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Looking for a knowledgable installer to do something like this in my 2003. I am west of Philly but would drive 2+ hours to find someone who knows what they are doing. I am NOT a do it yourselfer. Any eastern PA installer reccos? MD? NJ?
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
Originally Posted by GEaston
I have a 2005 SL500 and have just upgraded to an Android 10 model that was a plug n play custom fit for my car.
Bought from Amazon it’s a XISEDO 9inch in Dash Head Unit Car Radio, GPS, nav with Fibre decoder. Cost was around $599. It’s a straight swap for old head unit and a perfect fit%. You do lose your cup holders but a small price to pay for the improvement. My car has Bose speakers. Instructions not great but any decent electrician should have no problems. Connects to my iPhone wifi for Spotify, app download, real time google maps etc. Very happy with it.
FYI the decoder on this is likely only for 05+ cars that have the MOST fiber system. it now looks like there is a D2B adapter for 03/04 cars that allows any headunit to plug and play into the factory amp/speakers https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005...39016205%22%7D
Last week I had my Comand unit replaced with a JVC unit with Apple CarPlay and numerous other 21st century features that did not exist in my 18 year old SL 500. I could not be happier. I lost the ability to change the volume on the steering wheel but that was a small trade off for the array of features I gained from the transformation. It’s like night and day. My 2003 MB now seems current.
Also, I had an Alpine amplifier installed to drive the subwoofer and center channels. Initially I was going to do the install myself to save money but after buying the head unit and amplifier from Best Buy i was convinced to at least consider their installation guy to install the units as they do installation free if you purchase the hardware from them.
I went into installation day with a pessimist approach but after spending 20-30 minutes with the tech I decided to move forward with the install. He let me know that if I was not 100% satisfied with his work he would reinstall my MB system and give me a full return on the equipment that I purchased from Best Buy if I wanted. He said he had performed roughly 40 Mercedes installs in his 14 years at Best Buy which is a big reason I moved forward.
The sound is not 100% of what the Bose system delivered before but it is dammed close. If Bose system is a 10 the new system is a 9. The install tech also said that I could achieve even better sound if I replace the current door speakers which Best Buy will install for nothing if I buy from them. I’ll likely be doing that soon and would have done it the same day if time would have permitted.
Bottom line is, don’t be afraid to make the transformation from the archaic Bose/Command system if you have a good installation technician. I was told several times to not let someone mess with my Comand system as ‘you’ll be sorry for it’ which is why I was so cautious to make the change. However, after my wife aid “either get a radio that I can take calls on or get me a new car” I decided it was worth the chance. Can’t tell you how happy we both are.
BTW, my total cost for the transformation was roughly $500. So far it’s the best half a grand I’ve spent on this car.
Good Luck!
Hi there ! Just read your post. I’m curious where is the Best Buy ? I’m in the SF Bay Area. Do you have the model numbers? Please …
Hi there ! Just read your post. I’m curious where is the Best Buy ? I’m in the SF Bay Area. Do you have the model numbers? Please …
I am in Naples, FL. What model numbers do you need? I would recommend going into Best Buy to learn what models are available at this time. Some brands are very low in inventory from what I have heard.
Commenting/reviving this thread to thank everyone and share my experience. After trying to figure out how to get my system upgraded, I went to BestBuy online and found they knew exactly what was needed, and I could schedule the install and pay online.
When I showed up for my appointment, the tech clearly was experienced, and said he had done R230’s before. The only catch was that I had to unexpectedly get a second amp for the subwoofer. Total cost around $750, with Best Buy warranteeing the work.
Happily streaming my Pandora via Bluetooth rather than surfing the radio or listening to 20 year old CD’s.
CD changer, amp, and stock head unit went in the garbage can.
Hassle free and worth every penny. Here’s a photo of the equipment installed
Last edited by BeachFreak; Dec 16, 2022 at 08:41 AM.
All - I've spent days searching for an aftermarket alternative to the stock nav / radio in my 2003 SL500. I do not want to modify / cut the trim in any way. It appears the upgrades drive several requirements - a separate fascia plate and harnesses that allow the new radio to communicate properly. I'm like an Apple Carplay unit that allows me to simply plug my iPhone into a accessory or charging cable and utilize the apps loaded on my phone, including my navigation apps (Waze). I'm also looking for a vendor that can properly install the new system as well.
Any suggestions?
I'm looking at the same thing for my SL350. A company called Seicane (www.seicane.com) do some replacements for the COMAND unit. I've been looking for a 2005 model with Android but I'm sure they do one that suits your needs.
Will be installing seicane unit into my 06 sl55 next week
Originally Posted by PeterSh
I'm looking at the same thing for my SL350. A company called Seicane (www.seicane.com) do some replacements for the COMAND unit. I've been looking for a 2005 model with Android but I'm sure they do one that suits your needs.
trying to figure out if I still need my dvd navigation system located in the trunk when I install my aftermarket unit?
This is a great thread, you guys are able to decipher different model years and mods needed, it’s a complex car.
Interested to follow wireless camera and command head unit upgrades, hopefully to contribute to the thread
I did install a wired backup camera. Was a little challenging to get the wiring routed properly with the roof movement but eventually got it to work. Yes, steering wheel controls work with the adapter I used.
I have a unit that’s says “everything including can bus adapter.
Is a can bus adapter the same as a fiber optic decoder
No, the canbus adapter is how your head unit gets the information of when to turn on and when to turn off ... It can also interface with the steering wheel controls and the Instrument cluster display.
I have not taken the Dash apart yet. I’m studying, looking different directions to ensure I do it right. I also am wanting to make sure I have everything I need to complete the job before I start. I learned it’s not bad to do it myself, but I have learned to better prepared, and don’t be cheap. I have aged out of taking apart, then back together, just to take it apart again. I figure if I’m going to be too cheap to pay labor. At least I can get quality parts.
Is there a way to tell if I need to purchase the digital converter?
if not, then I should probably buy one just to be safe.
If you are not planning on replacing the amp then you will need a converter or you will need to run your speakers on the line outputs from your New head unit. If your car is 2005 or later you would need a most converter Those are easy to find. If it is a 2004 earlier you likely need A D2B converter and those are hard to find.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Does anyone have experience with coaxial speakers? The location of the speakers in the door is less than excellent, if only because my leg obstructs sound clarity. But if an easy swap would do at least some good in the treble realm that could be rewarding. Ohms are a peculiarity in there, I know...
The spiral audio panel is a perfect fit for my pre facelift 2004MY SL.
I have looked everywhere, is this adapter available in the uk, and what is the best carplay head unit, my car doesn’t have bose.
I want to bin off the current head unit, out of date and useless NAV.
thanks in advance
Reviving an Old thread - but great thread. Just purchased a 2003 SL500 and found this thread. Getting some service work done first but this is high on my list. I want apple car play and a back up cam. Thank you all for contributing, the internet is amazing.
