CD changer problem
Thread Starter
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Joined: Apr 2003
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C320
CD changer problem
Has anybody else come across the problem playing CD-Rs and CD-RWs in the factory installed CD changer? I just replaced my CD changer twice in the last two weeks and the Service Manager at my local MBZ dealership gave me a Dealer Techinal Bulletin that states:
Group 82.64 - ALL MODELS, USE OF NON-COMMERCIAL COMPACT DISCS IN MBUSA CD CHANGERS AND CD PLAYERS: Programmable Compact Discs such as CD-R ad CD-RW may not play back correctly in MBUSA CD Players. For complaints related to playback of CD-R and CD-RW audio CD's in MBUSA CD Players, verify correct operation of CD Player with a commercial compact disc. Due to variations in CD-R or CD-RW Compact Disc, MBUSA does not support their use in MBUSA CD Players. Do not replace any parts for this issue.
The dealership replaced my changer twice at no charge since I was not informed of this limitation. However, it is very disappointing and I'd like to locate an after market CD changer that can play CD-Rs and CD-RWs AND integrates with my system in a C 320.
I checked Crutchfield and they only offer the same lousy MBZ factory changer that I'm trying to replace.
Group 82.64 - ALL MODELS, USE OF NON-COMMERCIAL COMPACT DISCS IN MBUSA CD CHANGERS AND CD PLAYERS: Programmable Compact Discs such as CD-R ad CD-RW may not play back correctly in MBUSA CD Players. For complaints related to playback of CD-R and CD-RW audio CD's in MBUSA CD Players, verify correct operation of CD Player with a commercial compact disc. Due to variations in CD-R or CD-RW Compact Disc, MBUSA does not support their use in MBUSA CD Players. Do not replace any parts for this issue.
The dealership replaced my changer twice at no charge since I was not informed of this limitation. However, it is very disappointing and I'd like to locate an after market CD changer that can play CD-Rs and CD-RWs AND integrates with my system in a C 320.
I checked Crutchfield and they only offer the same lousy MBZ factory changer that I'm trying to replace.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Florida, USA
C320 Sports Coupe
I have the 6-disc in my C320. Being in the car audio business, I have found that many factory CD players/changers will play some, but not all CD-R's. CD-RW's are even less compatible. From my own experience, all of my CD-R's play fine in the changer. This usually has more to do with the CD-R you are using, rather than the specific changer. I have always used Memorex CD-R's labeled "for audio use". They are a bit more expensive than the bulk CD-R's, but still very affordable, and I have had no compatibility issues.
Second thing I would mention, is that the only aftermarket company I can think of who makes a changer that will work with the factory deck (NOT RF modulated) is USA-Spec. I sold my store a few weeks ago, so I havent spoken with them for a while, but last I heard they were releasing one soon. You would have to look em up online, as I dont have their number anymore =( But at least theres something to go on.
Personally, I would just go buy a pack of Memorex CD-R's for Audio, make a couple recordings, and see if that works.
Good luck =)
Cris
Second thing I would mention, is that the only aftermarket company I can think of who makes a changer that will work with the factory deck (NOT RF modulated) is USA-Spec. I sold my store a few weeks ago, so I havent spoken with them for a while, but last I heard they were releasing one soon. You would have to look em up online, as I dont have their number anymore =( But at least theres something to go on.
Personally, I would just go buy a pack of Memorex CD-R's for Audio, make a couple recordings, and see if that works.
Good luck =)
Cris
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Vancouver, BC
2017 GLA 250 4Matic
I have the cheap-*** bulk CD-R's and I've never had a problem playing them in the car. Maybe your CD-Writer is the culprit? Try playing those burned discs on your computer to see if they work before attempting to try in the car.
SynergyC320:
Those are by far the best rims I've seen on this car. Where did ou get them? How much? What tires? Are those the polished or the triple chrome plated rims?
SynergyC320:
Those are by far the best rims I've seen on this car. Where did ou get them? How much? What tires? Are those the polished or the triple chrome plated rims?
Last edited by PoonerElRay; Apr 23, 2003 at 12:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2003
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C320
Thanks everyone for the suggestions!!
I'm going to try Memorex audio only CD-Rs. My first changer lasted a little over a year and I believe I had played Yamaha, Kodak, and Memorex CD-Rs in it without problems. Not until I burned a CD-R using a different brand (currently not sure which brand I used - have to wait until the factory returns the CDs stuck in my old magazine) did I experience problems. I also tested every burned CD-R on my computer before taking it to the car, but not every one was audio only.
Crossing my fingers and hoping this new unit will not break!
I'm going to try Memorex audio only CD-Rs. My first changer lasted a little over a year and I believe I had played Yamaha, Kodak, and Memorex CD-Rs in it without problems. Not until I burned a CD-R using a different brand (currently not sure which brand I used - have to wait until the factory returns the CDs stuck in my old magazine) did I experience problems. I also tested every burned CD-R on my computer before taking it to the car, but not every one was audio only.
Crossing my fingers and hoping this new unit will not break!
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Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Florida, USA
C320 Sports Coupe
Your CD's were physically jammed in the player or magazine? That sounds like another problem alltogether! =( Hope everything gets fixed!
Big Sheesh: Thanks so much for the compliment =) They are SSR GT-3 multi piece. Fronts are 18x8 and rears are 18x9. Bought them from tirerack.com for $529 ea for the fronts and $539 ea for the rears. The rubber is Bridgestone Potenza S03. The spokes are metallic silver like the car, and the rims are chromed.
Cris
Big Sheesh: Thanks so much for the compliment =) They are SSR GT-3 multi piece. Fronts are 18x8 and rears are 18x9. Bought them from tirerack.com for $529 ea for the fronts and $539 ea for the rears. The rubber is Bridgestone Potenza S03. The spokes are metallic silver like the car, and the rims are chromed.
Cris
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From: Vancouver, BC
2017 GLA 250 4Matic
Please take a close up shot of the rims. I want to see the separation of color between the spokes and the chrome rims. Damn, they are hot!
Can you put back the MB logo into the centre of each wheel?
Can you put back the MB logo into the centre of each wheel?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 46
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From: Florida, USA
C320 Sports Coupe
This is the most close-up shot I have. I packed my camera away already or Id take another. (Im moving end of month!) I think you CAN get optional centercaps with the logo on them, as I have seen the same wheels on a BMW with the BMW logo in the center. However, the stock center cap is just a bit too large.
Member
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From: Dublin, CA
2003 C230 Kompressor Sport Sedan/2008 M3 Coupe M-DCT/1996 328i (Gone)/1988 190E 2.3 (Gone)
Originally posted by SynergyC320
This is the most close-up shot I have. I packed my camera away already or Id take another. (Im moving end of month!) I think you CAN get optional centercaps with the logo on them, as I have seen the same wheels on a BMW with the BMW logo in the center. However, the stock center cap is just a bit too large.
This is the most close-up shot I have. I packed my camera away already or Id take another. (Im moving end of month!) I think you CAN get optional centercaps with the logo on them, as I have seen the same wheels on a BMW with the BMW logo in the center. However, the stock center cap is just a bit too large.
Almost a Member!
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From: Florida, USA
C320 Sports Coupe
I feel bad getting off the subject but I want to answer everyones questions hehe. I dont know the exact weight, but I believe they are just over 20 lbs which I guess isnt too bad for a multi-piece wheel. I know the 1-pc version (GT-1) is under 20lbs. Here is the Tire Rack webpage for the wheel, with some EXCELLENT photos of it for those who wanted to see it more clearly
SSR GT-3's on TreRack.com
Cris
SSR GT-3's on TreRack.com
Cris
Member
Joined: Nov 2003
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From: Ontario, Canada
Acura EL, C230K, 997 C2
Just realized that the CD changer doesn't play CD-RW discs... 
Basically, it's an Alpine CD-changer... same as an aftermarket one I have in my Acura's trunk... the magazines are interchangable... paying $900CDN for it as a dealer option and i paid for the similar Alpine model in the Acura for 1/2 the price 5-6 yrs ago... what a jip!!!
One more funny thing... the Alpine 6-disc magazine was "Made in Japan"... and the MB-Magazine is "Made in China"... LOL
Basically, it's an Alpine CD-changer... same as an aftermarket one I have in my Acura's trunk... the magazines are interchangable... paying $900CDN for it as a dealer option and i paid for the similar Alpine model in the Acura for 1/2 the price 5-6 yrs ago... what a jip!!!
One more funny thing... the Alpine 6-disc magazine was "Made in Japan"... and the MB-Magazine is "Made in China"... LOL
Member
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From: Atlanta, GA
2003 C230 Kompressor Sedan
Do not use generic CD-R's
I read an article about two months ago that confirmed problems that I was having with both CD-R's and DVD+r's. I was using a generic CompUSA brand because they were cheap, and I figured a cd-r is a cd-r. I changed to name brand, including Memorex, Verbatim, and TDK, and have not had one failure since, either with my CD's or my DVD's.
The article said about 60% of the CD's in a generic spindle will fail, and that is very close to my experience. So if I have to buy twice as many of the generics to equal the price of the name brand, why go through the frustration of not knowing whether they will work.
Besides, Best Buy and Circuit City run great sales on blank media. With a little planning, you can come out spending about the same thing as the generic crap.
The article said about 60% of the CD's in a generic spindle will fail, and that is very close to my experience. So if I have to buy twice as many of the generics to equal the price of the name brand, why go through the frustration of not knowing whether they will work.
Besides, Best Buy and Circuit City run great sales on blank media. With a little planning, you can come out spending about the same thing as the generic crap.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Seden
Can anyone who bought the new 2005 C230K comfirm this? My 6-CD changer is made by Alpine and in Japan. However, it has a lot of problems reading CD-Rs I tried all the CD-R discs that I have, including Mitsubishi, Verbatim..etc. But, it reads all my CD-RW discs, so I had to re-burn all the CD-R discs into CD-RW. Does anyone haave the same problem?
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From: Long Island, New York
'05 C230SS 6MT, 1966 Triumph TR4a IRS, Shelby Cobra 427 Supercharged
When you go to burn the CD, check off the box to "Finalize CD". Many cd players, especially older ones have trouble reading CDs where the session and/or cd was left open. CD-Rs work fine in my dads '05 E500 but that is an in-dash changer, couldnt tell you about the C, mine isnt in yet! Rolled off the assembly line Thursday!
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2004
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Seden
Yes, the in-dash one in my car works OK for CD-Rs (maybe one or two songs not playable, but at least it can play most the songs on the CD-R). but the main problem is the 6-disc changer.
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From: Augusta, GA
'05 SS Brillant Silver
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w203/79234-audio-issue-05c230-ss-part-deux.html
My issue with CDR/CDRWs
My issue with CDR/CDRWs
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
I've never had a problem on mine, but talking about it with my SA...
To play CD-R's in the MB 6-disc CD Changer, my SA says three things:
- only use Audio type CD-R's, not the generic data CD-R's. And avoid no-name brands. Memorex, TDK, and Sony work best.
- when copying CD's, do not use the "fast" synchro mode, as this causes skips in some "cheaper" recorders.
- make sure to always "Finalize" the CD when finished recording. This allows for smooth playback, without the laser reader trying to figure out which parts of the CD are "open" or corrupted.
Sounds good to me. Again, I haven't had any problems with my CD-R's in my 6-CD Changer and I'm doing all 3 of the above.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
To play CD-R's in the MB 6-disc CD Changer, my SA says three things:
- only use Audio type CD-R's, not the generic data CD-R's. And avoid no-name brands. Memorex, TDK, and Sony work best.
- when copying CD's, do not use the "fast" synchro mode, as this causes skips in some "cheaper" recorders.
- make sure to always "Finalize" the CD when finished recording. This allows for smooth playback, without the laser reader trying to figure out which parts of the CD are "open" or corrupted.
Sounds good to me. Again, I haven't had any problems with my CD-R's in my 6-CD Changer and I'm doing all 3 of the above.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: San Francisco, CA, USA
2005 Mercedes-Benz C230 Kompressor Sports Seden
Thx for the tips Saprissa, but I did all that before mention my problems. I even used Audio-Purpose CD-R from Mitsubishi (kinda expensive).
Is is possible to seek for help from MB dealer? Iread from the previous tread that they don't do service for CD-R & CD-RW.
Is is possible to seek for help from MB dealer? Iread from the previous tread that they don't do service for CD-R & CD-RW.
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From: San Diego, CA & San Jose, Costa Rica & Stuttgart, Germany
1959 220S / 1979 230 G / 2002 A210 AMG / 2003 C320 SC / 2004.5 C320 SS / 2005 ML350 SE / 2008 smart
I guess, the problem lies in some sensitive MB 6-CD changers, (some of us don't have a problem, others do).
Like posted above, I guess this is what the MB dealer is going to say/do:
Group 82.64 - ALL MODELS, USE OF NON-COMMERCIAL COMPACT DISCS IN MBUSA
CD CHANGERS AND CD PLAYERS: Programmable Compact Discs such as CD-R ad CD-RW may not play back correctly in MBUSA CD Players. For complaints related to playback of CD-R and CD-RW audio CD's in MBUSA CD Players, verify correct operation of CD Player with a commercial compact disc. Due to variations in CD-R or CD-RW Compact Disc, MBUSA does not support their use in MBUSA CD Players. Do not replace any parts for this issue.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
Like posted above, I guess this is what the MB dealer is going to say/do:
Group 82.64 - ALL MODELS, USE OF NON-COMMERCIAL COMPACT DISCS IN MBUSA
CD CHANGERS AND CD PLAYERS: Programmable Compact Discs such as CD-R ad CD-RW may not play back correctly in MBUSA CD Players. For complaints related to playback of CD-R and CD-RW audio CD's in MBUSA CD Players, verify correct operation of CD Player with a commercial compact disc. Due to variations in CD-R or CD-RW Compact Disc, MBUSA does not support their use in MBUSA CD Players. Do not replace any parts for this issue.
Carlos
Saprissa@aol.com
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From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Hmmm. I use whatever is on sale. I have not experienced a 60% failure. Nothing close. I use CDR's not CDRW's. When you burn a CD, burn as "disk at once" and do not allow any more recordings. "Disk at once" is the oldest format and hence the most widely usable.
Additionally, if you still have trouble, try using 650 MB CD's, but haven't found that to be an issue with THIS cd player.
But to make a CD that will play in any cd player, use 650 MB Cd's, and do disk at once, and close the disk.
Actually the CD player in the Audio 10 is more picky than the
CD changer. I cannot play mixed mode (disks with data AND music, like many music CD's this year) disks in the Audio 10, but they play just fine in the CD changer.
Additionally, if you still have trouble, try using 650 MB CD's, but haven't found that to be an issue with THIS cd player.
But to make a CD that will play in any cd player, use 650 MB Cd's, and do disk at once, and close the disk.
Actually the CD player in the Audio 10 is more picky than the
CD changer. I cannot play mixed mode (disks with data AND music, like many music CD's this year) disks in the Audio 10, but they play just fine in the CD changer.
