Can I change my stereo to an aftermarket one?
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL USA
2014 E350 4Matic
I had the same question regarding my newly acquired 2006 C280 4Matic. I went to an Audio Auto Specialist who claimed with my fiber optics in the W203 chassis that the cost for an aftermarket radio (I wanted Blue Tooth capability at a minimum) that my cost would be about $1000.
I did some more searching and went to ABT (Glenview, IL near Chicago) to their auto audio specialist and upon looking at the trunk's amplifier confirming fiber optics he suggested taking the radio out so he can look at the back to see if in fact fiber optics were connected there as well. He removed radio to see that no fiber optics are connected to back of radio. My fiber optics were from CD Changer in glove box to amplifier. So I was able to purchase and have installed a Kenwood DDX593 with Blue Tooth and I was able to add a backup camera as well. http://www.abt.com/product/96210/Ken...th-DDX593.html
So my suggestion is to have the radio pulled out so you can check to see if the fiber optics (orange cables) are connected to your radio. Then go from there.
I did some more searching and went to ABT (Glenview, IL near Chicago) to their auto audio specialist and upon looking at the trunk's amplifier confirming fiber optics he suggested taking the radio out so he can look at the back to see if in fact fiber optics were connected there as well. He removed radio to see that no fiber optics are connected to back of radio. My fiber optics were from CD Changer in glove box to amplifier. So I was able to purchase and have installed a Kenwood DDX593 with Blue Tooth and I was able to add a backup camera as well. http://www.abt.com/product/96210/Ken...th-DDX593.html
So my suggestion is to have the radio pulled out so you can check to see if the fiber optics (orange cables) are connected to your radio. Then go from there.
Super Moderator
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,295
Likes: 22
From: VA
THE C350
If you have the stock audio (No HK or Bose) the fiber is not used except for the CD changer, satellite radio, Mbrace, telephone... and so on. So if you wanted to swap the HU it would be like any other swap. If you wanted to keep the steering wheel controls you would need a converter.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,059
Likes: 73
From: DC Metro Area
2007 Mercedes E550
There are 2 main challenges with an aftermarket swap. First, need to know if the aftermarket unit is compatible with your fiber optic connection. Second, if the head unit connector harness is not an exact fit, will have to do a lot of splicing which is doable but a pain. I searched and searched for a unit compatible for my c230 sport sedan but in the end I just installed a boring oem Mercedes command GPS head unit. I believe there are avics units compatible for about $790??
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
2003 C320
Quick follow up on this question since I am also looking to add an aftermarket.
1. Some aites reference the difference if you have an amplifier or not - how can I tell if my car is equipped with an amplifier?
They say it's good if you don't for aftermarket or it's doable if you plan on bypassing the amp
2. I saw a mounting bracket specifically for a w203 that supported the double din radio - are all standard double dins support?
3. When looking there was two recommended modules
axxess acwc-1 for steering wheel control. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B4PJC9K/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_3?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I1W 52U8KVST3P1&vs=1
and the xsvi-1785 for the nav hookups https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IV3KQPW/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_2?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I25 XTJCK6JA7M0
would something like this that has he "wiring harness" suffice for the basic stereo connections? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GW41E8K/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_4?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I2V 8QZ3LRBU36H
or is there a recommended wiring harness to be used?
1. Some aites reference the difference if you have an amplifier or not - how can I tell if my car is equipped with an amplifier?
They say it's good if you don't for aftermarket or it's doable if you plan on bypassing the amp
2. I saw a mounting bracket specifically for a w203 that supported the double din radio - are all standard double dins support?
3. When looking there was two recommended modules
axxess acwc-1 for steering wheel control. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00B4PJC9K/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_3?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I1W 52U8KVST3P1&vs=1
and the xsvi-1785 for the nav hookups https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00IV3KQPW/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_2?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I25 XTJCK6JA7M0
would something like this that has he "wiring harness" suffice for the basic stereo connections? https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00GW41E8K/ref=aw_wl_ov_dp_1_4?colid=1GY0C0NA9QW9W&coliid=I2V 8QZ3LRBU36H
or is there a recommended wiring harness to be used?
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 6
From: Seattle
2002 G500, 1961 190b, 2001 SL500 Sport
I changed mine. It cost about $500 and the stereo itself was about $120 of that. I also paid a little extra for steering wheel controls. Basically, the stereo swap in a Mercedes is about $300 more than a normal car due to the fiber optics. Two of my cars have stereo swaps with an amp and the C320 doesn't. Note that they remove the factory subwoofer in the C-class because that is run fiber optically. If you want any bass at all, use a 5 channel amp and an 8-12 inch subwoofer in a box.
