DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
Finally have a chance to post an update. Installation was completed and came out great - I'm very happy and glad I chose All Pro Audio.
Jim and Jason of All Pro Audio in Santa Clara, CA did an excellent job. Covered my rental car while the car was being worked on - allowed me to peek in on the installer while it was occurring.
I went with the Avic F900BT, Pac Audio SWI-CAN/SWI-PS for steering controls and iPod hookup. I have volume +/-, Track +/- and mute (rt phone button) - I do not have Pioneer on the display - just blank - however, no more 'No Telephone' message. I'm going to look into programming the other phone button to initate voice control.
The F series is big time buggy but should be fixed once the firmware patch comes out. iPod integration is awesome - voice controlled, Bluetooth with Blackberry is great, sound is amazing (factory Bose speakers - w/amp bypassed), nav and MSN stuff is cool
Jim and Jason of All Pro Audio in Santa Clara, CA did an excellent job. Covered my rental car while the car was being worked on - allowed me to peek in on the installer while it was occurring.
I went with the Avic F900BT, Pac Audio SWI-CAN/SWI-PS for steering controls and iPod hookup. I have volume +/-, Track +/- and mute (rt phone button) - I do not have Pioneer on the display - just blank - however, no more 'No Telephone' message. I'm going to look into programming the other phone button to initate voice control.
The F series is big time buggy but should be fixed once the firmware patch comes out. iPod integration is awesome - voice controlled, Bluetooth with Blackberry is great, sound is amazing (factory Bose speakers - w/amp bypassed), nav and MSN stuff is cool
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
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- 4v outputs (not needed in my case)
- 2 year vs 1 year warranty (my installer is giving me a 2 year parts and install)
The Pac Audio parts are readily available whereas the car-pi-131 is from ebay and to me seems hard programmed to only do certain things whereas with the Pac audio solution it is programmable - so you can use other steering wheel controls (such as your phone buttons) - you just do not get the cool PIONEER on your dash. It is nice to be able to hit the telephone button to trigger mute or change source - which you cannot do with the 131 (at least that is what I've read so far.)
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 57
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Hey folks,
Here is a video that I put together of the F Series w/iPod integration & voice control (I had a couple requests):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nErjRHXgDbQ
Very happy with the finished product - the only change that I needed to make was to the custom face plate - the original flat black finish (earlier pictures) didn't go well with the rest of the dash so I sanded it and finished it with two coats of Rustoleum Satin Black - perfect match now.
Thanks,
Chris
Here is a video that I put together of the F Series w/iPod integration & voice control (I had a couple requests):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nErjRHXgDbQ
Very happy with the finished product - the only change that I needed to make was to the custom face plate - the original flat black finish (earlier pictures) didn't go well with the rest of the dash so I sanded it and finished it with two coats of Rustoleum Satin Black - perfect match now.
Thanks,
Chris
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 56
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C230
Jay,
I got the Scosche VW03B harness for my 07 C230 nonbose system. The only thing that's different from the given diagram is the "red" 12v+ ign switch. You will need to get that off of your cig lighter. Personally, I would go with an aftermarket unit. You get a lot more out of it for less money.
I got the Scosche VW03B harness for my 07 C230 nonbose system. The only thing that's different from the given diagram is the "red" 12v+ ign switch. You will need to get that off of your cig lighter. Personally, I would go with an aftermarket unit. You get a lot more out of it for less money.
How can you tell if its bose or non-bose? I have the original window sticker on my 2007 c230 and it has no additional options for stereo. Any way to know 100% if its bose or non-bose?
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 748
Likes: 2
From: Boston, MA
E53
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
HU install need help
I have just bought a 05 white C240 and have been visiting the forum for a few days on the HU install. As far as I can tell it doesn't have the Bose or H/K speaker system. I got a lot of information but I still have one or two questions. I did a search and found nothing on the stuff below.
1. Does anyone have a file with the Mercedes logo for my touch screen? When I turn the HU I would like the symbol to come up so it looks OEMish . If you got directions on how to do it that would be great too(generalized)
2. Before I tear into the stock stuff I would like to know what equipment I have. At one time I found a thread with a VIN checker on it but I haven't been able to find it since. This is so I can see what equipment came on the car and what harnesses I may need.
3. I am planning on putting a backup camera but not sure if I want to wire it all the way to the front. Anyone use those wireless unit with any success?
4. What about the steering wheel controller. I have a Panasonic head unit and can't find anything that will match up except those universal infrared style units. Is there anything out there for my brand? I have looked at both the PAC and CAR-PI unit. Do the infrared units work well for a DIY?
If anyone has any pit falls for this project let me know.
1. Does anyone have a file with the Mercedes logo for my touch screen? When I turn the HU I would like the symbol to come up so it looks OEMish . If you got directions on how to do it that would be great too(generalized)
2. Before I tear into the stock stuff I would like to know what equipment I have. At one time I found a thread with a VIN checker on it but I haven't been able to find it since. This is so I can see what equipment came on the car and what harnesses I may need.
3. I am planning on putting a backup camera but not sure if I want to wire it all the way to the front. Anyone use those wireless unit with any success?
4. What about the steering wheel controller. I have a Panasonic head unit and can't find anything that will match up except those universal infrared style units. Is there anything out there for my brand? I have looked at both the PAC and CAR-PI unit. Do the infrared units work well for a DIY?
If anyone has any pit falls for this project let me know.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,155
Likes: 0
From: Jakarta
1996 MB E320 & 2010 Nissan Elgrand
I have just bought a 05 white C240 and have been visiting the forum for a few days on the HU install. As far as I can tell it doesn't have the Bose or H/K speaker system. I got a lot of information but I still have one or two questions. I did a search and found nothing on the stuff below.
1. Does anyone have a file with the Mercedes logo for my touch screen? When I turn the HU I would like the symbol to come up so it looks OEMish . If you got directions on how to do it that would be great too(generalized)2. Before I tear into the stock stuff I would like to know what equipment I have. At one time I found a thread with a VIN checker on it but I haven't been able to find it since. This is so I can see what equipment came on the car and what harnesses I may need.
3. I am planning on putting a backup camera but not sure if I want to wire it all the way to the front. Anyone use those wireless unit with any success?
4. What about the steering wheel controller. I have a Panasonic head unit and can't find anything that will match up except those universal infrared style units. Is there anything out there for my brand? I have looked at both the PAC and CAR-PI unit. Do the infrared units work well for a DIY?
If anyone has any pit falls for this project let me know.
1. Does anyone have a file with the Mercedes logo for my touch screen? When I turn the HU I would like the symbol to come up so it looks OEMish . If you got directions on how to do it that would be great too(generalized)2. Before I tear into the stock stuff I would like to know what equipment I have. At one time I found a thread with a VIN checker on it but I haven't been able to find it since. This is so I can see what equipment came on the car and what harnesses I may need.
3. I am planning on putting a backup camera but not sure if I want to wire it all the way to the front. Anyone use those wireless unit with any success?
4. What about the steering wheel controller. I have a Panasonic head unit and can't find anything that will match up except those universal infrared style units. Is there anything out there for my brand? I have looked at both the PAC and CAR-PI unit. Do the infrared units work well for a DIY?
If anyone has any pit falls for this project let me know.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 1
The VIN decoder you're looking for is at http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/vin/?lng=eng.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: NYC / Northern NJ
02' C230 Coupe & 92' 190e 2.6
if your looking for type of navigation i would rec. the pioneer avic F90BT or the kenwood dnx 8120
both these units are superb and have excellent ratings and they are my stores best selling products.
http://www.pioneerusa.com/PUSA/Produ...ash/AVIC-F90BT
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...gation/DNX8120
and you can buy them at www.6ave.com
we always offer competitive pricing and you can find promo codes online for discounts if i find any ill post some.
if you also need vehicle schematics just shoot me a pm.
p.s. these were the two units i was looking at because they offer the most for the money and are amazing.
if your looking for dash kits check out
http://www.scosche.com/products/sfID1/151/sfID2/152
http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1452
and for wiring harnesses
http://www.metraonline.com/default.aspx
if u cant find them there let me know i have a dealer computer and i can tell u exactly what you need
both these units are superb and have excellent ratings and they are my stores best selling products.
http://www.pioneerusa.com/PUSA/Produ...ash/AVIC-F90BT
http://www.kenwoodusa.com/Car_Entert...gation/DNX8120
and you can buy them at www.6ave.com
we always offer competitive pricing and you can find promo codes online for discounts if i find any ill post some.
if you also need vehicle schematics just shoot me a pm.
p.s. these were the two units i was looking at because they offer the most for the money and are amazing.
if your looking for dash kits check out
http://www.scosche.com/products/sfID1/151/sfID2/152
http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1452
and for wiring harnesses
http://www.metraonline.com/default.aspx
if u cant find them there let me know i have a dealer computer and i can tell u exactly what you need
Last edited by kmancoupe230; Nov 2, 2008 at 09:27 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
Well I found a few logo files I'm going to see if I can manipulate into something usable. I'll post it when I'm done. I have already bought the face plate, wiring harness and antenna adapter. I need to find the steering control for my HU, it is a Panasonic. I am also looking for a guide on how to run the wires for the reverse camera and GPS antenna from the trunk to the radio. I have read that it is easiest to go through the head liner on the drivers side. I'm still gathering info on that.
Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: NYC / Northern NJ
02' C230 Coupe & 92' 190e 2.6
to run the reverse backup camera wires you should run them through the trunk through the door liners or carpeting, and then though the dash ill try and post some pics later on and same for the antenna
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
Awesome kmancoupe230, it would be appreciated. That is the general way people do it. I am just not sure how all that trim comes off and don't want to damage any of it. Thanks
Oh by the way i looked on the threads and found conflicting info about the FM reception and the 12V wire on the antenna adapter. Can anyone clear up whether in a 05 C240 you need to hook up the 12v antenna wire to get reception?
Oh by the way i looked on the threads and found conflicting info about the FM reception and the 12V wire on the antenna adapter. Can anyone clear up whether in a 05 C240 you need to hook up the 12v antenna wire to get reception?
Last edited by Grim001; Nov 4, 2008 at 12:02 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Irvine, CA
E350
IMO, scosche dash kits fit the best by far. And always, always make sure that the navigation that you are using DOES NOT require a speed sense wire. If it does, you will not track properly. Use a kenwood and save yourself any headaches, that is alll i would put in a Benz.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
not hooking up a speed sensor wire won't always cause problems. i just did, among other things, an avic-d3 in a 4 door dodge turbo diesel truck with no problems. i think it might only be an issue when you are having trouble being triangulated due to a low number of satelites.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,518
Likes: 1
From: STL
W203 C230SS
interesting- the guy i did it for lives/works in downtown st. louis. no problems yet and it's been in for a few months. all they do is take into account how fast you are going in the event you temporarily lose lock on a satalite. it just helps the unit "guess" where exactly you are since it takes into account your last direction and current speed, until you get a satalite signal again
i'm not saying there isn't a need for the SS wire, but i also wouldn't go through a ton of trouble to hook it up. nor would i pick a kenwood over pioneer for that very reason alone. i'm not saying i like pioneer or dislike kenwood- just saying i wouldn't let that be one of my deciding factors.
i'm not saying there isn't a need for the SS wire, but i also wouldn't go through a ton of trouble to hook it up. nor would i pick a kenwood over pioneer for that very reason alone. i'm not saying i like pioneer or dislike kenwood- just saying i wouldn't let that be one of my deciding factors.
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From: Camas, WA
2007 C230SS; 2014 ML350 BT
