Hi

First time poster here, and have exhausted the search method in trying to find the answer to the following questions:

I currently have a 2003 C320 4-Matic, and found that spending 500 on a factory 6-disk changer was just insane.

Anyway,

1. Would it be better to buy a new head unit that plays mp3s (Alpine CDA-9815 ) or buy a 6 disk changer that plays mp3s (Alpine CHA-S634)? In the long run, which would be the better option?

2. What sort of adaptors would I need to install the above? I understand that the MB systems now use fibre-optics.

3. The stock MB head unit is huge. What sort of options other than a gigantic spacer would I have?

4. Anyone here can recommend a shop in Toronto, Canada?

Thanks

 

You have lots of choice, starting from the best choices to worst are;

- Get another MB alternative like the Audio 10 CD (much better sound, deeper bass) or Comand navigation system. This option preserves your steering wheel controls and dash display.

- Get amps, speakers to try and improve the current radio.

- Get a metra bezel and wiring harness and put in an Alpine system of you choice with their steering wheel adapter. Lose the dash display but at least you can still use the steering wheel buttons. You'll have to change the speakers because I don't think the Bose setup you have will work with an aftermarket radio.

- Rip out everything and get a metra bezel and wiring harness and go completely aftermarket.

IMHO nothing cheapens a nice car more than to put a ricey looking radio with a cheezy adapter but that's just my opinion and I've seen a really cheezy radio with animated dolphins on a $130,000 Porche so to each his own.

 

Were Bose speakers standard on C-Class? I know they are for S-Class, but I remember it being an option that I did not pay for.

 

I had a Alpine stereo put in mine, I love it. metra makes a kit for the dash. I also had the changer installed, it the same size as the MB changer, you can use the factory speakers if you do not have the bose upgrade

 

Crap that's exactly what I'm looking for, except since there are newer models out for alpine, I'm going to go with those.

Did you need any special adaptors to hook that up? Also, the steering wheel controls don't work anymore, right? What about that in-dash display for all your mileage/engine temperature/etc? I hope that still works...

 

I'm assuming that you have the C320 sedan, if you do then it comes standard with Bose. As far as I know, only Alpine offers an adaptor for the steering wheel controls. I'm pretty sure you'll lose the dash display. Keep the factory radio and don't cut any wires because many people that buy MB's, specially an expensive one like the C320 prefer the look and functionality of the factory radio. To do it right thought it's likely gonna cost at least $1,500 for a HU, steering wheel adapter, CD changer, metra kits and all new speakers and amps. More realistically over $2,000 for nice setup with a sub woofer.

 

Yes i do have the C320 sedan. If it comes standard with Bose sound system, then what does the Bose upgrade do? Is there anyway to check whether I have a Bose system installed? I don't see any Bose logos anywhere on the speakers.

It would be unfortunate if everything was Bose... that would mean I have to spend 500 bucks on a crappy 6 disk MB changer.. ARGH!

 

if you have the C320, i'm almost sure you have the upgraded BOSE. it comes standard on the C320's... gettin an aftermarket head unit and disc changer might not be necessarily cheaper than getting the mbz changer... besides i don't think audio quality will improve that much... just get a sub and amp to get more bass, that's what i did and it sounds a lil better... just $.02

 

Rats.. I hate getting stuff you never paid for.. lol

I guess Bose is built in then... so no more aftermarket Alpine decks for me.


Thanks for your help, everyone.

 

yeah, you should definitely have the bose on a C320. When you go into the audio settings, do you have an EXT function that changes between driver, ambiente, speech. If so, then that's bose.

 

Actually, i don't recall having those!! Maybe I don't have bose. I know for a fact they are on the S-class cause i've seen those options on the colour screen, but i never checked on the C class cause it didn't have the screen.

Lemme check asap.

EDIT: NO I DON"T HAVE THOSE OPTIONS!! Yay.. I don't have bose.

 

What is the brand name and where do you buy the steering wheel kit

 

If you have the bose speakers it not that big a deal, just buy new speakers, I bought all my stuff last year, I am sure the newer stuff is better, I do not have steering wheel controls for the audio only, all other controls still work. I bet you can get a HU, changer, and speaker, installed for around 1,000, which is about the same cost as a changer installed from the dealer.

 

yea you do, if you press "aud" then "ext" you will be given the option of ambiente, driver...

 

Nope, I don't have those settings. Once i press AUD, it gives me BASS, TREBLE, BALANCE, and FADER. I press AUD to cycle through those menus and it eventually gives me back the screen in the picture.


I finally know why there is so much confusion. It seems that in the US the C320 comes standard with the BOSE system, but here in Canada, it is optional. Hence, my car does not have the BOSE system installed. So yay.... screw BOSE, go Alpine.

 

Someone please explain what the big deal is IF he did infact had BOSE?


Erik

 

The best deal for you is the MB Audio 10 CD made by Becker (the unit you have now is made by Alpine), gives you an indash CD, sounds way better than the cassette radio. Steve can get you one for $225, a steal.

 

I think that's probably right. You didn't have your location listed under your name yesterday, did you? Because I remember thinking that maybe if you were in Canada, you wouldn't have it. I guess that's true.

 

I still don't understand what the big deal would be if he had BOSE.

Erik

 

Something about having to replace all the speakers since they won't work with an aftermarket HU. I don't think I had heard that until this thread though. What's the reason for that. I could understand some re-wiring because the Bose amp is fiber-optic, but why all new speakers?

 

I have all aftermarket components...Screen/navi/dvd/cd changer and I have BOSE with no amp. Just change out the fiber optics to regular wires...its like a 1 hour job, no big deal. It sounds just as good or better then stock and cost almost nothing.

Erik

 

Yea... I should have specified my location the moment I signed up. Many apologies for any confusion caused.

Anyway, thanks for the help. I'm going to check out how much trouble it will be to upgrade to Alpine, but will probably opt for the Audio 10 unit like Buellwinkle suggested.

 

The factory BOSE speakers run on a different impedence then normal speakers. That along with the fiber-optic wiring is the reason for change...

For other audio advise look...

HERE

 

I'd still rather rewire the factory bose, then buy all new speaker, an amp and have to rewire anyway.

Erik

 

That's all you man, but...

Read this too

Just an FYI