2002 Clk-320 aftermarket stereo help
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Mercedes-Benz
2002 Clk-320 aftermarket stereo help
Hi so I got a 2002 clk 320 and the cd changer doesn't work so I'm looking to buy an after market stereo. So my question is, are there any specifics that I should be looking for? Also would it be worth it to have it installed at best buy for like $60 or just install it myself. It's just the stereo receiver by the way, no new speakers or subs. Also , if I were to install it my self, any tips? Thanks
MBworld Guru
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10,782
Likes: 1,011
NO LONGER ACTIVE
If your car has the Bose option, then this gets a little more complicated. With Bose, the audio is routed from the head unit to the amp in the trunk via digital fiber optics - there are no analog speaker wires in the dash for the head unit. So, you have to run your own analog wiring from the dash to the trunk, then disconnect the speaker outputs from the Bose amp and tie into them there. Without Bose, you have speaker wiring int he dash and just need a readily-available adapter.
In either case, there is one more complication - there are no wires for illumination or switched 12v in the radio connector. But those are easy enough to tap into in the ashtray.
I doubt the $60 install at best Buy will include running analog wiring (in case of Bose) or adding the taps into the ashtray for illumination and 12v switched power. In fact, many so-called "high end" audio shops shy away from working on MBZ because of these extra considerations. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. I installed a Pioneer AVIC in my C2340 with a faceplate adapter and wiring harness from eBay and it was a piece of cake. I didn't have to deal with bypassing the Bose amp, but I did run new low-level wire for the subwoofer amp I put int he trunk.
In either case, there is one more complication - there are no wires for illumination or switched 12v in the radio connector. But those are easy enough to tap into in the ashtray.
I doubt the $60 install at best Buy will include running analog wiring (in case of Bose) or adding the taps into the ashtray for illumination and 12v switched power. In fact, many so-called "high end" audio shops shy away from working on MBZ because of these extra considerations. Honestly, it's not that big of a deal. I installed a Pioneer AVIC in my C2340 with a faceplate adapter and wiring harness from eBay and it was a piece of cake. I didn't have to deal with bypassing the Bose amp, but I did run new low-level wire for the subwoofer amp I put int he trunk.
