DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
2007 C230 Sport
Steering Wheel Controls for 07 C230
I currently have an Avic D3, and love it! I just bought an F90BT and I'm going to replace the D3 with the F90BT (putting the D3 in my other car)
That being said when I put in the D3 a year ago the steering wheel adapter was available for it. I can't tell you the exact wiring harness I used for the head unit, but I know i had to splice into the hot wire on the Cig lighter to get the unit powered up.
I saw the instructions above on hooking into the factory harness for the steering controls, but would any happen to have a visual aid DYI on the connections for the steering wheel adapter (ie. locations of the connections)?
Sorry for the newbie questions!
Thanks in advance.
Never mind figuredt it out sorry that was a really stupid question!
That being said when I put in the D3 a year ago the steering wheel adapter was available for it. I can't tell you the exact wiring harness I used for the head unit, but I know i had to splice into the hot wire on the Cig lighter to get the unit powered up.
I saw the instructions above on hooking into the factory harness for the steering controls, but would any happen to have a visual aid DYI on the connections for the steering wheel adapter (ie. locations of the connections)?
Sorry for the newbie questions!
Thanks in advance.
Never mind figuredt it out sorry that was a really stupid question!
Last edited by robs03; Nov 24, 2008 at 09:26 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Jedcred,
Looks great. Three questions:
1) Where did you run your iPhone cable to? (glove box or center console)
2) Where did you install your GPS antenna? (I have seen the OEM antenna under the dash)
3) Where do plan on installing your HD radio module? (I have the XM module and trying to figure out best place)
Tim
Looks great. Three questions:
1) Where did you run your iPhone cable to? (glove box or center console)
2) Where did you install your GPS antenna? (I have seen the OEM antenna under the dash)
3) Where do plan on installing your HD radio module? (I have the XM module and trying to figure out best place)
Tim
Originally Posted by jedcred
Well, I have both an iPod and an iPhone, so my choice was to run the cable to the glove box through the hole for the CD changer. I used to run the cable under the center console, but to have that work I had to remove the cupholder, which, depending on your needs, may or may not be a big deal. If you do want to run it near the cupholder, PM me again and I'll explain how that works.
The GPS antenna I ran as thus: it sits on the front edge of the egg-shaped grill on the dashboard. The wire is run along the front (there's a gap you can just push the wire in) until it reaches the A-pillar (which is the place where the front windshield meets the doorjamb). I used one of the hooks provided to hold it down, then opened up the small panel on the side of the dashboard (you can only access this when you open the door). Behind that panel is the other fuse box, so you should be able to find how to get there in the manual. I ran it through there, under the steering wheel to the back of the radio. Also, I pulled out the dark grey (well, it's dark grey in my car) cloth that seals the edge of the A pillar. You can pull it back a little bit and it's enough to hide a wire behind.
For the microphone, I used basically the same path (underneath the steering wheel to the fuse panel), then up that cloth bit (hiding the wire in there) until I hooked it into the top part of the A-pillar panel, about where it reaches the roof. Search through my old threads: I have a picture of where I put the mic from my 9800BT installation.
The GPS antenna I ran as thus: it sits on the front edge of the egg-shaped grill on the dashboard. The wire is run along the front (there's a gap you can just push the wire in) until it reaches the A-pillar (which is the place where the front windshield meets the doorjamb). I used one of the hooks provided to hold it down, then opened up the small panel on the side of the dashboard (you can only access this when you open the door). Behind that panel is the other fuse box, so you should be able to find how to get there in the manual. I ran it through there, under the steering wheel to the back of the radio. Also, I pulled out the dark grey (well, it's dark grey in my car) cloth that seals the edge of the A pillar. You can pull it back a little bit and it's enough to hide a wire behind.
For the microphone, I used basically the same path (underneath the steering wheel to the fuse panel), then up that cloth bit (hiding the wire in there) until I hooked it into the top part of the A-pillar panel, about where it reaches the roof. Search through my old threads: I have a picture of where I put the mic from my 9800BT installation.
Oh, and that picture I mentioned can be viewed below:
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
2006 C230
The drivers side requires the removal of a number of torx screws, the latches for hood and brake release and removing the trim ring around the ignition key. Start by pulling from the door side downward.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
I am starting from the trunk and moving forward, any help with the side panels? Thanks for the help on the front part, I'll use it when I get there.
Also I need to know how to take off the front window pillar panel, I want to put a mic for my bluetooth system there.
Also I need to know how to take off the front window pillar panel, I want to put a mic for my bluetooth system there.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
All your answers are on the forum. I know it's a lot of reading but I promise it's all there. What items are you planning on installing. It helps if you put a list out. I know there is a thread somewhere on how to pull the HU out of the facelifted interiors. I also know there are threads showing how to pull power through the firewall behind battery. The rest is easy..... get a good torx kit and plastic removal tool and take your time. Don't be worried, these cars are not as complex as some people think they are. Just like any other car, just have to be careful and patient.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
I can tell you I have looked at every HU type thread on here and haven't found anything about how to remove the interior side panels. Yes I did find a few on the radio removal. I have been looking for about 3 weeks now. I just don't want to break any pieces, they can't be cheap. Tutorial done! (rather silly)
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Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: NYC / Northern NJ
02' C230 Coupe & 92' 190e 2.6
hey sorry that i havent been around for a while but i had a post up on how to remove the dash and vents if you click my name and seach youll find it it gives you a detailed step by step removal of the w203 dash it took me around 20 minutes let me know if you need anymore help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
hey sorry that i havent been around for a while but i had a post up on how to remove the dash and vents if you click my name and seach youll find it it gives you a detailed step by step removal of the w203 dash it took me around 20 minutes let me know if you need anymore help
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,618
Likes: 1
From: stix of florida
Honda Grom
I can tell you I have looked at every HU type thread on here and haven't found anything about how to remove the interior side panels. Yes I did find a few on the radio removal. I have been looking for about 3 weeks now. I just don't want to break any pieces, they can't be cheap. Tutorial done! (rather silly)
I put mine in back in 03/04 when there were no tutorials on how to take apart the interior. At the time, the only tutorial was the HU removal by Session and one showing the point to pass through firewall. The install was not hard... I just took my time and figured it out. A car is a car in the end..... a couple of screws and tugging on some pieces to release the clips. Even I got stuck when I was trying to find use the cig lighter for my remote. Andy and John helped me figure out what I was overlooking....... 
Just remember... patience is the key! Good luck! 
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 312
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas, NV
C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
I just installed a F90BT yesterday, need to install a few things in a more permanent fashion but it's fully functional now.
I also installed the PIONEER CA-R-PI.133 steering wheel control adapter and I have pretty good control over the unit with track selection and volume control.
The install wasn't easy due to the steering wheel control adapter and it's connectors. People wrote it was plug and play, they were wrong at least in 2007 w203. If people are interested, I'll do a DIY on the pioneer install and the steering wheel control adapter install.
If you don't care about the steering wheel controls then the install is pretty easy and straightforward.
I also installed the PIONEER CA-R-PI.133 steering wheel control adapter and I have pretty good control over the unit with track selection and volume control.
The install wasn't easy due to the steering wheel control adapter and it's connectors. People wrote it was plug and play, they were wrong at least in 2007 w203. If people are interested, I'll do a DIY on the pioneer install and the steering wheel control adapter install.
If you don't care about the steering wheel controls then the install is pretty easy and straightforward.
That would be great!! How much did the steering wheel adapter run you?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: France, Lebanon
03 c320 coupe
are u sure this is the right 1 for my coupe ? i feel like thres a LOT of plastic on the sides.... :s
Last edited by HellsAngel; Dec 3, 2008 at 05:11 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
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From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...22010011r15825
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
I don't feel uncomfortable I just not stupid. Sometimes things are put on weird and maybe someone out here has experience and can help out. I always check before I do it just to be sure.
Kman I need info on the side panels all the way to the trunk. I already have your stuff on the HU removal, got anything for me?
Kman I need info on the side panels all the way to the trunk. I already have your stuff on the HU removal, got anything for me?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 1
From: France, Lebanon
03 c320 coupe
That's for the 2005 and up "new style" radio. 2002 to 2004 sedans and coupes have a different adapter, like the one linked below.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...22010011r15825
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...22010011r15825
so whatever radio 1/2din format will fit with this ?
they factory radio isnt 1 din ?
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'05 C320 Sport Coupe
FM reception woes (w/F90BT)
I'm not familiar with a power wire for an antenna adapter. The adapter just adapts the European standard connector to pioneer's antenna connection, no need for power there.
Since MB, at mine didn't, don't have power antennas I don't believe you need to hook up the blue antenna power wires at all.
Since MB, at mine didn't, don't have power antennas I don't believe you need to hook up the blue antenna power wires at all.
What antenna adaptor did you use?
I got the (powered) WVA-4B and it does not work good at all.
Tim
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'05 C320 Sport Coupe
FM antenna - aftermarket HU interface on a facelift cl203
The FM antenna was, BY FAR, the hardest thing for me to figure out during my AVIC-F90BT install.
Now that it is done, FM is crystal clear. The F90BT rocks!
To hook up the FM antenna properly, I needed to do two things:
The problem I faced was the CA-R-PI.133 interface that I used as a wiring harness did not have a 'Antenna power' wire running from pin A5 of the ISO connectors to the FAKRA connector. Without a pinout of the FAKRA, I was not sure which pin on the FAKRA connector the antenna power should go.
I had to pull the AVIC out, put the Audio20 back in
. Probed the pins of the FAKRA to confirm that it was the indeed the black wire. (props to Eleventeen)
I did not take a picture (sorry) but I found a picture of a mating wiring harness (the part that plugs into the car's FAKRA connector). The wiring harness has a Blue/White cable where the pin for antenna power should be.
I just used a clip splice to connect the blue/white antenna power output of my AVIC to the black wire behind the FAKRA, and
For reference, I used the following for my 05 C320 Sport Coupe:
Now that it is done, FM is crystal clear. The F90BT rocks!
To hook up the FM antenna properly, I needed to do two things:- Use a simple, non-powered FM antenna adapter like the one from Metra: 40-EU10. Do Not use a powered adapter like the Scosche VWA-4B.
- Supply power to the antenna amplifier through a black wire on the car's big square FAKRA connector.
I had to pull the AVIC out, put the Audio20 back in
. Probed the pins of the FAKRA to confirm that it was the indeed the black wire. (props to Eleventeen)I did not take a picture (sorry) but I found a picture of a mating wiring harness (the part that plugs into the car's FAKRA connector). The wiring harness has a Blue/White cable where the pin for antenna power should be.
I just used a clip splice to connect the blue/white antenna power output of my AVIC to the black wire behind the FAKRA, and
For reference, I used the following for my 05 C320 Sport Coupe:
- Pioneer AVIC-F90BT
- Pioneer GEX-P920XM
- Pioneer CA-R-PI.133 Steering wheel control interface
- Scosche MZ2347B Dash install kit
- Scosche VW03B wiring harness
- Metra 40-EU10 antenna adapter
Last edited by brodey10; Dec 10, 2008 at 11:31 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 312
Likes: 3
From: Las Vegas, NV
C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan
The FM antenna was, BY FAR, the hardest thing for me to figure out during my AVIC-F90BT install.
Now that it is done, FM is crystal clear. The F90BT rocks! To hook up the FM antenna properly, I needed to do two things:The problem I faced was the CA-R-PI.133 interface that I used as a wiring harness did not have a 'Antenna power' wire running from pin A5 of the ISO connectors to the FAKRA connector. Without a pinout of the FAKRA, I was not sure which pin on the FAKRA connector the antenna power should go.
I had to pull the AVIC out, put the Audio20 back in. Probed the pins of the FAKRA to confirm that it was the indeed the black wire. (props to Eleventeen)
I did not take a picture (sorry) but I found a picture of a mating wiring harness (the part that plugs into the car's FAKRA connector). The wiring harness has a Blue/White cable where the pin for antenna power should be.
I just used a clip splice to connect the blue/white antenna power output of my AVIC to the black wire behind the FAKRA, and
For reference, I used the following for my 05 C320 Sport Coupe:
Now that it is done, FM is crystal clear. The F90BT rocks!
To hook up the FM antenna properly, I needed to do two things:- Use a simple, non-powered FM antenna adapter line the one from Metra: 40-EU10. Do Not use a powered adapter like the Scosche VWA-4B.
- Supply power to the antenna amplifier through a black wire on the car's big square FAKRA connector.
I had to pull the AVIC out, put the Audio20 back in
. Probed the pins of the FAKRA to confirm that it was the indeed the black wire. (props to Eleventeen)I did not take a picture (sorry) but I found a picture of a mating wiring harness (the part that plugs into the car's FAKRA connector). The wiring harness has a Blue/White cable where the pin for antenna power should be.
I just used a clip splice to connect the blue/white antenna power output of my AVIC to the black wire behind the FAKRA, and
For reference, I used the following for my 05 C320 Sport Coupe:
- Pioneer AVIC-F90BT
- Pioneer GEX-P920XM
- Pioneer CA-R-PI.133 Steering wheel control interface
- Scosche MZ2347B Dash install kit
- Scosche VW03B wiring harness
- Metra 40-EU10 antenna adapter
Awesome. I'll be ging down this road come about February . Have any pics of it installed?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 12
Likes: 2
From: SoCal
'05 C320 Sport Coupe
I do not know if the VWA-4B will act like a passive antenna adapter if there is no power connected to it's red power wire.
I do know that IF the black wire out of the FAKRA connector is not powered, it does not matter if 12 volts is connected to the VWA-4B red wire or not. The FM reception is what my friends refer to as 'no bueno'.
Given the info I got from Eleventeen's thread, I figured I should use a passive adapter for the RF COAX connection and depend upon the Black Farka wire to deliver the power for the antenna.
How it went down...
I bought a VWA-4B, thinking it was the right part. Even Scosch highlights it as the correct adapter in the installation sheet for the MZ2347B Dash install kit. When I determined it was not working, I went to Best Buy to get the passive adapter; hoping that would be it... still no go... After pulling out the AVIC 3 times and putting the Audio20 back in a couple times
to make sure I did not fry my antenna, I hit the forums hard. Eventually I found Eleventeen's post. Had to put the Audio20 back in 1 more time to confirm it
But since then, FM & MSN Direct are working great!
