MCS QUESTION
 

I Have a 2002 ML 500 and want to replace the MCS with a modern stereo setup,I have read all sorts of this about it on the board here and every one keep talking about analog and digital setups but I have not seen anything explaining how to tell the difference could someone please help me I called MB and was told it has to be analog since mb never used a digital system that early.

Forget about analog or digital since you are changing the MCS to a new unit.
Some things to think about.
1) Your MCS uses a Fiber Optic (digital) loop line from the MCS to the speaker amp located on the inside firewall near the brake pedal so you will not be able to use this amp or the sub woffer under the drivers seat.
2) The CD changer in the rear is also on the same Fiber Optic loop so that will be inop with the new radio.
3) the Mercedes speakers are 2 ohms impedance.
4) The navigation antenna is powered from the MCS unit through the coax so if you get a radio with Nav you will most likely need to get a new Nav antenna. Usually not a big issue.

Otherwise this has been done many times. Try searching this and other Mercedes forums for other installations.
Mike

Quess I said it wrong I was wondering about the link to the amp I had read a post that said if my plug has a punch of cables its analog to the amp if there is only 2 its optical. I would like to keep the speakers just replace the head unit.
the plug on my MCS has a bunch of wires that have been spliced at one time or another since they all have electric tape on them.

2002 MCS is Fiber Optic / Optical.

If the wiring has been modified as you stated, I don't think anyone can tell what you have now without seeing your ML and checking the wiring.
Mike

I don't think its modified just think that the cables have been cut and put back together.
thanks for your help guess I am screwed and have to replace the whole system

So you need to verify if there are 8 wires coming from Connector B, at the back of your MCS. If there are 8 wires (from your description this may be true), then all you need is this...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Kicker-KISL-2-Ch-High-Level-Speaker-Wire-to-RCA-Adapters-Hi-Lo-Convert-2-Ft-/351057521073?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item51bca8a9b1

thanks after taking a closer look at the wiring I am totally confused because it seems like some cables have been replaced . I will take some pictures tomorrow maybe someone has some ideas .

Will wait for pictures.

well after taking a closer look today it turns out that the tweeters in the back door do not work and the sub under the passenger seat doesn't either. So I am thinking I will have to take it to a shop to have them look at it .