Guys,

What is the scoop with putting in an aftermarket cd-player as opposed to getting the cd changer through MB in the glovebox?

Are there any radios out there that will retain the steering wheel button functionality? Or am I doomed to putting in the MB changer?

Just curious,

Paul h.

 

I have a 2002 C230 coupe....just to make it known!

Paul h.

 

When i was looking around, i couldn't find anything that:

1) didn't work off of rf tuner and
2) retained steering wheel button functionality.

I believe you are doomed however you can find mb changers in classifieds here or on ebay for ~250-300 bucks. Save yourself half off the stealer price. Any car audio shop can install it for you. Oh yeah u need mounting bracket as well ~15 bucks.
good luck

 

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but please search the forums. Answers are available, but unfortunately not available in a single post. Try to read all the posts; I'm amazed you haven't been flamed already by some knee-jerk people. I just had a post about this less than two days ago.

Quick answers:
The only aftermarket radio that works with the steering wheel controls is apparently the newer Alpine decks. Check with an Alpine dealer for ordering, as this part is supposedly only available in Europe.

I used a Pioneer deck, and I don't really notice the difference in the loss of the steering controls, while I revel in the great increase in sound quality.

You need to get a dash kit to fit any aftermarket radio to your car. Ask your local Circuit City or Good Guys, they have one for $20. You also need a wiring harness. The one that works is for VW cars made from 1987-2002. Again, ask at CC or GG.

The last thing you need is an antenna adaptor, also available at GG and CC. Ask them for the one for your car.

For a wiring diagram, search the forums. Like I said, my last post has a link to it, and it works. You need to get ACC power for most aftermarket radios so they know to turn on with the car. The solution I came up with was to take out my cigarette lighter and use that for ACC power. It works fine, and I don't know of any other solution right now.

The last thing you need is instructions to remove the surrounding materials. Search for "Audio 10 install", there's a post with pictures and instructions on how to take the dash apart. To take the center console apart, you need to pop up the surrounding material around the shifter. I used a Listerine pocket pack to pop it up: there is a gap near the ashtray. Then you just need to pull up on the aluminium or wood at the gap near the ashtray and it comes up. Search for instructions on how to remove the cup holder and get access to the cigarette lighter.

I really should put together a pdf of all this stuff. :p

 

you can always go through a FM modulator is your looking just for a CD changer, this way you don't have to buy a mercedes cd changer just get a aftermarket one that goes through ur radio. as for a aftermarket deck you can do this too and maintain your steering controls but an adapter is needed. i don't know to much about what or where you get one but i asked a local custom audio place and they said they could do it, sorry i cant be any more help. but ya check the other threads you'll be surprised what you'll find, i haven't had to start any new threads yet.

 

Ditto on the prior post...

I have an Ipod with the Griffin FM transmitter that works great. I usually keep it in the storage area under armrest area and have no 'transmit' problems. Grant you it's not CD quality but there's no installation and it is very transferable from car-to-car, car-to-home, etc.

 

im gonna do the FM transmitter for my iPod.

as far as the CD player goes, search and ye shall find. i suggest getting the MB one. youll keep all the functions of steering wheel controls and so on.

 

Guys,

I did do a quick search about the cd players....did not see too many promising things. But seeing how the technology changes so often, I thought I would ask.

Paul h.

 

before you tried to go with aftermarket CD changer with FM transmitter, DONT! I had a JVC installed and the sound quality is so bad. I have to look for something else. I have read that Alpine does have steering control adaptor but I was too lazy to do the research. Maybe when you find out let me know too. I remember back in 2003 when I was trying to install a deck I was told the system is fiber otpics and I need to re wire the entire sys with an aftermarket amp. But I recently heard that the VW adaptor would work, not too sure. Anyone can confirm this?

 

Can be confirmed and/or denied through a search of this forum.

 

i thought the CD player used fiber optic cable.

 

which CD player? OEM does for all I know...not sure if theres an aftermarket. If you want to hear how the FM transmitter sounds...I can show you..well how bad it is...so you wont even bother getting for your Ipod..hahaha