Ordering with/without CD changer...
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 78
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From: No. VA
Ordering with/without CD changer...
I am ordering my CLK later this month and wanted some feedback. It's obvious that I could save some money by taking delivery without the CD changer, then getting an aftermarket guy to do the install....but is it worth the trouble?
Can stereo shops...even high quality shops...properly hook up the system and do a clean install?
I've read elsewhere on this board that the warranty should not be affected by this.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
Can stereo shops...even high quality shops...properly hook up the system and do a clean install?
I've read elsewhere on this board that the warranty should not be affected by this.
Any thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
HMMMM
Well it's like this, first off yes, anyone with some mechanical dexterity can install the changer in the trunk. All the wires are there, and it would be the equivalent of hooking up the wires to your TV and VCR (Notice I did not say DVD as there are more wires with a proper DVD setup). The mounting brackets are easily had, and the holes are already perforated for the anticipated install. AS well there are not any programming hoops to jump through (Plug and play). Now reality is you will save around $200-300.00 if you do the install yourself comapred to just the price of the unit from MBUSA. If you do it afterwards from the dealer, than you will also pay installation and add to the $200-200 figure. Really up to you and your time. BTW, took me about 30-45 minutes the first time I did it. Not any wors than that. The only thing you will not have in comparison to a model installed by the dealer is the fuzzy carpet cover that only MBUSA installs, not anywhere else in the world. It too can be had from the dealer for about $72.00.
Hope this helps.
Randy
Hope this helps.
Randy
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: L.A.
My two-cents worth
I just took delivery of a new CLK a few weeks ago, and opted to have the dealer install the CD changer. The cost (via the Internet) of an MB changer with cable and mounting brackets is about $500. My dealer was charging (at time of purchase) $650, including installation and carpet cover. Given that I'd just spent about $50,000 for the car, I figured I might as well pay the extra $150 (+ taxes).
Of course, each of us draws a different line between convenience on the one hand and saving money on the other. I think that if the dealer price had been somewhat higher, I would have opted to install it myself. I've heard from several people that it's not hard to do.
Of course, each of us draws a different line between convenience on the one hand and saving money on the other. I think that if the dealer price had been somewhat higher, I would have opted to install it myself. I've heard from several people that it's not hard to do.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
ktm
Yes, - warranty DOES vary:
It's either 1 year if provided by aftermarket or
4 years or 50,000 miles of provided by MB dealership AND ordered with car.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
I've read elsewhere on this board that the warranty should not be affected by this.
It's either 1 year if provided by aftermarket or
4 years or 50,000 miles of provided by MB dealership AND ordered with car.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: No. VA
Thanks guys.
For some reason, I thought the CD changer was over $1K. I'm not sure where I saw that. On the website, it was listed for $780 for the 6 disk in the trunk. For a couple hundred bucks, I'll have MB do it. I was only interested in bypassing them for an aftermarket guy if I could save about $500 or more.
Thanks Again...
Now for my next endeavor...
The dealer said they will not install a remote starter; not as part of the package or aftermarket...they just won't do it according to the salesman.
Has anyone had this done?
Thanks
For some reason, I thought the CD changer was over $1K. I'm not sure where I saw that. On the website, it was listed for $780 for the 6 disk in the trunk. For a couple hundred bucks, I'll have MB do it. I was only interested in bypassing them for an aftermarket guy if I could save about $500 or more.
Thanks Again...
Now for my next endeavor...
The dealer said they will not install a remote starter; not as part of the package or aftermarket...they just won't do it according to the salesman.
Has anyone had this done?
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: L.A.
CD changer price
To clarify: The amount that a dealer charges for installation of the CD changer is up to the dealer. As I said, my purchasing dealer charged me $650, including installation. I have heard of dealers who charged $1000, and dealers who threw in a CD changer (for "free") to clinch a deal.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
smv is correct, the price the dealer charges is up to the dealer (actually, it's up to the sales person/sales manager). Some will throw it in for free to make the deal, some with sell it for dealer cost (around $575), and some charge in excess of $1100.
In practice, it can be bought via mail order for $500 delivered to your door and and you can install it yourself in 30 minutes.
My suggestion would be to start out by asking the salesperson to throw it in for free. If that's out of the question, then work your way up in price until the difference between the dealer's price and the mail-order/self-install price becomes more than you're willing to bear. In my opinion, if you can get it for $600 or less from the dealer, then it's probably worth it because you don't have to deal with mail order, you don't have to install it yourself, and you automatically get a 4 years/50K mile warranty on the changer. The mail order unit does not get the same warranty since it wasn't purchased from a M-B dealer or MBUSA.
If you're going to Germany, or you're going to do a European delivery, pick one up at a M-B dealer over there. The list price in Germany at any M-B dealer is EUR353.00 (about $315), plus another $60 for the mounting kit, and that includes a whopping 16% sales tax. The part number for the changer is B6 7 82 2771, I don't know the part number for the mounting kit.
In practice, it can be bought via mail order for $500 delivered to your door and and you can install it yourself in 30 minutes.
My suggestion would be to start out by asking the salesperson to throw it in for free. If that's out of the question, then work your way up in price until the difference between the dealer's price and the mail-order/self-install price becomes more than you're willing to bear. In my opinion, if you can get it for $600 or less from the dealer, then it's probably worth it because you don't have to deal with mail order, you don't have to install it yourself, and you automatically get a 4 years/50K mile warranty on the changer. The mail order unit does not get the same warranty since it wasn't purchased from a M-B dealer or MBUSA.
If you're going to Germany, or you're going to do a European delivery, pick one up at a M-B dealer over there. The list price in Germany at any M-B dealer is EUR353.00 (about $315), plus another $60 for the mounting kit, and that includes a whopping 16% sales tax. The part number for the changer is B6 7 82 2771, I don't know the part number for the mounting kit.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Karl
Again: TIP
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer is listed on the BILL of SALE.
This needs to be listed in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
It's either 1 year if provided by aftermarket or 4 years or 50,000 miles of provided by MB dealership AND ordered with car.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer is listed on the BILL of SALE.
This needs to be listed in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Karl
Again: TIP
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer listed on the BILL of SALE.
This is a requirement in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
It's either 1 year if provided by aftermarket or 4 years or 50,000 miles of provided by MB dealership AND ordered with car.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
However, if dealership installs CD changer AFTER you took delivery and it's not part of the original order and NOT listed on the bill of sale, - you only get a 1 year warranty on your CD changer from MB.
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer listed on the BILL of SALE.
This is a requirement in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 340
Likes: 0
From: Long Island
2001 CLK 320
CD Changer
Karl is making a very valid point. If you intend to add a CD changer I would seriously consider the fact that you are getting a much better warranty if it is installed prior to delivery. Also, if you are ordering the COMAND option it is very likely that you are going to want a CD changer since you can not use the navigation system and play a CD at the same time without the changer.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
Originally posted by karl k
Karl
Again: TIP
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer listed on the BILL of SALE.
This is a requirement in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
Karl
Again: TIP
I got my changer comped.
If you get lucky or pay $500 + or -, make sure to have the CD changer listed on the BILL of SALE.
This is a requirement in order to have the 4 yr. 50,000 mile warranty on the CD changer.
However, if you buy it from any aftermarket company, the warranty is up to that company. I'm pretty sure that Autoclass is getting the changers directly from Germany. In this case, MBUSA provides no warranty at all, and I wouldn't expect them to. If it breaks, who is going to replace it?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Brian_R170 wrote
CAUTION! Brian_R170 is providing FALSE and INCORRECT information on this forum.
If you buy a CD changer from MB AFTER you bought your car and have MB install it, it carries only a ONE year warranty!
It is considered and treated as any other MB part.
To verify call MBUSA: 1-800-FOR-MERC
According to the MBUSA, this is NOT true. If you buy a CD changer from a dealer or directly from MBUSA via mail order and have it installed by a M-B dealer, the warranty is either 1 year or the REMAINDER of the 4-year/50k warranty, whichever is longer.
It does not have to be purchased and installed when the vehicle is new.
It does not have to be purchased and installed when the vehicle is new.
If you buy a CD changer from MB AFTER you bought your car and have MB install it, it carries only a ONE year warranty!
It is considered and treated as any other MB part.
To verify call MBUSA: 1-800-FOR-MERC
Last edited by karl k; Jan 7, 2002 at 03:21 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
http://www.bensonmercedes.com/Pages/...cdchanger.html
The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Accessories catalog says exactly the same thing.
The Mercedes-Benz Automotive Accessories catalog says exactly the same thing.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
This info is provided by and also
copyrighted © 1998 by Benson Motor Company.
That is NOT MBUSA.
AGAIN:
If CD changer is added After purchase of the vehicle, it is considered and treated as any other MB part.
To verify call MBUSA: 1-800-FOR-MERC
copyrighted © 1998 by Benson Motor Company.
That is NOT MBUSA.
AGAIN:
If CD changer is added After purchase of the vehicle, it is considered and treated as any other MB part.
To verify call MBUSA: 1-800-FOR-MERC
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 569
Likes: 2
From: Chandler, Arizona - USA
'02 SLK32 AMG
From the Mercedes-Benz Automotive Accessories catalog:
"All Mercedes-Benz CD changers have a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty when installed at or before delivery. When installed after delivery, either one year or the remainder of the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty applies, whichever is greater. See your dealer for details."
I called 1-800-FOR-MERC and talked to 3 different people. All they would say is to see the dealer for warranty information.
"All Mercedes-Benz CD changers have a 4-year/50,000-mile warranty when installed at or before delivery. When installed after delivery, either one year or the remainder of the 4-year/50,000-mile warranty applies, whichever is greater. See your dealer for details."
I called 1-800-FOR-MERC and talked to 3 different people. All they would say is to see the dealer for warranty information.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,065
Likes: 1
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG Coupe ;)
Brian_R170
I called the 1-800-FOR-MERC and was told what I previously posted.
I also talked to my MB dealer, who said exactly what I previously posted: 1 year warranty if installed AFTER blah, blah, blah
SUGGESTION:
If told otherwise, get it in WRITING from the dealership's parts dept. mgr., if you think or are told, that the warranty runs parallel with the car warranty, when CD player is bought and installed by MB dealer AFTER car was purchased.
FINIS
I called and talked to 3 different people. All they would say is to see the dealer for warranty information.
I also talked to my MB dealer, who said exactly what I previously posted: 1 year warranty if installed AFTER blah, blah, blah
SUGGESTION:
If told otherwise, get it in WRITING from the dealership's parts dept. mgr., if you think or are told, that the warranty runs parallel with the car warranty, when CD player is bought and installed by MB dealer AFTER car was purchased.
FINIS
