Jshin720

hi im new to the site. ive been wanting to install an aftermarket head unit to my 2003 ml350 and i was wondering if it is possbile, and what do i need?
also i have a oem cd changer and is it going to be compatible with the aftermarket head unit

MJ50

u can install any aftermarket HU...
stock cd changer is not likely to work with aftermarket...

fkong777

There is no aftermarket Dashkit for ML so it will have to be custom installed.
There is a Metra harness for VW and it works

Double Din headunit will work better.

CD changer is useless now. most HU will play MP3 CD's. 1 CD will hold about 100 mp3 songs. It will read folder structure so you can have each album or song list in its own folder. Or Get a headunit with either Ipod integration or a From Aux port so you can plug in any MP3 player via headphone jacks. There are even HU with USB plug at the front panel so you can plug in your Flash-drive for music playback. CD changer is often unnecessary in today car audio system.

ldangeli

There are dash kits. Some look better than others. Stay away from Pioneer HU's. Forget changers. iPod.. Check out these installs.

Marshall_K

Idangeli - nice mods on the ML. Did you install yourself? Do you have picks of the amp/box placement?

Mr Cheeks

I beg to differ on your opinion on Pioneer HU's alot of members have installed a Pioneer Avic Z1 Z2 D2 or D3 and have been impressed with its overall performance. I opted for the pre installed 7 inch headrest monitors from ebay,a pioneer AVH p6800dvd headunit mounted with Pioneer ADT-VA133 kit

HU running the stock front and rear door speakers with a 12inch sub in the rear. Ipod integration via CD-IB1OOII adapter The difference in sound quality is mind blowing compared to the standard mcs unit
heres my install pic2

Marshall_K

Man that's a whole different level of bad ***.
Got pics of the sub? I assume powered sub. How long have you had the HU?

Mr Cheeks

I have had this unit for about 4 months and it is awesome. I opted for the Pioneer AVHP6800dvd because of the 6 disc changer upfront and i did not need a nav system. My sub with an 800 watt inbuilt amp are wired in a way so that it can easily be removed if i need more cargo space. I dont have a tow hitch so a backup camera is installed in the rear bumper

Marshall_K

What other HU were you looking at before you bought the Pioneer?
Did you do the install yourself? How was the headrest install if so.
Sorry for the questions but you have me very interested in doing this now.

Mr Cheeks

I didn't really look at any other brands because my Van had a Pioneer Avic X1R so i was use to the the lay out but members have installed Eclipse AVN5500 priced around $700 and the PANASONIC STRADA CN-NVD905U Wiring my headunit was easy with the help of the Wolfgangs MCS Pinout The headrest monitors where simple to install and where powered from the passenger footwell fusebox wiring was routed through the seats and under the center console.

maverick40

hi!
BAS/ESP lights are on! i have a ML 320 99...and i try to go tothe dealer with an extented warranty ...of course theytried to chargeme a diagnose fee $360 and in case that the warranty administrator don't aprrove for that particular part I have to pay more...i think i gonna call the warranty company and i'm just gonna take my money back. i have one year since i bought the warranty and the car and i didn't used it for a penny!
some advices...
thank you and happy thanksgiving! 4 everyone

Mr Cheeks

Wrong thread do a search in the forum for possible causes one of which can be the brake light switch under the brake peddle.

Marshall_K

So Mr. Cheeks, how is your sub secured in the back

gedaso

2004 ML350 (RH drive).

I've just junked my Alpine Audio10 and installed a Blaupunkt Queens MP56. Based on my google research, I was expecting that it would be a direct drop-in fit, and it is - sort of....

The radio comes with a small metal frame/cage which the installation instructions suggests should be fixed within the DIN slot on the dash. However this cage is too large to fit within the existing DIN slot on my dash. If I remove the cage, the radio itself is a little too small and kinda flops around in the DIN slot.

What am I missing ?

Mr Cheeks

Its not secured but the weight of the sub box is sufficient enough to ensure that it does not move around. As i mentioned it is wired so that it can be easily removed and 12" sub does not take up so much space. Marshall K PM me when your ready to install a aftermarket HU and i will give you some pointers.

Mr Cheeks

Blaupunkt Queens MP56 is a single Din HU to go into a double din opening. Are you replacing the standard MCS for your year and model or a previously installed single din HU. In any case any mounting cage be it for a double or single din will have to be screwed in on both side of the cage with small flat head screws to stop the cage and the unit sliding back. Gedaso i think you have been supplied the wrong mounting cage for your installation. Is this what you are trying to replace? Personally i would go for a double din unit from the eclipse pioneer or panasonic range. Far more features and possible add ons plus it looks nicer having a 7" screen upfront to watch DVDs or play MP3 cds IMHO

Marshall_K

Mr. Cheeks
Cool - will do. Will have to wait till after holidays or wifey will complain spending her holiday stash lol

But seriously, I've been looking to do some mods to the ML and the sound is as good a place as any. I questioned the sub because my subdivision has speed bumps. I slow down for them but wifey ignores them since she's in an SUV.

Mr Cheeks

Marshal K True talk i wanna get a PS3 but i will wait till after christmas but heres what i spent for my set up
Head Unit $980.00
Headrest Monitors $280.00
12" Sub with built in amp $250.00
Backup camera $30.00
Wiring and sundries $30.00

I would expect a third to be slashed off the HU and monitor prices after christmas due to Jan sales or some models being discontinued or newer products coming onto the market.

gedaso

Mr Cheeks, thanks for your help. I got the cage in - I needed to skim a few mm off the top flange of the storage compartment in the lower DIN slot.

I did look long and hard at the double din DVD units, but decided to save my $ for another 6 months or so and see how they develop (waiting for more units with inbuilt hard drives).

55fanatic

I have an Avic N1 installed in my 55 and I think its great... have RCAs running to a 4 channel powering BA pros, and a mono block running my 12" JL sub... once you by pass the factory amp just run all new wiring

speakers


sub


amps


and believe it or not, I havent got any shots of the Avic n1 installed... I was running everything off the MCS originally

Marshall_K

with aftermarket HU?

I talked to my local installer and he said that the oem speakers would not work with a new hu. Is this true?

55fanatic

lies all lies... that is a local installer who doesnt want your business... move on to another one

hughness

hi,

my very 1st post

i just got Pioneer AVIC-D1, and wanted Bestbuy to install it.

They quote me,

$300 to bypass Bose factory amplifier
$180 to install the Pioneer unit
$20-30 to put faceplate or some type of cover to cover the gap between the HU and factory audio spaces.

any comments?

obviously i think it's ridicolous how they are charging so much for 'bypassing' the factory amplifier...

What are your suggestions?

Thanks for your input!

(my factory 6 disc changer broke, my nav is outdated, and I really need some music in my car when I need nav. I change discs these days, and it's killing me )

Marshall_K

Wow that's expensive. I was quoted that price for the Alpine HU installed (just install of hu) plus new infinity speakers all around for that price. How hard is it really to bypass the amp? These installers make it sound like its a bear.

bettyboop

Wow ... I've been thinking about replacing my factory HU with the new Alpine W205 but am worried now about all these costs. I've got an '03 ML350 with the DVD navi but I want a HU that can integrate with my IPOD as well as having a bluetooth speakerphone system.