Help! Advice on audio system.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
Help! Advice on audio system.
Hi there, I have got myself a Mercedes CL 500 in w215 body (2003). I am willing to use my iPhone there as a media player, but it has an old media system not supporting USB or Aux. Only radio or CD/DVD. I have got myself a Bluetooth - FM transmitter to stream audio from my iPhone to the custom FM frequency. It works okay but when the generator for the battery kicks in on the car, I hear the buzzing noise. As I understand it is the generator working with the noise of the same frequency and interfering with FM frequency and that noise is taking place. I am thinking of any way to overcome that because during long rides this buzzing noise gives me a headache. Anyone have came over this problem? Any solutions?
I have thought to disconnect the CD/DVD from behind of the panel and link it with a phone or aux cable somehow, but have not found anything yet that will transcode the signal. If someone could help me with this problem, I would be really glad. Thanks.
I have thought to disconnect the CD/DVD from behind of the panel and link it with a phone or aux cable somehow, but have not found anything yet that will transcode the signal. If someone could help me with this problem, I would be really glad. Thanks.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Are you in the USA ? In the USA The 2003 should have a headphone jack inside the glove compartment so you can connect your phone that way
it was the only model year to offer the headphone jack
if if you are in a different country you might have the later system with no headphone jack
it was the only model year to offer the headphone jack
if if you are in a different country you might have the later system with no headphone jack
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
Are you in the USA ? In the USA The 2003 should have a headphone jack inside the glove compartment so you can connect your phone that way
it was the only model year to offer the headphone jack
if if you are in a different country you might have the later system with no headphone jack
it was the only model year to offer the headphone jack
if if you are in a different country you might have the later system with no headphone jack
There is no headphone jack in the glove compartment, so I suspect the model you are talking about is US specific
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
I have heard that people do replace their complete media system with either new generation one or aftermarket solution, but I feel like it will take a lot of time and effort and the car systems are linked to the multimedia anyway as far as I know.
So that is why I am looking for a way that will let me keep stock multimedia and add another solution.
So that is why I am looking for a way that will let me keep stock multimedia and add another solution.
Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 85
Likes: 26
2003 CL-500
The problem is that the MB system is fiber-optic, and the quick "plug-in" solutions don't work (e.g., replacing a cd-changer with an input module). There is a conversion that provides a 3.5mm input jack but it's almost as expensive as changing out your system for a conventional aftermarket one.
BTW, if all you want is music and phone interface, then any $99 Double-DIN system will work just fine. You need a trim plate ($45 on eBay), a receiver (my $102 Pioneer is wonderful), and an amp. Preferably 5-channel and 2-ohm capable, pull the old one in the trunk and all the speaker wires are color-coded and right there to connect. Stock speakers not bad at all, and the factory subwoofer works too. Just run a power wire to the battery (3 feet away) and a ground (12 inches away) and you're cruisin'! :-)
Modern receivers come with a hands-free phone interface and microphone, as well as a USB or smart-card port that allows you to listen to your entire music collection seamlessly (no external device required).
If you want to get frisky you can get a $600 DVD-Playing receiver that includes GPS navigation, a module to allow use of the steering wheel controls, replace the door speakers and sub, etc etc. Otherwise, a decent amp will set you back $400 or so, the trim plate and basic receiver maybe $150, and power cables maybe $15 (use 4 -ga welding cable from eBay).
BTW, if all you want is music and phone interface, then any $99 Double-DIN system will work just fine. You need a trim plate ($45 on eBay), a receiver (my $102 Pioneer is wonderful), and an amp. Preferably 5-channel and 2-ohm capable, pull the old one in the trunk and all the speaker wires are color-coded and right there to connect. Stock speakers not bad at all, and the factory subwoofer works too. Just run a power wire to the battery (3 feet away) and a ground (12 inches away) and you're cruisin'! :-)
Modern receivers come with a hands-free phone interface and microphone, as well as a USB or smart-card port that allows you to listen to your entire music collection seamlessly (no external device required).
If you want to get frisky you can get a $600 DVD-Playing receiver that includes GPS navigation, a module to allow use of the steering wheel controls, replace the door speakers and sub, etc etc. Otherwise, a decent amp will set you back $400 or so, the trim plate and basic receiver maybe $150, and power cables maybe $15 (use 4 -ga welding cable from eBay).
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
The problem is that the MB system is fiber-optic, and the quick "plug-in" solutions don't work (e.g., replacing a cd-changer with an input module). There is a conversion that provides a 3.5mm input jack but it's almost as expensive as changing out your system for a conventional aftermarket one.
BTW, if all you want is music and phone interface, then any $99 Double-DIN system will work just fine. You need a trim plate ($45 on eBay), a receiver (my $102 Pioneer is wonderful), and an amp. Preferably 5-channel and 2-ohm capable, pull the old one in the trunk and all the speaker wires are color-coded and right there to connect. Stock speakers not bad at all, and the factory subwoofer works too. Just run a power wire to the battery (3 feet away) and a ground (12 inches away) and you're cruisin'! :-)
Modern receivers come with a hands-free phone interface and microphone, as well as a USB or smart-card port that allows you to listen to your entire music collection seamlessly (no external device required).
If you want to get frisky you can get a $600 DVD-Playing receiver that includes GPS navigation, a module to allow use of the steering wheel controls, replace the door speakers and sub, etc etc. Otherwise, a decent amp will set you back $400 or so, the trim plate and basic receiver maybe $150, and power cables maybe $15 (use 4 -ga welding cable from eBay).
BTW, if all you want is music and phone interface, then any $99 Double-DIN system will work just fine. You need a trim plate ($45 on eBay), a receiver (my $102 Pioneer is wonderful), and an amp. Preferably 5-channel and 2-ohm capable, pull the old one in the trunk and all the speaker wires are color-coded and right there to connect. Stock speakers not bad at all, and the factory subwoofer works too. Just run a power wire to the battery (3 feet away) and a ground (12 inches away) and you're cruisin'! :-)
Modern receivers come with a hands-free phone interface and microphone, as well as a USB or smart-card port that allows you to listen to your entire music collection seamlessly (no external device required).
If you want to get frisky you can get a $600 DVD-Playing receiver that includes GPS navigation, a module to allow use of the steering wheel controls, replace the door speakers and sub, etc etc. Otherwise, a decent amp will set you back $400 or so, the trim plate and basic receiver maybe $150, and power cables maybe $15 (use 4 -ga welding cable from eBay).
Trending Topics
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
I am trying to find a way to do this or add an RCA, though it seems you either change out the multimedia system or do something funky like resoldering the tape drive with an aux cable.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
CL 500 (W215) 2003
