EdzBenz

Got it. I'll give that a try. Thanks,

Sierra Grande

I haven't tried to play via blutooth yet due to the simplicity of using the 3.5mm cord. You're also re-broadcasting already compressed music so I also agree that it will sound better with the cable. Odd though, does it only sound that way playing via bluetooth? Every once in a while my right front speakers don't play (any source). I think it may be the amp...

EdzBenz

Its only via bluetooth. All other speakers work with the CD player and tuner.

bad hare

Ed; not all headunits are built to stream music via bluetooth. The bluetooth in that radio may ONLY be meant for phone use, hence the front speakers being the only ones that work. Check to see if the headunit has A2DP support.

Otherwise, your best bet really is the aux port, which gives you the best quality, STEREO. Also, you'll save on battery life on your andriod.

mountaindew

You guys are lifesavers! I was wondering how to do this properly.
Also, as my bose amp went out, and 2 speakers are blown (previous owner liked it loud apparently) I was thinking of replacing the HU and the amp with an old JL 5 channel monster out of the old DD...anyone know how to do this, or know the thread, before I start dismantling to find out?

Strigoi

x2

i've been searching lately without much luck. my cd changer doesn't work and i'm getting sick of my tapes and the radio. i'm going to order the stuff i need and yank the Pioneer out of my truck and hopefully do this soon.

EdzBenz

I'm having difficulty sending my music files/pandora through the USB connection. Anyone have any tips on doing this with an Android?

billbillw

I know this is an old thread. I just though I'd post another successful HU upgrade. I have an '01 E55 with the factory Bose. The system sounded muddy, weak, etc. On top of that, my cd changer was unreliable and the volume knob was possessed (I turn down, it gets louder). I tried to fix both and they both had some initial improvement (deoxit on vol knob, clean/lube changer), but the bad behavior of both came back within a couple months.

So, I decided to do something about it. After reading the various success stories, I knew I wanted to find a headunit with 4V or better preamp outputs. I wanted a CD changer as well, so for the most part, that means finding a slightly older head unit. After much deliberation, my head unit of choice was an older Eclipse unit (CD8454) with 8V preouts and full DSP features. I didn't really care about bluetooth, Ipod control, etc. I just wanted one with excellent sound quality and the ability to expand to a full aftermarket system as time permits. It is a 2004 model, but I found one new in box! Another benefit of that model is the inclusion of digital inputs, which mate with the matching Eclipse 8-disc CD changer. So, it has the exact same sound quality with the CD changer as it does with the internal drive.

Install went flawless. Before starting, I found this wiring harness (improved from the old VW Metra). This is the same one Crutchfield recommends.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...01_i00_details

Turns out it is ideal for this application because it uses RCA connectors instead of speaker leads. Perfect match for high voltage pre-outs. Of course, the illumination and ignition wires don't match. I spliced into the ciggy lighter for that just like everyone else, but I used molex connectors from a PC power supply so that I can remove them if needed. The RCA connectors really made things easy. One pair for front channels, another for the rears. Only had to solder/shrinkwrap 5 wires total.

I haven't integrated the steering controls yet, nor have I installed the CD changer, but I plan to do both this weekend. Since the Eclipse is an older unit, it only has IR control capability. Thus, I bought the SWI-CAN2 interface along with the SWI-X (which is universal IR control). I still haven't decided where I will put the IR emitter, but I have some ideas.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the sound improvement by going with the aftermarket HU. I am using completely flat EQ and tone controls and the sound is very clear and it gets loud without distorting. The bass is still not very deep, but it hits harder and tighter than before. The treble is also much clearer. I can hardly believe they are the same speakers. I guess that Becker radio is really garbage.

My next step (after doing the steering wheel controls and changer install) is to improve the subwoofer situation. I have assembled a quartet of old Kicker 8" freeair subs. These were designed specifically for freeair installation and should be ideal in the rear deck of the W210. It will require some modification, deadening and sealing of the air space, but it shouldn't be too hard to implement. Depending on how things go, I may just try to install two for starters and see how that sounds. I am not a super bass freak or anything, but I like a solid low end.

EdzBenz

Update: Just upgraded my phone to the new iPhone 4s. The headunit plays Pandora through the USB without a problem.

MBFLO

I would do this the same way even if it covers vents . where screen shoud of been from factory . Make me wanna swap out my oem nav unit now lol

MBFLO

The reason why its only play the two speakers up front is because the system thinks its in a phone call when running through bluetooth .

markusr15

any static with the stock bose amp??

Ghostsamurai25

I did an the install with a JVC player and the sound was distorted due to the output volts being different. I had to purchase a line out converter to solve the problem. Now it sounds pretty good.

DRGilroy

No static with my Pioneer head unit.

adeelfaizi

Friends thansk for the info. I just did my installation. Got everything from Cruthchfield but I am getting no sound in the Rear speakers. I can only get sounds from any two speakers at a time.I have 2001 e320 with bose system. I am using a Pioneer X6500BT head unit. Any help will be appreciated

Tacjam

Here is my install from years ago, still going strong!
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w210...installed.html

adeelfaizi

Thanks. It looks awsome. How did you get the call receive and reject button to work?
I just couldn't do it. I figured out the speaker issue. It was a setting in the head unit which needed to be accessed when the head unit is switched off.

Tacjam

The call buttons are now mute buttons, Alpine W210 controller with Alpine head units are plug and play, I had to order the Alpine KCE 868b (steering wheel controller)from Germany

rockstar143

What a fantastic thread...
I am using a 12v charger/fm transmitter to get by but the engine noise buzz coming through is unbearable.
I'll be looking to upgrade in the near future. I may give up steering wheel controls as I don't know if I use that
enough to care if it was gone. I only use volume anyway since I'm streaming from my phone.