Issues installing after market radio in CLK500
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Mercedes CLK 500 (Sport Package) 97 Mitsubishi Diamante
Issues installing after market radio in CLK500
Hello all. I want to start by saying hi to you guys ans WOO HOO this is my first post!
Now Here is my issue. I just purchased a 2004 CLK500 and Im trying to get an after market pioneer Head unit in it. Today I went to 3 car audio shops and got 3 different answers..... the first: Told me there was no parts made to install a double din (which I know isnt true). the second: said it was impossible to change out a MB head unit because of the fiber optics, and the third said I would have to rewire my whole audio system and to do that alone would be 1500 bucks not including the actual installation and amp work.... HELP... I know this isnt that hard and if it is id rather hear it from a fellow owner... is there any hope for me on this .... thanks in advance
Now Here is my issue. I just purchased a 2004 CLK500 and Im trying to get an after market pioneer Head unit in it. Today I went to 3 car audio shops and got 3 different answers..... the first: Told me there was no parts made to install a double din (which I know isnt true). the second: said it was impossible to change out a MB head unit because of the fiber optics, and the third said I would have to rewire my whole audio system and to do that alone would be 1500 bucks not including the actual installation and amp work.... HELP... I know this isnt that hard and if it is id rather hear it from a fellow owner... is there any hope for me on this .... thanks in advance
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Joined: Jul 2011
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2005 CLK 500 Convertible
I just bought a subwoofer and amp for my 2005 CLK thinking I could just pop them in as usual. I'm finding scary things about the fiber optic system as well. I'll post back if I find anything useful.
Right now I am trying to find a good spot to mount the amp.
Right now I am trying to find a good spot to mount the amp.
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Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
I heard the same things from various allegedly high end places. They were wrong. I took a few notes when I did mine. Many others have done the same. If you've done a stereo in any car, this one really isn't hard. Lastly, the Bose converter box was all of $14 at Crutchfield when I bought mine.
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Mercedes CLK 500 (Sport Package) 97 Mitsubishi Diamante
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Mercedes CLK 500 (Sport Package) 97 Mitsubishi Diamante
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Mercedes CLK 500 (Sport Package) 97 Mitsubishi Diamante
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Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Houston, TX
C32/C55 AMG
It's a fairly easy job if you have installed an aftermarket radio before. There's a kit to install the headunit into the dash, I just tapped essential wires to get the radio to work, and I used the factory wires ran to an amp to run the speakers.
Now if you want to use the factory amp, which I don't recommend, then it would just require an adapter to allow you to connect your headunit to the amp with rca's. The speakers would sound much better with an aftermarket amp. They all run at 2ohm, so you would just need to find an amp that is 2ohm stable. Running the power cable is fairly simple as well, you just run down the passenger side and there is a pass through in the front passenger side foot well. I think there's a grommet you can remove that puts you right at the battery.
Now if you want to use the factory amp, which I don't recommend, then it would just require an adapter to allow you to connect your headunit to the amp with rca's. The speakers would sound much better with an aftermarket amp. They all run at 2ohm, so you would just need to find an amp that is 2ohm stable. Running the power cable is fairly simple as well, you just run down the passenger side and there is a pass through in the front passenger side foot well. I think there's a grommet you can remove that puts you right at the battery.
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: New Zealand
I did something similar. The links are in my signature. The bose makes it more difficult but certainly do-able. I would just run a 2 ohm stable aftermarket amp to the stock speakers if it were me.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
This was a first attempt for sound, Believe it or not the schoshe crossover works great. I can blaze Acoustic clapton and homp with the boyz. I fabbed a birch wood stand for these but want more updated amps though this was a test.
For fiber interface options besides Marcus Link I would read thoroughly any post by skylaw in this forum and others. (telematics)
Cheers, Gator
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
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From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
The pictures are killin me. LOL
I am all assembly.
I used a factory amp (e-bay) to interface with the OEM command as it increases volume with the top down and has Voice control. etc...,
The Schoche has adjustable gain for tweaking input to the other amps which were lying about in the shop. If you wish to pursue this route try amps with adjustable input sensitivity as well. My next venture is fiber interface for droid via D2B dension Gateway module.
All the best, Gator Dont click the link,
I am all assembly.
I used a factory amp (e-bay) to interface with the OEM command as it increases volume with the top down and has Voice control. etc...,
The Schoche has adjustable gain for tweaking input to the other amps which were lying about in the shop. If you wish to pursue this route try amps with adjustable input sensitivity as well. My next venture is fiber interface for droid via D2B dension Gateway module.
All the best, Gator Dont click the link,
Last edited by GatorMB; Mar 4, 2014 at 08:15 PM. Reason: added content
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 100
From: Florida
2002 CLK 55 AMG cabriolet Eurocharged
Birch wood stand from a cardboard template, I can downsize the stand a bit and add a hinge for servicing. A bulkhead connector is in the works for quick removal and access to tire tools and spare.
Gator
Last edited by GatorMB; Mar 4, 2014 at 08:20 PM. Reason: fubar image!! !@#$%
