session

i've read a lot of comments on here regarding the bose system as well as adding aftermarket speakers to it, also about adding the cd changer from autoclass.net. this isn't what i want. i bought my c230k with the base stock system in the hopes that i could replace everything in the car.

i really don't mind getting rid of the fiber cable, so long as i can put a better system in this car. however, finding the specs of the head unit space (1 DIN, 2DIN, etc) as well as a shop that does good work on mercedes is easier said than done.

i'd love to add the JVC 1 DIN head unit that plays mp3 cds, replace the stock speakers with JBL or polk audio and put a 9" sub in the back. has ANYONE done this? can you post photos and recommend an installer to do the work?

i really hate not being able to play CDs, but i also really hate CD changers (since i change CDs constantly).

Vince

the more i read about it, the more i wish i hadn't got the bose system. it's overpriced and isn't really that impressive.

as for installing the stuff, why don't you do it yourself. it's really pretty easy. do you know how to set up a home stereo system...
it's just a few extra steps. the only hard part is gutting the car.

session

right... gutting the car is what worries me the most. i don't want to void my warranty. also, i want to find a shop that will make a good custom install kit to surround the head unit as to fill in the hole. the factory install looks so good, i dont want to settle for some POS plastic deal generically cut to fit "most cars".

Buellwinkle

Putting in a single or double din head unit will require a lot of custom fabrication for a face plate and brackets. After you are done it will not look right even if you don't care about the dash display and steering wheel controls. I've seen Brabus C380 on the showroom floor with a custom $2k HU and it looked mediocre at best. Just get the MB Audio 10 indash CD HU. It sounds way better than the MB cassette unit, preserves the steering wheel controls and dash display and looks like it was always meant to be.

session

where do i buy this? also can i replace the stock speakers with better ones? i'm not too familiar with the cabling in this car -- does the fiber run to the speakers as well? i really want to add better speakers and a sub.

kineda

I think Diamond Audio did a pretty good job with the Pioneer HU/Screen that they put in their C230K.

The optic fiber is the main reason I didn't go with BOSE.. since I new I'd probably swap it out anyway.

Lynn

The Audio 10 head unit is available on the German e-bay site, or from European dealers. If you go this route, make sure you get one for a W203 C-class. Also make sure it is a CD player. There is a cassette version of the Audio 10, too.

The speakers are connected to the amplifier with copper wire.

QC1

I also bought the Cassete player in my C230 knowing I was going to put an aftermarket CD in. But I have been hearing lots of problems in installing in a C230 although I havent tried myself. I think the problem is there are no kits available for it.

Buellwinkle

The speakers in the doors are actually pretty good. They are 6 1/2" front and back of door. I've tried replacing them with Polk Audio mid range speaker line and they sounded worse. It's not the speakers, it's the Audio 30 Cassette.

session

yeah i'd definitely see how they sound with a different head unit before replacing anything. i'd still want a sub though, considering drum and bass is 95% of what i listen to.

does -anyone- have specific contact info as to where to buy the Audio 10 or the becker unit for the W203 (are they the same thing?)? i realize "the dealer in stuttgart sells them and speaks english" but this doesnt really help me figure out who to call and pay to buy one

Buellwinkle

Here's the website to the Stuttgart dealer

Click here for Stuttgart dealer website

Their address and phone number is;

Dealership Adress is:
Mercedes-Benz Niederlassung Stuttgart
DaimlerChrysler AG
Sigmaringer Straße 260
70597 Stuttgart

Mailing Address is:
Mercedes-Benz Niederlassung Stuttgart
DaimlerChrysler AG
Postfach 103263
70028 Stuttgart

Tel.: 0711-2590-790
Fax: 0711-2590-175

guten tag

Tony De Mattei

I understand that the Audio 10 unit is not fully compatible with AM stations in the US. Buellwinkle, can you confirm?

Buellwinkle

It tunes in at different intervals on AM. For example if you listen to 710 it will tune into 715 or 705. If the station is strong it won't matter. If it's a marginal station it will matter. Another thing you'll lose is the cassette. I find both equally useless. On the plus side the FM will sound a lot better and you'll have RDS, you'll have an indash CD and you get Long Wave and Short Wave that may be as useful as a cassette, 8-track or AM. Now it could be that the AM tuning interval is progamable either from the front panel or opening it up and moving a jumper. If I feel like exploring I'll open mine up.

The other solution is to get comand. It has AM/FM/WB/CD/Navigation and an auxilary input for your MP3 player. Not bad for $2k.

Tony De Mattei

I also understand that autoclass.net can special order the Audio 10 CD unit. This may be easier than dealing with a German eBay auction or contacting a German MB dealer. Food for thought...

By the way Buellwinkle, what is "RDS?"

sdcaclint

RDS = radio data system. this will tell you the call letters of the radio station

session

they also want $600 for it, whereas an ebay auction goes for around 200-250 euros (around $240)