pain in the butt duh!
Headunit questions.....
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
2006 C230 Sedan
Headunit questions.....
hi, i have a 2006 c230. i have the base headunit with a 6disc changer.
i was planning on either changing out the headunit to a pioner avic d3 or just adding a sub to the stock HU.
my questions are....
1. my car has the Audio 20 system correct or does all the post face-lifted models even with the H/K audio called Audio 20?
2. does my audio system use fiber optics or just regular wiring? cause i heard that if i have fiber optics i would have to get it rewired to change out the HU.
thanks.
i tried searching but im getting confused
i was planning on either changing out the headunit to a pioner avic d3 or just adding a sub to the stock HU.
my questions are....
1. my car has the Audio 20 system correct or does all the post face-lifted models even with the H/K audio called Audio 20?
2. does my audio system use fiber optics or just regular wiring? cause i heard that if i have fiber optics i would have to get it rewired to change out the HU.
thanks.
i tried searching but im getting confused
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
1. Your head unit is the same for all cars except those with COMAND. Your car might or might not have premium audio. The amp for standard cars is located in the head unit, and copper wires connect to the speakers. The audio signal in Premium audio cars is sent to the amp package in the trunk via MOST fiber optics. MOST fiber optics are used to distribute the audio signal if you have a telephone, a satellite receiver, tele-aid, a six disc cd changer, or the previously mentioned Premium audio. Cars before the face-lift had a different fiber optic protocol called D2B.
2. Changing the head unit is possible, but if you have any of the above mentioned devices on the MOST fiber optic cable loop, you will need to throw them away. They cannot be "re-wired." If you have premium audio with the amp in the trunk (under the carpet on the right wheel arch) you will need to connect all the speakers to the new amp. It takes 8 discrete channels of amplification to replicate the Premium amp. The speakers might have a strange sound because the premium amp has a DSP that tailors the sound field for the Mercedes interior.
If you want to add a sub, I suggest an infinity basslink unit. I installed several in C class cars.
2. Changing the head unit is possible, but if you have any of the above mentioned devices on the MOST fiber optic cable loop, you will need to throw them away. They cannot be "re-wired." If you have premium audio with the amp in the trunk (under the carpet on the right wheel arch) you will need to connect all the speakers to the new amp. It takes 8 discrete channels of amplification to replicate the Premium amp. The speakers might have a strange sound because the premium amp has a DSP that tailors the sound field for the Mercedes interior.
If you want to add a sub, I suggest an infinity basslink unit. I installed several in C class cars.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
2006 C230 Sedan
thx guys. i dont hv the premium system for sure.
im going to buy the infinity basslink ii. i know i need to wire the 12v and ground. but do i need to wire the remote on also. i think i see the basslink has a auto on feature.
Moviela....
also, i should use the rear speakers for the basslink rite?
can someone tell me the color wires for the rear left and right - pos and neg speakers
where did u access the wires to hookup the basslink?
im going to buy the infinity basslink ii. i know i need to wire the 12v and ground. but do i need to wire the remote on also. i think i see the basslink has a auto on feature.
Moviela....
also, i should use the rear speakers for the basslink rite?
can someone tell me the color wires for the rear left and right - pos and neg speakers
where did u access the wires to hookup the basslink?
Last edited by R6Tuan; Jun 2, 2009 at 09:19 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
2006 C230 Sedan
no, its in the rear doors.
i was hoping to get the speaker wire colors so i can tap into them by the b pillar instead of taking off the door panels.
also can u hookup the power wire to the rear SAM?
i was hoping to get the speaker wire colors so i can tap into them by the b pillar instead of taking off the door panels.
also can u hookup the power wire to the rear SAM?
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
C280
I have a c280 2006 and trying to install an avic ito it. The speakers say nothing on them so i don't know what kind of speakers i have. If its the case that its a standard system with no fiber optics, then will any rewiring have to be done? Can i still use the stock amp? If not, can i just power the speakers/subwoofer through the avic?
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 423
Likes: 1
From: East Coast
C230 coupe 2002
I have a c280 2006 and trying to install an avic ito it. The speakers say nothing on them so i don't know what kind of speakers i have. If its the case that its a standard system with no fiber optics, then will any rewiring have to be done? Can i still use the stock amp? If not, can i just power the speakers/subwoofer through the avic?
but its really worth it, when it comes to sound
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
C280
Like i said i'm installin an avic into it. therefore i dont know if the amp can power the speakers and hook up to the avic, or if i have to power the speakers through the avic and bypass the amp. Dont know how the subwoofer would play into either of those scenarios. Any clues anyone?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Chicago
2005 C230 Kompressor
1. Your head unit is the same for all cars except those with COMAND. Your car might or might not have premium audio. The amp for standard cars is located in the head unit, and copper wires connect to the speakers. The audio signal in Premium audio cars is sent to the amp package in the trunk via MOST fiber optics. MOST fiber optics are used to distribute the audio signal if you have a telephone, a satellite receiver, tele-aid, a six disc cd changer, or the previously mentioned Premium audio. Cars before the face-lift had a different fiber optic protocol called D2B.
2. Changing the head unit is possible, but if you have any of the above mentioned devices on the MOST fiber optic cable loop, you will need to throw them away. They cannot be "re-wired." If you have premium audio with the amp in the trunk (under the carpet on the right wheel arch) you will need to connect all the speakers to the new amp. It takes 8 discrete channels of amplification to replicate the Premium amp. The speakers might have a strange sound because the premium amp has a DSP that tailors the sound field for the Mercedes interior.
If you want to add a sub, I suggest an infinity basslink unit. I installed several in C class cars.
2. Changing the head unit is possible, but if you have any of the above mentioned devices on the MOST fiber optic cable loop, you will need to throw them away. They cannot be "re-wired." If you have premium audio with the amp in the trunk (under the carpet on the right wheel arch) you will need to connect all the speakers to the new amp. It takes 8 discrete channels of amplification to replicate the Premium amp. The speakers might have a strange sound because the premium amp has a DSP that tailors the sound field for the Mercedes interior.
If you want to add a sub, I suggest an infinity basslink unit. I installed several in C class cars.
I pulled up all the carpeting in the trunk and while I have no amp, I do have a ton of wires, some orange, white, purple and various other colors all will plugs at the end and covered in like a gray pad. What should I do, will the command interfere, do I have to rewire, or what. I am out of my league with this car. I can do anything to the body, but when it comes to electronics on a German car I am lost.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
I have an 05 C230 with the stock system, and I would like to get the command head unit, and either get rear deck speakers or the infinity basslink that everyone has been talking about.
I pulled up all the carpeting in the trunk and while I have no amp, I do have a ton of wires, some orange, white, purple and various other colors all will plugs at the end and covered in like a gray pad. What should I do, will the command interfere, do I have to rewire, or what. I am out of my league with this car. I can do anything to the body, but when it comes to electronics on a German car I am lost.
I pulled up all the carpeting in the trunk and while I have no amp, I do have a ton of wires, some orange, white, purple and various other colors all will plugs at the end and covered in like a gray pad. What should I do, will the command interfere, do I have to rewire, or what. I am out of my league with this car. I can do anything to the body, but when it comes to electronics on a German car I am lost.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Chicago
2005 C230 Kompressor
Honestly, the easiest way to enhance the sound would be to simply add subs. I tapped into the rear speakers (left and right) and ran that through a high/low converter. Used a two-channel amp powered from the battery with the switched power to the HU as the trigger. It may not be the cleanest way to run everything, but it was fairly cheap and very effective. I turned the bass way down from the HU and turned up the subs from their amp. Now the stock speakers don't distort like they did before. Just my 2 cents. Good luck either way.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,545
Likes: 0
From: Saint Augustine, FL
1999 CLK320 (sold), 2007 C230 SS (gone), 2000 Grand Marquis, 2011 CR-Z, stay tuned...
I love the way it sounds, and I got really good deal on it all. $200 for everything with installation. Let me know if you need any more info.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Chicago
2005 C230 Kompressor
Specifically, I have the Audio 20 6 speaker system. I can't remember what the amp is. It's powering 2 12" Rockford Fosgate P1 punch speakers (old ones), and the box was custome from a friend of mine (who build competition boxes). It does take up alot of trunk space, but I love the sound. It's not horribly loud, but is enough. Nothing on the outside of the car rattles (unless it's really cranked), and only a couple little things inside (but those were there before). You might be able to get away with 1 12" P2 I love the way it sounds, and I got really good deal on it all. $200 for everything with installation. Let me know if you need any more info.
I love the way it sounds, and I got really good deal on it all. $200 for everything with installation. Let me know if you need any more info.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,848
Likes: 15
From: Orange County
2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
In dash factory navigation is a bit crude compared to available dash top units that sell for less than $ 200. That is only for information, not to talk you out of making your car the way you like.
If you do want that system, it is doable. You must get a US market COMAND or you will not receive radio stations correctly, and the navigation data is a bit difficult to install on a European or Japan market unit. You will need to install a GPS antenna under the dash, and some version coding may need to be done depending on the audio options on your car.
If you want a COMAND and have it done right, I suggest forum sponsor MbenzNL.com Contact them with your car details and VIN to get a quote.
They purchased a number of brand new MOST units, and sell them at a tiny fraction of the price at the parts counter.
I believe the COMAND will work with either the stock audio or the premium audio. Adding a Basslink II (if you can still find one) is an inexpensive alternative to a full blown premium sound conversion. Basslink II needs some sound absorbing matting in the rear doors to prevent a nasty rattle on Stairway to Heaven.
If you do want that system, it is doable. You must get a US market COMAND or you will not receive radio stations correctly, and the navigation data is a bit difficult to install on a European or Japan market unit. You will need to install a GPS antenna under the dash, and some version coding may need to be done depending on the audio options on your car.
If you want a COMAND and have it done right, I suggest forum sponsor MbenzNL.com Contact them with your car details and VIN to get a quote.
They purchased a number of brand new MOST units, and sell them at a tiny fraction of the price at the parts counter.
I believe the COMAND will work with either the stock audio or the premium audio. Adding a Basslink II (if you can still find one) is an inexpensive alternative to a full blown premium sound conversion. Basslink II needs some sound absorbing matting in the rear doors to prevent a nasty rattle on Stairway to Heaven.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Dallas/Chicago
2005 C230 Kompressor
In dash factory navigation is a bit crude compared to available dash top units that sell for less than $ 200. That is only for information, not to talk you out of making your car the way you like.
If you do want that system, it is doable. You must get a US market COMAND or you will not receive radio stations correctly, and the navigation data is a bit difficult to install on a European or Japan market unit. You will need to install a GPS antenna under the dash, and some version coding may need to be done depending on the audio options on your car.
If you want a COMAND and have it done right, I suggest forum sponsor MbenzNL.com Contact them with your car details and VIN to get a quote.
They purchased a number of brand new MOST units, and sell them at a tiny fraction of the price at the parts counter.
I believe the COMAND will work with either the stock audio or the premium audio. Adding a Basslink II (if you can still find one) is an inexpensive alternative to a full blown premium sound conversion. Basslink II needs some sound absorbing matting in the rear doors to prevent a nasty rattle on Stairway to Heaven.
If you do want that system, it is doable. You must get a US market COMAND or you will not receive radio stations correctly, and the navigation data is a bit difficult to install on a European or Japan market unit. You will need to install a GPS antenna under the dash, and some version coding may need to be done depending on the audio options on your car.
If you want a COMAND and have it done right, I suggest forum sponsor MbenzNL.com Contact them with your car details and VIN to get a quote.
They purchased a number of brand new MOST units, and sell them at a tiny fraction of the price at the parts counter.
I believe the COMAND will work with either the stock audio or the premium audio. Adding a Basslink II (if you can still find one) is an inexpensive alternative to a full blown premium sound conversion. Basslink II needs some sound absorbing matting in the rear doors to prevent a nasty rattle on Stairway to Heaven.
