SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Head unit replacement
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
Well, you have a usb and ipod connection so I'm assuming that they will act pretty similar to an aux input type setup. That would probably mean that you could use one of those inputs for a separate satellite radio. I'm no guru when it comes to this but common sense suggests that it could be done.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
Hey Guys, I just had a new installer out to take care of a couple nagging issues so I thought I would update the thread;
The new installer (he mostly does aftermarket installs at MB dealerships and Indy's) came out yesterday. I had a couple of issues like weak radio reception and some engine noise. He was not too complimentary of the original installer but, the proof is in the pudding so to speak...
Anyway, he and another guy spent a couple of hours on it and installed the reverse camera and from what he told me, he totally rewired the whole thing. The sound which was fine by my standards before is IMHO, as good as the stock unit and that's without an AMP! The previous guy did not even wire up the center speaker but now it's rocking.
The best part is the in-dash display. Now, all of the steering wheels buttons function just like the original and the channel I'm listening to or track number, etc even shows up on the dash. He even changed the programming so I have the ability to change the center clock from the dash. The AM/FM reception is also as good as what I had with the stock unit.
The end result after a few hiccups is that I have a unit that's totally integrated, a perfect fit that looks and feels like a modern OEM version and I'm a very happy camper. I would now recommend this to anyone and if you're in the Atlanta area, you're welcome to stop by and take a look.
The only word of caution is that you need to be careful who you have install it. This last installer knew MB and knew this unit and now I have a flawless install.
The new installer (he mostly does aftermarket installs at MB dealerships and Indy's) came out yesterday. I had a couple of issues like weak radio reception and some engine noise. He was not too complimentary of the original installer but, the proof is in the pudding so to speak...
Anyway, he and another guy spent a couple of hours on it and installed the reverse camera and from what he told me, he totally rewired the whole thing. The sound which was fine by my standards before is IMHO, as good as the stock unit and that's without an AMP! The previous guy did not even wire up the center speaker but now it's rocking.
The best part is the in-dash display. Now, all of the steering wheels buttons function just like the original and the channel I'm listening to or track number, etc even shows up on the dash. He even changed the programming so I have the ability to change the center clock from the dash. The AM/FM reception is also as good as what I had with the stock unit.
The end result after a few hiccups is that I have a unit that's totally integrated, a perfect fit that looks and feels like a modern OEM version and I'm a very happy camper. I would now recommend this to anyone and if you're in the Atlanta area, you're welcome to stop by and take a look.
The only word of caution is that you need to be careful who you have install it. This last installer knew MB and knew this unit and now I have a flawless install.
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E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
How is the display in the daylight. I've found aftermarket units just don't have the brightness of the MB units when subjected to direct sunlight. You can't really see the display until it's dark out.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
It's great until you have direct sunlight on it. Someone on here mentioned that they had the same problem with a stock unit and bought an anti-glare screen protector that worked nicely. I may try it but like I said, that's only with the sun on the perfect angle.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
I think that's the key to this. Finding an installer that knows the Benz is a plus. I'm a perfect example... Maybe call a couple of dealerships and ask if they can recommend anyone?
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