DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
E53
Thanks guys...used the Scosche VW03B . Its made for a VW but is an exact fit for 05+ W203.The color coding is an exact match. Crutchfield also has one but I would not recomend it as it is not as good as a match IMO. You will also need the Euro FM antenna adapter. Also modded it out so i could override the saftey features and change Navi course whie driving and so my eh hem...passangers could watch DVDs while i am paying attention to the road.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 952
Likes: 0
From: Chula Vista, San Diego
c230 Kompressor Coupe
Looks great man!
For anyone who knows, do you have to change your entire sound system in order to install the AVIC-D3? Like do you need a new amp and what not?
For anyone who knows, do you have to change your entire sound system in order to install the AVIC-D3? Like do you need a new amp and what not?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
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From: City of Angels
05' c230K
Everything was just plug and play as far as the speakers go. This is for the 05'. Everyone is talking about fiber optics and rewireing and how hard its going to be blah blah blah. It took me an hour to install it. The harness has the same color speaker wires that are on the Avic. You just connect them together and plug the harness in and your ready to go.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: City of Angels
05' c230K
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: City of Angels
05' c230K
I don't know the exact name of it because I bought it on ebay and it came without a part number. But there are a bunch of different brands floating around out there on ebay and other sites (if you do a google search) that are designed for the 05+ for a single din HU. Right below the single din is a storage pocket (for change, sunglasses etc.). If you are handy with a dremel you can easily make the single din and storage pocket into one double din space. It took me about an hour to Dremel it out to get a perfect fit, and it its is perfect!!
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
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From: City of Angels
05' c230K
(click on the IPOD tab)
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Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: redondo beach, ca
2005 C230 SS
Finally was able to do an install of an Avic D-3 on a my 05'. There isnt a kit made for the 05+ so I had to mod one out. Really happy with the results. Handsfree bluetooth calling, Ipod connection/controls with high quality sound and a incredible interface, great DVD video viewing, the navigation rocks and the sound quality is noticeably better than the stock unit. I was looking into a COMMAND and it was getting way up in price. $2800 for the COMMAND, $1500 for the MB Bluetooth interface, $200 for the IPOD interface. $4500 for a system that is substandard to what I payed $950 for. Sorry about the nighttime pic. 
l
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 37
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From: City of Angels
05' c230K
It takes all of about ten minutes..if you search the threads there are instructions everywhere. You pop off the various trim pieces and then just use a torx scrwdriver and it comes right out.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Just for those people who are planning on using this guide, the Metra 70-9401 harness does NOT work with all W203 models. My radio has 2 plugs from it and only one of them fits into the metra harness and the pins don't line up properly. There must be different harnesses out there? 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
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From: DC/VA
CL203
Just for those people who are planning on using this guide, the Metra 70-9401 harness does NOT work with all W203 models. My radio has 2 plugs from it and only one of them fits into the metra harness and the pins don't line up properly. There must be different harnesses out there?
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
I have a 2002 C320 with the tape-deck stereo and 10disc CD changer in the glov box. As far as I know I don't have the Bose stereo or anything special like that. I have Metra harness 70-9401 and it has two equal size plugs on it. The mercedes plugs are different sizes, one being too wide to fit in the metra harness. I had to order this one from egay because no one local had the metra harness...
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,697
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From: DC/VA
CL203
noreaga followed my thread with the avic-d3 installation instructions on his 2002 c230 (w/o bose) and the metra harness worked for him as well.
i have no idea if it will help... but here is were i posted pics:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...hlight=avic-d3
i have no idea if it will help... but here is were i posted pics:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...hlight=avic-d3
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
The back of my stereo has space for 3 plugs on it, 2 that would fit the Metra harness and one that will not. I have 1 plug that will fit the metra (the speaker outputs) and one plug above that which will not plug into the metra harness. It has 2 extra pins on it and is physically wider than the harness.
Maybe I have the BOSE stereo and I don't know it? It doesn't say Bose anywhere and it doesn't sound that good :p
Maybe I have the BOSE stereo and I don't know it? It doesn't say Bose anywhere and it doesn't sound that good :p
Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
2002 c230k hb
Doh! Well the harness really isn't necessary in the first place. It only allows you to quickly reinstall the stock radio. If you plan to sell the car with the radio then use the harness for the speaker wires and cut and crimp the others.
