DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
If you have the speakers open you can look on the back of them, usually there is a description that will tell you what ohm they are. I have read some post that there are 2 ohm systems out there but I can't remeevber if that was Bose of H/K
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
Well i got my HU up and running , somethings worked out well some didn't. I could never get the ACC wire from the car to act right so I ended up using the constant power from the cigarette lighter to power the HU, the yellow wire seems to work well for the memory, more to come on that. I DL ed the pics so I will be working on the install write up shortly.
One problem I need help with is the antenna reception, I installed the passive adapter( no power wire) and I am still getting a weak signal. Any idea on how to boost my reception, it was fine with the stock radio! I tied the car ACC power to the cars black wire and I am still weak. The only odd thing I noticed is when the ACC wire is free with no connection I get 12v but if I connect it to a wire the voltage drops to about half, any ideas why, too much Load maybe?
One problem I need help with is the antenna reception, I installed the passive adapter( no power wire) and I am still getting a weak signal. Any idea on how to boost my reception, it was fine with the stock radio! I tied the car ACC power to the cars black wire and I am still weak. The only odd thing I noticed is when the ACC wire is free with no connection I get 12v but if I connect it to a wire the voltage drops to about half, any ideas why, too much Load maybe?
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
C230 coupe, 335i
I actually did order the complete kit from that guy. Since my car is not insured now and I am in no rush to get it, I went with the cheapest shipping and it will probably take a while to get here. Still waiting for the kit now. I just wanted to make sure everything works so I bought the harness and antenna adapter locally to test out the deck. But one thing is, the antenna adapter and the wire harness from that "complete kit" look different than what I got. The harness that I got locally has colored wires only, but from pictures of that complete kit, the harness has 2 rca plugs or something. Maybe it's for people with bose? I will find out when I receive the kit.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
Airght, I fixed all my issues. The problem turned out to be that you don't swap the 2 power wires. I thinking the power wires swapping step is for Bose systems, and is not needed for people with H/K systems
Last edited by RW C55; Jan 10, 2009 at 10:20 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
For my car (05 C240) switching the wires is a half truth. The HU ACC wire works well on the yellow 12v constant from the wiring adapter but the other set of wires don't work right. The ACC wire from the wiring adapter isn't sufficient enough to power my HU, I pigtailed off the cigarett lighter. Also my illumination wire from the adapter had no power at all.
03... the wiring harness for the 01-04 is different from my 05 so you may not have the same problems. I would get a simple multimeter and probe if things don't turn on right away. All you really need for power is 12V constant when the car is off for memory and a switched 12v, off when the car is not running and on when the car is running, to power the HU.
03... the wiring harness for the 01-04 is different from my 05 so you may not have the same problems. I would get a simple multimeter and probe if things don't turn on right away. All you really need for power is 12V constant when the car is off for memory and a switched 12v, off when the car is not running and on when the car is running, to power the HU.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 47
Likes: 1
21 GLA 250 4Matic Denim Blue
Here's link to my DIY post on installing the mic for the AVIC units.
DIY OEM Mic Modification for use with your phone setup
DIY OEM Mic Modification for use with your phone setup
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, BC
C230 coupe, 335i
For my car (05 C240) switching the wires is a half truth. The HU ACC wire works well on the yellow 12v constant from the wiring adapter but the other set of wires don't work right. The ACC wire from the wiring adapter isn't sufficient enough to power my HU, I pigtailed off the cigarett lighter. Also my illumination wire from the adapter had no power at all.
03... the wiring harness for the 01-04 is different from my 05 so you may not have the same problems. I would get a simple multimeter and probe if things don't turn on right away. All you really need for power is 12V constant when the car is off for memory and a switched 12v, off when the car is not running and on when the car is running, to power the HU.
03... the wiring harness for the 01-04 is different from my 05 so you may not have the same problems. I would get a simple multimeter and probe if things don't turn on right away. All you really need for power is 12V constant when the car is off for memory and a switched 12v, off when the car is not running and on when the car is running, to power the HU.
I just found out mine doesn't dim when I turn the headlights on, so I am guessing my ill wire also gets no power.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
I tapped into the cigarett lighter "light" wire, it has two wires going into it at the back of the cigarrett lighter, I think it is gray with a blue stripe.
Anyone figure out a work around for the bad FM reception? mine is still terrible
Anyone figure out a work around for the bad FM reception? mine is still terrible
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: SoCal/NorCal
08 E63
Do you have tinted windows and how dark is the rear window? I ask because the antenna is embedded on the rear window it self so the darker the tint the s*%$y the reception
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,027
Likes: 1
From: Taipei Taiwan
'10 E63 Obsidiant Black; '06 R350 Alabaster White; 05 C55 Obsidiant Black (sold)
How bad is ur FM reception?
I still get good FM reception when I'm driving around in the city but I can't get a signal anymore in an underground parkade where I used to be able to.
I still get good FM reception when I'm driving around in the city but I can't get a signal anymore in an underground parkade where I used to be able to.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 0
From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
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
can you tell me where did you buy your dash kit, i can't seem to find the same one, I found other types on ebay, but I think the one you have looks better.
Also, how much did it cost you to install it??
Thanks,
Michael
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
From: NM
White 2005 C240
I think the first thing to do it is figure out why there are two anntenna plugs for the car. I have an idea that one of them is for the cell phone kit/GPS kit that is optional for our cars. Can anyone confirm this and which one it is? I have tried both plugs with equally bad reception. I have also tried a fellow members idea about adding 12v to the black wire of the car, no luck there either. I guess I'll start serching the forum/web for the answer. Lastly I'll verify that it isn't the HU itself.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,020
Likes: 0
From: SoCal, Irvine
Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
anyone know a good place to get it installed around Irvine area??
I best price that I found in Irvine so far is $95 installed, is that a decent price??
Or if anyone wants to help me install my f700bt, even better, please let me know.
Thanks
I best price that I found in Irvine so far is $95 installed, is that a decent price??
Or if anyone wants to help me install my f700bt, even better, please let me know.
Thanks
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: South Windsor, CT
2007 C230 Sport
I just ordered all of this
# Pioneer AVIC-F90BT
# Pioneer GEX-P920XM
# Scosche MZ2347B Dash install kit
# Scosche VW03B wiring harness
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2
i was able to get the double din for my 07 ( MZ2347B ) along with the VW03B and the VWA-4B Antenna Adapter all together.
I also ordered the Metra 40-EU10 antenna adapter so i dont have to deal with the power problem with the VWA-4B
im sooo pumped to put this all in, lets hope its not so hard! hahah
# Pioneer AVIC-F90BT
# Pioneer GEX-P920XM
# Scosche MZ2347B Dash install kit
# Scosche VW03B wiring harness
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2
i was able to get the double din for my 07 ( MZ2347B ) along with the VW03B and the VWA-4B Antenna Adapter all together.
I also ordered the Metra 40-EU10 antenna adapter so i dont have to deal with the power problem with the VWA-4B
im sooo pumped to put this all in, lets hope its not so hard! hahah
Last edited by Benzo0573; Jan 25, 2009 at 07:21 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: South Windsor, CT
2007 C230 Sport
i still have a few questions for you guys. everything should be in this week so i plan to do this install this weekend.
first of all with my car a 2007, c230, without H/K sound system, do i just match up the wire from the Scosche VW03B harness to the pioneer one that comes with the unit? from there im assuming the stock one goes into the Scosche VW03B while the other end of the pioneer goes into the Headunit itself.
if there are any other tips or tricks i should know about please let me know, this will be my fist major audio install of this sort, thanks for the info guys.
first of all with my car a 2007, c230, without H/K sound system, do i just match up the wire from the Scosche VW03B harness to the pioneer one that comes with the unit? from there im assuming the stock one goes into the Scosche VW03B while the other end of the pioneer goes into the Headunit itself.
if there are any other tips or tricks i should know about please let me know, this will be my fist major audio install of this sort, thanks for the info guys.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: South Windsor, CT
2007 C230 Sport
also im a bit confused with the speed sensor and illumination sensor? these are the two things im unclear about, i dont really care about the steering wheel controls, i never used them anyways, but i need to know if these are different wires that need to be hooked up, btw i plan on hacking the unit to allow dvd playback + navi use while driving via software mod
*edit* talked to nick about this he cleared this part of it up for me
*edit* talked to nick about this he cleared this part of it up for me
Last edited by Benzo0573; Jan 26, 2009 at 10:55 AM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: South Windsor, CT
2007 C230 Sport
for the VSS, it does not need to be hooked up, and as far as the illumination wire goes here is what nick said exactly
"Your cigarette lighter should have 3 wires. You'll want to find out which of the three is switched. ( I think ground is usually brown).
Use a voltmeter, or one of those cheap testers with a bulb. Attach the negative wire from the voltmeter to a ground in the car and test each of the wires with the key in the ignition. Make sure your headlights are off and the car is outside so that the cars light sensor has light.
Only one of the wires will have power at this point. That will be the +. Then, turn on your headlights and test the other wires. The wire that has now has power is the switched wire. This is the one you'll want to tap into.
Since you also drive with your headlights on during the day, you'll want to add a switch. Attach the illumination wire like I said before, but somewhere in between add a small rocker switch.
This will allow you to dim the scree whenever you like. "
i then asked him that if i wanted it to be bright all the time, i did not need to even worry about hooking it up, but i should extend the wire just incase i want to do it later without any trouble
"Your cigarette lighter should have 3 wires. You'll want to find out which of the three is switched. ( I think ground is usually brown).
Use a voltmeter, or one of those cheap testers with a bulb. Attach the negative wire from the voltmeter to a ground in the car and test each of the wires with the key in the ignition. Make sure your headlights are off and the car is outside so that the cars light sensor has light.
Only one of the wires will have power at this point. That will be the +. Then, turn on your headlights and test the other wires. The wire that has now has power is the switched wire. This is the one you'll want to tap into.
Since you also drive with your headlights on during the day, you'll want to add a switch. Attach the illumination wire like I said before, but somewhere in between add a small rocker switch.
This will allow you to dim the scree whenever you like. "
i then asked him that if i wanted it to be bright all the time, i did not need to even worry about hooking it up, but i should extend the wire just incase i want to do it later without any trouble
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 912
Likes: 0
From: Houston
02 cl203
why go through all that trouble?
There is an ashtray light under the radio, shorter distance and it is only an illumination wire, so no point in doing the extra work in testing out with wires to use. blown and black wire if i remember correctly, black being ground. I am using that currently for leds inside the car.
There is an ashtray light under the radio, shorter distance and it is only an illumination wire, so no point in doing the extra work in testing out with wires to use. blown and black wire if i remember correctly, black being ground. I am using that currently for leds inside the car.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
05 C230K
hi guys im having a serious issue. I just had a Pioneer F90BT installed along with speakers and amp. I also used the Pioneer Car.Pi.i.133 steering wheel adapter. I sorted out the issue with the radio reception, but for whatever reason i lost complete control of the heater/defrost/etc beneath the HU. the light will come on, on the buttons but i dont get any heat or defrost or anything. Now my installer is telling me hes tried everything and im gonna have to take it to the mercedes stealership....anyone have experience with this issue??
