MBE430!

Hi All,

So it seems like my cd changer is DEAD!

I have a couple of options but i would still like to keep my head unit.

Is there a way I can install an Ipod kit with the current set-up, or would I have to buy a new head unit?

I would like to keep the car as stock as possible and would not like to buy a new cd changer for $700.

Please help.

saintz

Dension Gateway 500 or DICE D2B allow iPod integration directly (i.e. stereo can change tracks on iPod). Cost $400 to $500.

CD changers on eBay go for $100 to $200 (but are not very good quality, like you noticed, from your dead one).

There is also a kit which lets an iPod play, but cuts out the stereo entirely (track selection and volume will be through the iPod only). I think the cost here is $200, but I'd have to look it up.

Also, a headunit replacement might be cheaper than you think. What year is your car?

saintz

Also, do you have COMAND/Navigation or a regular (single DIN) stereo?

MBE430!

I have a 2000 E430 with no Command.

I would like to keep my radio, so should i go for the first option. I would just like to hear something rather than the radio in my car.


How easy is the installation process?

SLOPESTAR

cheap way is the cassette mp3 run out through the ashtray. I modded mine and it sounds good enough. I also tapped into the cigarette lighter for 12v and adapted that to a standard ipod connector for audio and power via one connection.

saintz

There are two options here:
http://formymercedes.com/mb_results....y=MP3+Adapter&

The first bypasses the headunit all together and uses the iPod for volume and track changes. The second option plumbs audio to the headunit (iPod is used for track changes, headunit is used for volume). The Dension and Dice allow steering wheel and headunit control of the iPod track (as if it was a CD changer).

Does that help? What functionality are you looking for?

MBE430!

Yes that does help.

Basically I want to keep it looking as stock as possible. However, I have a Mercedes phone mount next to my dash. I would like to mount an IPOD touch right there. I know it won't look that stock with that but I would like something nice since i don't have a cd changer anymore.

I would like to continue using my steering wheel controls and my radio on my unit.

Now do i just plug it into the back of my deck or do i have to access my amp?

Thanks.

saintz

To consolidate:

SoundGate
$269
Uses radio/steering wheel for volume
Uses iPod for track
Works with any mini-jack source (Zune, Sat Radio, etc.)
Available here

Bipes
$119
Uses iPod for volume
Uses iPod for track
Works with any mini-jack source (Zune, Sat Radio, etc.)
Available here

Dice D2B
$400
Uses radio/steering wheel for volume
Uses radio/steering wheel for track
You can hide the iPod in the glove box/console with this
Works with any mini-jack source (Zune, Sat Radio, etc.)
Get the 5 Volt (5V) version if you have a newer model iPhone/iPod
Appears to replace the CD changer
Available here

Dension Gateway 500 D2B
$450
Uses radio/steering wheel for volume
Uses radio/steering wheel for track
You can hide the iPod in the glove box/console with this
Supports USB thumb drives and works with any RCA source (Zune, Sat Radio, etc.)
I don't believe this supports the newest iPods with 5V charging (Nano 4G, iPod 3G, etc.)
Can be used in conjunction with the CD changer
Available here

Summary
For true integration, you want either the Dice or Dension. The other two are basically just audio inputs, the Dice and Dension are try adapters that make the iPod function like it were a CD jukebox. I would lean towards the Dice due to lower cost, better playlist support (I think Dension can only address the first few playlists), and support for new iPods. The Dension does support USB, though, which is nice if you don't have an iPod.

saintz

Dension says it isn't compatible with Becker radios, which might be an issue for some. Just an FYI.

MBE430!

ok that sounds great. So i will buy the dice one. Now are they easy to install?

Or should i get a professional installation. Will there be fibor optic splicing of the wires?

MBE430!

In addition to the question above, do I need to buy the 5V adaptor if I were to buy the new IPOD touch, or can I buy the whole package with the 5V adaptor.

THanks for all of the support.

saintz

MacMall.com has the DICE for $350 on sale. I just bought it. It appears to be the 5V version (supports the 4th Gen Nano and new iTouch). So you won't need the 5V cable (it's included).

The install looks easy. I'll post back about it. The fiber optic wiring looks very easy (no splice required, plug and play). You'll need European radio removal keys (for VW, Mercedes, etc.): $5 on eBay. Plus some splice/cut-in connectors from Radio Shack (power, ground, and turn on switch need to be wired into the existing stereo, looks very easy).

Review and installation notes here:
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...s-install.html

Note this guy is installing with Sat radio, too, which is what makes his install more complicated. This looks like a very easy DIY.

MBE430!

THANKS A BUNCH!

I saw that they are out of stock, so I may order it from somewhere else.

Hopefully this whole install is easy, it should work if I have just the regular stereo right. I am not sure what unit it is. It says it is only compatable with a couple of units. i have a 2000 e430 with the cd changer stereo and it is Bose.
Should it be ok?

saintz

In trunk CD changer, right? Not in dash? If it's in trunk, I'm pretty sure it will work. In dash, I'm not sure about. I can't keep all the Audio 10/20/30 whatever straight.

MBE430!

Yes i have the in trunk cd changer. I am going to place the order today. Hopefully they don't contact me saying they don't have any in stock like it says on the web-site.

Thanks for all of the support.

MBE430!

Does anyone have any pics of the install?

or

Their final assembly and what it looks like in their car?

01BlackE320

Now that sounds like a good idea. did you take out the head unit and route the wire through it?

MBE430!

As much as i wanted to be able to play my IPOD in my car. While installing the kit I ran into a problem and aborted the whole process. After reconnecting the battery.....Presto the CD changer works again.

So now I return the kit...15% restocking fee. But whatever I saved myself around $300.00.

So for everyone out there who's ch changer is showing the error message "No Cd Changer". Please disconnect and reconnect the battery before purchasing a kit, if you really do not want one.

Hopefully this does not occur again.

01BlackE320

Good deal. I've had errors with my changer that fixed themselves with a reset, or removing and inserting the cartridge a few times.

saintz

Can you elaborate? I was also unable to get the DICE iPod adapter to work. It appears the Alpine fiber optic converter they use does not work.

saintz

Just to update: I tried two Dice units, neither worked. The Dice unit is basically an iPod controller (made by Dice) and a fiber optic controller (made by Alpine) bundled together. The old Alpine controllers were plastic. The new ones are metal. I have a suspicion that the old plastic ones worked better than the new metal ones.

In short, I would not recommend the Dice unit. I would recommend the Dension: even though it's more expensive, it works.