nir

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

cfi_luz

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?

oren217

Just curious,

why are you installing two 4 channel amps? I understand using 2 amps...1 for components and 1 for the sub..but why would u need a 4 channel amp for the sub?

AMG Xpress

Subscribed

nir

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!

nir

They are building a custom box as the new sub is 13" vs the oem 8".

nir

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]

AMG Xpress

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.

nir

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.

oren217

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?

freestylebiker3

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 )

nir

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.

nir

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.

CHP_H8_ME

Can't wait to see, these stock command units really suck

nir

Well, you' re welcome to come see it. Pm me.

CHP_H8_ME

Thanks for the invite, I'll hit you up tomorrow on the PM.

Robert58757

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?

oren217

dude....my reading comprehension skills are not that great,but seriously?? this has been answered like 19 times

Sharkster

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!

oren217

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

nir

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.

nir

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

nir

2nd set of pics:

nir

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.

nir

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.