GoneFishn

Does anyone know if the current 2002 or upcoming 2003 stock or Bose systems will be able to play MP3s?

I'm planning on getting a C240, and although I'd normally just go totally aftermarket on the stereo; I'd hate to lose the tight integration the stock unit has with my also future cell phone, V60.

Lynn

The answer is no, MB sound systems do not play MP3's.

caraudio_nutt

forget about keeping the stock system, in your MB, even bose sucks, i got a new head unit by the 4th day i got my new car, metra even makes a kit for your car now, i had to custom it myself, i would say get an alpine 7995, great investment, dont even think about gettin a bose when you can get better sound for about the same price

GoneFishn

Well thats what I thought, no MP3 support. I guess the phone integration is the only reason I'm still considering the Bose.

I have to disagree though, I don't see how you can go afterstock for less than $600 even if your doing the labor yourself. $500 for a HU, $1000 for speakers, $400 for sub+enclosure, $200 in wiring, $??? for labor. This is just from my personal experience with my last 5 cars.

tommy

Damn, I hope that you're getting a happy ending with those speakers! That's a lotta cabbage on even separates all around.

The problem is that, if you add $600 for the Bose unit, it's like you're going from 14k to 18k plating on a piece of doggy doo. I have the Bose in my ccoupe, and with the windows down and the sunroof open, I am always wanting to turn up the music, when it's already at full blast. With the Bose, you're just throwing good money away after bad.

I say that if you're not concerned about the warranty (big if!), then you're wasting money on the Bose that could be better spent on a new h/u that plays mp3s.

Of course, if you want the phone, then you're stuck. But then, you're talking about a bigger waste of even more money than the Bose option, imho. That's too much money for something that you shouldn't be doing in a car anyway. Now stepping off soapbox...

caraudio_nutt

well im a big car audio fanatic even though i stopped installing for a profession, i would sped 1500 and great far superior sound, tommy is right, spending that 600 is just a waste of money, but if you want the phone integration, then ur kinda stuck, i use a sony ericcson t68i with the wireless headset, works just as good IMO

GoneFishn

Wow the Bose sucks that bad After some reading on the net, I decided against the 2002 C240, I'll wait for the 2003.

Lynn

You don't need bose to integrate the phone. Buy the standard system, get an aftermarket amp and replace the speakers.

schwarz c230

Yes but he wants to play mp3's, just replacing the hu, and speakers, without the amp, will blow away the stock system, if you are worried about cost, that would not be much more than the bose cost.

Fuzzo

i don't think there is any way you can have an mp3 player as well as the phone integrated into 1... but I did check out the bose system and it really isn't worth the price... it appears that they put in the lowest end of the bose lineup in the cars....

speaking of.. anyone know who makes the stock speakers and headunit...bekker?

GoneFishn

Cost really isn't the issue; and I've decided against the V60 integration so I can dump the stock HU now

Lynn

He also wants to integrate his phone. He can't do both. Well yes, he can, come to think of it. He could get COMAND and use the AUX jack in the glovebox for input from and MP3 player.

GoneFishn

thats intresting idea...maybe I do have a reason to buy that iPod afterall