I just picked up my C230K last week, and I am interested in the CD changer installation. In the glovebox, there is a break-out panel in the top left section which opens up to a plastic sleeve leading down towards the inside of the dashboard. Is this where the cables are supposed to come from? Because I don't see them.

I opened up the panel underneath the glovebox, and I noticed in among the insulation and stuff, there is a bundle of cables, two thicker ones (which I assume to be the optical cables) and several smaller wires (presumably the power, ground, etc).

How exactly does the CD changer hook-up?


Thanks,

Cryptnotic

 

The fiber optic cables are thin and orange. The fiber optic cable used to connect the CD changer to the head unit is not pre-installed and must be purchased separately. If you have COMAND, there is an AUX cable pre-installed in the glovebox which can be used to connect the CD changer.

 

Aha! Okay, looks like a trip to the MB parts counter at the dealer.

Thanks,



Cryptnotic

 

Aparrantly the cable doesn't actually come out into the glove box on my W203 (C230K). The guy at the service place (after harassing him for 15 minutes) said that the cable is tucked somewhere under the dash. It's definately not included in either the CD Changer box or the mounting bracket box, since I looked in both of those at the parts counter and couldn't find it.


Cryptnotic

 

Go here autoclass.net to get their number and talk to Gaston. You can purchase the changer, cable and bracket from them for about $460.00. I'm sure he can also give you more details on how the cable is used as a bypass and the existing cable in the right hatch panel attaches. You could also do a search here and find quite a bit of information. By the way, since the computer needs to be re-programmed to tell it the changer is installed, this is not exactly a do-it-yourself job. Good luck

 

If you don't have COMAND, you need to purchase the fiber optic cable. It is not in the car. The part number might be something like Q682 0670 or 71

 

I'm still interested in it as a "do-it-yourself" type job. Does anyone have information on how to set the computer so that it recognizes the CD changer? Or is it a closely guarded MB secret?

I assume some of the audio installation places would know how to do it. But maybe they guard the information as well.


Cryptnotic

 

It is proprietary infromation. It can only be done at a dealership or a garage which has a DAS laptop and software. You can install it yourself, but you must disassemble much of the dash and console. It will function but eventually it may stop and then a DAS computer must be used to clear the fault codes and reprogram the car.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...highlight=pete
http://www.stormpages.com/arialis/mb/changer/index.html

 

Wow. Many cudos to Pete for finding this information and scanning the relevant pages. I am so impressed.

I haven't decided if I will attempt the disassembly and reassembly myself, but I have decided to order the changer from the place in Florida instead of paying the $699 + sales tax that the parts department at the dealer wanted.

Thanks Lynn. You rule.


Cryptnotic

 

Thank you, but some here might rudely, but correctly say that should be spelled drool.:p