CLK Stereo & Electronics
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W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
CLK Stereo & Electronics
Well, the Audio & Electronics Forum doesn't get a lot of visits, so I thought I might refer this to a more active forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=20812
I basically want to know if I can move HVAC unit down to the slot below the stock stereo location. Along the lines of where the cigarette lighter is located at.
My concern is whether or not the stock cables are long enough, which they probably aren't. And if I cut and extend it, will I have any problems? As discussed in the thread above, I'm pretty sure there is no Fibre Optic link from the HVAC, so cutting and extending should be cool... anyone here think this is true or am I seriously asking for trouble...???
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=20812
I basically want to know if I can move HVAC unit down to the slot below the stock stereo location. Along the lines of where the cigarette lighter is located at.
My concern is whether or not the stock cables are long enough, which they probably aren't. And if I cut and extend it, will I have any problems? As discussed in the thread above, I'm pretty sure there is no Fibre Optic link from the HVAC, so cutting and extending should be cool... anyone here think this is true or am I seriously asking for trouble...???
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Re: CLK Stereo & Electronics
Originally posted by mmgrad
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=20812
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...threadid=20812
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From: the OC, So Cal
2000 CLK 320
That pic doesn't look right. The head unit (radio), empty compartment in the middle, and the ash tray/cigarette lighter (with the wood trim cover) take up approximately 3 slots or dins. The first two slots can hold, in length, a radio (single din), or COMAND (double din). From what I remember, the ash tray/cigarette lighter is not long or 'deep' enought to hold anything as long as the radio. Since the radio/COMAND are slightly angled downwards, the ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment is also angled downwards and putting anything that long will not fit. It will hit the 'floor' of the car, so to speak. the HVAC is as long/big as the head unit and I dont think it will fit. If the HVAC was half the length of the head unit then it may fit.
I was thinking of also putting something in the ash trya area as I never use that space to put trash in. The cigarette lighter can also be taken out easily.
I was thinking of also putting something in the ash trya area as I never use that space to put trash in. The cigarette lighter can also be taken out easily.
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally posted by funky102
That pic doesn't look right. The head unit (radio), empty compartment in the middle, and the ash tray/cigarette lighter (with the wood trim cover) take up approximately 3 slots or dins. The first two slots can hold, in length, a radio (single din), or COMAND (double din). From what I remember, the ash tray/cigarette lighter is not long or 'deep' enought to hold anything as long as the radio. Since the radio/COMAND are slightly angled downwards, the ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment is also angled downwards and putting anything that long will not fit. It will hit the 'floor' of the car, so to speak. the HVAC is as long/big as the head unit and I dont think it will fit. If the HVAC was half the length of the head unit then it may fit.
I was thinking of also putting something in the ash trya area as I never use that space to put trash in. The cigarette lighter can also be taken out easily.
That pic doesn't look right. The head unit (radio), empty compartment in the middle, and the ash tray/cigarette lighter (with the wood trim cover) take up approximately 3 slots or dins. The first two slots can hold, in length, a radio (single din), or COMAND (double din). From what I remember, the ash tray/cigarette lighter is not long or 'deep' enought to hold anything as long as the radio. Since the radio/COMAND are slightly angled downwards, the ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment is also angled downwards and putting anything that long will not fit. It will hit the 'floor' of the car, so to speak. the HVAC is as long/big as the head unit and I dont think it will fit. If the HVAC was half the length of the head unit then it may fit.
I was thinking of also putting something in the ash trya area as I never use that space to put trash in. The cigarette lighter can also be taken out easily.
But, the monitor is only about 1.5 DIN high (maybe a little more but less than 2 DIN). The HVAC is the same width as the stereo, but I think the depth is not nearly as deep as there is no reason for it to be, but I will see once I pull it out.
And for the very bottom, I'm not putting anything long. Just placing the V1 concealed display unit, which is 2.5"W x 1"D x 1"H, so it shouldn't have any problems fitting.
But like I said, don't know for sure just yet.... I've had a shop just measure it with the screen (kinda eye balling it wihtout installing it) and it looks like it will fit.
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From: the OC, So Cal
2000 CLK 320
KevinV: If you mean just the ashtray part, then there is that little switch below the cigarette lighter that you pull to the right and the ashtray pops out. Most likely, you're asking on how take the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter with the wood trim cover. First, you take that black plastic around your gear selector; it just pull right out. You can use some item that wont sracth the wood trim, maybe something plastic, to pry it up then pull it out. Next, you can just pull up on the wood around the gear selector (where the window switches are located) by starting where the cup holders are. Two screws should be revealed, left and right sides, on the upper (near the ashtray) part. Take those screws out and you should be able to pull out the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment. It may need a little tug and shaking around as I had difficutly doing this because I didn't want to break anything. Good luck and be careful when doing this. 
mmgrad: I see what you're trying to do. As for the HVAC being as big as the head unit, I think it is. I was also surprised as a bunch of controls and a very simply LCD display don't need to take up much space but I think they did that more for stability and compatibilty with headunit dimensions, etc.
Your idea might work since the HVAC will be .5 dins higher that what I thought it would be. It's going to depend on the angle mostly, as I think the HVAC is as long as the headunit. Good luck with it and let us know what happens. BTW, you can easily pull out the HVAC, without worry of damage or voiding the warranty , to see how big it is by purchasing the radio keys.
mmgrad: I see what you're trying to do. As for the HVAC being as big as the head unit, I think it is. I was also surprised as a bunch of controls and a very simply LCD display don't need to take up much space but I think they did that more for stability and compatibilty with headunit dimensions, etc.
Your idea might work since the HVAC will be .5 dins higher that what I thought it would be. It's going to depend on the angle mostly, as I think the HVAC is as long as the headunit. Good luck with it and let us know what happens. BTW, you can easily pull out the HVAC, without worry of damage or voiding the warranty , to see how big it is by purchasing the radio keys.
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
yup, i've ordered a stereo removal keys. Once they come in, i'm popping them off to see how big it is....
funky102, by chance do you know how to disassemble the center dash console where the stereo, etc... resides? Or at least take the panel off... Haven't taken it apart before, but you seem quite knowledgeable about this.
Thanks
funky102, by chance do you know how to disassemble the center dash console where the stereo, etc... resides? Or at least take the panel off... Haven't taken it apart before, but you seem quite knowledgeable about this.
Thanks
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From: Southern California
2003 CLK430 Cabriolet
Originally posted by funky102
KevinV: If you mean just the ashtray part, then there is that little switch below the cigarette lighter that you pull to the right and the ashtray pops out. Most likely, you're asking on how take the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter with the wood trim cover. First, you take that black plastic around your gear selector; it just pull right out. You can use some item that wont sracth the wood trim, maybe something plastic, to pry it up then pull it out. Next, you can just pull up on the wood around the gear selector (where the window switches are located) by starting where the cup holders are. Two screws should be revealed, left and right sides, on the upper (near the ashtray) part. Take those screws out and you should be able to pull out the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment. It may need a little tug and shaking around as I had difficutly doing this because I didn't want to break anything. Good luck and be careful when doing this.
KevinV: If you mean just the ashtray part, then there is that little switch below the cigarette lighter that you pull to the right and the ashtray pops out. Most likely, you're asking on how take the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter with the wood trim cover. First, you take that black plastic around your gear selector; it just pull right out. You can use some item that wont sracth the wood trim, maybe something plastic, to pry it up then pull it out. Next, you can just pull up on the wood around the gear selector (where the window switches are located) by starting where the cup holders are. Two screws should be revealed, left and right sides, on the upper (near the ashtray) part. Take those screws out and you should be able to pull out the entire ashtray/cigarette lighter compartment. It may need a little tug and shaking around as I had difficutly doing this because I didn't want to break anything. Good luck and be careful when doing this.
Thanks for the tip funky102, I just took it out without with any problem.
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From: the OC, So Cal
2000 CLK 320
Kevin: No problem, glad to have helped.
mmgrad: Its Richard, on the Audio & Electronics forum, that guided through all these when I took my center console apart.
From what I remember.
1. To take out the blank compartment/ sunglass holder. After you've taken out the ashtray/cig. lighter compartment (see message above), slide your hand in below the empty compartment/ sunglass holder and push it out from behind using your four fingers. Give it a good push and it should pop out.
2. The stock radio can easily be pulled out using the radio keys.
3. The wood panel around the HVAC can be taken out by wedging two coins (or something similar that wont scratch the wood) on the lower left and right side (maybe 1 cm from the each corner) in between the leather and the wood panel. Once wedged in, slowly push both coins down and the wood panel should easily pop out. I used two quarters to do this and make sure you wedge it in deeply.
4. The HVAC can be taken out with the radio keys.
5. Note on taking out the ash tray, you can put the car in neutral so the shifter isnt blocking the way when you try to pull it out.
6. I tried to take the leather trim around the center consolde but I didn't get that far.
Again, I must place my disclaimer to be careful when doing this and I cannot be held responsible for anything that may go wrong.
mmgrad: Its Richard, on the Audio & Electronics forum, that guided through all these when I took my center console apart.
From what I remember.
1. To take out the blank compartment/ sunglass holder. After you've taken out the ashtray/cig. lighter compartment (see message above), slide your hand in below the empty compartment/ sunglass holder and push it out from behind using your four fingers. Give it a good push and it should pop out.
2. The stock radio can easily be pulled out using the radio keys.
3. The wood panel around the HVAC can be taken out by wedging two coins (or something similar that wont scratch the wood) on the lower left and right side (maybe 1 cm from the each corner) in between the leather and the wood panel. Once wedged in, slowly push both coins down and the wood panel should easily pop out. I used two quarters to do this and make sure you wedge it in deeply.
4. The HVAC can be taken out with the radio keys.
5. Note on taking out the ash tray, you can put the car in neutral so the shifter isnt blocking the way when you try to pull it out.
6. I tried to take the leather trim around the center consolde but I didn't get that far.
Again, I must place my disclaimer to be careful when doing this and I cannot be held responsible for anything that may go wrong.
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2018 E400 COUPE SOLD -> Porsche Taycan 4S
mmgrad,
what u could do is move the hvac down to the upper din space where the stock radio was. and then put a iva/cva alpine unit or any other motorized screen head unit into the space where the hvac was. ive seen an install like that. imo, the screen is too high and draws too much attention. especially if po pos are next to you at night....
b
what u could do is move the hvac down to the upper din space where the stock radio was. and then put a iva/cva alpine unit or any other motorized screen head unit into the space where the hvac was. ive seen an install like that. imo, the screen is too high and draws too much attention. especially if po pos are next to you at night....
b
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: So Cal
W213 '17 E43 ///AMG - W211, W208 no more
Originally posted by byip25
mmgrad,
what u could do is move the hvac down to the upper din space where the stock radio was. and then put a iva/cva alpine unit or any other motorized screen head unit into the space where the hvac was. ive seen an install like that. imo, the screen is too high and draws too much attention. especially if po pos are next to you at night....
b
mmgrad,
what u could do is move the hvac down to the upper din space where the stock radio was. and then put a iva/cva alpine unit or any other motorized screen head unit into the space where the hvac was. ive seen an install like that. imo, the screen is too high and draws too much attention. especially if po pos are next to you at night....
b
Therefore, I thought a fixed screen would be offer a cleaner look, and probably better reliability.
