2DIN radio unit - succesful upgrade
03-28-2012, 03:51 AM
#1
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98 CL500
2DIN radio unit - succesful upgrade
Hallo Everybody,
I just wish to share with you the latest upgrade of my 98 CL500.
After three weeks of work (where most of that time took cutting the wood and recreating clear varnish coat - each layer had to dry - 15 layers) I managed to put 2DIN radio/nav unit into center console.
The most difficult thing was preparing console to look like OEM. Allowance was max. 0,2 mm. And I had no chance to get another console. This is US version, I am in Europe, price of a new one is, you know.... only for Saudi guys.
All looked just like landing a plane with engine shut off on too short runway with bombs hanging under the belly...
I asked certain skilled craftsman to do it and believe me, I was really shocked (positively) when I got i back. Because of console shape, it's not possible to use CNC, so he made it manually. Very, very talented and experienced guy.
Do you agree that, completed, all looks like (almost) stock?
I used ZENEC ZE-NC 524 unit, that is at least a bit in MB style (just my opinion) and is very advanced, has all bells and whistles and is user friendly. What I noticed instantly, FM tuner is much better compared to old Becker - it operates on the same retractable antenna.
Additionally, I had to do some modifications behind the unit to fit it properly.
I am attaching some pics. Sorry for poor quality but I made pictures at night with cell phone and flashlight.
What do you think ?
Best regards from Poland ;-)
I just wish to share with you the latest upgrade of my 98 CL500.
After three weeks of work (where most of that time took cutting the wood and recreating clear varnish coat - each layer had to dry - 15 layers) I managed to put 2DIN radio/nav unit into center console.
The most difficult thing was preparing console to look like OEM. Allowance was max. 0,2 mm. And I had no chance to get another console. This is US version, I am in Europe, price of a new one is, you know.... only for Saudi guys.
All looked just like landing a plane with engine shut off on too short runway with bombs hanging under the belly...
I asked certain skilled craftsman to do it and believe me, I was really shocked (positively) when I got i back. Because of console shape, it's not possible to use CNC, so he made it manually. Very, very talented and experienced guy.
Do you agree that, completed, all looks like (almost) stock?
I used ZENEC ZE-NC 524 unit, that is at least a bit in MB style (just my opinion) and is very advanced, has all bells and whistles and is user friendly. What I noticed instantly, FM tuner is much better compared to old Becker - it operates on the same retractable antenna.
Additionally, I had to do some modifications behind the unit to fit it properly.
I am attaching some pics. Sorry for poor quality but I made pictures at night with cell phone and flashlight.
What do you think ?
Best regards from Poland ;-)
Last edited by BlueMax2; 03-28-2012 at 04:43 AM. Reason: Change picture
03-30-2012, 06:07 AM
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98 CL500
Thaks a lot !
This unit (ZENEC ZE-NC 524) is really very good and it's made in Germany. Just visit their website and you'll see. I've chosen it from many. Priced like latest Alpines and Kenwoods (about rougly USD 1200 - July 2011).
I am posting some more pics made today.
Regards
This unit (ZENEC ZE-NC 524) is really very good and it's made in Germany. Just visit their website and you'll see. I've chosen it from many. Priced like latest Alpines and Kenwoods (about rougly USD 1200 - July 2011).
I am posting some more pics made today.
Regards
Last edited by BlueMax2; 03-30-2012 at 06:20 AM.
04-03-2012, 09:25 AM
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
i think we missunderstood each other, the radio is great and has nice features i just meant to say it would have been nice to get a radio that is more "flush" with the center console. Either way great job on it, hopefully something similar could be my next project
04-05-2012, 05:28 PM
#6
Junior Member
