DIY installation of AVIC & other aftermarket HU's for W203 (Warning! lots of images!)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Just finished an install of an AVIC F-700BT with XM. Had some issues where I coudln get any power through the harness, so i had to tap into the cigarette lighter lead for power and illumination, but pretty straightforward other than that. Works great.
I also have some experience with the electronics inside the AVIC units, so if you guys have any questions on how to repair your AVIC's, holler at me.
Thanks for the great write ups/DIY's.
I also have some experience with the electronics inside the AVIC units, so if you guys have any questions on how to repair your AVIC's, holler at me.
Thanks for the great write ups/DIY's.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
My FM reception has definitely reduced from the OEM HU, but its not too bad.
I just connected the antenna directly into the plug on the AVIC using the adapter.
I just connected the antenna directly into the plug on the AVIC using the adapter.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 132
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2006 C230 6spd > C300 4Matic
I just picked up a 2006 C230, I'm not sure if I have the Bose/HK system. I did go to a local shop and they told me the same thing, that the whole car would have to be rewired. I have a F90BT that I took out of my old car that I'd really like to put in. Ive been doing research and what not, I used that site listed earlier in the thread http://old.mbclub.ru/mb/faq/?lng=eng but I'm not sure still. How would I go about checking?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
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From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
it'll say h/k on your speakers somewhere...if it doesn't then you dont have it...also you would have the ability to adjust an equalizer in your settings on the h/u...again if you can't then youd ont have h/k...if you dont have h/k then you DO NOT have to rewire your care!
Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, TX
2002 C240
Initially I had weak FM reception, but I figured out I was plugged into the wrong antenna. My stock HU had two antenna type wires, a mini plug (white in color) and a flat type plug (Black in color). I used a non powered 40-VW10 antenna adapter. Now my FM reception is just as good as the stock HU.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 132
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2006 C230 6spd > C300 4Matic
it'll say h/k on your speakers somewhere...if it doesn't then you dont have it...also you would have the ability to adjust an equalizer in your settings on the h/u...again if you can't then youd ont have h/k...if you dont have h/k then you DO NOT have to rewire your care!
another stupid question is why does the car yell at me whenever I turn my lights on saying a left substitute bulb is on? what does that even mean lol, I'm used to jap cars, this is so fancy.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Initially I had weak FM reception, but I figured out I was plugged into the wrong antenna. My stock HU had two antenna type wires, a mini plug (white in color) and a flat type plug (Black in color). I used a non powered 40-VW10 antenna adapter. Now my FM reception is just as good as the stock HU.
Anyone know what the other small, round antenna type plug is?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
cool, thanks. I just have to pick up a new gps antenna, I have the vw harness, euro adapter and dash kit, I just need to call zurich and make sure if a local shop does it it won't void my warranty.
another stupid question is why does the car yell at me whenever I turn my lights on saying a left substitute bulb is on? what does that even mean lol, I'm used to jap cars, this is so fancy.
another stupid question is why does the car yell at me whenever I turn my lights on saying a left substitute bulb is on? what does that even mean lol, I'm used to jap cars, this is so fancy.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 3,191
Likes: 7
From: Va Beach, VA
05 C230K SS (sold), 06 C55 (sold), 08 Yamaha R1 (sold), 16 X5M
i think your thinking of 2 different messages...thats not a "left substitute bulb" and I have no idea what that is...google it or something
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 4,152
Likes: 60
From: NJ, NYC
Something Slow
Initially I had weak FM reception, but I figured out I was plugged into the wrong antenna. My stock HU had two antenna type wires, a mini plug (white in color) and a flat type plug (Black in color). I used a non powered 40-VW10 antenna adapter. Now my FM reception is just as good as the stock HU.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
2006 C230 6spd > C300 4Matic
Gimme a bit and I'll post back. I'm going to be doing either clear or smoked side markers, any recommendations?
Last edited by IllusionX; Oct 4, 2009 at 07:13 PM. Reason: Adding
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
. good luck sounds like you might need it.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
5007 Tail light
7506 stop light
7528 Rear side marker
do what i do go buy every bulb need for your car so that way you always have the bulb you need. what is it like $10 and you will never have to drive light less.
7506 stop light
7528 Rear side marker
do what i do go buy every bulb need for your car so that way you always have the bulb you need. what is it like $10 and you will never have to drive light less.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Agreed!
IllusionX,
Search for an existing thread on bulbs, and post your question there, or start a new one if you dont find it, and post some pics of the message.
cool, thanks. I just have to pick up a new gps antenna, I have the vw harness, euro adapter and dash kit, I just need to call zurich and make sure if a local shop does it it won't void my warranty.
another stupid question is why does the car yell at me whenever I turn my lights on saying a left substitute bulb is on? what does that even mean lol, I'm used to jap cars, this is so fancy.
another stupid question is why does the car yell at me whenever I turn my lights on saying a left substitute bulb is on? what does that even mean lol, I'm used to jap cars, this is so fancy.
Search for an existing thread on bulbs, and post your question there, or start a new one if you dont find it, and post some pics of the message.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,101
Likes: 5
From: Toronto, NYC
2002 Mercedes Benz C230 Coupe
Ive seen this doc before. However, even after connecting the same wire that plugs into the radio antenna jack on the OEM HU into the Avic's radio antenna jack with the adapter, the FM Reception is still *****.
It could be a problem with the adapter....which is causing signal loss.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Split, Croatia
w203 Coupe
Ok, thanks to all for your patience, moderators, you can merge the other thread with this one. I would like this post to be the first one so people don't have to dig around the thread. Maybe this could be "sticky worth it"
First of all, a disclaimer: Use your best judgement. I am not responsible for what you do or don't do. Sometimes depending where you live using the navigation system is prohibited while in motion. These instructions are only for informative purposes and what works for some might not work for others. Needles to say I am not responsible if your equipment breaks or fails. It worked for me the way I explained it. For any installation if you feel uncapable of doing it get professional help. Ok, with that being said let's get started....
Without further ado, here is the HOW-TO install the PIONEER AVIC Z1 in a W203
Many thanks to cntrylvr79 and ducatiboy from www.avic411.com, the nicest people ever.
First of all, a disclaimer: Use your best judgement. I am not responsible for what you do or don't do. Sometimes depending where you live using the navigation system is prohibited while in motion. These instructions are only for informative purposes and what works for some might not work for others. Needles to say I am not responsible if your equipment breaks or fails. It worked for me the way I explained it. For any installation if you feel uncapable of doing it get professional help. Ok, with that being said let's get started....
Without further ado, here is the HOW-TO install the PIONEER AVIC Z1 in a W203
Many thanks to cntrylvr79 and ducatiboy from www.avic411.com, the nicest people ever.
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)
Just follow the pictures in center console removal threads, and once u get the OEM HU out, plug in the adapter & install the aftermarket HU and put everything back in.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Split, Croatia
w203 Coupe
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 3
From: SF
2003 CLK 320
hey guys. sorry bringing this old topic up again but im still confused. I am in the process or wiring my new avic. and i was wondering if i needed to get the ca-r-p.131 for my system/ My HU is the avic z110bt, and i drive a 2003 CLK with bose system. the reason why i want to use the ca-r-p.131 is because i can keep my steering controls but most importantly, allows me to get easier access to the illumination, rear gear, speed signal and ignition. since i have an 03, im supposed to use the 131 and not the 133 right? any other wiring tips i should know before i continue?
thanks!
thanks!
