On a recommendation from Synergy, I "couped" my way down to Circuit City in search of a CD changer magazine for my MB changer.

Alpine part number KAE-216C is a pack of 2 magazines for $30. Not bad considering that this guy on Ebay is getting over $15.50 plus $5 s/h for 1 used MB unit.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/aw-cg...ndexURL=0&rd=1

The Alpines are exactly like the factory MB cassettes except they are clear plastic and the trays pull completely out of the holder (a bit annoying, but whatever).

BTW: The part number for the factory MB cassette is
A 002 820 62 89

 

Thanks for this info. I will go out and do the same. It would be nice to have 3 magazines to switch out.

 

I'm being dense, sorry. So you can use the Alpine KAE-216C cartridges from Circuit City without problem in the MB changers?

Actually, I think I like the idea of clear magazines, so you have a chance to see what's inside rather than having to dismount each tray. Also, one or two of my OEM magazine trays pull out of the holder, so that's not a biggie, either, unless my OEM cartridge is broken?

 

Yes, Mr Bob. If your sedan has the same changer that the coupes get- the Alpine cassettes will work.

If your not sure, you can bring your MB cassette in the store and compare it to the Alpines (they're in a clear package).

BTW: I checked Best Buy first and they didn't carry any Alpine cassettes.

 

COOL! Thanks, avlis!

 

Thanks for the info everyone....I just ordered the MB cd-changer from PerformanceProducts...bad thing..they are back ordered about 2 weeks....but the extra cassettes for the changer does help out.....not too concerned about clear or not..whether the cd holders come totally out or not....
Thanks again all.....

 

Thanks for the info Avlis.

I bought a pair of Alpine Magazines(KAE-216C) at Circut City today for $30. They are mostly clear plastic boxes but one has a red bottom panel and the other has Yellow. This helps to distinguish between the 2. They work and look exactly like the original except for the colors. Do we know yet if any sedan owners have tried these. Also, I wonder if earlier model years were manufactured by a company other than Alpine. I wonder what MB Dealers are charging for these. Not $15 per unit, I am sure.

 

Did you check with autoclass.net ? Talk to Gaston.

 

Some poor guy paid $33 for one used MB cassette on that Ebay auction (link above). I hope it wasn't anyone that reads this forum!

 

avlis, I purchased the Alpine Cartridges your thread recommended over the weekend. A regular stock item at Circuit City. They work great!!

 

I ask my sales on the day of pick-up, after I already paid for everything, that how much a CD magazine is and that I would like to get one. He just went to the parts dept. and got me one. He said it's no biggy... nice guy. But he said if I need more it's around 10 bucks at the discounted rate... which all you MB owners should get... anything I get from the parts dept is at discounted rate... here (Oakland) and at home (Vancouver, Canada)... At least 10% off...

So in my opinion, MB don't make money on a lot of these parts... no point getting non-OEM stuff...

 

Ok, so you get deals on MBs and MB parts in the Bay area (along with friendly dealers).

How much do houses cost there? Much traffic?:p

In the northeast we pretty much get screwed everywhere we turn. We pay MSRP for MBs and have to wait 5 months because the dealer only has two demos on the lot.

 

Lots of dealers... and lots of bad sales people too... it's entertaining to see how much **** they have sometimes...

I also found out the cheaper makes you go... (Japanese... Korean...) the worse the sales gets... just my opinion... don't get me wrong... I loved my Toyota 4Runner... sad that it's gone now

 

I just got my CD changer for my C240 yesterday...having it installed at the MB dealer Thursday. I will be checking the Circuit City's here in Tucson for the CD cassettes....another 2 would be helpful. But will make sure they are the Alpine compatibles.

 

shtatc, if the cartridge that comes with your changer is part number A 002 820 62 89 (look on the label) then the Alpine KAE-216C units will be compatible.

 

MB-BOB,

thanks, I will check it out, but I think that is the one.