Radio removal in an '06 203
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Joined: Jun 2006
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2002 E320
Radio removal in an '06 203
I know it has been discussed to death on this forum, but I see no reference to a 2006. There is an excellent (with photos) guide for the 2005, but the 2006 is entirlely different. The 2005 has a one-piece surround, and the 2006 has several different sections. I have removed the console and shift boot, but cannot see how to remove the ashtray assembly. I have also removed the two torx screws from below the upper a/c vents, but cannot get the a/c vents out. The a/c controls are in a seperate "section" of the dash, as are the switches. How do you get all of this "stuff" out so you can remove the radio?
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
I know it has been discussed to death on this forum, but I see no reference to a 2006. There is an excellent (with photos) guide for the 2005, but the 2006 is entirlely different. The 2005 has a one-piece surround, and the 2006 has several different sections. I have removed the console and shift boot, but cannot see how to remove the ashtray assembly. I have also removed the two torx screws from below the upper a/c vents, but cannot get the a/c vents out. The a/c controls are in a seperate "section" of the dash, as are the switches. How do you get all of this "stuff" out so you can remove the radio?
The ash tray, radio, hvac control panel, hazard light control panel, and vents are all separate pieces of course!
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/197530-diy-head-unit-install-w203-05-center-console-removal-instructions.html
Last edited by acr2001; Mar 22, 2008 at 09:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
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2002 E320
The photo shoot on the forum states that the pictures are from a 2005...perhaps the author is mistaken, as my 2006 does not have the one-piece surround as shown on the photos on that thread. Additionally, there does not seem to be any torx screws at the top of the a/c vents, i cannot seem to get the top of the vents to release from the dash.
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for your reply.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
Likes: 4
From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
The photo shoot on the forum states that the pictures are from a 2005...perhaps the author is mistaken, as my 2006 does not have the one-piece surround as shown on the photos on that thread. Additionally, there does not seem to be any torx screws at the top of the a/c vents, i cannot seem to get the top of the vents to release from the dash.
Thank you for your reply.
Thank you for your reply.
There is no one-piece surround. Can you explain what you mean by that?
There are no torx screws at the top of the vents! There are clips up there, after unclipping them you can get to the torx screws which are on the BOTTOM!
I think you should very carefully re-read the thread because you seem to be confused.
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2002 E320
Thank you so much for the reply...the pictures made it seem simple. As they say "Knowledge is Power!" I did not understand how the clips in the a/c vent worked. After I got that out, the rest was simple.
However, it was all to no avail. What I was attempting to do was install an FM converter in the antenna line so my wife could use her Ipod in this car. Not elegant, but simple. Upon removing the radio, I found out that Mercedes does not use a "traditional" antenna plug.
I found this FM modulator on another thread in this site and ordered it from Installer.com. I hope they have an adapter, or will take it back.
Anyway, thanks for the great help!
However, it was all to no avail. What I was attempting to do was install an FM converter in the antenna line so my wife could use her Ipod in this car. Not elegant, but simple. Upon removing the radio, I found out that Mercedes does not use a "traditional" antenna plug.
I found this FM modulator on another thread in this site and ordered it from Installer.com. I hope they have an adapter, or will take it back.
Anyway, thanks for the great help!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
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From: South Fla.
06' C230SS
hold down your CDC button on your radio. after holding it for a few seconds do you see a message: "AUX INPUT ACTIVE". this means you can buy a 40 dollar cable from MB and install it right under the passenger door sill, the cable is pre-ran by MB but you will need the piece they dont give you (40 dollar cable) and it runs right up the pass side kick panel to your glovebox where there is a precut hole for you to shove the 3.5mm ipod adaptor in. 
shout out to nlpamg <3 for sending me his broken one! you can't beat free!
shout out to nlpamg <3 for sending me his broken one! you can't beat free!
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2002 E320
Well, what do you know, I went out and pressed the CDC button and the aux input active notice came on!
I pulled up the step plate, dug around and found the white plug (I hope the black one was not plugged into anything, as it is not now!)
Today, I ordered the harness from my dealer ($35.00) and was assured that it would be in tomorrow. I'll give it a try, and hopefully this will be the end of this project.
Since I have already removed much of the console, I think I'll try to run the plug to the ashtray. The IPod will be more convenient there since the on-wheel controls will not work with this setup.
Thanks again to all who have been so helpful
I pulled up the step plate, dug around and found the white plug (I hope the black one was not plugged into anything, as it is not now!)
Today, I ordered the harness from my dealer ($35.00) and was assured that it would be in tomorrow. I'll give it a try, and hopefully this will be the end of this project.
Since I have already removed much of the console, I think I'll try to run the plug to the ashtray. The IPod will be more convenient there since the on-wheel controls will not work with this setup.
Thanks again to all who have been so helpful
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Thread Starter
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2002 E320
Beware Installer.com
Even though they state on their page that their FMM100 FM Converter will fit every car radio, it will not. It uses "standard" antenna jacks and Mercedes does not. I was not aware that my 203 had an AUX plug hidden under the passenger door sill until I found it on this forum. I had looked on the radio itself and it did not have any AUX input jacks, so I falsely assumed (and we all know what assumed means!) that I would require an FM converter.
When I contacted Installer.com about a return, I was told that they only exchange, and do not refund. Since I had purchased the AUX cable from Mercedes, I had no need for the converter, or any other parts for that matter.
Additionally, on an exchange, Installer.com deducts 15% as a "restocking fee" and of course, you get to pay the retun postage.
Well, I guess there's always e-bay!
Better KNOW what you need for sure before ordering from Installer.com...once you do, it's yours.
When I contacted Installer.com about a return, I was told that they only exchange, and do not refund. Since I had purchased the AUX cable from Mercedes, I had no need for the converter, or any other parts for that matter.
Additionally, on an exchange, Installer.com deducts 15% as a "restocking fee" and of course, you get to pay the retun postage.
Well, I guess there's always e-bay!
Better KNOW what you need for sure before ordering from Installer.com...once you do, it's yours.
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