Wagon Chat - Advice/Pics/Kick the Can/Whatever...
I've had my Rainbows in for a while now and they sound much improved over stock. Lately, I've had some issues with the head unit (intermittent on/off, etc.) which has been solved by taking out and putting all the fuses back in.
.....but it got me thinking about HD radio, Satellite, MP3, CD, Bluetooth.....
LOTS of neat gadgets out there now. Since my cassette deck is caput on the factory radio, I'm tempted to upgrade the the system, beginning with the head unit. I've gotten positive feedback from mbenzman regarding Alpine decks, and have found one with lots of upgrade options and built-in capabilities. I'm currently pondering the Alpine CDA-9886 desk and looking into expanding the options to include iPod, HD radio and perhaps XM or Sirius.
I'm not planning any subs, but hoping to have a lot more choice in the kombi music-wise in the coming weeks.

I added spacers in the engine mounts, moving the pan up a bit, so anything that does scrap isnt really much to worry about..

the car rides GREAT in the rear..
however i think the front left shock is blown, so whenever i go over some ridiculous bumps (which we have alot of in houston) it bounces a bit which gets annoying. However it rides smooth as hell on the highway. I plan on either bagging it or adapting coilovers off another car to fit. Still waiting on my headlights to come in.. ill snap some pics when i got them on.
Last edited by Ameen; Sep 28, 2009 at 02:33 PM.
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
I also had the HD radio module installed....still getting used to it. When it's tned in, it really does blow away analog radio. I also bought the hi-speed iPod cable and rigged up an MP3 input as well. Wasn't ready to spend the coin on XM/Sirius subscriptiopn as I wanted to try the HD radio first. There's even a Bluetooth module I can add that will run all calls through the headunit.
I'll get some pics up soon.
I bought the unit (Head Unit and HD tuner) from Crutchfield and had mbenzman do the install. It came with a Crutchfield wiring harness - which worked well - except for one wire that was crossed. I mentioned that to Rich as he was getting started and he was able to pinpoint everthing before crimping the wires. Only other issue was the crappy antenna adapter they supplied...cheap! You have to plug the antenna wire into the adapter, then into the HD unit to get the signal, since MB/VW/Audi antennas did not use the standard "Motorola" male plug.
It makes a big difference in having clean sound, plus having the option to use the new digital formats of WAV, MP3, etc.
I don't even own an iPod yet, but will be shopping for one soon, I'm sure.
I've heard HD radio is amazing, but I've not yet had the chance to try it out. Do you feel that particular module was worth it? You get RDS with that too, right (RDS = track/song info)?
I've heard HD radio is amazing, but I've not yet had the chance to try it out. Do you feel that particular module was worth it? You get RDS with that too, right (RDS = track/song info)?
Here's the specs on the Alpine I got. It pretty much blows away the factory setup. I paid a little over $500 shipped, including the HD tuner.
http://signature.crutchfield.com/s_5...ine+9887&ssi=0
"plays CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RW discs, including discs loaded with MP3, WMA, and AAC music files (except Digital Rights-protected files)"
compatible with: Alpine iPod adapter, Bluetooth® adapter, satellite radio, HD Radio™ tuner, CD changer
inputs: optional aux input
outputs: three sets of 4-volt preamp outputs (subwoofer output has bass level control)
compatible with most factory steering wheel audio controls (adapter required)
24-bit Burr-Brown digital-to-analog converter
digital signal processor includes a 7-band equalizer (switchable to 5-band parametric mode), 6-channel digital time alignment, and high- and low-pass filters
Alpine's Imprint MultiEQ sound tuning technology (requires an external tuning module)
Couple questions:
1. Did you have the same issue with having to use an antenna adapter?
2. Is AM/FM reception the same after changing out your factory head unit?
When I installed my Alpine IDA-X200 in my 260E, I did not use any adapters.
I don't ever listen to the radio, but I guess its about the same.
sorry to cut in.
I just need a little help from the MB wagon enthusiasts.Any of you encountered problems with your SLS pump?
Mine is leaking.
I had it serviced (replaced seals etc.), but its still leaking. The leak is not substantial. Maybe a teaspoonful everyday, but its irritating to see the lining of the hood wet with hydraulic fluid.The whole SLS seems to be working fine except for this leak.
Any suggestions? Should I replace the pump?
Thanks guys.
Darren
sorry to cut in.
I just need a little help from the MB wagon enthusiasts.Any of you encountered problems with your SLS pump?
Mine is leaking.
I had it serviced (replaced seals etc.), but its still leaking. The leak is not substantial. Maybe a teaspoonful everyday, but its irritating to see the lining of the hood wet with hydraulic fluid.The whole SLS seems to be working fine except for this leak.
Any suggestions? Should I replace the pump?
Thanks guys.
Darren

vroom vroom!

It would probably be cheaper to cut the back ends off and weld the wagon tail on a minor rear ended but not totaled 500E...








