Routing a microphone cable around the dash
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
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Routing a microphone cable around the dash
Hi All,
I'm replacing the Audio 20 head unit in my 06 W211 with an aftermarket JVC KD-BT1 which has built in Bluetooth capability and want to put the microphone so it comes out of the top of the trim halfway up the A-Pillar/windscreen.
How easy is it to route cables behind the drivers console and whats the best way of doing it?
Rgds
Chris
I'm replacing the Audio 20 head unit in my 06 W211 with an aftermarket JVC KD-BT1 which has built in Bluetooth capability and want to put the microphone so it comes out of the top of the trim halfway up the A-Pillar/windscreen.
How easy is it to route cables behind the drivers console and whats the best way of doing it?
Rgds
Chris
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 375
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ont Canada
GL350
Hi All,
I'm replacing the Audio 20 head unit in my 06 W211 with an aftermarket JVC KD-BT1 which has built in Bluetooth capability and want to put the microphone so it comes out of the top of the trim halfway up the A-Pillar/windscreen.
How easy is it to route cables behind the drivers console and whats the best way of doing it?
Rgds
Chris
I'm replacing the Audio 20 head unit in my 06 W211 with an aftermarket JVC KD-BT1 which has built in Bluetooth capability and want to put the microphone so it comes out of the top of the trim halfway up the A-Pillar/windscreen.
How easy is it to route cables behind the drivers console and whats the best way of doing it?
Rgds
Chris
Can't you integrate the existing mics in the rear view mirror??
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Will my car have them? Are they fitted in all cars but just no enabled?
If so, great, I'll just need to work out how they're wired.
If not, as I've got to fit in facia adapator I'm going to mount the mike on that somewhere
Rgds
Chris
If so, great, I'll just need to work out how they're wired.
If not, as I've got to fit in facia adapator I'm going to mount the mike on that somewhere
Rgds
Chris
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,440
Likes: 541
From: Philadelphia, PA (USA)
2025 E53 Hybrid
Integrating the internal mic with aftermarket radio
I installed a Motorola Bluetooth phone unit. I considered using the internal factory mic's. Getting the console apart is tricky. I did it a couple of times and managed to screw up the sun roof and tear the rain sensor ribbon cable. Fortunately I was able to reset the sun roof and repair the cable. I attached a few photos of the console. Good luck figuring out where the mic cable is. You may be able to do it with an electrical diagram.
Afterwards I opted to install the after market mic on to the rain sensor cover. I think this is a better location with less road noise than along the A-pillar.
To route the cable,
- loosen the lower dashboard panel on the driver side
- remove the fuse cover on the driver side of dash
- remove the rubber seal along the A-pillar
- pop off the A-pillar cover. Be careful here, there's an airbag piston concealed in the A-pillar. The A-pillar cover is held in with two metal clips and the lower edge is wedged in the corner of the dash.
- Pry off the rain sensor cover. This is not easy. I trimmed the tabs a bit before reinstalling it to make it easier to remove.
It helps to purchase the plastic wedge tool the Mercedes has for removing trim pieces. I think it is about $15 and well worth it.
Afterwards I opted to install the after market mic on to the rain sensor cover. I think this is a better location with less road noise than along the A-pillar.
To route the cable,
- loosen the lower dashboard panel on the driver side
- remove the fuse cover on the driver side of dash
- remove the rubber seal along the A-pillar
- pop off the A-pillar cover. Be careful here, there's an airbag piston concealed in the A-pillar. The A-pillar cover is held in with two metal clips and the lower edge is wedged in the corner of the dash.
- Pry off the rain sensor cover. This is not easy. I trimmed the tabs a bit before reinstalling it to make it easier to remove.
It helps to purchase the plastic wedge tool the Mercedes has for removing trim pieces. I think it is about $15 and well worth it.
