6 disc changer "Empty magazine"

Subscribe
Jan 26, 2011 | 11:28 AM
  #1  
My CD changer is no longer working , I put CD's in it and then it says "empty magazine". I researched this the other day and it seems that it is pretty comon, the only problem is all of the fixes they suggest do not work for me. When you get this error you have 1 of 2 problems, the arm that loads and unloads the CD's is stuck or your fiber optic cable isn't sending the signal from the changer to the head unit, I have the latter of the 2. I took the CD changer apart and made sure the mechanics of it were working, I plugged it in after I had taken it apart and watched as it loaded and unloaded the CD's just as it was designed to do. I then moved on to the fiber optic cable. In other threads they stated that there was a large amount of play with the fiber optic plug in the back of the CD changer, this is not the case for me, my plug is pretty snug when it is plugged in. I then checked the back of the head unit to make sure the plug was snug back there, it was. I am now at a loss as my cable if fully intact and it appears that it is snug when plugged into the back of the changer and head unit. I am tired of listening to the radio, I HATE THE RADIO, so I am going to buy a new CD player today. I found a nice little kenwood for $130 that has an Ipod/Iphone hookup and a USB port so I can use a thumb drive. A thumb drive can hold HOURS of music and I won't have to mess around in the trunk anymore with an added bonus of 5 lbs of weight reduction (CD changer weighs about 5 lbs.) . The only problem is the lighting on the CD player is blue and not orange to match my stock lighting... I will post pics when I get it installed.
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 11:59 AM
  #2  
So your replacing the factory head unit? If you really want to stay OEM, you can find several changers on ebay.
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 01:06 PM
  #3  
Quote: So your replacing the factory head unit? If you really want to stay OEM, you can find several changers on ebay.
ill sell you mine. shoot me a PM
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 01:38 PM
  #4  
Quote: ill sell you mine. shoot me a PM
Wont work, yours is not fibre optic its analog.
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 03:04 PM
  #5  
My CD changer works, its the fiber optics that don't... I don't want to replace it with another CD changer anyway, I hate going into the trunk to change CD's. I want a CD player with a USB port so I can use a thumb drive and never mess with a CD again.
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 03:06 PM
  #6  
Quote: My CD changer works, its the fiber optics that don't... I don't want to replace it with another CD changer anyway, I hate going into the trunk to change CD's. I want a CD player with a USB port so I can use a thumb drive and never mess with a CD again.
I have a pioneer deck and i can just use AUX in from my ipod-cpu-whatever (3.5mm jack)

thats my suggestion.
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 03:07 PM
  #7  
Quote: I have a pioneer deck and i can just use AUX in from my ipod-cpu-whatever (3.5mm jack)

thats my suggestion.
The Cd player I am getting has the same AUX input for an Ipod/Iphone plus the USB port...
Reply 0
Jan 26, 2011 | 08:45 PM
  #8  
UPDATE:
Here is a pic of the CD player I bought:
Attachment 201355
I am kind of disappointed with the result, the sound is not as full and the low bass isn't as powerful. The highs and mids are pretty strong and it is louder overall but I think I prefer the stock sound. The stock head unit really makes a difference...
Reply 0

MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

Explore
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Jan 27, 2011 | 02:35 AM
  #9  
Quote: UPDATE:
Here is a pic of the CD player I bought:
Attachment 201355
I am kind of disappointed with the result, the sound is not as full and the low bass isn't as powerful. The highs and mids are pretty strong and it is louder overall but I think I prefer the stock sound. The stock head unit really makes a difference...
Sorry but the attachment link doesn't work
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 08:43 AM
  #10  
I'll check the link when I get home.... I ran across this thread and need some help

https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class...-bose-amp.html

I just noticed this morning I have a slight "hum" or "buzz" the same type you get when you run your RCA cords to close to your transmission.

Marcus please explain what I need to do to make my new Cd player sound like stock again I want the bass back and the "hum" gone!!!
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 12:26 PM
  #11  
Did you get the proper harness etc for wiring with the Bose amp? Apparently the aftermarket head unit has to run the same type of voltage as the stock head unit
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 01:46 PM
  #12  
Quote: Did you get the proper harness etc for wiring with the Bose amp? Apparently the aftermarket head unit has to run the same type of voltage as the stock head unit
I did get the harness that goes from the stock connector to the kenwood Cd player I bought, what voltage is the stock head unit producing?
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 02:10 PM
  #13  
Quote: I did get the harness that goes from the stock connector to the kenwood Cd player I bought, what voltage is the stock head unit producing?
Im not sure, if you do a search in the regular W202 section in Benzworld I came across this before where I think its producing 3m/v while aftermarket ones produce 5. Sorry im probably typing chinese here Or you could just have it correct and thats the way it is, as its all proprietary and the sound has now been changed due to the different head unit.
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 07:29 PM
  #14  
UPDATE:

I hate dealing with car stereo installers!!! I knew I should of installed the damn thing myself but the CD player came with free installation and I figured they couldn't possibly mess up installing a simple little CD player..... WRONG!!

After reading a couple threads it turns out I must need a low level line converter. I took my car back to the stereo installer and told them I was getting a "hum" and the stereo doesn't have as much bass as it used to. I told them I wanted a low level line converter installed, they took out the CD player and rewired it for high level output. So we went from a low level input (which it is supposed to be) to a high level input and still no low level line converter.... Now my stereo is UNBELIEVABLY loud but still lacking the bass it use to have. The installer tried convincing me that I didn't need a low level line converter I argued for a minute and then realized I was arguing with an idiot and I was wasting my time. Looks like I am going to buy one of these line converters and install it myself.

Is there anyone out there that has replaced their stock head unit with an after market CD player??? What did you use?? In another thread MarcusF suggested using a PAC-OEM 2 but I am unsure if this will work for my application, Marcus I await your all knowing reply
Reply 0
Jan 27, 2011 | 07:49 PM
  #15  
Search the audio
forum
or the w210 forum for aftermarket HU.
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 01:54 AM
  #16  
try using a vacuum to clean it out of dust inside the magazine and in the cd unit. It was doing it recently and my buddies over at the dealer said just to clean it (vacuum, blow off dust and such). It worked since then, but don't know for how long though.
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 09:36 AM
  #17  
Quote: try using a vacuum to clean it out of dust inside the magazine and in the cd unit. It was doing it recently and my buddies over at the dealer said just to clean it (vacuum, blow off dust and such). It worked since then, but don't know for how long though.
Way past that point, I have already installed a new head unit. I am just trying to make it work correctly with the bose system.
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 10:51 AM
  #18  
Quote: Way past that point, I have already installed a new head unit. I am just trying to make it work correctly with the bose system.
this Bööööööööööööse cr(e)(a)ppy (take a pick) amplifier, uses a low level output, you'll need an adapter to solve your aftermarket cd problem.
Humming or buzzing noize is from interference.
those who don't have a BÖSE HIFI in their C43 car, can make their own special HIFI by picking the best stuff available in the shop.
Us dudes that have BOSE in our cars needs to either rip everything out to install better audio stuff or live with the crappy factory sound.

these amps are known to go bad, therefore they are very expensive to replace.
I once asked the stealership about the price of a new BOSE amp, I almost got an heart attack, for dat price of 1 BOSE amplifier I could buy a new complete audio set up, waaaaaaaay better than factory stock amplifier.
Many times I beleive that the stealership is out there to rip us off by keeping their prices high for certain parts!
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 01:46 PM
  #19  
Quote: this Bööööööööööööse cr(e)(a)ppy (take a pick) amplifier, uses a low level output, you'll need an adapter to solve your aftermarket cd problem.
Humming or buzzing noize is from interference.
those who don't have a BÖSE HIFI in their C43 car, can make their own special HIFI by picking the best stuff available in the shop.
Us dudes that have BOSE in our cars needs to either rip everything out to install better audio stuff or live with the crappy factory sound.

these amps are known to go bad, therefore they are very expensive to replace.
I once asked the stealership about the price of a new BOSE amp, I almost got an heart attack, for dat price of 1 BOSE amplifier I could buy a new complete audio set up, waaaaaaaay better than factory stock amplifier.
Many times I beleive that the stealership is out there to rip us off by keeping their prices high for certain parts!
I find it to be fine, its clear and has enough bass that doesnt make me look ghetto. Besides the best sound in these cars are the engines
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 02:15 PM
  #20  
Quote: I find it to be fine, its clear and has enough bass that doesnt make me look ghetto. Besides the best sound in these cars are the engines
you have a tapedeck in your car and the changer in your trunk?
did you play each channels separate when using tapes?
I know it's rare to use a tape nowadays.
I got rid of my AUDIO 30 tapedeck and retrofitted a MB cd player/navigator instead.
Audio is now waaaaaaaaay better and I have my changer connected to my cd deck, so I only have cd playback now.

BOSE audio sounds good if the amp is 100% TOP!
If it's not 100%. you can either hear on drivers side or passengers side audio sound is lower than the other side, this is b/cos of something is wrong with the amp!
BOSE plays pritty ok bass and treble, but it's not Mark levinson quality or NAIM HIFI as in UK cars Bentley.

I think MB uses Harman/Kardon today, AUDI A8 uses Bang & Olufsen Danish HIFI tuner, Beemer uses???????
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 02:31 PM
  #21  
Quote: you have a tapedeck in your car and the changer in your trunk?
did you play each channels separate when using tapes?
I know it's rare to use a tape nowadays.
I got rid of my AUDIO 30 tapedeck and retrofitted a MB cd player/navigator instead.
Audio is now waaaaaaaaay better and I have my changer connected to my cd deck, so I only have cd playback now.

BOSE audio sounds good if the amp is 100% TOP!
If it's not 100%. you can either hear on drivers side or passengers side audio sound is lower than the other side, this is b/cos of something is wrong with the amp!
BOSE plays pritty ok bass and treble, but it's not Mark levinson quality or NAIM HIFI as in UK cars Bentley.

I think MB uses Harman/Kardon today, AUDI A8 uses Bang & Olufsen Danish HIFI tuner, Beemer uses???????
B&O is TOP OF THE LINE!!!
Reply 0
Jan 28, 2011 | 06:23 PM
  #22  
take a look at this.
http://www.naimaudio.com/naim-for-bentley

I have this 2 channel hifi system at home.
awesome audio if you are an old skool 2 channel freak.
pure and pleasent eargasm

B&O = body & odor isn't near the NAIM stuff, but they are good too!
Reply 0
Jan 29, 2011 | 04:58 AM
  #23  
503C43, I'm no expert, but I've never seen a Kenwood that was compatible with a BOSE amp. It will work, but with much worse sound quality than if a $15 PAC OEM2 was used. If you're running speaker level inputs to signal a BOSE amp, that's not the best route to go.
Reply 0
Jan 29, 2011 | 08:08 AM
  #24  
Quote: 503C43, I'm no expert, but I've never seen a Kenwood that was compatible with a BOSE amp. It will work, but with much worse sound quality than if a $15 PAC OEM2 was used. If you're running speaker level inputs to signal a BOSE amp, that's not the best route to go.
Will it bring the bass back?? With the stock head unit my high mounted brake light was rattling big time with the bass turned up not even 1/2 way, now it barely rattles with the bass up over 1/2 way. I had it hooked up through low level and it was super quiet with almost no bass, now it's hooked up through high level and it is SUPER loud but can easily distort. The pac-oem2 will fix this?? will it be super quiet again? All I want is the stock sound back with the ability to hook up my Ipod and use a USB thumbdrive... What head unit would you have reccomended instead of the kenwood?
Reply 0
Jan 29, 2011 | 12:50 PM
  #25  
Quote: Will it bring the bass back?? With the stock head unit my high mounted brake light was rattling big time with the bass turned up not even 1/2 way, now it barely rattles with the bass up over 1/2 way. I had it hooked up through low level and it was super quiet with almost no bass, now it's hooked up through high level and it is SUPER loud but can easily distort. The pac-oem2 will fix this?? will it be super quiet again? All I want is the stock sound back with the ability to hook up my Ipod and use a USB thumbdrive... What head unit would you have reccomended instead of the kenwood?
Something is not hooked up right if its going Super loud and the bass is low. The #1 head unit ive seen people go with in MB's with Bose is Alpine. Search Benzworld "aftermarket head unit Bose" you'll find the answers.

I just use my ipod through the stock head unit via a Denon tape adaptor and the sound is as good IF not BETTER that the cd changer while retaining the stock look and powerful bass which can also be altered via the ipod's EQ. Ive had people think that I have a sub in the trunk, its quite amusing with the right song lol.

Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE