SL/R129: 1994 SL00 Bose harness adapter
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
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From: Chicago, IL USA
1994 SL500
1994 SL00 Bose harness adapter
I have a no audio situation in my 94 SL500 equipped with the Bose system. I replaced the Bose amp with one that I purchased that was said to have been tested- no luck. I’m hoping that it is the radio itself or the tuner module. All that said I’d like to replace the radio/head unit with a more modern unit. I contacted Crutchfield today and their notes indicated that the entire Bose system had to be removed- but only on 1994 r129’s. Has anyone successfully used one of the harness adapters (Metra, Scosche, etc) and retained the Bose system? I don’t know if it matters but the vehicle has the factory phone, just in case that changes anything. Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 598
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From: Eastern Kansas
94 SL 600, 98 993, 89 XJS Conv., 85 Daimlier Princess 16 Hybrid Lincoln 16 Chevy crewcab
Crutchfield supplied a harness adapter that worked with the Bose system. The hot wire was noted as the wrong for the benz power wire but the tech explained and was not a problem. The shipping bag said Land Rover, but the part number was the same as ordered. I have lamented my mistake on the modernization of the system in other posts, but the bottom line I would not go to the "pop" screen Clarion because a DVD is not in my comfort zone, even with the wiring modification to play a DVD while in motion. I would buy a "bluetooth" system that can merge phone, toons and SiriusXM. Too much distraction for an old man at high speed!
I have the original Becker, cassette, and CD player for the next owner, just in case they are "retro".
I have the original Becker, cassette, and CD player for the next owner, just in case they are "retro".
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Chicago, IL USA
1994 SL500
Thank you SRHsl !- I got my unit and installed it this evening using the Crutchfield supplied harness. The harness did indeed work in spite of Crutchfield telling me it wouldn't on a 94, only on 95 and newer.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 87
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From: New York
2018 AMG GT S, 2016 E350, 2013 GLK350
SRHSL600,
Thank you! With the info from your post, I ordered a Kenwood Digital receiver from Crutchfield and installed it in my my 2001 SL500 from Crutchfield. The included harness and radio removal tool made the job easy. All I had to do was solder a few connections between the harness that connects to the Mercedes plugs to the Kenwood harness. I also ordered an iPod cable (even though it's a Bluetooth receiver) and the cable works great as well. My SL has the Bose sub-woofer and that is working without any modifications to the Crutchfield supplied harness. Great sound via my iPod and the Kenwood is beautiful and fit like a glove! Thanks again!
Thank you! With the info from your post, I ordered a Kenwood Digital receiver from Crutchfield and installed it in my my 2001 SL500 from Crutchfield. The included harness and radio removal tool made the job easy. All I had to do was solder a few connections between the harness that connects to the Mercedes plugs to the Kenwood harness. I also ordered an iPod cable (even though it's a Bluetooth receiver) and the cable works great as well. My SL has the Bose sub-woofer and that is working without any modifications to the Crutchfield supplied harness. Great sound via my iPod and the Kenwood is beautiful and fit like a glove! Thanks again!
