Nink

My Radio in the 2007 CLK550 is the one without NAV etc (Plays CD and Radio but thats about it and never did get a phone to work). I purchased an OEM one with GPS Bluetooth DVD (think it also cooked toast) but when I went to install it I discovered I have Fibre optics and the stereo did not so I put the old one back in and took it back.

Does anyone know of a good OEM system with all the latest cool stuff built in (Bluetooth for phone, connect to steering wheel controls, play Mp3, GPS etc) that would replace my Harmon Kardon stereo.

Rudeney

I think Dynavin makes a drop-in replacement that has fiber connectivity. I know they claim MOST fiber interfacing, but I'm not sure if that's just for the CDC or if that works with the amp also. If not, then your only option would be any aftermarket system that physically fits (double-DIN will work) and then run new wiring from the HU to the speakers. You wouldn't be able to use the trunk-mounted HK amp, but you can tie into the analog speaker wiring for its outputs to the speakers.

Nink

Thank Rodney. Sounds like a lot of work. I wonder if I can go radio - copper - Fibre transceiver - Fibre - HK amp.

eddieo45

I don't think Dynavin has one that fits W209, just the one for W203 that's about 2mm too big. Try Cartronics; they're a sponsor and have posted many times with products for W209. I imagine you can get Bluetooth up and running (like I did) for about $500 or so, and add an Aux in/iPod cable for <$100. That, plus my Garmin, which I mount on my upper switch row gives me everything I want; a ghetto setup maybe, but it's everything.

Rudeney

I don't know of any copper-to-fiber transceiver. But there certainly could be one - I just don't know anything about that. Most people just end up bypassing the fiber-fed amp. In the older (pre-MY2005) Bose systems, it was even more complicated because they used 2ohm speakers that most aftermarket amps wouldn't drive, plus without the Bose equalization circuitry, they sounded like crap. In the HK system, the speakers are 4ohm and fairly decent. So, all you need to do is run copper to the trunk (it's not hard, there are wiring channels under the door sills) and then tie into the copper speaker wiring there. You can use the HU amp, or add your own amp. If you remove the HK amp, make sure to get an optical coupler to jeep the fiber circuit completed or else you may get TeleAid errors.

Nink

I finally went old school today and purchased some CD's (remember those silver flat circle things that only hold about 15 songs) I put Greenday in and then 5 minutes later the radio and CD audio stopped working and if you select CDC it says no NO CDC (wonder if it has to do with my taste in music) , Sounds like the fiber optic loop is either disconnected, dirty or something. I will pull the dash apart in the morning and take a look. I am kind of hoping it is the radio but I think probably just a bad connection as I lost audio and the CDC. If it is broken it will be the excuse I need to run cable direct to the speakers and install and after market radio.

Kevwood

Aftermarket with PAC interface FTW

bheng

+1 but i have a pioneer adapter so no programming necessary =P

Kevwood

Nice. In reality, I don't have to program my PAC either, my installer does

Rudeney

Kev, you mean the installer who's had your car for how many weeks now and has only run one speaker wire???

user 823908234

ooofff! Sorry.

Kevwood

Why yes, yes it is, the one and only ****tard himself! As of today it has been 67 days, thanks for reminding me

I'm really looking forward to being disappointed again this Saturday when I get back to Dubai and go see the car! Yipeeeeee

Nink

Thanks for the info everyone.

Well good news and bad news pulled the radio unplugged cleaned contacts and all worked fine. I broke the selector cable on the gear stick in the process so it would not change sports / cruise or show lights of gear it was in (Drive Neutral Rev etc) but managed to pull that apart and solder it back together so all works now. This tells me I really don't have an excuse to do a rip and replace yet. Reading the PAC sounds like a good option (especially if my phone could work) based on documentation it looks like I have an Audio 20 with MOST so it says I can go with either the PAC GWL1MO1 or GWL1MO2

The GW51MO2 says it is Non Text compatible in my car and the GWL1MO1 says Non Text compatible and no CDC retention (Not sure what that means -Does this mean my CD Changer will no longer work and I will use the CDC to activate iphone ?

It looks like I will go for the GW51MO2 so I don't lose my CDC and I have additional Aux port now just need to know where I can buy it in Canada ??

http://www.pac-audio.com/PACProductD...edes_03_11.pdf

Kevwood

Try reputable installation facilities like BestBuy, Visions, A&B Sound etc, they should all be able to get you the PAC you need.

Where in Canada are you?

ellcapitan

Could you show a pic of this setup? I'm intrigued, as I'm about to SHOOT my suction mount.

discoduck

+1

I've got a Kenwood 7180 with PAC steering wheel control interface. Couldn't be happier!

eddieo45

The thread is HERE. It's simply a universal ball mount (about $5 at garmin.com or elsewhere) attached to a blank switch.


I really want to also route a USB cable there too, either the same blank switch or another one, so I don't have to have cables all over the place (I usually route the cable along my seat to the back seat 12volt receptacle.)

Kevwood

I forgot about that mount mod, still think it was/is a great idea for those without GPS

eddieo45

Yeah, I should add it to my list of mods, like some guys list air-freshener! Seriously, I prefer the Garmin to the COMAND nav, which I have in my wife's E350. A PAC aftermarket system with touchscreen nav would be better, but would that also have Bluetooth, thus negating my $600/2.5 hour Bluetooth mod? I took the Garmin to Boulder, CO this weekend and used it a Ford Focus rental. I couldn't deal with it being on the windshield so far away. With no "upper switch row" mount, I put the suction mount over the tach!
Hey Nink, let your console removal foibles serve as a warning: be gentle yet firm! I've taken my console apart so many times it doesn't like to go back together!

Kevwood

The Kenwwod systems are Garmin based, touchscreen and yes, they have Bluetooth. The OEM NAV system in our cars is archaic and cumbersome to use I just use my portable Garmin instead.