I have an 02 C230 Coupe w/Bose system. I was going to change the audio head unit and was asked if my car has fiber optic cable to the amp. Is there any way to tell if this car has that type of connection? Thanks

 

By definition, it does. Need to rewire everything. Have fun!

 

Really? I am so depressed.

Thanks

 

Yes, Bose uses fiber optics. If you want to verify for yourself w/o pulling the head unit, locate the amp and it should have a couple orange "wires" going into it. Those are the fiber optic cables.

It's actually not that bad, I just replaced my head unit and I just ran 4 sets of speaker wires, rca, and amp power back to where the original amp was...all in one place.

LMK if you have anyquestions.

 

You have the D2B Fiber optics and not the MOST fiber unfortunately. They make converters for the newer MOST system to adapt different radios relatively easily.

Here is some info I found very informative
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...hancement.html

 

THanks all for the replies...I think my system stays stock.

 

LOL. That's the decision I came to when I killed the factory warranty and was thinking of an upgrade. Though I question it the first nice day of every spring, when I open all of the windows and the panorama sunroof and remember how anemic the stereo is when the windows aren't closed.

 

I'm actually happy with the sound of the Bose system, just really hate the head unit. I'm starting to hate it to the point where I may just remove everything and build a system around a 6.5 inch Kicker shallow mount subwoofer. I figure a custom made fiber glass box where the stock bose sub is should work pretty well.

 

Good info! Unfortunately, this converter does not support W203s even with the MOST bus.

 

I have a Dynavin in my BMW and really like it so I was going to put one in the MB. Maybe I could try what Hanknum's post suggests...just run power and RCA wires to the AMP (do I still need a new amp?)

 

It's kind of a fun project if you want to change your head unit out. I rewired my bose system for a Pioneer unit and it only took me an afternoon. Granted I spent the previous few days reading about to best do it all. You'll be really happy with the change, it's great to finally get rid of that tape player!

 

Yes you need another amp. I am pretty sure Hanknum ran the speaker wires from the head unit and spliced into the existing wires where the original amp was. This way you don't have to rewire all the way to the speakers removing those panels. He then used the RCA to feed his new amp. There are many different ways to do this depending on the type of radio you choose to install and the amount of RCA outputs. I myself may just leave my head unit and add an extra amp for another sub using AudioControl's Lc2i converter but if I wanted to connect some other audio devices or add NAV would change the entire head unit.

That's junk haha. I didn't know this since I didn't have the MOST network anyhow so didn't look much further into it.
Basically it looks like any car that the OPTI-1 kit works on has to have an external audio gateway is what the problem is.

 

You also have another option to add a Dension Gateway 500 to play ipod/bluetooth/usb audio for both the D2B and MOST but for that expense I would just say upgrade it all
http://www.dension.com/product/ipod-...teway-500-lite
http://www.dension.com/product/iPod-...ts/gateway-500

 

I'm actually just running the speakers off the head unit amp. I did run an RCA for a sub amp that I will install. Previously I read that the Bose speakers were a lot lower impedance and could damage a conventional amp, but I measured them with an ohm meter and they came out to around 3Ω (which equates to about 4Ω impedance). So if your head unit is powered, then an amp would be optional. I'd still just run the wires just in case you decide to add an amp in the future.

 

Hi Hanknum
I also have an 02 C320 Wagon Bose system no nav. So you can add a new HU and you will get sound but the sub wont work?

 

Hi FT,

Yes, but you will have to tap into your speaker wires somewhere. And yes again, the sub won't work if you change out the HU...uses fiber optics from the HU.

 

Thanks for the reply back. Did you run wires to the amp and tap into the speaker wires there?

I did by an AMP but will install later but I assume that I can just run wires from my HU to the AMP and use the existing wires from the OEM amp to the new amp?

 

I used those rear wires to the amp all is good. I do have more questions now my radio reception is gone is the a power amp for the antenna?

Also there is another pair of wires thinner then the other speaker wires whats that one for?

 

Take a look here for your reception...

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-question.html

Not sure about the other wires...got a picture?

 

Great thanks I will pull the radio back out and connect the black wire. Also the wire in question I think is the center channel did you hook that up? I will get pics later when I get home.

 

Thanks for the info that black wire worked great. Here is a pic of those wires I was talking about.[

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7R...it?usp=sharing

 

Can't remember. But from the amp you should have four door speaker wires, a subwoofer wire, and the center (dash) speaker. IIRC, the center speaker was a different impedance than any of the other speakers. To check for sure, connect the wires to a battery (1.5 V will work). If it is the center speaker you should hear some crackling from it.

 

Will do. Did you use the center speaker?

Thanks for all your help.

 

No, no hook ups for a center speaker...don't know if any aftermarket HU's offer anything to hook up a center speaker.

Good luck and let me know how it goes.