DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
Any one can tell me what is included in the Z1/Z2 package???
In pioneer web site it says that it have BT, but I found a guy that sell Z2 units used for a very good price but he says that the BT is an extra €€€!!
I'm realy thinking in buying one of these used pioneer units, It will end cheaper than a new clarion unit... but I like the clarion software more, but not much the exterior!
In pioneer web site it says that it have BT, but I found a guy that sell Z2 units used for a very good price but he says that the BT is an extra €€€!!
I'm realy thinking in buying one of these used pioneer units, It will end cheaper than a new clarion unit... but I like the clarion software more, but not much the exterior!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
2006 C230
Just the headunit, wiring harness and GPS antenna; everything else (XM/BT/Rear Cam) are options.....although good ones 
Any one can tell me what is included in the Z1/Z2 package???
In pioneer web site it says that it have BT, but I found a guy that sell Z2 units used for a very good price but he says that the BT is an extra €€€!!
I'm realy thinking in buying one of these used pioneer units, It will end cheaper than a new clarion unit... but I like the clarion software more, but not much the exterior!
In pioneer web site it says that it have BT, but I found a guy that sell Z2 units used for a very good price but he says that the BT is an extra €€€!!
I'm realy thinking in buying one of these used pioneer units, It will end cheaper than a new clarion unit... but I like the clarion software more, but not much the exterior!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
I just bougth a used pioneer Z2 (HD3BT), because how it will look on my car, and also because I think its a great unit, not as fancy as clarion but it do the job.
Now I have a question, the unit don't have BT, in europe the new units have BT, but now I will need to buy a BT unit for the Z2.
For what I know till now is that the new unit brings the ND-BT1 but I don't know if the CD-BTB200 also will work, just in case!
Also the BT units bring the mic or I have to buy one!?? I don't find anything about mic as an acessory on the pioneer website!
Now I have a question, the unit don't have BT, in europe the new units have BT, but now I will need to buy a BT unit for the Z2.
For what I know till now is that the new unit brings the ND-BT1 but I don't know if the CD-BTB200 also will work, just in case!
Also the BT units bring the mic or I have to buy one!?? I don't find anything about mic as an acessory on the pioneer website!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
I forgot to ask, I read something about the unit didn't let us to operate it while driving!!? whel almost all the operations as I remember!
Theres any way to alternate this problem or is just the US units!? I never remembered earing this from my audio tech guy!
Theres any way to alternate this problem or is just the US units!? I never remembered earing this from my audio tech guy!
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
HeadUnit Upgrade... HELP!
Hi,
I want to replace the Head Unit in my W203 2007 C Class with a Pioneer Avic-Z2.
Do any of you know of a kit to convert the open space to a double din slot. I want a kits that looks really good and not cheap plastic like some of the other kits out there.
any help will be much appreciated.
I want to replace the Head Unit in my W203 2007 C Class with a Pioneer Avic-Z2.
Do any of you know of a kit to convert the open space to a double din slot. I want a kits that looks really good and not cheap plastic like some of the other kits out there.
any help will be much appreciated.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
C-Class Coupe C220 CDI SE (04/53)
Just a quick note to say thanks to the people in this thread who discovered the steering controls.
I bought a CA-R-PI.131 the other day along with a new pioneer headunit, installed the whole thing tonight in about 20 minutes and it works flawlessly. (53 plate c-class coupe).
I've never installed a headunit before so the whole thing was daunting enough anyway, but it really was easy with the adapter.
Two things though:
1. It's a shame the cluster display shows "PIONEERTE" instead of just PIONEER - no idea why it does that.
2. There were so many wires from the back of my headunit, I've no idea if I was supposed to connect them or where to - I ended up only connecting the normal iso ones with the block connectors and leaving the individual wires alone and it seems to have worked. Maybe they are just for extra features or something.
I bought a CA-R-PI.131 the other day along with a new pioneer headunit, installed the whole thing tonight in about 20 minutes and it works flawlessly. (53 plate c-class coupe).
I've never installed a headunit before so the whole thing was daunting enough anyway, but it really was easy with the adapter.
Two things though:
1. It's a shame the cluster display shows "PIONEERTE" instead of just PIONEER - no idea why it does that.
2. There were so many wires from the back of my headunit, I've no idea if I was supposed to connect them or where to - I ended up only connecting the normal iso ones with the block connectors and leaving the individual wires alone and it seems to have worked. Maybe they are just for extra features or something.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
I ended up buying an HD3BT unit (Z2), and was reading this thread again.
I have some info that could be useful for you guys regarding the speed signal, heres is what you need:
1x Plug W0385454828
1xPin W0155450426
around 1.5m normal cable
the plug must be put on the Place 24 and the wiring to Pin3 in the plug
(last pic, plug with only one yellow wire)
I have some info that could be useful for you guys regarding the speed signal, heres is what you need:
1x Plug W0385454828
1xPin W0155450426
around 1.5m normal cable
the plug must be put on the Place 24 and the wiring to Pin3 in the plug
(last pic, plug with only one yellow wire)
Last edited by gaiex; Jan 18, 2008 at 09:52 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,482
Likes: 4
From: Portugal
'13 E500 Coupe AMG// '17 E350d // '24 E53 AMG
One question, with the Car Pi kit for the steering wheel buttons the phone buttons on the steering wheel will also work with the phone functions on the pioneer unit or at least to answer and end calls??
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 3,122
Likes: 222
From: Milton/Westport, MA USA
me: 2015 SL400 & 2015 ML400; wife: 2022 GLC Coupe; daughter: 2017 GLC SUV
I always love reviving an old thread, 'cuz it proves I search! Don't know if anyone is still subscribed (or interested), but I just bought a Garmin Nuvi, and am looking at the mounting options. I had wanted to buy a COMAND for my wife's car (the C320), but she thought $800 was too much money
; now that I bought this $300 Nuvi and told her we could share it, she says "why not get 2?"
Anyway, I can't imagine it would fit in the ashtray, which is where I keep my change anyway, but it is pretty small, 3.87"W x 2.91"H x .87"D.
I don't like mounting on the windshield, 'cuz they're smashing windows if they even see the tell-tale circle on the glass. My first thought was to mount it on the console, like I did with my cellphone, but on the opposite side of the shift.
That's just the holstered phone on one of those huge document clips, BTW.
If I stick another document clip on the other side, and attach this mount:
...the Nuvi will clip right on, and still get good satellite strength, at least in my pano-roof coupe. Another option might be a pro-fit or other device to put it in the glovebox gap. It's not nearly as perfect as OEM, but it does a decent job, and if this one $300 unit can work for both of us, it's a steal.
; now that I bought this $300 Nuvi and told her we could share it, she says "why not get 2?"Anyway, I can't imagine it would fit in the ashtray, which is where I keep my change anyway, but it is pretty small, 3.87"W x 2.91"H x .87"D.
I don't like mounting on the windshield, 'cuz they're smashing windows if they even see the tell-tale circle on the glass. My first thought was to mount it on the console, like I did with my cellphone, but on the opposite side of the shift.
That's just the holstered phone on one of those huge document clips, BTW.
If I stick another document clip on the other side, and attach this mount:
...the Nuvi will clip right on, and still get good satellite strength, at least in my pano-roof coupe. Another option might be a pro-fit or other device to put it in the glovebox gap. It's not nearly as perfect as OEM, but it does a decent job, and if this one $300 unit can work for both of us, it's a steal.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 264
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From: Boston, MA
2005 A4 1.8TQ
Looking to have an AVIC-D3 installed: Boston area
Hey everyone. I searched a bit but came up pretty empty (maybe I wasn't using the correct terms?). Like the title says, I'm looking for someone in the Boston area to install a D3 but I want someone by recommendation, not just some generic car audio install place. Preferably someone that has done a Pioneer install on a W203 before. I can get all the parts at a discount through my job, so if you happen to know the place/person's rates for install only, feel free to post those too. Thanks for any responses.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Consider for a minute, would you take a couple eggs from home to a diner and ask them to cook breakfast?
Installers need the profit from equipment sales to make a living. If there is a problem with the unit, will the insaller take it back out for free? What happens if the finger pointing starts where the installer and equipment maker blame each other?
Go easy on yourself, and deceide if the discount on the equipment is worth the possible headaches later.
Installers need the profit from equipment sales to make a living. If there is a problem with the unit, will the insaller take it back out for free? What happens if the finger pointing starts where the installer and equipment maker blame each other?
Go easy on yourself, and deceide if the discount on the equipment is worth the possible headaches later.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 264
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From: Boston, MA
2005 A4 1.8TQ
I completely get your point about them needing it to make money, but I know how high the markup is on electronics (i.e. most B&M stores will sell a D3 for ~$1000, the stores pay about $450 per unit) and refuse to pay the insane money they charge for it.
Also, I'm not even 100% set on having a professional do it. I mean, if there is someone in the area who has done a similar install on their car or knows what they're doing and wants to make some extra $$, I'd be open to driving / meeting somewhere. I just don't feel comfortable doing the install myself, even with the all of the well detailed guides.
Also, I'm not even 100% set on having a professional do it. I mean, if there is someone in the area who has done a similar install on their car or knows what they're doing and wants to make some extra $$, I'd be open to driving / meeting somewhere. I just don't feel comfortable doing the install myself, even with the all of the well detailed guides.
Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: So. California
Mercedes C230 SS Komp
The reason most of the installs here have been done by members is because most stereo shops have never done installs in our cars before (especially 05+). I've talked to a few here in So Cal that would not even touch the car let alone give me some advise. But there also are a few who would love the challenge too.....
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 264
Likes: 0
From: Boston, MA
2005 A4 1.8TQ
He does, and I was actually going to buy his off of him a few months ago and he offered to help me install it. (Woah run on sentence). I'm not sure he'd be up for a drive to Boston or I'd be up for a drive to CT for an install, however, as a last resort, if he was willing I might consider going down there. But that's all just speculation/wishful thinking. I'll PM him if I can't find anything within a week or two.
Hmm, that's a very good point. I know mine isn't an 05+ but regardless I want someone who at least has a good idea of what they're doing. Like Brabus_x2 said, I might just have to grow a pair, close my eyes, go for it and hope for the best.
(But I'm still open to suggestions
)
The reason most of the installs here have been done by members is because most stereo shops have never done installs in our cars before (especially 05+). I've talked to a few here in So Cal that would not even touch the car let alone give me some advise. But there also are a few who would love the challenge too.....
(But I'm still open to suggestions
)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,769
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From: NJ
'08 E550 4Matic
He does, and I was actually going to buy his off of him a few months ago and he offered to help me install it. (Woah run on sentence). I'm not sure he'd be up for a drive to Boston or I'd be up for a drive to CT for an install, however, as a last resort, if he was willing I might consider going down there. But that's all just speculation/wishful thinking. I'll PM him if I can't find anything within a week or two.
Hmm, that's a very good point. I know mine isn't an 05+ but regardless I want someone who at least has a good idea of what they're doing. Like Brabus_x2 said, I might just have to grow a pair, close my eyes, go for it and hope for the best.
(But I'm still open to suggestions)
Hmm, that's a very good point. I know mine isn't an 05+ but regardless I want someone who at least has a good idea of what they're doing. Like Brabus_x2 said, I might just have to grow a pair, close my eyes, go for it and hope for the best.
(But I'm still open to suggestions
)As long as you dont have the bose system, install shouldnt take more than an hour. Bose is a pain in the ***, ask Mike, --WaveyKat-- he was there when I did his install.
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 264
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From: Boston, MA
2005 A4 1.8TQ
Nope, no Bose for me. Well, if I fail at finding a place around here I'll ****** up a friend's GPS and head down to CT. On that topic I hear the GPS in the D3 is awful so I might end up buying a Garmin or something in the near future, but maybe you can comment on that?
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Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 6,213
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LET C32 2002
