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

2001-2005 Ml350 Stereo Upgrade

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Old Dec 27, 2014 | 03:01 PM
  #1  
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2004 ml350
2001-2005 Ml350 Stereo Upgrade

I have a 2004 Ml350 with bose and navigation. Lots of people want to upgrade there stereo so they can have aux/usb/iphone/bluetooth etc. I have done the following to install a JVC KW-V40BT multimedia reciever.

1. Find the following products.
-w163 double din dash kit( the one i used is this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/251356010567?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT
- The stereo of your choice (preferably a double din for a simpler install)

- A amplifier that can drive speakers. Make sure it can do 2 ohm speakers.
i chose the clarion xc-1410 since it was small to put anywhere.

- Rca cables for amp. 2 of them since amp is 4 channel.

- w163 stereo removal keys to remove stock stereo.

2. You will loose the following features for this audio project.

- CD changer
- The mercedes navigation

3. First you will have to remove the MB stereo. Then take off the dash trim. You will then cut the two tabs off so the new stereo could fit.

4. Connect the harness that comes with the double din dash kit which is the link above. Also the antenna adapter.

5. Install the double din dash kit and wire up stereo.

6. Run RCA cables to where new amp will be.

7. Re install dash and everything making sure everything is fit right and working.

8. New amp wiring should be done where Bose amp is. Bose amp is located above parking/emergency brake behind cup holder on driver side. One bolt holds the bose amp and 2 plugs connected.

9. The speaker wires are all here. All you have to do is tap into the bose amp harness.

Amp wire color codes.
-Front right + is Blue
-Front right - is Green
-Rear right + is Pink
-Rear right - is orange
-Front left + is Blue
-Front left - is Green
-Rear left + is Pink
-Rear left - is Orange

The bose woofer is White + and Green -
The 12volt + is the Red wire
the 12volt - is the brown wire

Once everything is wired up make sure all wires are insulated so no shorts happen and that all wires are hidden to make it look clean.

After that the door speakers and new stereo should all be functioning right.

This is how you install a Stereo in a W163 With Bose and navigation.
Attached Thumbnails 2001-2005 Ml350 Stereo Upgrade-cam00792.jpg   2001-2005 Ml350 Stereo Upgrade-cam00791.jpg  
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Old Jan 1, 2015 | 03:56 PM
  #2  
Bendyline's Avatar
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2003 ML350
ML350 radio replacement

Thanks for this. I'm looking to replace the system in my 2003 ML350.

Since you only used a 4 channel Amp what's driving the Bose Sub? Or did you lose that with the upgrade?
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Old Jan 2, 2015 | 07:25 PM
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2004 ml350
Originally Posted by Bendyline
Thanks for this. I'm looking to replace the system in my 2003 ML350.

Since you only used a 4 channel Amp what's driving the Bose Sub? Or did you lose that with the upgrade?
I have after market subs so i felt that i didnt need it. If you want to power the sub then look for 5 channel amps.
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Old Jan 4, 2015 | 04:32 PM
  #4  
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beater with a heater
you shouldn't need the kit/harness listed also for $65 as the double DIN cages from Alpine, Kenwood all fit perfectly and nothing besides the power/ground/ignition/antenna are used in the original harness which can be easily tapped
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Old Jan 23, 2015 | 06:10 PM
  #5  
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2004 mercedes 350ml
2004 mercedes benz 350ml

Originally Posted by Bendyline
Thanks for this. I'm looking to replace the system in my 2003 ML350.

Since you only used a 4 channel Amp what's driving the Bose Sub? Or did you lose that with the upgrade?
I need instructions to remove the radio from my 04 350ml
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Old Jan 23, 2015 | 06:11 PM
  #6  
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2004 mercedes 350ml
04 mercedes benz 350ml

Need instructions to remove the radio from an 04 350ml. thanks

Last edited by roake11; Jan 23, 2015 at 06:22 PM.
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Old Jan 24, 2015 | 09:39 AM
  #7  
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2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Originally Posted by roake11
Need instructions to remove the radio from an 04 350ml. thanks

Here are the instructions. You will need special keys for removal and when inserting, the notched sides must face inward.

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w...ml#post5369395
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Old Jan 13, 2017 | 11:36 PM
  #8  
Aar Sto's Avatar
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'04 ML350
SRS

Does doing this set off any dash cluster codes? Thanks in advance. I want to remove the tele-aid, command, amp, cd changer, and whatever else.
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Old Jan 14, 2017 | 04:38 AM
  #9  
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Does doing what and who are you asking?
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Old Jan 15, 2017 | 04:11 PM
  #10  
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2003 ML55,2007 ML63
Removing the radio doesn't set codes. If you want to reconnect the same radio, you will need the security code.
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Old Jan 16, 2017 | 08:02 AM
  #11  
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2002 ml320
disconnecting under the passenger seat will set srs light, I found this out when I installed the base amp there. Had to keep the small box hooked up.
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Old Jan 16, 2017 | 12:54 PM
  #12  
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'04 ML350
tele-aid

Are you talking about the tele-aid module?
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Old Jan 16, 2017 | 05:49 PM
  #13  
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2002 ml320
yes it is a motorola unit
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Old Jan 16, 2017 | 09:12 PM
  #14  
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'04 ML350
thanks

Can't wait to get all of the pointless junk modules out of my ride
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Old Sep 9, 2017 | 11:30 PM
  #15  
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From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by w163benz
I have a 2004 Ml350 with bose and navigation. Lots of people want to upgrade there stereo so they can have aux/usb/iphone/bluetooth etc. I have done the following to install a JVC KW-V40BT multimedia reciever.

1. Find the following products.
-w163 double din dash kit( the one i used is this: Mercedes ml 350 2001 2005 01 05 Double DIN Radio Kit CD DVD Navigation 2 DIN Kit | eBay

- The stereo of your choice (preferably a double din for a simpler install)

- A amplifier that can drive speakers. Make sure it can do 2 ohm speakers.
i chose the clarion xc-1410 since it was small to put anywhere.

- Rca cables for amp. 2 of them since amp is 4 channel.

- w163 stereo removal keys to remove stock stereo.

2. You will loose the following features for this audio project.

- CD changer
- The mercedes navigation

3. First you will have to remove the MB stereo. Then take off the dash trim. You will then cut the two tabs off so the new stereo could fit.

4. Connect the harness that comes with the double din dash kit which is the link above. Also the antenna adapter.

5. Install the double din dash kit and wire up stereo.

6. Run RCA cables to where new amp will be.

7. Re install dash and everything making sure everything is fit right and working.

8. New amp wiring should be done where Bose amp is. Bose amp is located above parking/emergency brake behind cup holder on driver side. One bolt holds the bose amp and 2 plugs connected.

9. The speaker wires are all here. All you have to do is tap into the bose amp harness.

Amp wire color codes.
-Front right + is Blue
-Front right - is Green
-Rear right + is Pink
-Rear right - is orange
-Front left + is Blue
-Front left - is Green
-Rear left + is Pink
-Rear left - is Orange

The bose woofer is White + and Green -
The 12volt + is the Red wire
the 12volt - is the brown wire

Once everything is wired up make sure all wires are insulated so no shorts happen and that all wires are hidden to make it look clean.

After that the door speakers and new stereo should all be functioning right.

This is how you install a Stereo in a W163 With Bose and navigation.
Hi, got a question. if i install aftermarket stereo and connect all the speaker wires from the stereo to the wires i cut off the amp. where do i connect the subwoofer wires to on my aftermarket stereo? Thanks
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 01:22 AM
  #16  
Aar Sto's Avatar
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'04 ML350
RE:

Originally Posted by IgorE350
Hi, got a question. if i install aftermarket stereo and connect all the speaker wires from the stereo to the wires i cut off the amp. where do i connect the subwoofer wires to on my aftermarket stereo? Thanks
Looks like you are on the wrong thread.

For the vehicles in this thread, the front speaker is 2 ohms and has a tweeter wired in series. The rear speaker is 2 ohm and no tweeter. it might be possible to wire each rear door speaker in series with one 2 ohm voice coil from the dual coil subwoofer. That should give you 4 ohms for each. Cut the plug off the subwoofer and run those four wires back to where your radio is and try it out. Let us know if it works. I think I've read the rms wattage on the rear door speakers is 25 and for the subwoofer it is either 2 x 40 or 2 x 50.


Otherwise just sell the amp and the subwoofer on ebay and buy a sub and amp or powered subwoofer.

Last edited by Aar Sto; Sep 10, 2017 at 01:44 AM.
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 08:50 PM
  #17  
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From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by Aar Sto
Looks like you are on the wrong thread.

For the vehicles in this thread, the front speaker is 2 ohms and has a tweeter wired in series. The rear speaker is 2 ohm and no tweeter. it might be possible to wire each rear door speaker in series with one 2 ohm voice coil from the dual coil subwoofer. That should give you 4 ohms for each. Cut the plug off the subwoofer and run those four wires back to where your radio is and try it out. Let us know if it works. I think I've read the rms wattage on the rear door speakers is 25 and for the subwoofer it is either 2 x 40 or 2 x 50.


Otherwise just sell the amp and the subwoofer on ebay and buy a sub and amp or powered subwoofer.
I know that i have to run the white and green wire from the subwoofer wires that were going to amp to my new stereo. But what do i connect them to on my new stereo?

Want to cut all that oem junk out. amp cd changer and the oem stereo. Not sure if anyone even buy that stuff anymore on ebay, its so much easier and you get so much more with the new stereos you get dvd player, usb,bluetooth,sd card and more.

Last edited by IgorE350; Sep 10, 2017 at 08:53 PM.
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Old Sep 10, 2017 | 11:40 PM
  #18  
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'04 ML350
Originally Posted by IgorE350
I know that i have to run the white and green wire from the subwoofer wires that were going to amp to my new stereo. But what do i connect them to on my new stereo?

Want to cut all that oem junk out. amp cd changer and the oem stereo. Not sure if anyone even buy that stuff anymore on ebay, its so much easier and you get so much more with the new stereos you get dvd player, usb,bluetooth,sd card and more.
Depends on the brand as they are mostly garbage. If your navigation is working then you should just keep the existing system and buy a bluetooth cassette adapter for connecting external audio.

Ignore the white and green wires they arent important. From near the subwoofer unit there are four wires going to a plug. Cut the plug and run those wires to the back of your stereo, keeping the + and - wires separately paired as they are at the plug. Connect one + subwoofer wire to the rear + on the stereo, splice/combine the - wire of that same pair with the + wire going to your rear speaker, then connect the - wire from your rear speaker to the rear - on the stereo. Repeat for other side. The subwoofer has two terminals and you are combining one of the terminals with one rear door speaker by wiring them in a series. This is how the pillar tweeter and front door speaker are already pre-wired.
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Old Sep 11, 2017 | 10:30 PM
  #19  
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01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by Aar Sto
Depends on the brand as they are mostly garbage. If your navigation is working then you should just keep the existing system and buy a bluetooth cassette adapter for connecting external audio.

Ignore the white and green wires they arent important. From near the subwoofer unit there are four wires going to a plug. Cut the plug and run those wires to the back of your stereo, keeping the + and - wires separately paired as they are at the plug. Connect one + subwoofer wire to the rear + on the stereo, splice/combine the - wire of that same pair with the + wire going to your rear speaker, then connect the - wire from your rear speaker to the rear - on the stereo. Repeat for other side. The subwoofer has two terminals and you are combining one of the terminals with one rear door speaker by wiring them in a series. This is how the pillar tweeter and front door speaker are already pre-wired.

I got you, so theres 4 terminals on the subwoofer, 2 go to left rear speaker and 2 go to right speaker. do you know what colors are they on the plug that goes to the amp? Thanks so much for your quick responce and help.
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Old Sep 11, 2017 | 11:49 PM
  #20  
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'04 ML350
Originally Posted by IgorE350
I got you, so theres 4 terminals on the subwoofer, 2 go to left rear speaker and 2 go to right speaker. do you know what colors are they on the plug that goes to the amp? Thanks so much for your quick responce and help.
Yeah that might work or might not.

Look under the seat and you'll see the four wires from the plug to the subwoofer and only two wires(that go under the carpet towards the dash) from the plug to the amp. You need to cut the plug and run the four wires up to your stereo. If you use just the two wires then it's wired at 1 ohm.

What isn't being mentioned is that I'm pretty sure that there are speakers in the pillars by the liftgate on your vehicle year. I believe these are wired in series on just one channel.

Last edited by Aar Sto; Sep 11, 2017 at 11:52 PM.
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Old Sep 13, 2017 | 08:52 PM
  #21  
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From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by Aar Sto
Yeah that might work or might not.

Look under the seat and you'll see the four wires from the plug to the subwoofer and only two wires(that go under the carpet towards the dash) from the plug to the amp. You need to cut the plug and run the four wires up to your stereo. If you use just the two wires then it's wired at 1 ohm.

What isn't being mentioned is that I'm pretty sure that there are speakers in the pillars by the liftgate on your vehicle year. I believe these are wired in series on just one channel.
Found the time today, got everything done works great I got lazy and just ran the white and green wires from subwoofer plug to left rear in the back of my stereo, connected together with the rear left speaker, was too lazy to go under the seat and run 2 wires from there.
Everything working good and sounds great. Thank you for all the help, Greatly appreciated!!
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Old Sep 14, 2017 | 12:56 AM
  #22  
Aar Sto's Avatar
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'04 ML350
Originally Posted by IgorE350
Found the time today, got everything done works great I got lazy and just ran the white and green wires from subwoofer plug to left rear in the back of my stereo, connected together with the rear left speaker, was too lazy to go under the seat and run 2 wires from there.
Everything working good and sounds great. Thank you for all the help, Greatly appreciated!!
If that's all you are doing then you might as well run the rear pillar speakers to the rear right of the radio. The pair of wires for those is white and grey.
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Old Sep 14, 2017 | 10:27 PM
  #23  
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From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by Aar Sto
If that's all you are doing then you might as well run the rear pillar speakers to the rear right of the radio. The pair of wires for those is white and grey.
Yeah i seen them, i might add them later. It wont overload the radio?
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Old Sep 16, 2017 | 09:17 PM
  #24  
IgorE350's Avatar
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From: Cleveland OHIO
01 ML55AMG 04 ML500 03 ML350 08 ML63AMG
Originally Posted by Aar Sto
If that's all you are doing then you might as well run the rear pillar speakers to the rear right of the radio. The pair of wires for those is white and grey.
You know what, yesterday i noticed that theres like background noise in the stereo like scratching noise, i wonder what that is, maybe wires touching somewhere or i got a wire polarity mixed up? what can it be?
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Old Sep 7, 2019 | 10:52 PM
  #25  
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So my radio works fine (powers on, controls work normally) but the audio has stopped working all of a sudden. I suspect the amplifier has died. I scoured the web for the location of the amp for a 2004 ML500 and I'm still not exactly sure if it's under the driver front seat (US car) or where this thread says. If this thread is accurate, can you provide any more details for me? Such as, is it behind anything else? Like some padding or barrier material or anything? Or how many cable harness go into it? Anything else descriptive would help. Thanks so much.
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