C43 '98 to '99 Head Unit Swap
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
99 C43 AMG
C43 '98 to '99 Head Unit Swap
So, I'm looking all over to buy a C43, I'm finding more '98s than '99s right now, and the main thing I don't like about the '98s is the older audio head unit with cassette deck with the cd changer controls below where the cubby pocket is on the '99s. I prefer the look of the '99 console as it looks cleaner and is more functional.
So if I get a '98, and source a '99 head unit, how hard is the swap? Plug and play?
Or do you recommend just ditching the factory head unit all together and getting something aftermarket?
I have a lead on a '98 right now, pretty clean silver with the black/white interior but I can't stand the head unit =)
Should probably give them a call back today to let them know if I still am interested or not, so any feedback is welcome.
So if I get a '98, and source a '99 head unit, how hard is the swap? Plug and play?
Or do you recommend just ditching the factory head unit all together and getting something aftermarket?
I have a lead on a '98 right now, pretty clean silver with the black/white interior but I can't stand the head unit =)
Should probably give them a call back today to let them know if I still am interested or not, so any feedback is welcome.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 328
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From: Virginia
2005 CL65 AMG
Very easy plug and play. Takes me less than 5 mons to swap out both radio and cubby hole. You just need radio removal tools which can be bought off eBay for less than $10. Pm me if you need any help.
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Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 231
Likes: 1
From: Portland, OR
99 C43 AMG
Ok, I'm still learning about w202's, but a '99 I looked at with the telephone in the arm rest, did not have that unit under the audio head unit.
What gives? Can I buy a '98 and remove that piece in lieu of the cubby and still update the onboard phone to bluetooth? (that's beyond the scope of this forum post really)
Edit: OH! I think I understand now, in '99 they merged the phone control unit and radio all into one unit. So could you remove the separate phone control and plug that into a '99 head unit?
What gives? Can I buy a '98 and remove that piece in lieu of the cubby and still update the onboard phone to bluetooth? (that's beyond the scope of this forum post really)
Edit: OH! I think I understand now, in '99 they merged the phone control unit and radio all into one unit. So could you remove the separate phone control and plug that into a '99 head unit?
Last edited by jgro1976; Jun 19, 2013 at 03:39 PM.
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