Interesting and looong thread. Thanks.

 

I updated the previous post. Check out www.lightinthebox.com for 7 pages of these units. Most are universal DIN 1 or DIN 2. There's one nice subdued black model w/ motorized display that would look pretty good in a MB. (Model SCZ006).

Most are under $300.

 

And helpful to me, certainly...

The Pioneer 310bt looks terrific, and I'm sure there are several other choices and will be many more. Being able to slot in a pnp unit that handles an iPhone/iPod, Bluetooth, USB sources, CDs, and even offers a GPS is pretty amazing -- and all for a few hundred bucks? Wow.

There is still the question how you get from this new head unit and its 4 channels (typically...?) to the car's existing speakers -- maybe I'm making that seem more complicated than it is?

 

http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...GW5RD20D1.html
Looks in stock to me. That's a shop in New Jersey.

I had a local car stereo shop tell me Dension was out of business. I think for some reason they are just not desirable for a shop to carry... but their products are still available, especially in the UK.

SLOPESTAR: yes I believe the Dension Gateway500 replaces the CD changer... good riddance though! If you don't need/want the FO integration and steering wheel controls, then there are many options that are better and cheaper than the OEM h.u. + gateway500... many of which are described in this thread.

 

And, if you have a '99 like mine, there are no steering wheel controls to bother about.

 

Thanks for the clarification! yes 99' and loving it...

 

You blown 3 rearview mirrors (with a new HU installed)??? i never hear about that! whats the... connection between the RVM & the HU?

Are you sure the cause is the new head unit & not other component wired in the RVM factory wires?

Fabio Daniel