CLK-Class (W208) 1998-2002: CLK 200, CLK 230K, CLK 320, CLK 430 [Coupes & Cabriolets]

Single Disc CD - Cost and difficulty replacing Tape player

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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 11:12 AM
  #1  
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2001 CLK430 Cab.
Question Single Disc CD - Cost and difficulty replacing Tape player

My 2001 Clk430 Cab has a tape player that I want to replace with a CD - single disc. How difficult is it to purchase a decent CD player and swapping them myself.
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 01:03 PM
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I'm not sure how hard it would be but I have heard that you need to buy a special radio removal tool to get the stock one out.

Are you sure you want to do this? I think keeping the stock radio, or at least an OEM one, looks so much cleaner. If you want to be able to stick a single disc in there, maybe you should get a COMAND unit installed by Steve for around $1400, correct me if I'm wrong about the price. At least this way you still have the nice OEM look and you're getting a navi system thrown in!
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 01:33 PM
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Originally posted by Samoan_Ridah
I'm not sure how hard it would be but I have heard that you need to buy a special radio removal tool to get the stock one out.

Are you sure you want to do this? I think keeping the stock radio, or at least an OEM one, looks so much cleaner. If you want to be able to stick a single disc in there, maybe you should get a COMAND unit installed by Steve for around $1400, correct me if I'm wrong about the price. At least this way you still have the nice OEM look and you're getting a navi system thrown in!
As I mentioned in another post, there is a CD-headunit from MB that fits in the CLK...

I believe its called Audio 10... its got a complete factory look, since it is from MB....

Plenty available through www.ebaymotors.de or maybe you can check with Steve... he should be able to hook you up...

Here is a pic, courtesy of the new MBWorld Pic Post ***** (ME):
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Old Jul 28, 2003 | 06:31 PM
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Take a look at the Becker 4602... it has a built-in single CD player and a provision for an auxuillary input. If you call Becker, they'll sell it to you for about $450.00 and it plugs right in using the existing harness. And it even says Mercedes on the faceplate so it looks like an OEM unit.
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:13 PM
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Will these headunits give you better sound than the stock radio?? Or are they crap just like the stock?
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:16 PM
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The Mercedes CD unit will sound pretty much like the stock unit you have, only difference is that there's a CD player instead of a cassette. With the COMAND option, the sound system actually sounds better. ;0) If what you want is an audiphile's sounds system, then you're better off going aftermarket, but then you'd probably want to change out the speakers and everything else (if that's the route you're going)
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:54 PM
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I have yet too see a good looking stock headunit or hear a decent sounding one, MB's included. If you want to upgrade, just go to your local car audio store, find one you like and they'll install it for free. I got a Sony for mine, I think the product # is MEX-5DI. It runs about $1000, but I think they might have dropped the price. But just about any after market headunit will sound better than stock.
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Old Jul 29, 2003 | 07:58 PM
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Here's a link for it.

http://www.crutchfield.com/I-rdtmc29...sp?i=158MEX5DI

It plays MP3s, which is awesome. It's also CD changer and XM ready. It has an LCD screen and you can load your own images/movies to show in the background using a memory stick. But you'll need an external amp.
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 12:07 AM
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Buy an aftermarket head unit it will always sound better then the stock deck. Easy install.
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 11:22 AM
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The speakers in my car are Bose. Should I really need to change them if I get an aftermarket headunit. Shouldn't the new headunit give them extra punch??
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 01:54 PM
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I found a unit that I liked at Circuit City and they install them for free BUT they refuse to work on a Mercedes and say go to the MB dealer. They say they cause many codes to be thrown and you will have to take the car to the dealers afterwards anyway.
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 04:04 PM
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Originally posted by Stiggs
The speakers in my car are Bose. Should I really need to change them if I get an aftermarket headunit. Shouldn't the new headunit give them extra punch??
Yes, a new headunit will feed better sound to the speakers, and you will notice it.... HOWEVER... the bose speakers will not be able to handle high volume outputs... turn it up loud, and the bass will bottom out, and it still won't sound right...

It will sound better, but, it could sound better...
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Old Jul 30, 2003 | 04:07 PM
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Originally posted by CLK 2001 Cab
I found a unit that I liked at Circuit City and they install them for free BUT they refuse to work on a Mercedes and say go to the MB dealer. They say they cause many codes to be thrown and you will have to take the car to the dealers afterwards anyway.
Don't you ever EVER EVER go to a Circuit City, Best Buy, Good Guys to install stereo stuff in ur MB.... they hire a bunch of high school punks that don't know squat... you'd be lucky if they don't swipe your coins from ur coin tray

at the LEAST, go to an Al&Eds or something... at least their core business is car audio

SHAME SHAME for even going there to contemplate having them install it...
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Old Jul 31, 2003 | 02:01 AM
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anyone know what i can do if i want to replace the head unit but retain a stock look with a 98 non fiber optic?
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Old Jul 31, 2003 | 02:40 AM
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Originally posted by iosmart
anyone know what i can do if i want to replace the head unit but retain a stock look with a 98 non fiber optic?
Do you have a CD changer you want to keep?

And, what are you trying to gain by replacing the head unit?

If you are trying to stay OEM-look (which I think is very important), you can change to a different year's head unit, but then, what would be the purpose?

Becker makes a few units that plug right in and give extra features and such.

-s-
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Old Jul 31, 2003 | 08:52 PM
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nope, dont have a changer. funny story with that - previous owner cut the end off the changer cable in the trunk. I think that answers your second question - I'm trying to gain a CD player by changing the head unit.

I've only seen in dash becker ones for the fiber optic models, I was wondering where I can get a regular in dash one to retain the stock look. Can anyone direct me to the right place? I was thinking about just getting something regular like Pioneer but this idea of getting something somewhat stock might mean that Sound Advice wont have to do any "rewiring" that they say will cost $130. Does anyone know if they just want extra money or do you really need to do extra stuff to change the head unit?
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 10:40 AM
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[/QUOTE]SHAME SHAME for even going there to contemplate having them install it... [/QUOTE]

Hey. I don't want to go there either but there doesn't seem to be anywhere else here on the Florida Space Coast, unless someone knows of another .

Still don't know why replacing the MB radio with an AM/ FM/CD player is so damn complicated.
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 12:30 PM
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Originally posted by CLK 2001 Cab
Still don't know why replacing the MB radio with an AM/ FM/CD player is so damn complicated.

It's not. Buy a head unit and install it yourself. It should take less than 30 minutes.
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 01:00 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad
Don't you ever EVER EVER go to a Circuit City, Best Buy, Good Guys to install stereo stuff in ur MB.... they hire a bunch of high school punks that don't know squat... you'd be lucky if they don't swipe your coins from ur coin tray

at the LEAST, go to an Al&Eds or something... at least their core business is car audio

SHAME SHAME for even going there to contemplate having them install it...
An UPPETY audio phile retailer for home theatres etc, in Florida is Sound Advice.

They also car electronic installations:

Security, radar, audio/video and navigation. Sound Advice does first class work and have extensive luxury car installation experience. They don't handle Civics.
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 01:09 PM
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Originally posted by cl_kruisin
It's not. Buy a head unit and install it yourself. It should take less than 30 minutes.

that is exactly how i feel... only thing i would have other people do is to make a custom sub enclosure... thats about it... oh, and maybe custom visor/head rest mounted monitors..
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 01:24 PM
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Originally posted by mmgrad

that is exactly how i feel... only thing i would have other people do is to make a custom sub enclosure... thats about it... oh, and maybe custom visor/head rest mounted monitors..
Yeah custom sub enclosures are work for someone else, especially if you want fiberglass.

I installed a monitor in my visor on my Expedition, it's really pretty easy, takes a few hours. I've never tried a headrest though.
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Old Aug 4, 2003 | 03:01 PM
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Originally posted by cl_kruisin
Yeah custom sub enclosures are work for someone else, especially if you want fiberglass.

I installed a monitor in my visor on my Expedition, it's really pretty easy, takes a few hours. I've never tried a headrest though.
i'm just not too keen on the idea of cutting up my own leather... u know?
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