gaiex

please post some pics of the system working

Midnight Koop

i think an administrator needs to perminantly put this thread on the...

Sticky: AFTERMARKET & OEM MODIFICATIONS / DIY - FAQ's

My friend had this system installed on his acura rsx (great bucket seats by the way.. one thing i wish i could change about the c230k). I was contemplating between throwing on a lip, rims and tires, or 2005 appearance package... but as soon as I got to see the AVIC Z1 and play with it in person... I am totally redirecting my funds.

jo17jC230

nice DIY and clean install

powa

can a mod stick or link this thread to the DIY thread?

powa

btw where can i get the MBK100C frame?

drexappeal

fanito, I don't know exactly what information had been taken away for your not being a sponsor, but this is going into the DIY thread. Great job on this.

cla 1000

Is this going to work with the BOSE or not so easy?

Element

Just curious does your display in the cluster still work? When I went to get a quote for the Avic Z1 installed I was told I need some databus adapter. Not sure if this is BS or not.

Thanks!

C240Style

Second that.

TruTaing

LOL, i love the fake face plate thing!!!! thats awesome

-j0hn

tillithz

Nice car
Real NICE Head unit!
Great pictures

Now, I dont want to flame especially since this is my first post here, but with such a nice start, why did you let the install get away from you and look so bad? I mean, wrapping the constant (extra length) around the z1's harness can introduce noise into the system. Why not have cut it to lenght and reconnect so it was ... cleaner? Two or three cable ties could have helped clean that puppy up. While the faceplate is an inventive idea, it probably would look a bit more realistic if it wasnt sticking out 1/2 + inch from the dash and from a Ford. Now, for one last point. The matal sheet you pictured on how to cut, you shouldnt. According to the installation manual it clearly states "do not cut...this would reduce the sensitivity of the..."

Please dont take my criticism as an insult or flame, I am impressed with your pictures, vehicle, and head unit, as I own the same head unit. I am merely trying to point out for the other people who might actually attempt this themselves that there are a few things that should be changed for a better install and ease of use.

powa

i don't mind another DIY for the Z1 unit if you can make one and have the pics =)

rlee02135

thanks for this great DIY.
just wondering, did you originally have the comand unit?

ZeroKoo149

I had a question about the actual mounting of the unit. How did you secure it so that it doesn't slide in and out?

Thanks,
Russ

fanito

You can find the MBK100C in amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...763149?ie=UTF8)

Thanks for the kudos, The info was just for the steering wheel interface, no big deal....

I'm not sure but it shouldn't be a problem... I've seen installations with the BOSE system, so it is doable.

No, that is MB propietary... you can't tamper with that, as far as I know (and I researched the deal for months and months prior to the install there are no devices available to tap in to the display... but hey, who needs that anyway, you can control the unit with your voice so who cares!

No I didn't... too expensive (cost\benefit)

The mounting kit comes with an insert that prevents this from happening, if you use the metra kit, the unit itself comes with a frame, so you need to use that, that's why I don't like the metra kit.



ok, now my reply to the new fan here:
The only cable that was wrap around was the yellow one (12v) This does not introduce any (ANY) noise in the system. You will hear a humming noise IF you don't ground it properly. Also, the Yellow cable comes with a FUSE that I wasn't plannning to cut and rewire, that's why I did that.
Yes, I did that too..., is not in the pics though (more like common sense)
Thanks, apparently you don't have a Mercedes or you are so new that you don't know that the only Double DIN unit that comes with a MB is the COMAND and that defeats the purpose of having the AVIC Z1. The Ford is a very generic looking radio without any logos.... and yes, unfortunately sticks out BUT if you are looking from the perspective of someone outside the car it doesn't look fake and it looks that belongs there. Like I said, I hope it helps deter thieves, not to stop them, that's why I have comprehensive insurance and so should you!
Well, you are right and then again, you may not have a MB or at least a W203. I didn't even use the thing... why? no need... you don't "reduce the sensitivity of the..."... nothing! We have a metal center vent in which you can locate the antenna and should stay there since it has a magnet. If you want to have a hideous big black mouse pad in the dash of your car be my guest but I think is impractical and really bad looking.
BTW, if Pioneer tells you to jump from a building you will? They said a lot of things and in my DIY I tried to explain everything that works for me, if it doesn't work for you, too bad.

C240Style

I'm getting the AVIC-D2, will it work the same way in concept (with the frame and everything)? I understand the wiring may be a little different but that can be figured out.

-Andrew

heaven_leee

MHPHOCKEY-

Excuse me, I know this post is old. But did you ever get your Garmin Nuvi? I have one and I'm trying to figure out how and where to put it in my 2004.5 c230 too. I was just wondering if you did get it and where you placed it in your car, with what mounts and what did you do about the power adapter, etc..? Any pictures would be great too. Thanks!

MHPHOCKEY

I bought it and returned it. i loved the unit, I just didn't see a reason to keep it. I put it to the left of the instrument cluster above the a/c vent. Worked pretty well with the Garmin mount. Sorry I don't have any pictures.


Mike

yeuchau

ebay has few oem navi kits for like 750 to 950
just get it there, and it's oem as well

coupey

Hi, i used tomtom with PDA. here is my install.... took about 30mins to set up and feeding wires. Tomtom works great, very user friendly and hasn't let me down yet - plus if you get a big enough memory card you can simply load maps of anywhere in the world on.

http://server6.theimagehosting.com/i...cture2.297.jpg

The cradle is attached via a 'no-holes' bracket with the cable running behind the centre console, under the passenger floor carpet and up to the corner panel by the windsheild - where I've mounted the GPS receiver.

WaveyKat

i have a Lowrance iWAY 500C In-Car Navigation System for sale $600 comes with Extented Warranty

painkiller

I was in need of nav as well, but wanted to get the one from MB. For now, im using Garmin on my Sprint Nextel wireless phone. Its works great! The small screen can be annoying, but for the time being, it gets me where im going. once I have the $$ ill be getting the Command with Nav built in

sapp51

I use the Magellan 760 In my Bmw 5 series & my wifes C320 it works great ! I bought an aftermarket vent mount that works great. You can find them today at Buy.com for $261.00. It is a re-furbed unit like the one I bought (no problems). A brand new unit is $327.00 Here is the link:

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.as...233&adid=17662

linkmustang

are u still happy with it and where did u getthe wiring harness and where did u order yours from

fanito

Very much so... I got the wiring harness from a local shop, for about $20ish, the install kit from the link I posted. This unit works awsome, I'm afraid I probably have to change my speakers since they might not be powerful enough. Really does make a huge difference.