Audio Question
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
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From: NE PA
99 E55
Audio Question
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
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Hawaii
2017 GLA 250, 2011 C63 P31 (p30 w/ lsd) (in repair), 2005 C230 Sport Eurocharged, 2003 C320~sold
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
Here is some info I found very informative
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...hancement.html
Out Of Control!!
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
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.
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Member
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From: Toronto, ON
2002 C230 Coupe & 2010 C300 Sport
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.
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From: Austin, TX
2005 C230K(sold), Mk7 Jetta
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
Here is some info I found very informative
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...hancement.html
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 53
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From: NE PA
99 E55
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?)
Member
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c230k
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! 
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: Hawaii
2017 GLA 250, 2011 C63 P31 (p30 w/ lsd) (in repair), 2005 C230 Sport Eurocharged, 2003 C320~sold
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.
Compatibilty and how to verify compatible vehicles
The OPTI-1 has been extensively tested and validated to work with the following model and year vehicles with a M.O.S.T ampli er:
2005-2008 CLS, 2003-2008 E, 2004-2006 S, 2004-2006 CL, 2005-2008 SL &2005-2008 SLK
The OPTI-1 has been extensively tested and validated to work with the following model and year vehicles with a M.O.S.T ampli er:
2005-2008 CLS, 2003-2008 E, 2004-2006 S, 2004-2006 CL, 2005-2008 SL &2005-2008 SLK
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 408
Likes: 40
From: Hawaii
2017 GLA 250, 2011 C63 P31 (p30 w/ lsd) (in repair), 2005 C230 Sport Eurocharged, 2003 C320~sold
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
http://www.dension.com/product/ipod-...teway-500-lite
http://www.dension.com/product/iPod-...ts/gateway-500
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
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02 c320
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.
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.
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?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
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From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
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02 c320
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 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?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
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02 c320
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?
Also there is another pair of wires thinner then the other speaker wires whats that one for?
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-question.html
Not sure about the other wires...got a picture?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
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02 c320
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?
https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-question.html
Not sure about the other wires...got a picture?
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
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02 c320
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
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B7R...it?usp=sharing
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
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.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 11
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02 c320
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.
Thanks for all your help.
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 651
Likes: 5
From: So. Cal.
'02 C320 Wagon, '78 308 GTS, '06 Highlander Hybrid
