jcnash

Hi all,
Ive had my 02 C230 coupe all of 2 weeks and im already looking to upgrade the sound system. I have the 6 cd changer but am not very impressed with it. Its gotten stuck (magazine wont eject, drive wont engage) 3 or 4 times now, it doesnt play MP3's and neither does it play burnt audio CD's. Cant blame MB too much because it is from 2002 after all.

Anyway, the upgrade options im considering are (in order of increasing cost):
1. Get an iPod FM transmitter
2. Follow the DIY on mbworld for the ipod aux input cable
3. Replace the stock CD changer with a newer one which can play MP3's
4. Add a single CD receiver and use it in "amp off" mode connected to the MB stock music system
5. Replace the stock head unit and the stock CD changer with an AVIC GPS/sound system

Now my questions: With option 3 and 5, will I lose the steering wheel controls? If so is there anything I can do to not lost them? With option 4, I know I wont lose the steering volume control, but is it even possible to go this way? Does the stock MB system have input capabilities at the back?

Any advice is appreciated guys.

PS: I have already S'edTFF and cant find any info about my particular situation. Lots of info about AVIC installs but nothign about the other stuff.

Thanks.

bdgdl08

There are adapters with aftermarket head units, but I don't have much information about them. I've actually been wondering the same. Sorry I can't help you much. Good luck.

Dr.Fox

Same dilemma with my '02 coupe. Is it possible to install the AUX iPod adapter without a comand head unit? I just have the non-bose system with the cd changer...

bdgdl08

I don't know about the '02s, but for the later models you don't need the Command unit. You just have the prewiring.... On second thought, I think you have to have a newer HU.

Dr.Fox

yeah, in the last few minutes I've been reading up...it looks like the pre-wiring for the AUX input comes in 2005+ C Class cars, even those without comand. So, because I don't care about Navigation, a cheaper way to get my iPod to play is to buy a used 2005+ head unit.

bdgdl08

I think you will get more bang for your buck if you go with an aftermarket head unit. I was looking for a while at some Pioneer ones. If you get the radio 20 you will still have to wire for the aux input and pay the extra for the input itself. If you do decide to get the 2005+ radio 20, then I would recommend getting the iPod integration kit rather than the aux cable. if you get the integration you gain steering wheel control and everything. But there is a greater cost. Good luck!

Dr.Fox

I was considering the aftermarket option, but 1:I don't want to lose steering wheel controls, and 2: it just doesn't look as clean as OEM.

But as you said I will have to wire FOR the input, then wire the actual input itself. Shouldn't be too hard.....(famous last words lol)

Sorry jcnash for jacking your thread, but hope some of this discussion helps!

bdgdl08

Shouldn't be too hard if you know at all what your doing. I still would recommend the iPod integration unless your planning on using more than an iPod. There is also (I think) a drop in volume using the AUX, and there is a pre-amp that you can install. Just something else to think about.

Dr.Fox

I just want a simple AUX input really...What more does the integration kit offer? Do you know how much they run for?

And take a look at this...https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/273914-d-i-y-aux-2007-w203-without-wiring-harness-large-image-warning.html

Would'nt I just be able to buy the cable with the white connector at the end coming from the head unit (which I would then attach to the aux wire)?

Give me a wrench and I'm good, but I'm so bad with electronics!!!! Thanks for the help!

bdgdl08

The integration, I've heard, runs toward $300... alot. But you get the steering wheel control for your iPod instead of controlling it from the iPod itself. Other than that, not much of a benefit. Probably not worth the money. As for the wire with the white connector, that's what I meant by the wiring. just depends on where you want to put it I guess. Shouldn't be hard at all.

Dr.Fox

It looks like the writeup this guy did (the link in my last post) show that the 2007 230's did not come with the white connector...I'm buying this Audio 20 off of someone on Ebay - i have to make sure they give me their wire with the white connector....

bdgdl08

I heard that it was an option to be prewired. But idk. You should be good though!

Dr.Fox

I just found an integration kit on Ebay for $210, brand new. It looks like you can scroll tru playlists, etc with the steering wheel. thats worth it to me! I'm out for tonight man, cheers.

bdgdl08

Sounds good. I'd go for it. G'night!

FrankW

OMFG....noobs...did you guys not see the sticky thread up top? please spent more than 2sec pretending you have STFF.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...no-answer.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...ml#post1775408

Dr.Fox

Sorry, but I don't remember bothering you for help? And I don't remember asking for your rude response either. Next time keep it to yourself, as others have better things to do than "STFF" all night. Thanks.

And I've already come across those threads, and didn't find them very helpful. Thanks again...

MW_ATL

https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ll-review.html

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w203...tallation.html

http://www.dension.com/

An option for you. It essentially replaces the CD changer in the fiber loop. Depending on your car it may give you titles and such on the display, but allows for iPod and other aux input.

FrankW

you would find them helpful if you ACTUALLY READ the thread.

so you want the information spoon feed to you? just FIY, if you want information spoon feed to you. I suggest you turn to your local mechanic.

this car has been around for 8 years. all that can be done has been done and all that can be answered has been answered in one of the many threads.

you don't have time to STFF yet you have time to wait a whole day for someone to spoon feed you the answer?! please...GTFO noob.

Dr.Fox

For a guy who drives a "DirtyToo" you sure have little class. But I suppose money doesn't equal intelligence or class, does it? I would suggest that you respect your peers on this forum and grow up. Sorry if my life consists of more than 17,000+ posts on a Mercedes Benz forum. I'm not a newcomer to online forums, and I do not ask anyone to "spoonfeed" me any information. I'm simply a newcomer to Mercedes, and I come to the forums to find information.

Nobody asked you to chime in, especially the manner in which you have. If you took the time to read my posts, I was simply saying how I had not (yet) found any information in my searching...I didn't whine about it and ask for people to search the forum for me and send me all the answers. I can only hope you have better things to do than be a d**k to people on an enthusiast forum.

"GTFO noob"? please...

Dr.Fox

MW_ATL,

I have contacted Dension via email about compatibility on my W203 coupe! That's just what I need..who needs a CD changer when you have an iPod?

LILBENZ230

Dr. Fox, a word of advice.. You won't find the help you seek on this forum if, as a new guy, you come on here insulting the people who've been here for a long time and know these cars inside and out. FrankW is an asset to this forum. I don't know him, but I've seen many a thread where he has helped members.

Aside from that, it is considered both proper forum etiquette and a rule that you are to search the forums before posting threads. I don't do audio upgrades but even I know there are a ton of threads devoted to it. FrankW was correct in his statement that you should have read them thoroughly, and if you had further questions, posted them INSIDE the already existing threads. That prevents future people who are STFF from having 8 pages of redundant threads to search through.

FrankW

you sure you want to resort this to insults? I can see you never having the ability to gain access to this site again if you keep yapping.

like I've already said, STFF and post in one with most feedback and discussion. There will be someone to help you in that thread.

and guess what...here's what I found while typing this msg. this definitely answers your first question in this post doesn't it. any more garbage you want to say "you can't find the info by "searching" the forum" https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...-complete.html

edit: just so you don't know the definition of "spoon feeding" it's when you pretend that you've searched and just wait for people to give you the answer like what you are doing.

bdgdl08

I have to agree with these guys... The information I have given you is just from what I have read on here before, I haven't actually done any of this. And you really won't get anywhere insulting anybody, especially a senior member who is "Out Of Control!!!" like FrankW.

Dr.Fox

This is crazy. Resorting to insults? coming on here and cursing at me and insulting my intelligence (in your first post in this thread, yet) isn't insulting? I have to say guys, maybe I hadn't searched properly, etc., but the way NOT to treat someone on an online forum is to make them feel unwelcome. So, in the end - my insults were more of an observation of Frank's demeanor from the beginning.

To continue this any further is a waste of time. Good luck to you all, and thanks for any information you felt you had to "spoon feed" me. Where I come from, that's called being nice and helping out someone who is less experienced. That's why I came to this forum in the first place...

FrankW

when the hell did I cursed at you? are you having Napoleon complex?

you might want to do some research on a banned member here named "zoomie" he has your exact attitude.