Hi all,

I just bought my Dad's 2007 c230. I love the car, but the problem is that I am an audiophile and the car, as it is, is not very conducive to music listening. I really want to give it a nice sound system. I don't want anything window-shatteringly loud or competition level bass, but I want to bass to be strong and deep enough to feel. I am not experienced in audio very much at all - would someone be willing to answer a few questions for me?

Basically, right now, all I want to do is replace the headunit so I can play music through my phone/Ipod. The car doesn't come with any capabilities to do that, and it's kind of a bummer. I looked into buying a cord for aux that plugs in down the side of the passenger seat, but the 07's do not have that harness apparently. And, a new head unit would be nice regardless. I want the replace the head unit before I do anything else (Subs, amps, speakers) and I want to do it soon. Is it easy to install myself? Which unit should I get? Dose blutooth cost that much more? Any recommended units in particular? My local car audio ship has a lot of pioneers and alpines, which I know are reputable. I want to be able to do the install myself, but I want to know that what I am buying will fit and will allow for future upgrades to speakers and subs.

thanks for any help!

-Charlie

 

I'll have to disagree with you about the sound system not being very good; my '02 C240 has one of the best stock systems I've heard.
Anyways, I've been looking to get a H.U. myself but I'm 'poor' and can't really justify it at the current moment. Were you looking to get a single-din or double-din Headunit? Double-dins are the ~7inch touchscreen units, sometimes including GPS if you spend the extra money. Single-dins are more popular(and much more cheaper).
Personally, I'm looking at the double-din Pioneer AVH-X5600BHS(or maybe x5500bhs). It includes HD Radio, 4 50w amps, Android interface, etc. It's considered one of their best DVD Receivers, and costs about $350 but no GPS. I think that's an extra $250 or so.

Honestly, all you can do is look around on Cartoys.com or crutchfield.com or something and find which headunit suits you the best. In addition to the unit itself, you will need an Installation_kit. If you want to retain the steering wheel controls, you need this. If you(or a passenger) wanted to watch movies while driving, you'll need this.
Installation- If I get one, i'm getting mine professionally installed, as I really don't want to run the chance of screwing up electronics in my car. It involves removing the entire center console and could involve soldering some wires. I believe I saw somewhere it took someone 4 hours to do it themself following a guideline posted on these forums. Honestly it's just a scare factor for me, lol. I don't want to see my car in shambles. For the extra $100(what I was quoted from a car audio shop) I think it's worth it.


Also, good for you doing the HU first. I've been told by friends/members that doing the HU first saved them $1000's because they were so surprised by the quality bump.


Also- getting a double-din can allow you to install a backup camera. I don't think it's needed with my car but it could be a nice touch. They aren't too expensive. And almost all double dins allow you to plug in a mic for hands free calling.

 

hello

does your 2007 came with the H/K sound system? (the stock Premium system) you would know because your will have a Harmon Kardon badge on the driver side's rear deck.
if you have this system then upgrading becomes more difficult and spendy as you are on the MOST fiber optic system (i have this on my 2005) most after market head units will not work with the stock optical amp. if you want to replace the amp you would basically have to re-wire the whole car.

if you do not have this, then it is a much easier job. buy the adapter kit and choose a nice double din with touch screen. this way you can add amps, etc