Are their any installers or SL owners out there that can confirm a successful install of an aftermarket head unit while retaining the “Steering Wheel” controls? I would like to get this myth either squashed or confirmed.

I am aware that 04 and up went fiber so it would be difficult but what about the 2003 model (my year)?

 

There units out there that can do this, what would you fit in the hole

 

I am having the Pioneer Avic Z2 “bypassed” installed so the passenger can watch DVD’s and access POI’s while in motion. This unit will have a Bluetooth adapter installed as well for hands free calling. I feel that this is the only solution (other than the Alpine Hub system) that will fully overcome the weakness’ of the stock unit.

If you are referring to the PAC unit out there for steering wheel conversion from CAN bus, the PAC unit is made for the 2003-2004 C-Class and CLK 320 (Part# SWI-CAN). I am assuming that these models are listed only because the SL hasn’t been tested.

Does anybody know if there are any similarities with the 03 SL and the 03/04 C-Class or CLK CAN System that would allow me to use the same PAC unit made for those models?

They also make a Universal model (Part# SWI-X) and a Pioneer specific model (Part# SWI-PS) that may work as well. If anybody can confirm using any of these, it would help save me a lot of time and $$$.

Thx. . . . . .

If anybody else is interested in PAC systems just google Pac audio

 

How much would that whole system, with the bluetooth run for?

 

it does not work with the Sl cars.

 

Try the SoundGate CANPULSE4 Interface. It provides navigation speed pulse, ignition (ACC) switched power, reverse power (rearview camera), and with the optional CAN45PIO adapter cable, steering wheel contol of a Pioneer headunit (others are available). Since it taps into the CAN buss, it does not interfere with dash gauge steering wheel control. Price is about $400 for the interface, and $30 for the adapter cable.

I believe the above is the same as the Dietz 61300, which Soundgate probably imports. I would suggest checking with SoundGate first, as they are available here in the US.

Hope this helps...

 

Dancer - Thanks, I emailed Soundgate and am awaiting a response!

Sunil - As you probably already know, all SL's are not alike. I have an 03, before everything was changed to Fiber in 04 - So I may have a chance here.

BrabusTrojan - Approximate Internet Pricing

Avic Z2 - $1,500
Bluetooth - $85
Sirius/XM adapter - $100
Custom Faceplate - $200
Custom Sub Enclosure - $400
Focal K2 6.5" door speakers $350
Focal Polyglass 6.5" rear speakers $180
Memphis AUdio 10" Dual Voice Coil Subs 250 RMS $75 x 2
Memphis Audio 300.2 Amp (Door Speakers) 150x2 RMS $300
Memphis Audio 500.1 D Amp (Subwoofers) 250x2 RMS @1 ohm $250

Total is about $3,500

Now I had the Amps and Subs already so I saved some $$$

Another solution for maybe a little more (but not much) is the REUCH system that you probably heard about from the forum's here. I am local to Rick Reuch so I was able to get a tour. His shop is like any other, he just has some expensive cars in it. He did a comparison with one of Focal's low end midrange speaker to his homemade speaker. Knowing a little more about car audio than the average Joe, this comparison actually hurt him more than helped. He hooked them both up to the same source to show me how much louder and brighter his product was at low volume. He wouldnt turn up the volume so I could prove my point on power handling. When I asked him about destortion levels, he told me that RMS, THD and freq response meant nothing when it comes to car audio. He said that you just need to listen to the diff at low volume. These comments scared me away. I also had some existing equipment that he couldnt use in his 2 ohm system anyway. If you are looking for a bit of a sound upgrade though, it might be worth checking out.

Good luck



I will have pics of the install up this week. I will also be ready to challenge all of those Reuch systems out here in SoCal for all those looking to compare!

 

ooFreakoo, Your 03 has the same fiber as the 04 has. Both are d2b fiber based cars. 05 and later cars are MOSt based. LINBUS protocol changed (communication from steering wheel to cluster) in 05.

 

Sunil - Thanks for the correction! I knew there were some changes in the system in 04 but 05 is the MOST system I was refering too.

Dancer - Soundgate returned my email. Good news is that they do offer a system for the 03 SL that will work. I called the sales guy to confirm. Thanks for the ref, I wasnt really getting anywhere with the PAC units.

 

Its hard for me working out your years.

Cars built up to roughly 08.03 were d2b, then went over to the most bus, this was short lived and went in 05