C55 Headunit replacement
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2005 C55 AMG
C55 Headunit replacement
So I've utilized that search function and still couldn't find a real answer...
Anyways, I've had my C55 for awhile now and figured it's time to upgrade it's headunit, possibly amps and speakers as well but mainly the headunit because I want functions such as BT connect/nav/backup camera/etc. I have an older 2005 C55 that did not come with the screen/nav unit... just the standard regular cd/radio with harman kardon (I know it sucks). So I went to bestbuy and other local shops and they are all saying because it runs off fiber optics, I would need to rewire the entire sound system... Anyone know if there is any truth in this (for a simple headunit swap really?!) Is there an alternative to a new headunit such as pulling one off a newer model c class vehicle with the features I want? Or are these shops telling the truth and inshould just fork over the money and get the car rewired??
(My 03 Acura has all the headunit features I want and a better sound system than my C55, that's kind of sad haha)
Anyways, I've had my C55 for awhile now and figured it's time to upgrade it's headunit, possibly amps and speakers as well but mainly the headunit because I want functions such as BT connect/nav/backup camera/etc. I have an older 2005 C55 that did not come with the screen/nav unit... just the standard regular cd/radio with harman kardon (I know it sucks). So I went to bestbuy and other local shops and they are all saying because it runs off fiber optics, I would need to rewire the entire sound system... Anyone know if there is any truth in this (for a simple headunit swap really?!) Is there an alternative to a new headunit such as pulling one off a newer model c class vehicle with the features I want? Or are these shops telling the truth and inshould just fork over the money and get the car rewired??
(My 03 Acura has all the headunit features I want and a better sound system than my C55, that's kind of sad haha)
Last edited by chantheman; Nov 30, 2015 at 10:19 PM.
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2006 C55, 2007 C230, 2008 JEEP Wrangler
My daughter has a 2007 C230 with the same stereo as you (and it's also in my C55 unless the C55 wiring is different).
Last year I purchased and had installed a simple Jensen double din stereo for her so she could play her playlists through bluetooth. It was an inexpensive Jensen VX7020. They had no problems installing it and didn't rewire the whole system. And with the dash kit is looks great.
For myself I'd get something a little better, but at least you can see it can be done.
Last year I purchased and had installed a simple Jensen double din stereo for her so she could play her playlists through bluetooth. It was an inexpensive Jensen VX7020. They had no problems installing it and didn't rewire the whole system. And with the dash kit is looks great.
For myself I'd get something a little better, but at least you can see it can be done.
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
I have heard people say they were going to get something like this but have heard no reviews on them. If they do work it would sure be an easy swap.
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2017 GLS 550
@bridluz - Your daughters car must not have been the Harmon Kardon System, because HK systems run on Fiber Optics. @chantheman - Bestbuy/Localshops are right, you do have to rewire the system. It is a pain. Devin made a Fiber based Android unit for the E-class but not C and from what I understand it didn't work great.
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2006 C55
I am about to tackle this project as well. I think they use fiber optics from the head unit to the amp, then from the amp to the speakers is regular speaker wire. My plan was to run speaker wire from the new head unit to the amp and use the existing wire to run to the speakers. Just started researching this though so please double check.
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2005 C55 AMG
I am about to tackle this project as well. I think they use fiber optics from the head unit to the amp, then from the amp to the speakers is regular speaker wire. My plan was to run speaker wire from the new head unit to the amp and use the existing wire to run to the speakers. Just started researching this though so please double check.
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Thread Starter
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2005 C55 AMG
@bridluz - Your daughters car must not have been the Harmon Kardon System, because HK systems run on Fiber Optics. @chantheman - Bestbuy/Localshops are right, you do have to rewire the system. It is a pain. Devin made a Fiber based Android unit for the E-class but not C and from what I understand it didn't work great.
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Joined: Nov 2014
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Mercedes W203 C55 AMG
Good thread folks, I would also like to upgrade a 2004 C55. My car is a used Jap import into New Zealand so it has a very narrow band and we have fitted a band expander to get the full FM band but reception is useless. Also would like to upgrade to USB and Bluetooth.
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2006 C55
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...etc-units.html
Ah...an old thread. I replied here when I was thinking about making a change in my first C55!
I think Duncan64 actually did it. Also, I replaced the door panels and saw the wires that connected to the tweeters. They did not look like fiber optic lines to me, looked like regular speaker wire.
"I'm mainly running the four doors from the head unit to the back, then just tapping into the wiring harness that came out of my stock amp. SInce its fiber optic i could not re-use it with my pioneer. So i ran those four speaker wires to the back and tapped in.
Then i ran two sets of RCA cables all the way to the back as well, one will drive my sub, and the other front speaker... which i'll tap into the existing wiring harness in the back as well.
You mostly want to just run all your wires to the back and tap into the harness for a nice clean install."
Ah...an old thread. I replied here when I was thinking about making a change in my first C55!
I think Duncan64 actually did it. Also, I replaced the door panels and saw the wires that connected to the tweeters. They did not look like fiber optic lines to me, looked like regular speaker wire.
"I'm mainly running the four doors from the head unit to the back, then just tapping into the wiring harness that came out of my stock amp. SInce its fiber optic i could not re-use it with my pioneer. So i ran those four speaker wires to the back and tapped in.
Then i ran two sets of RCA cables all the way to the back as well, one will drive my sub, and the other front speaker... which i'll tap into the existing wiring harness in the back as well.
You mostly want to just run all your wires to the back and tap into the harness for a nice clean install."
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From: Austin, TX
2006 E55, 2012 GLK350 & 1992 190e sportline
Bestbuy/Localshops are right, you do have to rewire the system.
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