C-Class (W203) 2001-2007, C160, C180, C200, C220, C230, C240, C270, C280, C300, C320, C230K, C350, Coupe

DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)

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Old 11-23-2006, 12:25 PM
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2002 C230 K, 6 speed
Originally Posted by flave
so i assume at the moment u have the fiber optic connected to... the SONY amp? i already added you to my messenger so we can talk better

thanks in advance,
No.We replaced the fiber optic cable with regular RCA. The Pioneer does not have a fiber optic port , neither the sony amp.
Old 11-23-2006, 12:54 PM
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Originally Posted by cla 1000
No.We replaced the fiber optic cable with regular RCA. The Pioneer does not have a fiber optic port , neither the sony amp.
sweeet!
we really need to talk then
i didn't even knew that the bose speakers would work without the fiber optic.. in that case everything's easier now.
Old 11-23-2006, 09:07 PM
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c230 Kompressor Coupe
So the way you install this isn't the same way you would another system? Just wondering, because I kinda wanna try and install a system I'm getting at bestbuy myself, and it's not that specific model that's in this thread.
Old 11-24-2006, 05:42 PM
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04 C32
It Works

I just wanted to give an update. The Z1 is in the car and . . .
THE STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER 100% WORKS

I see PIONNER on my dash display, and I can control the volume and change channels using the steering wheel, just like the stock radio
Old 11-24-2006, 05:43 PM
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2004 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by jgsx
I just wanted to give an update. The Z1 is in the car and . . .
THE STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER 100% WORKS

I see PIONNER on my dash display, and I can control the volume and change channels using the steering wheel, just like the stock radio
congrats
Old 11-24-2006, 07:03 PM
  #181  
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2002 C230 K, 6 speed
Originally Posted by jgsx
I just wanted to give an update. The Z1 is in the car and . . .
THE STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER 100% WORKS

I see PIONNER on my dash display, and I can control the volume and change channels using the steering wheel, just like the stock radio
I am glad that the steering control works. Do you see any reason why the adapter would not work with the D2?
Old 11-24-2006, 07:25 PM
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04 C32
Originally Posted by cla 1000
I am glad that the steering control works. Do you see any reason why the adapter would not work with the D2?
I do not see why it wouldn't. The adapter was vehicle specific, but outputs the generic Pioneer remote signals, so if the D2 has a plug for an external remote, you're set
Old 11-24-2006, 10:13 PM
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04 C32
question for those that already have a z1 installed

how do you set your mercedes clock without the oem head unit?? I haven't figured it out yet
Old 11-25-2006, 09:32 AM
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2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
Originally Posted by jgsx
I just wanted to give an update. The Z1 is in the car and . . .
THE STEERING WHEEL ADAPTER 100% WORKS

I see PIONNER on my dash display, and I can control the volume and change channels using the steering wheel, just like the stock radio
Can you post where you bought the steering wheel adapter? Manufacturer, model #, etc. Thanks.
Old 11-25-2006, 10:14 AM
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04 C32
Originally Posted by pshek
Can you post where you bought the steering wheel adapter? Manufacturer, model #, etc. Thanks.
Sure. It is a Pioneer CARPI131. That is for prefacelift (up to 2004) W203s. They do not sell it in the US. I got mine on fleabay from some guy in Portugal.
Old 12-01-2006, 11:29 PM
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2005 c240
In dash nav for 2005 c240

anyone here who already has an aftermarket in dash nav for their 2005 c240 or any model year that has the same fit? any recommended products (pop outs or perma stay) that will fit the dash in my model year ? thanks!
Old 12-01-2006, 11:32 PM
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Originally Posted by miss B
anyone here who already has an aftermarket in dash nav for their 2005 c240 or any model year that has the same fit? any recommended products (pop outs or perma stay) that will fit the dash in my model year ? thanks!
A couple posts up mentions the Pioneer AVIC Z1.
Old 12-01-2006, 11:53 PM
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2005 c240
has anyone tried it yet on their 2005's? the dash kit is for 01-04 models only.
Old 12-02-2006, 12:04 AM
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2004 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by miss B
has anyone tried it yet on their 2005's? the dash kit is for 01-04 models only.
they make an 05-07 dash kit
or you can custom make one
Old 12-02-2006, 12:07 AM
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Stage 2 C7 A6, QX60
there are so many kits you can put loh
do you want double dim one or single??
Old 12-02-2006, 12:09 AM
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2005 c240
what if i installed a w203 comand dvd navigation in my 05 c240? do you guys think it will work? im sorry for the silly questions i just got my car 2 days ago.
Old 12-02-2006, 12:15 AM
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E550 4MATIC
Originally Posted by miss B
what if i installed a w203 comand dvd navigation in my 05 c240? do you guys think it will work? im sorry for the silly questions i just got my car 2 days ago.
Congrats on your new car!

I have been wanting to do the same thing. You can definately get a DVD COMAND installed, it is compatible no matter what your dealer says. Let us know if you get it done and how much you can find it for.

Here are a few threads on the topic:

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/115781-05-comand-installed.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/101994-u-s-spec-dvd-comand-retrofit.html
Old 12-02-2006, 01:42 AM
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2005 c240
i have 2 choices in mind right now. 1st (and most easiest) is installing a w203 comand HU and the second is installing a pioneer avic n1 (i like the pop out types) but the problem with this one is i dont know the part number of a 2 din dash kit for my model year. i really appreciate all your replies..members here are so helpful and friendly!
Old 12-02-2006, 07:56 PM
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2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
Aftermarket Nav System Questions

I want to start by admitting I am a nub to this site. That being said I have done my research on the forum before asking these questions. I was able to find some older info, but am wondering if things have changed in the last few months.

I also want to say that I am in no hurry to do this install. My car has 52,600 miles on it and it is out of warranty. I do not want to damage anything. I have done plenty of radio installs but I have never worked on a MB.

I am looking to add an aftermarket Nav system to my 2005 C230K. I have the basic audio setup in this car. I do not have the upgraded bose audio system or a cd changer. I am looking to add a double din Nav system. My questions are as followed:

1) Is there an aftermarket wiring harness that will allow me to install the radio without cutting any factory wires. I found one on Ebay, It looks like it will work but I am skeptical.
2) Is there a dash kit made for a double din unit? I know Scoche makes one but it is for a single din unit with a storage pocket.
3) Were is the VSS (vehicle speed sensor) wire easily found? Is it necessary to find this VSS wire for the navigation to work.
4) is there a particular unit that is recommended. A unit that does not require a VSS wire hook-up?
5) Is 300 -350 too much for custom installation.
6) Would you trust your car to Circuit City.

So far I am looking at Pioneer AVIC-Z1 or the Eclipse AVN6600.

Any information will be greatly appreciate.
Old 12-02-2006, 08:08 PM
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2004 C32 ///AMG
2) i havent seen a double din dash kit, but you can buy the single DIN one and dremel it to fit

3) https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...t=speed+sensor

4) you dont need to hook up the VSS on any unit...it just makes it more acurrate. just ground the parking brake wire

5) around $300 sounds fair. most places are scared to work on MBs

6) i would not trust circuit city or best buy or tweeter


i recommend the eclipse unit. i prefer the AVN5495 because of its 30gb HD.
Old 12-02-2006, 08:19 PM
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2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
Thanks for the fast response. Do you have the 5495 installed in your car? If so how much did you pay to have it installed.
Old 12-02-2006, 09:01 PM
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2004 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by 05-MB-C230K
Thanks for the fast response. Do you have the 5495 installed in your car? If so how much did you pay to have it installed.
i dont have it. i was going to get it and install myself
Old 12-02-2006, 09:59 PM
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2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
I have a 2002 C240 and a 2004 ML 350...both has been upgraded with the Pioneer AVIC Z1. Admittedly, I don't know much about the VSS...other than I bought the CANBUS02 (as directed) and it does nothing. When I removed it, the vehicle tracked accurately to a fraction of a mile. The AVIC uses three methodology to track (GPS, Map, and the 3D Hybrid)...The 3D Hybrid is used to measure incline and decline/as well as when the GPS can't track the car in tunnels etc.

Nonetheless, rlee02135 is correct about everything...just want to add that if you go to circuit city, you'll end up sorry and eventually spend more to fix their mistakes. And, regarding the wiring harness...you won't have to cut the wires in your car. Simply unplug the harness from the back of the OEM radio and the aftermarket harness plugs into the factory harness. The wires from the aftermarket harness then is connected to the headunit wires...
Old 12-02-2006, 10:07 PM
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2004 C32 ///AMG
Originally Posted by tromar1
I have a 2002 C240 and a 2004 ML 350...both has been upgraded with the Pioneer AVIC Z1. Admittedly, I don't know much about the VSS...other than I bought the CANBUS02 (as directed) and it does nothing. When I removed it, the vehicle tracked accurately to a fraction of a mile. The AVIC uses three methodology to track (GPS, Map, and the 3D Hybrid)...The 3D Hybrid is used to measure incline and decline/as well as when the GPS can't track the car in tunnels etc.

Nonetheless, rlee02135 is correct about everything...just want to add that if you go to circuit city, you'll end up sorry and eventually spend more to fix their mistakes. And, regarding the wiring harness...you won't have to cut the wires in your car. Simply unplug the harness from the back of the OEM radio and the aftermarket harness plugs into the factory harness. The wires from the aftermarket harness then is connected to the headunit wires...
Damn!!! $4k on navigation....
Old 12-02-2006, 10:34 PM
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2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by rlee02135
Damn!!! $4k on navigation....
Naw...I have a connection that reduces the price drastically. I even steered another member to my connect and he got a sweet deal on an AVIC D2. http://www.discountcarstereo.com/ If you call, ask for Bay Coban and tell him Troy referred you. He'll beat any price found anywhere (not on a single $20 order though).

Acutally, you are correct. I started by doing my BMW X3...I put the AVIC N2, 6 disc DVD changer, TV Tuner, 2 headrest monitors, CANBUS, Lifetime sirius subscription and tuner, Video switcher, game plus power converter, wireless headphones yada yada yada... Then custom installation cost. Each monitor in rear could play a separate movie (I have 2 kids ages 6 & 3 yrs old)

I then got the first Z1 for the C240 and did the same setup as above except for the monitors and DVD changer. Added two Memphis amps and Pioneer/Premier 12 inch flat sub in rear.

Traded the X3 for the ML and put everything from the X3 into the ML except for the headrest monitors...got an Eiger Vision 10.2 flip down instead. Added two Memphis amps and two Premier 8 inch flat subs under front seats. Paid to have surgery on the X3 and have parts installed in the ML.

All in all, cost exponentially exceeded the $4K. Good thing I had a connect for the equipment or it would have been more if I had to pay full retail. Plus, I negotiated, begged, and threatened my installer so I got a little break on the installation cost also.

Last edited by tromar1; 12-02-2006 at 10:36 PM.


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