I've had my 03 CLK 430 for about a month now and it is clear that I am ready for an audio/video upgrade. The stock Bose sound doesn't offend me but I am looking for more advanced features like DVD, Bluetooth, USB etc. I am thinking of the JVC AVX33 or the Pioneer AVIC D3X. Actually, at this point I am not so concerned about the model head unti I pick as the installation. I stopped by a local custom car stereo shop and they said they couldn't handle the installation without "rewiring the whole car". They didn't even give me an estimate. This conflicts with what I have read on this board and even Crutchfield indicates the average joe can install a head unit on this car. It is my understanding that I would need the PAC OEM2 to connect to the Bose system and a VW wiring harness adapter as well. Can anyone confirm this and let me know exactly what I need to order to install a head unit?
Any helpful advice would be greatly appreciated. I have installed several car stereos in the past but for some reason the lack of clear directions is making me nervous.

 

I take it you have a cab? If you have a 2003 coupe you might want to ask in the W209 forum because there was a complete body and interior change done for 2003.

 

Sorry. I'm still learning the lineage. I have an 03 W208 Cab.

 

Welcome to the site. I won't be the best person to answer this because I am still running with the stock setup. Many people have swapped out their systems so do a search on "stereo" in this forum and I am sure you will get a lot of information.

In short, yes it is possible to change it out without having to rewire your WHOLE car.

 

but how what part would i need im running into the same problem here in virginia beah, va my local sound shop told me the same thing (DISCOUNT AUDIO, AND GO-HO AUDIO) I HAVE HARD WIRED MY KENWOOD DDX-7015 IN MY 1998 GS400 MYSELF, BUT THE SHOPS TELL ME MY CLK430 HAS A FIBER OPTIC

 

what ever you do DO NOT GO WITH AVIC D3... it may look nice this and that but after all its 1 slot dvd/mp3 that means if you wanna go some where u have to put the map disk in load the addrest then put ur music disk in or what ever you want
i have this in my acura right now i got it when it 1st came out for $500 trail run price i give my feed back to pionner i told them i dont like 1 slot
if it was 2 slots it will be a awsome radio


but if you want a nice radio look into pionner avic z1, avic z2, avic z3
they have built in gps no disk, its the best one there is