SL/R230: Help radio upgade
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
sl 500
Help radio upgade
Just purchsed 2003 sl500, would like to upgrade to a 2005-2009 oem radio. Is this possible? what does it require can the harness and chassis fit with modifications. Or does anyone out there installed an aftermarket unit and what does it take... can't find info anywhere on the web. Thanks so much for your help. pulling my hair out trying to solve this one. Todd
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,564
Likes: 19
From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
Hi and Welcome to the forum -
Most MB use single DIN headunits unless you have the MB Nav system installed. Factory OEM radios can be Panasonic, Alpine or Becker. There's quite a few options depending on whether you want just AM/FM or that with CD, MP3, bluetooth , etc. You can install a newer OEM model, a non-OEM model of a Becker or a complete 3rd party radio. There are also some models (Chinese and Pioneer) which have a larger motorized display screen which folds up and retracts into the dash. These are DIN units so they would fit your car.
You can start by going to crutchfield.com and plug in your car info. You will be given a list of radios which are compatible. Generally these radios are not too expensive but tend, in my opinion, to look a little gaudy -- lots of iridescent colored trim.
You can also go to swstereo.com. They have a selection of Becker and Blaupunkt radios. These have more features and blend better with MB interiors.
Also, you might go to the Audio/Electronics forum of this site and do some searches as this is a pretty common upgrade among owners.
Good luck.
Most MB use single DIN headunits unless you have the MB Nav system installed. Factory OEM radios can be Panasonic, Alpine or Becker. There's quite a few options depending on whether you want just AM/FM or that with CD, MP3, bluetooth , etc. You can install a newer OEM model, a non-OEM model of a Becker or a complete 3rd party radio. There are also some models (Chinese and Pioneer) which have a larger motorized display screen which folds up and retracts into the dash. These are DIN units so they would fit your car.
You can start by going to crutchfield.com and plug in your car info. You will be given a list of radios which are compatible. Generally these radios are not too expensive but tend, in my opinion, to look a little gaudy -- lots of iridescent colored trim.
You can also go to swstereo.com. They have a selection of Becker and Blaupunkt radios. These have more features and blend better with MB interiors.
Also, you might go to the Audio/Electronics forum of this site and do some searches as this is a pretty common upgrade among owners.
Good luck.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,085
Likes: 59
From: Los Angeles
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
09 is different than 05 - 08, just letting you know. the 09 is the upgraded system with newer features and i think it's hard drive based, not DVD based.
