SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Audio and interior upgrade with Canbus and OEM frame replacement
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Audio and interior upgrade with Canbus and OEM frame replacement
Finally finished the ABC suspension and roof pumps, so I decided to update the comand system in the 03' SL55 this week and the interior.
I will post install pictures and give you feedback on the new headunit. It is designed for the sl 2003 and 2004 only because of the surround system.
Here are the Audio items being installed (see photos):
1. Mercedes replacement Headunit - 6.2" Nav - http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
2. JL Audio HD600/4 Amplifier
3. Focal K2 3-way Component speaker system
4. Alpine amp pdx f4 (or maybe jl audio 500/5 - ??)
5. JL Audio 13TW5-3 Thin Subwoofer
6. 12 gauge speaker wire
Items removed:
1. original CDC CD Changer
2. OEM Amp
3. All wiring - Speaker and Amp
I will post install pictures and give you feedback on the new headunit. It is designed for the sl 2003 and 2004 only because of the surround system.
Here are the Audio items being installed (see photos):
1. Mercedes replacement Headunit - 6.2" Nav - http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
2. JL Audio HD600/4 Amplifier
3. Focal K2 3-way Component speaker system
4. Alpine amp pdx f4 (or maybe jl audio 500/5 - ??)
5. JL Audio 13TW5-3 Thin Subwoofer
6. 12 gauge speaker wire
Items removed:
1. original CDC CD Changer
2. OEM Amp
3. All wiring - Speaker and Amp
Last edited by nir; Jan 23, 2012 at 05:22 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
2006 SL55
Looking forward to updates as I'm planning nearly the same. Hope to find out how that head unit performs and also are you going to drop the sub in place of the stock unit or build a custom box in its place?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Very observant Oren. They were going to run rears and mid and sub from the second 4way amp. At the end we bought a Jl 1000/1 v2 to run the sub.
The car has been at the installers for the past 2 days. They should be done by Monday. I have taken lots of pics that I will post at the end. I will also review the new oem like deck, if everything works as planned... A little patience please.
The interior has been all pulled out and we have changed the whole charcoal interior to black, and the seats are being recovered in black as well. So the car will be truly black on black. Will post pics of that as well.
The revozport diffuser in cf is also being installed. Pics will follow.
Stay tuned!
The car has been at the installers for the past 2 days. They should be done by Monday. I have taken lots of pics that I will post at the end. I will also review the new oem like deck, if everything works as planned... A little patience please.
The interior has been all pulled out and we have changed the whole charcoal interior to black, and the seats are being recovered in black as well. So the car will be truly black on black. Will post pics of that as well.
The revozport diffuser in cf is also being installed. Pics will follow.
Stay tuned!
Last edited by nir; Jan 28, 2012 at 01:28 AM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
They are building a custom box as the new sub is 13" vs the oem 8".
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
install audio update.
Here are some pics of the install. I have many more, so text me, if you want to see them. They really took the car apart! We decided not to run it to the trunk, but instead place the 600/4 JL amp and crossover where the CDC and oem were (behind drivers seat) and the 1000/1 behind the passenger seat on the floor. The Headunit is not yet operational. We used a license frame plate for the rear view camera, instead of drilling into bumper.
QUOTE=cfi_luz;5018591]Looking forward to updates as I'm planning nearly the same. Hope to find out how that head unit performs and also are you going to drop the sub in place of the stock unit or build a custom box in its place?[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=cfi_luz;5018591]Looking forward to updates as I'm planning nearly the same. Hope to find out how that head unit performs and also are you going to drop the sub in place of the stock unit or build a custom box in its place?[/QUOTE]
Last edited by nir; Jan 30, 2012 at 12:38 PM.
Trending Topics
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
2004 SL55 AMG
Wow, thanks.
Any idea of the total labor (hours) involved for your job? I like the rear camera addition. Have you been able to try out the head unit yet?
Thanks in advance and keep the pictures coming.
Any idea of the total labor (hours) involved for your job? I like the rear camera addition. Have you been able to try out the head unit yet?
Thanks in advance and keep the pictures coming.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Thank you. running on 22 hours for now. i have not tried the headunit yet, but will report on it as soon as i do.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
looks really great so far!
great idea with the rear-view camera I might add that option as well...
do you know if it will be programmed with the unit to automatically switch to camera when in reverse? or are you just running it thru the RCA inputs and manually switching to that AUX when needed?
great idea with the rear-view camera I might add that option as well...
do you know if it will be programmed with the unit to automatically switch to camera when in reverse? or are you just running it thru the RCA inputs and manually switching to that AUX when needed?
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 378
Likes: 1
From: LA CA
w215 cl65, W212 E63, R53 Mini Cooper JCW, E92 328I
i live in los angeles also.. and was looking to upgrade my audio system in my CL65..... few questions
did the keep the factory amp in the car and adapt the new amps together?
which shop did you use?
also for the 8 inch jl sub, im not sure where the factory sub is located in a SL but are you using this sub as a replacment/ direct bolt in? becuase my factory sub is in my rear deck, so i though i could just drop in the sub like your jl audio you have ( free air set up )
did the keep the factory amp in the car and adapt the new amps together?
which shop did you use?
also for the 8 inch jl sub, im not sure where the factory sub is located in a SL but are you using this sub as a replacment/ direct bolt in? becuase my factory sub is in my rear deck, so i though i could just drop in the sub like your jl audio you have ( free air set up )
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
No they did not keep the factory amp, because we wanted to install the crossovers in that location, and that it was useless anyway, since would not work with new radio.
I am using Power station out of Reseda. They do a very nice job, and are affordable.
We replaced the 8" in the passenger footwell with a 13" JL low profile with a custom box in the same location. You probably could just drop one like mine. better to have installers check it out. Pm me if you need contact info for my installers.
I am using Power station out of Reseda. They do a very nice job, and are affordable.
We replaced the 8" in the passenger footwell with a 13" JL low profile with a custom box in the same location. You probably could just drop one like mine. better to have installers check it out. Pm me if you need contact info for my installers.
i live in los angeles also.. and was looking to upgrade my audio system in my CL65..... few questions
did the keep the factory amp in the car and adapt the new amps together?
which shop did you use?
also for the 8 inch jl sub, im not sure where the factory sub is located in a SL but are you using this sub as a replacment/ direct bolt in? becuase my factory sub is in my rear deck, so i though i could just drop in the sub like your jl audio you have ( free air set up )
did the keep the factory amp in the car and adapt the new amps together?
which shop did you use?
also for the 8 inch jl sub, im not sure where the factory sub is located in a SL but are you using this sub as a replacment/ direct bolt in? becuase my factory sub is in my rear deck, so i though i could just drop in the sub like your jl audio you have ( free air set up )
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Well i think i may be the first to have tis sytem fully operational.. the system is in, and I am happy to report that after a question answered by the factory, the system is all they say. It works with the can bus just like factory unit. It is not perfect but it imho it is better than any of systems including the new 2011. Ihave taken full pics and will post a few in the next few days.
The interior is also in - completely remodeled interior. Pics to follow.
The interior is also in - completely remodeled interior. Pics to follow.
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 388
Likes: 1
From: Austria
Mercedes
Love the head unit. Looks very OEMish to me.
Could I simply replace the head unit on my 2004 with this new thing? I.e. would it work with my OEM BOSE sound system?
Also, does this head unit's GPS system have options to work everywhere in the world? Like, could I set it to work in Europe or in Asia?
Many Qs. Thanks in advance!
Could I simply replace the head unit on my 2004 with this new thing? I.e. would it work with my OEM BOSE sound system?
Also, does this head unit's GPS system have options to work everywhere in the world? Like, could I set it to work in Europe or in Asia?
Many Qs. Thanks in advance!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
SL55 AMG
Love the head unit. Looks very OEMish to me.
Could I simply replace the head unit on my 2004 with this new thing? I.e. would it work with my OEM BOSE sound system?
Also, does this head unit's GPS system have options to work everywhere in the world? Like, could I set it to work in Europe or in Asia?
Many Qs. Thanks in advance!
Could I simply replace the head unit on my 2004 with this new thing? I.e. would it work with my OEM BOSE sound system?
Also, does this head unit's GPS system have options to work everywhere in the world? Like, could I set it to work in Europe or in Asia?
Many Qs. Thanks in advance!
OEM? NO. Need new amplifier that is not D2B (fiber optic)
GPS? YES. You buy a chip from the company.
READ:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...w-bit-kit.html
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Yes Oren is right. You can not use existing amp BUT you do not necessarily need new amp (although recommended), since you can connect the speakers directly to the head unit and use the internal head unit amp. I never tried that so I have no idea of it's power, although from the weight, I doubt it is very powerful.
The unit comes shipped with a micro sd card for you region that has the .exe file for igo. You can Download any other nav programs although the new Igo is VERY good.
The unit comes shipped with a micro sd card for you region that has the .exe file for igo. You can Download any other nav programs although the new Igo is VERY good.
OEM? NO. Need new amplifier that is not D2B (fiber optic)
GPS? YES. You buy a chip from the company.
READ:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...w-bit-kit.html
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
GPS? YES. You buy a chip from the company.
READ:
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...w-bit-kit.html
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
As promised - here are the set of pictures for the interior and audio install. I will post others for other mods in the next few days
Last edited by nir; Feb 6, 2012 at 02:06 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Last radio pics: The install took 4 days and was done by the guys at Power station (Reseda, Ca). These cars are difficult to work with. Thanks to theri tenacity that we got this unit working Rony, Jesus and Javier have the patience and dedication. Jesus knows how to take these cars apart, do a good install and put them back together with no broken clips!
I expect that the next one will be done faster as they are now very familiar with the unit. If you are in socal, PM me if you need their info or tell them i sent you.
I expect that the next one will be done faster as they are now very familiar with the unit. If you are in socal, PM me if you need their info or tell them i sent you.
Last edited by nir; Feb 6, 2012 at 02:01 PM.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Enclosed are the seat pictures. The complete interior panels and carpets were painted black and the seats were recovered. The upholstery shop has the template for the seats, so he can ship them or if you are in so cal he can install them in 1 day. if any of you want to do this, pm me.
Last edited by nir; Feb 6, 2012 at 02:02 PM.
