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I guess the low impedance from the Infinity's revealed a flaw in the RT channel amp of my Audio 20. At first, I was going to do a single-DIN since I have an unused refurbed Kenwood KDC-X496 sitting in the box for a couple of years. I didn't really like how the single-DIN looks, but, like how it retained the heated seat buttons. After a lot of thought, I decided to go double-DIN (Pioneer AVH-X2700BS $249)and install a back-up camera since this is my wife's daily and she'll appreciate having the camera. We didn't need anything fancy and this was an economical upgrade. While I was at it, I installed my old HiFonics mono amp and old 10" Bazooka. Routed the BT mic to the center of the cluster gauge and the USB cord to the center console storage box.
The steering wheel control interface works with the exception of changing tracks. Haven't tested the phone function yet. There was an issue from the interface properly triggering the reverse camera screen on the radio. It would not do it unless I back up a few feet, drive fwd a couple of feet, go into reverse and then it'll work. Scosche tech support has been great and advised me on a "reset" solution to the interface box. The solution failed. I ended up wiring the "trigger" wire from the rear taillight harness directly to the radio.
I did originally buy a single-DIN install kit (Carav) from Germany. This kit is flawed and will need some work to make it usable. I ended up buying two kits (total USD $50). First one was experimental and the second one I didn't use because I ended up going double-DIN. Be advised that the Metra kit is not a perfect kit and I also ended up breaking the tabs to the bezel like someone in another thread mentioned. Luckily, with the broken tabs, it still works fine.
I still need to figure out what to do with the heated seat buttons before next winter. The Metra kit includes a heated seat button relocation panel that replaces the OEM video screen lid which doesn't look that great. I may either remove the screen to retain the OEM lid and install the buttons there or relocate to the glove box. The Metra kit includes the extension harness.
The Pioneer installation looks very good. If you plan to replace the OEM screen, will all the functions, like the engineering menu, show up on the Pioneer screen? All in all, I applaud your courage making such a complicated change. How does it sound with the Infinity speakers? Thanks for posting the pictures and description.
The Pioneer installation looks very good. If you plan to replace the OEM screen, will all the functions, like the engineering menu, show up on the Pioneer screen? All in all, I applaud your courage making such a complicated change. How does it sound with the Infinity speakers? Thanks for posting the pictures and description.
Unfortunately, you lose all screen functions. It sounds good with the Infinity speakers. Actually, the Audio 20 sounds very good itself with the speaker change as the stock head unit puts out more power than these aftermarket units.
Originally Posted by FlatoutSusp
Can you cut on either side of the radio and put the heated seat buttons there?
You cannot relocate the heated seat buttons that way. The buttons are mounted onto a PC board that is the exact size as the bezel you see. One member unsoldered the buttons and moved them to the glove box, but, I have yet seen him post a pic after numerous requests.
You're brave to make such a modification to your car. I do wonder how well those aftermarket kits match with the factory plastic surrounds. In previous cars, I haven't minded the mismatch of the materials, but I feel that in a Mercedes-Benz, I want to keep all surface textures as consistent as possible. I think my days of car audio work are behind me. I think everything in my 2013 is too integrated to make any changes.
Originally Posted by Sincity
Here is the complete Metra kit with seat button relocation panel (not my car). As you can see, it's not that great looking.
You're brave to make such a modification to your car. I do wonder how well those aftermarket kits match with the factory plastic surrounds. In previous cars, I haven't minded the mismatch of the materials, but I feel that in a Mercedes-Benz, I want to keep all surface textures as consistent as possible. I think my days of car audio work are behind me. I think everything in my 2013 is too integrated to make any changes.
The bezel matches AC trim and the seat heater control bezel as well. That goes the same for the single/double-DIN kits. Agreed, on a 2013, it wouldn't look right if you lose the large display.
Idk if you still monitor this thread, but I'm doing an identical be install. Where do you run the yellow constant power cable?
Passenger kick panel there's a thick red with purple (?) stripe. That's a good constant that wont time out. It's in a single plug running up and down. Can't miss it.
*its easier than stripping the thick red battery cable.
Also, I used the heated seat extension wires and mounted the heated seat assembly to the top of the glovebox where the light is. I had a UMI, so it went in place of the box for it.
Also, I used the heated seat extension wires and mounted the heated seat assembly to the top of the glovebox where the light is. I had a UMI, so it went in place of the box for it.
So, I got it installed yesterday. I spliced into the Red and Blue wire underneath the kick plate. It worked perfectly for about an hour and then shut off and now won't turn on at all. This thing is driving me nuts.
03-21-2015, 06:35 PM
