Pilk

Just picked up a 28000 mile 03 CLK500 in incredible condition. Really happy with everything about the car except two things. The Leather steering wheel has aged a bit in general. Still in nice condition but thinking some form of update will help. What am I looking for to update to a more modern steering wheel?

Now, I'm pretty sure I have the Bose with glovebox CDC (dealer thought it was HK but the speakers say Bose. I've researched enough to know that the Bose makes swapping things out a big hassle. I'd love to do the console (HVAC, Stereo and upper control unit) in the newer version. I have heated seats and deluxe HVAC controls.

With the Bose, is this even possible? Just checking before I give up on the idea.

Oh...and the car needs a trunk spoiler to finish the outside.

See my question below about Factory Radio Service...anyone?

tw2

Yep aftermarket unit, new amp and rca's to the trunk is the best way to go for proper audio playback usb sd ipod phone etc. Aftermarket steering wheels are available in all sorts of finishes, c63 etc, usually in the many $100's.

Pilk

Ok...thanks. The only thing I miss is my iphone music. I do like the 6 disc changer cuz I'm an old guy with 400 CD's. Gives me a chance to break out some old tunes.

When I bought the car I was hoping it didn't have the Bose because I had ideas on aftermarket Navi. Now, I'm not sure I want to hassle with it. The Bose is not bad (not great). I actually can appreciate what they tried to do (and I have had several high end car and home audio systems). Its just somewhat limited and being an 03....technologically out of date.

I rewired a few cars in my days but this one is so nice and has never been touched...I hate to pull it apart. Can you point me to an upgrade steering wheel that will work?

tw2

Search ebay for steering wheels, there are dozens available from $300-$1500. Just make sure it will fit as pre and post facelift and different I think. Also search the internet in general as there are overseas suppliers that make really high quality stuff. I found them all when I was considering it on my old C32 but I like the CLK55 steering wheel.

If you get an aftermarket head unit with navigation you are good to go. You can follow the instructions in the links in my signature to get the steering wheel buttons working with it. Otherwise you need an amp to replace the bose one so it will accept rca's from your new head unit. As long as the amp is 2 ohm stable it should work with the bose speakers. The head unit will not come on when the key is in the ignition anymore though, it has to be turned to the on position as that is controlled by the fibre optic system you wont be using anymore. You can still get cd in most new aftermarket units.

You can otherwise do it with PAC parts which can work with the bose amp but I am not sure it is worth it. I don't like navigation and didn't have bose so it was pretty easy decision for me.

Pilk

Has anyone used this company? I've seen the tape deck mod to gain the aux in and considered doing it. For less than $100 they can do the mod for you and looks like a pretty slick aux in location. I've decided the Bose is good enough and have no desire to swap everything out, and getting the aux in would seal the deal on keeping things stock. Anyone?

http://factoryradioservice.com/merce...dda47478b6433d

http://factoryradioservice.com/index..._image&pID=162

Pilk

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