I have been trying for a long time now to buy an OEM CD changer on EBay to fit my 99 E320. The problem is most of the sellers do not know what the correct unit is even though they sell them. What I need is the correct model # of the unit that fits my MB then I can match it with what's available. I have tried the MB website , no help; the local dealers , will not help unless I buy a stock unit from them. Would really appreciate some help here. Thanx.

 

I have a 1998 E320. I bought a genuine used MBZ 6-disc changer on EBay and it plugged into the wiring harness already in place behind the driver side trunk fender lining. The particular changer in my car has a label that says 002 820 5989 and MC3196NA. I don't know which year MBZ changed to fiber optic cable (mine is not fiber optic). Hope this helps. Tom

 

A 203 820 90 89 [ MC 3010 model ]
A 002 820 79 89 [ MC 3198 model ]

..are the two most recent models to fit fiber compliant head unit of the E320
for that year. THere was one earlier version but I cant find the part # at
the moment.

A 208 540 44 08 - do NOT get this one. not fiber and one of the older units

 

I just went through this with my '00! It's definately Model #3010 or 3198, and the code should start "A203..." They went fiber optic in mid-98, so the early ones from that year are the non-fiber optic plug 'n play types; after that you definately need the above models.

 

I made a mistake by buying a cd changer from Ebay from an S class 1996 for my 1999 E320. It did not fit. As everyone else is telling you here, your model has fiber optics that run between the Head Unit and the Changer. Even if you do get the right CD Changer from E Bay, your dealership needs to install it because some computer is suppose to configure the Head Unit. I have given up on cd changers and instead I am going to a shop to install an after market radio that matches the interior. However, even if you were to install an after market cd player, be careful because if they rewire your car, your bose amp will be bypassed and the sound will sound like crap. You really need to find someone who has skills doing this and has all of the converters.

 

I'm just on the verge also of buying a changer for my wife's 01 E320. Has anyone else had any problem installing the changer? I've been assuming that I can plug it into the existing fiber optic line in the trunk. Am I in for a rude awakening? Also, does anyone know if the #3198 and 3010 are interchangeable? Thanks!

 

As a generel rule of thumb, 1998 models and earlier do not use fiber optic cable so definitely get those if your car is older. For 1999 and newer the CD changer should be for fiber optic Bose head units. I used to have a list but need time to find it. Many here have already mentioned the unit numbers for these so I do not have to add to the confusion.

With an existing OEM Bose system, installing the matching OEM CD changer will take you 45 seconds at most and it will automatically work as your Head unit will immediately detect the changer. I am not aware of any need to go to the dealer to re-program your computer for the CD changer. The more important issue to consider is whether or not your car uses the newer fiber optic system or not and whether or not you have a bracket that can accomodate the CD changer. Normally, the Bose amplifier bracket has space for the CD changer. I have changed mine three times already and eventually converted all my cables to fiber optic when I got the Comand installed. Once I even tried a 12-disk OEM CD changer which I bought this fellow from the Netherlands and they are all plug and play.

Good luck.

paxfo...

 

Thanks Paxfo! That is really helpful. Any additional word on the compatible model player for 01 E320 would be great.

 

The MC3010 & 3198 are basically the same unit, I believe, but one supposedly has better anti-skip characteristics - the 3010 I think.

 

Anyone know of installation instruction somewhere on line? While I know it's just a "plug and play", there is the matter of installing the mounting bracket, cover.

 

Hi,
My husband did this install a few months ago on my 01 E430....was quite easy.

Here is the link to that post. https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/78859-photo-s-cd-changer-install.html

Best of luck!

JoAnn

 

Thank you. That was helpful.

All: I did get the player installed. It worked one. Then the entire audio system shut down. Presumably, I'll have to run it by a shop and have the computer reprogrammed.