terrorz

Greetings People.
I am from Singapore and just got my own W203 and I am having a problem here. I would like to change my Becker head unit to Pionneer but do not want to lose the audio control in my steering wheel. I was told that there is a converter/connector that I could buy to solve this problem. Can anyone here advise me where can I buy it online and what is it called. Thanks a lot.

Cheers,
Wayne

Buellwinkle

Alpine makes a device to allow you to keep the steering wheel controls with their HU's only. Don't know of anyone else doing this. You probably already know but you'll need a bezle to mount a DIN size radio in the odd shaped hole and you'll need the correct wiring harness (unless you don't mind splicing the factory wiring) and finally you'll need an antenna adapter. All in all you are probably looking at about $200 for everything not counting the cost of the HU. If you have the Bose option you may need new speakers and amp.

MJ50

from what i know, that steering wheel adapter only applies to cars such as honda, toyota, etc... it does not apply to MB or BMW since it involves computer in between the adapter and steering controls. if u want steering controls, gotta go with audio10 or COMAND.

terrorz

I am looking to install Pioneer P9 on my car, but do not want to sacrifice the control on the steering wheel and the display on the dash board. And most important, not to void my warranty of the car. For the Speakers, amp and woofer, I had them done up, now only left the head unit that is giving me problem. Mine is the Becker unit.

moondragon

guess you've quite limited options if you don't want to risk the warranty from C&C.

I don't think you can keep the steering controls if you change the Becker head unit to other brands although someone from an audio shop in Singapore I know claims to have done it with "specialist" help - involves extracting 2 wires carefully

Your not happy with the Becker Unit ?
I was thinking of putting in the Pioneer DEQ 7600 or DEQ 9200, both these DSPs allows you to keep the Becker Unit. However the steering controls will still only allow you to control the Becker Unit..... but at least it allows you to keep everything in stock condition when you decide to upgrade to another car

The DSPs are DIN sized and can sit below the Becker. You'll still need a bezel/facia to balance the look.

terrorz

Bro,
Which audio shop is that?
I am unhappy with the becker head unit, it gives you limitations to what you can play with the head unit. My installer said that there is such adaptor but he do not any of them.
I want to change my head unit and take out my Pre-amp. My system now only lack a good head unit .

Cheers,
Wayne

moondragon

Hi Wayne,
You can try the shop at Serangoon Gardens (next to the Coffee Bean outlet). I had my amps and speakers done there and enquired about replacing the head unit (I wanted the cool Blaupunkt unit that was both DAB ready and could play MP3 while retaining the audio controls on my steering wheel - apparently one of the installers - Ah Meng claims that it could be done). Speak to the owner of the shop for a price quotation first. The install is done at another branch in Hougang (Ah Meng).

I would be wary of voiding C&C's warranty though. Let me know if you decide to head to S.G.

terrorz

Hi Moondragon,
Do you have the exact address and the phone number of the shop?

Regards,
Wayne

electromethod

I inquired almost 8 months ago regarding the alpine adaptor and was told that it works off of RF signal (wireless .... can't remember exact details... maybe someone else wants to research it more) I think. It wasn't anything intricate but it was a pain in the *** install that honestly wasn't worth the half a$$ controls on steering wheel anyways.... to this day I still don't use the steering wheel controls on this car but I use the steering wheel controls and remotes in my truck. To each his own

terrorz

Can anyone advise where can I buy Brabus or carlsson door pins online? I don't think I can get that in Singapore.
Thanks.

amdeutsch

You might search for some cheaper aternatives. I think some on here used FORD pins or some other alternatives. Unless of course you got money burning a hole in your pocket. (j/k)

moondragon

Hi Wayne,
You can try Autovox who are the agents for Carlsson in Singapore.
I'll get you the contacts as soon as I am able to.

terrorz

Hi Moondragon,
Autovox seem to have very limited stuff for carlsson. I went to Autovox a couple of time and was not impressed by their collection of Carlsson for Benz. They are stronger in VW and BMW.

moondragon

okay... guess you've tried Autovox then (they had a year end sale 3 weeks ago and that's where I bought my Carlsson springs). I've just had them installed with the Koni Yellows and the ride is firm yet very near to stock in fact I feel that this combination is better than stock now that my cornering lines are tight and controlled.

On the door pins, perhaps you can try Benzline though they carry more stuff for Lorinser. (I've seen Carlsson rims at their place).

Okay on the stereo install, the address in SG
JL Sim Auto
3 Maju Avenue (Serangoon Garden Way).

I think the owner is Mr. Lim - please negotiate for good prices.

terrorz

Hi Moondragon, I had just went to benzline yesterday and they do not have any door lock pins. So I got to search it elsewhere. Carlsson springs, how much did you got it for? They offer to me at 400 but I did not get it as I don't want a hard ride.
I will try to JL sim Auto and let you know if there is any feedback.

Thanks.

moondragon

I bought the Carlsson springs for S$ 450
Then I discovered Voigtland's for S$ 220
That's like US$ 265 and US$ 130 respectively.
Both will lower by around 30mm - same as the Sachs.

Actually the Carlsson springs are quite comfortable - almost imperceptable to stock ride. I believe there were some people who have installed the springs with stock dampeners and reported that the ride is more bouncy - guess it's because the rebound rates are less controlled with the stock dampeners. With the Koni Yellows >
You can try out my ride to see if it is okay with you.

I didn't want to splurge on KW coilovers - around S$ 2,400 although I heard they are the best in the business ie. lowers the car to any height you want (within reason of course), even lower than the Carlsonn/Voigtland/Sachs while retaining a very comfortable ride. I believe they are re-buildable as well. That price is for version 1 (installed) which is not adjustable for ride stiffness. Besides I don't know any W203 in Singapore with the KW installed as I would have loved to compare it with my current set-up.

Anyway my set-up costs half the price (installed) and I'll have leftovers for my next project

terrorz

Currently has no intention to change my spring or shocks as car is still new. Do you know where can I find the door lock pins? Now thinking of changing exhaust. Bro, perhaps we can organise a meetup. There are not much ppl posting in our local forums.

moondragon

Sorry... no idea where you can get the pins, since I'm more biased towards performance parts.
Remus exhaust or Supersprint ?
Didn't you get the Carlsson exhaust at Autovox since it was priced close to Remus.

Yeah, would like to meet like-minded W203 owners in Singapore but this forum seems to be the most current and up to date so far. And some members are on to some nice projects

Sorry to hijack your thread about the W203 Head Unit - let me know if you have any luck with JL Sim.

PS: I'm assuming that you have the M271 engine ?

terrorz

I am not considering Remus or supersprint. Would prefer AMG/Brabus or Carlsson.Engine I am not very sure. Mine is a C180 Kompressor(Difficult to find parts as most are meant for C200 Kompressor) For the audio, are they open on Sunday? Most forum members here are not from Sg right? Most of their big projects can't be found locally. Our local benz does not offer you a lot of mods parts.

moondragon

I don't think the audio shop will be open on Sunday.

If you bought your car in 2003 chances are that it is the M271 engine. Just check your veh log card on the engine displacement (1.8L). Incidentally the M271 C180K, C200K, C230K are all the same 1.8L engine running different boost and at different compression ratios >> there might be some possibilities down the road when the aftermarket tuners get aboard the M271 wagon . So don't lose heart.

Other non-engine specific modifications are shared across the board for the W203 - irregardless of engine series even the coupe's as well . So it can be done - sway bars, brake kits.

Carlsson's exhaust is made by Remus as are many other brands, just that they slap on the stickers and charge you an arm and leg.
If you have the Carlsson catalog you'll see that their partners are Remus / Eibach etc. Did you get the Carlsson exhaust whilst it was on sale at Autovox ? (S$1,140 i think)

AMG hmmm > would you be interested in the AMG Brake kit install then ? that was going to be my next project.

Yes, most of the guys on the forum are outside of Singapore but this is what makes the community here rich and varied in experience. Also my modifications were a result (100% no less) of inputs/trial and errors from the guys on this forum. That is priceless.

terrorz

No, I did not get the carlsson exhaust during the sale. I am still considering to change or not. Benzline is asking me to go for the AMG as it will have less trouble with our LTA. I personally like the look of Brabus. Did you change your exhaust? As for the AMG Brake kit, I am interested. Got a quotation of 1800 for the front including installation. I got a friend who has done the kit and the rotors still look big on his 18" Rims.

As for the sway bars, did you have that fixed up? Where can I find this stuff. I think in Singapore, if you want Mercedes mod parts, its either Autovox or Benzline. Couldnt find Benz things elsewhere. Its great to know that there is someone sharing the same interest in doing the same car in this small country of ours.
Currently, only manage to talk to 2 other brothers in the forum who is sharing the same interest.

moondragon

Remus and Supersprint rear mufflers are also LTA certified.
Just make a copy of your log card and get the agents to write-in to LTA on your behalf. You'll need to get the Vicom inspection done though at around S$ 40 - 50.
I believe changing to aftermarket mufflers, even AMG entails this process and will be LTA compliant.

However note that exhaust downpipe and cat con are a different matter altogether. Changing them to aftermarket parts will get you into trouble with the LTA.

I'm going to get my AMG brakes and sway bars from parallel part importers since I already have the part numbers courtesy of the guys on this board. I think the AMG brake kit will be around S$ 1,000 - 1,200 (parts only). Sway bars will stiffen your ride by the way.

Any reliable place for working on MB cars that you know ?

PS: I think Lycon has xenon lamps for sale; PM him if you're keen

terrorz

Bro, Which P/I is bringing in for you? I am also interested in getting the brake and sway bars. As for reliable garage, I suggest you to go to Superworkshop. They are specialised in Benz. For Xenon lamps, I am looking for Bi-xenon, the one with clear lens. You got lobang for that? Do you have icq? Mine is 61023137.

moondragon

Nope... you can PM me though.
I've just sent you one.

terrorz

Bro,
How much did you get your CK20 for? Where did you got it for?
Me looking for CK18. Also looking for the air filter but could not find. Only Carlsson have it.