Newb needs aftermarket stereo upgrade advice
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
08 E350 W211
Newb needs aftermarket stereo upgrade advice
Guys, I am sure this question has been asked a million times. I saw a thread about the AVIN upgrade, which seems to be the only US supported site I have found. Please post links to any stereo upgrades that allow me to keep my factory fiber optic amp. I have just started on the forums after 2 weeks of looking online and YouTube. Seriously my head hurts. Would like a touch screen, and to use my steering wheel controls. Dont care about nav, as I can use my phone Bluetoothed and listen to the directions. Please forgive my ignorance but I am in need of experience. Also if anyone in Houston is willing to help with installation I will make it worth your time. Thanks.
Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 112
Likes: 27
From: Atlanta, GA
'07 E350 (W211)
I bought this one, but there are lots of them out there. They are all essentially the same. I've already posted about this in detail on several other threads here..... so just search for those, or just search my username, this stuff is about all I've posted about.
https://www.belsee.com/belsee-best-a...head-unit.html
This is the thing you need to retain the factory amp.
https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic...edes-benz.html
You can have a local stereo shop install it for all you since it doesn't sound like you've got much comfort, there is nothing tricky or out of the ordinary stereo installation wise, really it's quite a bit easier than most stereo replacements.
https://www.belsee.com/belsee-best-a...head-unit.html
This is the thing you need to retain the factory amp.
https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic...edes-benz.html
You can have a local stereo shop install it for all you since it doesn't sound like you've got much comfort, there is nothing tricky or out of the ordinary stereo installation wise, really it's quite a bit easier than most stereo replacements.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 40
Likes: 5
08 E350
I just replaced my radio a couple of months ago...There are a lot of choices out there for double din replacement radios for W211. I went with a Pioneer AVH headunit 'cause I wanted to go with a brand that has been around for awhile. It's been 2 months, since I completed my install, and the Pioneer works really well. I'm using the factory Amp and I have the same controls as I had with the original radio. However one challenge... Apparently the amplifier doesn't turn off when the radio powers down. There is this kinda loud "pop" noise, that I hear sometimes when I turn the car off. I'm still researching this, and I hope to find a fix soon. Also, I want to install a rear camera... Most of these radios do support that... I'm gonna try to install a wireless camera.
Here's the link to the company I used for parts the wiring harness etc... Also Enfig has a really good video that walks you through how to install. If you're not comfortable with it doing this work, I wouldn't touch it. But If you do decide to do it yourself, research and watch all the videos you can.
.com%2F&redir_token=8dVIX96XSC0vqjyorTi9Au5QxkB8MTU2MjM5MDYwNkAxNTYyMzA0MjA2
Here's the link to the company I used for parts the wiring harness etc... Also Enfig has a really good video that walks you through how to install. If you're not comfortable with it doing this work, I wouldn't touch it. But If you do decide to do it yourself, research and watch all the videos you can.
Last edited by atguru; Jul 5, 2019 at 01:34 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E350 Wagon
FWIW, when upgrading to a Pioneer headunit, I tried to install it myself using Axxess's harness kit for W211s and found it really complicated. The instructions are really not written for a DIY installer, there are almost no pictures, and the product itself seemed cheaply made to me. I ultimately gave up and ordered one from Enfig. Haven't installed it yet (will do so this wknd) but so far the instructions are MUCH clearer and better written and the customer service has been great. And I think that Video will really help. The retailer from whom I ordered the Axxess kit has really limited support hours.
