Replacing OEM Head Unit Radio Nav with CarPlay Capable Unit in '01 CLK 430 Cabriolet?
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2001 CLK430
Replacing OEM Head Unit Radio Nav with CarPlay Capable Unit in '01 CLK 430 Cabriolet?
Hello forum members: Any advice or sourcing leads to replace the OEM audio/nav unit with a CarPlay capable system in a 2001 CLK 430 Cabriolet? I prefeer to hardwire my iPhone to a new system rather using Bluetooth. I realize bluetooth is an easier solution, but my preference is hardwiring to the phone. I have a shop in NJ that will do the installation, but they are leaving it up to me to source the new unit. I'm looking for a good system. I don't plan to swap out the speakers, or add any equipment other than a CarPlay capable system. Thank you.
Scott
NYC
Scott
NYC
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2002 CLK 430
check on crutchfield.com as a starting point for what could work in your car some of them are hard wired and some are both Bluetooth and wired for carplay/android auto. You should be able to fit a double DIN stereo just be mindful about how much back end it takes as there may not be allot of room for wires. if you wish to maintain some of your steering wheel options I suggest the CRUX SWRBM-57C comes with both w209 and w208 wiring harness. If your car came with the bose subwoofer option as long as your stereo receiver has a pre amp preferably 5amps you can adjust its gains and you do not need the line converter to adjust them it actually makes it too quiet even at maximum (i would say it cuts the sound in about half). You will also require the metra 40-VW12 antenna adapter so that you can still have radio functionality some examples of stereos but would prob require a bezel are
sony xav-ax3200 wired
sony xav-ax3700 wired
sony xav-ax5000 wired
sony xav-ax4000 wired/wireless
sony xav-ax6000 wired/wireless
BOSS BE62CP wired
BOSS Audio BE7ACP wired
Kenwood DMX4710S
*most double din will fit and for some reason it wont show up as one of the compatible cars on crutchfield with the navigation option chosen.
*the sony's are the only ones I know that take up a single din slot leading to more space behind the stereo for wires
sony xav-ax3200 wired
sony xav-ax3700 wired
sony xav-ax5000 wired
sony xav-ax4000 wired/wireless
sony xav-ax6000 wired/wireless
BOSS BE62CP wired
BOSS Audio BE7ACP wired
Kenwood DMX4710S
*most double din will fit and for some reason it wont show up as one of the compatible cars on crutchfield with the navigation option chosen.
*the sony's are the only ones I know that take up a single din slot leading to more space behind the stereo for wires
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2001 CLK430
@HellShadow: Thank you for the detailed reply; much appreciated! Subsequent to my initial posting, I found another option (noted below); unfortunately, it probably isn't the quality of a Sony product. However, the one I found claims that it is compatible with the stock steering wheel controls--and is reportedly pretty much plug & play.
https://radio-upgrade.com/products/m...44621953630505
https://radio-upgrade.com/products/m...44621953630505
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2002 CLK 430
it lists the w208 chasis but the pictures being shown are not the DIN compatible versions and have the bezel covering the screws like in the w209. The w208 uses like a flat metal shim to remove the stereo that depress a catch. your installer may have to remove the whole console just to install it. If your able to ask questions from the distributor about the units compatibility and there isn't any issues then it should be fine.
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2001 CLK430
@Hellshadow: You raised good points. My preference is a replacement that is plug-and-play, and is not labor intensive (because I'll be paying an installer). Maybe the sony xav-ax6000 wired/wireless is the way to go. Thanks again for the input.
