C55Newb121

So, while my car is having new valve cover gaskets put in, I was given a new Audi A4 as a loaner car. After driving the car a little bit, I was glad I ended up going with the C55. There are a couple things I would love to take from the Audi though.

First and foremost, the stereo in that Audi is the best sounding stock (even most modified) system I have ever heard. I am in audio bliss after having that thing cranked on my way to work this morning. Wow. Just, wow! Excellent work Audi. I am so impressed, that instead of my first mods being additional power, I am going to upgrade my stereo system. I can break the rear end loose and spin tires all day long, but unfortunately, I have to spend a lot of time just sitting in slow moving traffic.

The only other thing I liked was the seats were more comfortable, but they don't provide nearly as much lateral support for racing around those on/off-ramps. Bah! I found that a cheap/thin seat cushion from Autozone does wonders. A little bit does go a long way in this case. Made my recent road trip a little easier on the butt and back.

I haven't seen much on here as far as stereo upgrades, but I haven't looked that hard yet. If anyone has some information on upgrades, please feel free to let me know.

I seen the one thread were a guy did an upgrade on a W211, are the stereos pretty much the same as on the C55?

chris.bachman

I have a full aftermarket system in my C32. There's a Pioneer AVIC-D3 head unit at the center of it all with the optional accessories attached like the bluetooth phone kit, satellite radio tuner and rear view camera. The head unit it pretty amazing and I love the features it provides me. I've got Alpine three piece components up front and crossfire components in the rear. There's an adapter installed as well so that I didn't lose the steering wheel controls. Oh yeah, the ipod adapter kit too that I'd probably die without, yeah that is the greatest thing ever.

C55Newb121

Could you post some pictures when you get a chance? I was looking at new head units, but I haven't found any kind of brackets or housing. I don't have the resources available to fabricate anything.

chris.bachman

I will get some images up for you after work today. Possibly a video of the features.

C55Newb121

awesome! Thanks.

TemjinX2

there's the stereo thread from c32used and overdrives installs. its on the sticky at the top of the forum.

C55Newb121

? I'm not seeing it.....but then again, my fiance always tells me I do a half *** job looking for things. haha. Its in our AMG forum?

TemjinX2

here's one on the pioneer unit.

https://mbworld.org/forums/c-class-w...-images-3.html


link taken from c32used newbie thread

https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...-thread-2.html

C55Newb121

Thanks for that info! I will have to post pictures when I do my install.

Viper98912

My brother has an 06 S4 and I gotta say I was impressed (even as a previous gen) with that system as well.

Know that in the MB you're going to have to replace the radio and amplifier together and rerun new wiring for them since they're fiber optic. If you're going full system, then you were already going to be running RCA's anyway for both new components. The question just pops up though whether there's "stock" amp upgrades (like almost any auto manufacturer makes it that easy) or whether you can reuse the stock amp with a "better" headunit.

After that, you can replace the speakers (which was a given) and choose to splice the stock wiring or run new (since you were already running other wires).

At first I was a little disappointed with the system (coming from a custom one I had in my previous car), but after putting the sound on Logic7 with the bass at 7 and treble at 7, I'm satisfied. You can definitely tell where there's frequency gaps though and over compensated gains. I didn't like the Logic7 at first either but it fills the car so much better, and personally I love listening to surround sound when I'm at home, makes it feel more "full", even though it isn't as clear nor direct.

Putting the windows down pretty much kills it though....

chris.bachman

I had to go out to dinner with my girlfriend last night C55newb, I'll make sure I get those pictures this afternoon for you though.

C55Newb121

I know how that goes. Whenever you get around to it. I'm planning to do a little bit of exploring on the car this weekend. Nothing like taking apart a new toy.

I just brought my fiance for an hour and half massage yesterday so I think that should entitle me to playing with the car this weekend.

loudandheard

I think the problem with our factory system is the amplifier. I removed the amp and used a different head unit, but used the factory speaker wires. I did have to run an few speaker wires for my tweeters for my components in my front speakers.

The nice thing is that, I believe all the speakers run in 4ohms, there may be a few that run in 2ohms. What I would do is go with a different head unit and run the rca's back to an amp and try out the old speakers. If you're not satisfied, just replace the speakers. The nice thing is that you won't have to run the speaker wires, you may want to, but it's not necessary. Over all the job is really simple and any body that can install a radio can do this job.

I never understood why every one is so scared of doing an aftermarket system in a mb, it's the same as any other car.

OverDrive

Ya, if you look at my guide in my Sig below this post, Even though it shows myself installing a factory navi from a newer W203, it shows you how easy i made the wiring....I dumped the entire Fiberoptic system, and im using an aftermarket amp, while retaining the factory Navi... It should give whoever some insite on the wiring at the very least.

chris.bachman

As promised here are some pictures of the head unit in my C32. Check out the full album for more pictures and descriptions.

http://s46.photobucket.com/albums/f1...eer%20AVIC-D3/

UK-C200

Chris - is that the Metra faceplate?

MIKESV8

you're in luck, my family owns the largest car stereo shop in northern california and the other location we have got shop of the month

chris.bachman

I haven't the foggiest idea, all of the audio equipment was installed when I bought the car.

northyork

So what was the cost and time involved to install? Do you have a model number on the parts you installed?

Looks really nice!

C55Newb121

How am I in luck Mike? I live in the middle of a corn field? If I lived closer, I would probably be up for getting some help with a nice stereo upgrade.

MIKESV8

oh shoot...yea that's too bad. we did a double din system in my sisters 2002 c240. metra makes that kit. cost is $14. 99-8711 part number. is the c32 factory aplified? my sister's c240 wasn't. we put a pioneer premier 8200bt.

chris.bachman

You can get the head unit online for about $600-$800, the bluetooth adapter is about $150, ipod adapter is $20, satellite radio tuner is $100 and a backup camera varies on the model and quality. Installation for all of that would run you between $500-$1000.

MIKESV8

our store has the z-120bt on sale right now for $898....but again that involves a unwilling drive for those who want it.