Alpine CD changer same as MB OEM CD changer?
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From: San Juan, Puerto Rico
c230 coupe
Alpine CD changer same as MB OEM CD changer?
Hi!
Does anybody know if Alpine's CHA-S624 or CHA-S634 are the same as Mercedes Benz (OEM) A203 CD changer? Are they fully compatible? If yes, do I need an interface connector in order to control it? Local MB dealer price is $1,100 for the MB unit versus the Alpine units which retail for approximately $275.
All your info. will be appreciated,
TSWIND
Does anybody know if Alpine's CHA-S624 or CHA-S634 are the same as Mercedes Benz (OEM) A203 CD changer? Are they fully compatible? If yes, do I need an interface connector in order to control it? Local MB dealer price is $1,100 for the MB unit versus the Alpine units which retail for approximately $275.
All your info. will be appreciated,
TSWIND
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Joined: May 2002
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Better MB Solution?
Go to autoclass.net -- get the MB changer, Optical cable and MB install kit for $460 and have someone install it for about $100. Takes about 4 days for delivery.
There -- you've saved a ton of money over MB and everything works in the MB (I've been told - I am installing in about a week). It's probably worth it to get the MB Kit. Now get a clearbra kit for your baby.
There -- you've saved a ton of money over MB and everything works in the MB (I've been told - I am installing in about a week). It's probably worth it to get the MB Kit. Now get a clearbra kit for your baby.
Last edited by Duffer; May 14, 2002 at 02:36 PM.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
The Alpine units have their own propriatary fiber bus that's different than the MB. It won't just plug in. Best bet is get the MB AM/FM/CD Audio 10. It sounds better, has RDS (displays radio station call letters in the dash), is made by Becker, not Alpine and you get to keep your owner's manual in the glove box!
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Call any MB dealer outside the U.S. I got a quote a while back from a UK dealer (most there speak english although you may not understand them) for about $450. I heard it's cheaper in Germany and the Stuttgart dealer speaks english.
I got mine at auction on EBAY.DE for $228 shipped. Just search for Audio 10. Use altavista.com translate feature to read the German. There are different Audio 10s just as there are different CD changers. Make sure you get the one for the W203. That's how most of the forum members that have it, got it.
I got mine at auction on EBAY.DE for $228 shipped. Just search for Audio 10. Use altavista.com translate feature to read the German. There are different Audio 10s just as there are different CD changers. Make sure you get the one for the W203. That's how most of the forum members that have it, got it.
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From: Glendale, CA
C230 Kompressor Sports Sedan
Re: Better MB Solution?
Originally posted by Duffer
There -- you've saved a ton of money over MB and everything works in the MB (I've been told - I am installing in about a week). It's probably worth it to get the MB Kit. Now get a clearbra kit for your baby.
There -- you've saved a ton of money over MB and everything works in the MB (I've been told - I am installing in about a week). It's probably worth it to get the MB Kit. Now get a clearbra kit for your baby.
tell us how it goes.....instructions...installation....i'll look forward to that duffer~
thanx, dave
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Will keep you posted.
Others have ordered from autoclass, so I don't expect problems, especially since they told me exactly what I needed and I specifically asked them and they represented it to be an OEM MB changer
Others have ordered from autoclass, so I don't expect problems, especially since they told me exactly what I needed and I specifically asked them and they represented it to be an OEM MB changer
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2002
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Um, Buellwinkle, did you tell tswind that it may be a PITA to do what you told them to do? It seems, (from what I have read) in comparison to getting the MB Changer from autoclass, that getting a new head unit and having it fit with everything was more troublesome.
Just a random thought.
Just a random thought.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Changing the radio is easier than adding a cd changer because you have to remove and reinstall the radio to plug in the fiber optic cable. Only one person I know of had a problem and yes that is a risk one takes buying on E-Bay. Check seller ratings before you buy anything on E-bay.
The FM and CD work exactly the same as in the U.S. The only difference being RDS that displays the call letters on the dash for those stations that support it. The Audio 10 stereo sounds way better than the Audio 30 cassette radio you have now. AM frequency range in Europe only goes to about 1600kz vs. 1700kz in the US. Also AM in Europe locks into frequencies at different intervals than in the US so strong stations will work and weak ones won't. I listen to AM as often as I listen to cassettes so it's not an issue for me. The changer works if you decide to do both like me. The only thing that won't work is the built in telephone if you have it.
The FM and CD work exactly the same as in the U.S. The only difference being RDS that displays the call letters on the dash for those stations that support it. The Audio 10 stereo sounds way better than the Audio 30 cassette radio you have now. AM frequency range in Europe only goes to about 1600kz vs. 1700kz in the US. Also AM in Europe locks into frequencies at different intervals than in the US so strong stations will work and weak ones won't. I listen to AM as often as I listen to cassettes so it's not an issue for me. The changer works if you decide to do both like me. The only thing that won't work is the built in telephone if you have it.
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Joined: May 2002
Posts: 269
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From: All Around Dallas-Fort Worth
2002 C230K, 2001 Audi TT 225 Coupe
Changer Price
The price for our MB CD Changer from a dealer is US $995. That is why everyone in US tries to talk dealer into a deal or goes elsewhere for OEM parts.
Our Bose upgrade? is part of a package called the C5 package - leather, bose, sunroof, autosensor for rain, etc... for about $2,700 US
Our Bose upgrade? is part of a package called the C5 package - leather, bose, sunroof, autosensor for rain, etc... for about $2,700 US
Super Member
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 844
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From: SF South Bay
2002 C230 Coupe
i bought the cd changer from autoclass couple weeks ago and had the dealer install it. total cost was about $650.
haven't had any problem yet.
i personally prefer cd changer because i play music a lot and often drive long distance so swapping cd on a single disc player while driving is not convenient and somewhat dangerous.
haven't had any problem yet.
i personally prefer cd changer because i play music a lot and often drive long distance so swapping cd on a single disc player while driving is not convenient and somewhat dangerous.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by 20FHK02
i personally prefer cd changer because i play music a lot and often drive long distance so swapping cd on a single disc player while driving is not convenient and somewhat dangerous.
i personally prefer cd changer because i play music a lot and often drive long distance so swapping cd on a single disc player while driving is not convenient and somewhat dangerous.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Alexandria, VA
C230 Sport Coupe
Originally posted by Buellwinkle
Changing the radio is easier than adding a cd changer because you have to remove and reinstall the radio to plug in the fiber optic cable. Only one person I know of had a problem and yes that is a risk one takes buying on E-Bay. Check seller ratings before you buy anything on E-bay.
The FM and CD work exactly the same as in the U.S. The only difference being RDS that displays the call letters on the dash for those stations that support it. The Audio 10 stereo sounds way better than the Audio 30 cassette radio you have now. AM frequency range in Europe only goes to about 1600kz vs. 1700kz in the US. Also AM in Europe locks into frequencies at different intervals than in the US so strong stations will work and weak ones won't. I listen to AM as often as I listen to cassettes so it's not an issue for me. The changer works if you decide to do both like me. The only thing that won't work is the built in telephone if you have it.
Changing the radio is easier than adding a cd changer because you have to remove and reinstall the radio to plug in the fiber optic cable. Only one person I know of had a problem and yes that is a risk one takes buying on E-Bay. Check seller ratings before you buy anything on E-bay.
The FM and CD work exactly the same as in the U.S. The only difference being RDS that displays the call letters on the dash for those stations that support it. The Audio 10 stereo sounds way better than the Audio 30 cassette radio you have now. AM frequency range in Europe only goes to about 1600kz vs. 1700kz in the US. Also AM in Europe locks into frequencies at different intervals than in the US so strong stations will work and weak ones won't. I listen to AM as often as I listen to cassettes so it's not an issue for me. The changer works if you decide to do both like me. The only thing that won't work is the built in telephone if you have it.
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: May 2002
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From: San Juan, Puerto Rico
c230 coupe
Hi to all!
OK! If I want to purchase the Becker Audio 10 model, EBAY is the only way? Are there any other model choices and/or brands that are compatible with the built-in steering wheel controls? If I buy other brand, will I loose this nice feature? In other words, I will need to sacrifice the feature for better sound?
Does the sound quality of the stock system improves with the CD changer (when CD's are played) or the sound will be same? Definitely, that the stock audio system sounds so weak and bad. Any advice on other alternatives. What about the in-dash cd changer, any other MB have these new, more sophisticated radio systems?
Awainting any feedback on this...
TSWIND
OK! If I want to purchase the Becker Audio 10 model, EBAY is the only way? Are there any other model choices and/or brands that are compatible with the built-in steering wheel controls? If I buy other brand, will I loose this nice feature? In other words, I will need to sacrifice the feature for better sound?
Does the sound quality of the stock system improves with the CD changer (when CD's are played) or the sound will be same? Definitely, that the stock audio system sounds so weak and bad. Any advice on other alternatives. What about the in-dash cd changer, any other MB have these new, more sophisticated radio systems?
Awainting any feedback on this...
TSWIND
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by o2bsurreal
Thanks Buellwinkle! One more question though - do we know if the Audio 10 has weatherband?
Thanks Buellwinkle! One more question though - do we know if the Audio 10 has weatherband?
Tuner bands: FM 87.5 MHz - 108 MHz.
AM 531 kHz - 1620 kHz
LW 153 kHz - 282 kHz
SW 5800 kHz - 6250 kHz
Station Memory: 8 in FM, 4 in MW, LW and KW.
Frequency Response:
50 Hz - 20 kHz with CD Player
30 Hz - 15 kHz on FM
50 Hz - 2.5 kHz on AM, LW, SW
Autostore: FM, MW, LW.
Amplifier output: 4 x 15 Watt.
Loudspeaker Impedance: min. 4 Ohm.
Speed Dependant volume.
Antenna: Impedance 50 Ohm.
Telephone Mute: Low active signal < 2 Volt.
Power Supply: 12 Volt.
Soundsystem: Connection only for D2B Optical System.
CD Connection: Available for Mercedes-Benz D2B and Becker Silverstone 2662.
8 cm CD's with adapter is not recommended nor guaranteed playback with recordable CD's.
CANBUS enabled.
Theft protection is handled by a unit identifier signal over the CANBUS with the vehicle (the devices have no code). This identifier is checked at each operation of the unit. If this identifier is missing, then the radio goes into the PROD lockout mode and can no longer be operated.
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by tswind
Hi to all!
OK! If I want to purchase the Becker Audio 10 model, EBAY is the only way? Are there any other model choices and/or brands that are compatible with the built-in steering wheel controls? If I buy other brand, will I loose this nice feature? In other words, I will need to sacrifice the feature for better sound?
Does the sound quality of the stock system improves with the CD changer (when CD's are played) or the sound will be same? Definitely, that the stock audio system sounds so weak and bad. Any advice on other alternatives. What about the in-dash cd changer, any other MB have these new, more sophisticated radio systems?
TSWIND
Hi to all!
OK! If I want to purchase the Becker Audio 10 model, EBAY is the only way? Are there any other model choices and/or brands that are compatible with the built-in steering wheel controls? If I buy other brand, will I loose this nice feature? In other words, I will need to sacrifice the feature for better sound?
Does the sound quality of the stock system improves with the CD changer (when CD's are played) or the sound will be same? Definitely, that the stock audio system sounds so weak and bad. Any advice on other alternatives. What about the in-dash cd changer, any other MB have these new, more sophisticated radio systems?
TSWIND
By now, everything has been tried. If you like a nice factory look to your stereo and like the dash display and steering wheel controls and want an in-dash CD your only choice for the time being is the Audio 10 or Command. Keep in mind that when you sell the car, many will not be happy with a cheezy looking radio install and will also not be happy that the steering wheel controls and dash display don't work with the radio.
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From: GA
'06 Lexus GS300 RWD, '07 Camry SE V6 auto, '91 190E 2.6 auto
Why must you remove the radio to install the Benz changer in a '02 C240? I was told that once I pull out the glovebox, I should see the cables for the changer just hanging there, waiting to be pulled through a hole in the side of the glovebox and attached to the changer.
thanks
Jim
thanks
Jim
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Originally posted by Jim Banville
Why must you remove the radio to install the Benz changer in a '02 C240? I was told that once I pull out the glovebox, I should see the cables for the changer just hanging there, waiting to be pulled through a hole in the side of the glovebox and attached to the changer.
thanks
Jim
Why must you remove the radio to install the Benz changer in a '02 C240? I was told that once I pull out the glovebox, I should see the cables for the changer just hanging there, waiting to be pulled through a hole in the side of the glovebox and attached to the changer.
thanks
Jim
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
Originally posted by Jim Banville
Why must you remove the radio to install the Benz changer in a '02 C240? I was told that once I pull out the glovebox, I should see the cables for the changer just hanging there, waiting to be pulled through a hole in the side of the glovebox and attached to the changer.
thanks
Jim
Why must you remove the radio to install the Benz changer in a '02 C240? I was told that once I pull out the glovebox, I should see the cables for the changer just hanging there, waiting to be pulled through a hole in the side of the glovebox and attached to the changer.
thanks
Jim
. Anyone knows where can I get it installed cheaper? I'm in the bay area and sometimes in LA area. Thx
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,211
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
$250 is a ripoff but the cost of living is much higher there. Just shoot down the 5 fwy for 6 hours. MB of Laguna Niguel did mine for $123 while I waited. It was done in about an hour and 1/2, including the car wash.
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From: UK
E320 CDI Elegance auto
Hi, I have ordered Comand with Bose & CD Changer for my car for Sept pickup. Any views on the sound quality vs the audio 10 in dash cd. Have not seen any views on the quality from the Comand unit.
