C230K aftermarket head unit & speakers
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
C230K aftermarket head unit & speakers
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).
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).
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From: Agoura Hills, CA
C230K
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.
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.
Thread Starter
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Joined: May 2002
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by 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.
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.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
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.
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by 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.
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.
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C230k
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.
The optic fiber is the main reason I didn't go with BOSE.. since I new I'd probably swap it out anyway.
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Originally posted by 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.
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.
The speakers are connected to the amplifier with copper wire.
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From: Toronto, Ontario Canada
C230 Coupe
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.
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
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.
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by 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.
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.
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
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
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
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
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From: Laguna Niguel, CA
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.
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.
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From: Windsor, CA
2002 C230K
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?"
By the way Buellwinkle, what is "RDS?"
Last edited by Tony De Mattei; May 18, 2002 at 01:57 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: SF
2007 VW GTI
Originally posted by 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?"
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?"
