and washing my hands.

Now with about 100 miles of Northern Alabama roads and traffic, I can say that it turned out to be exactly as I had hoped. All the factory controls work, and I've had no trouble with mis-tracking or other like problems.

It's worth a look,

Don
97 C230
(no relationship with Crutchfield except being a satisfied customer)

Alex_UA

id go with the stock benz changer, its easy to find them, i even thiink some people are selling them in the classified section here