M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Confused - two tape decks in my ML??

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 09:55 AM
  #1  
Matricks's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
99 ML320
Confused - two tape decks in my ML??

Hi all need your collective wisdom.

I've just brought a 99 ML and it seems to have two tape decks??. The top one doesn't power on (haven't checked the fuses yet) but the bottom one works fine. The CD changer in the boot seems ok (haven't tried it yet)

Grateful if you could let me know which is what and what's the difference between them.
The image is here:
http://campl.us/dSF3cAcKgP6
Had to use that as cant upload direct from my iPhone, sorry.

Considering removing both to fit a double din but don't know if this is wise or overly complicated - I've read about Bose fibre optics, amps and powered antennae in some models - gladly take any advice from you all.

Thanks
Matt
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 12:13 PM
  #2  
xxGenericSNxx's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,076
Likes: 28
From: Seattle, WA
99 ML430, 01 CLK55, 07 R63, 15 E63 Wagon
That's really interesting. I've never seen that before. I have your bottom din on my ML which is not a fiber optic system. I believe they used fiber optics on 2000+ MLs with the Bose sound system.

I've got your top DIN on my CLK which is a fiber optic system.

Do both dins work to control your audio?

What country are you in?
Reply
Old Sep 6, 2012 | 12:24 PM
  #3  
Matricks's Avatar
Thread Starter
Newbie
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
99 ML320
Hi thanks for the reply. I'm a Brit expat in Cyprus.

Currently only the bottom deck does anything, I'll try and get the top one out (but don't have the keys...) to see if it's connected up or not (I'll check the fuses first #21 apparently??

Wondering if it will be easier to take them both out and fit an aftermarket double din?

Should be straight forwards... I hope as there is no fancy electronics - and only 4 speakers - it might get complicated if the CD player works in the boot?

Is the top one 'better' than the bottom one?

Cheers
Reply
Old Sep 7, 2012 | 07:21 AM
  #4  
Mike's ML's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 260
Likes: 2
From: New England
1990 190E 2.6, ... 1998 ML320, 2005 ML500SE
I think the top radio is the European model and the bottom is the North American model. Most likely only one is hooked up at any one time. Removing the radios should tell you what is going on.
Mike
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:17 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE