SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Questions on a buyinga SL55, stereo wiring, updating, which year?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
2003 SL55 / 2013 SL550
Questions on a buyinga SL55, stereo wiring, updating, which year?
Hi, I used to have a 2003 SL55, I of course loved it. I am looking to get another.
Background
I am told the 2005 and newer versions have an all digital stereo wiring harness or something, that my older 2003 could not plug into an iphone.
Mine also always had the notice that the MB phone service was not turned on, which was annoying. Iwill not have the in car phone working, like everyone else, I have a cell phone. I would prefer the notice would disappear.
I am not looking to keep the one I buy stock. I am curious about upgraded stereos, navigation etc. But I do want the stereo controls on the wheel to work. I want it to appear stock, just be better.
Any ideas on updated electronics in the SL55? Does it matter which one you buy and then upgrade?
Any thoughts are appreciated...
Background
I am told the 2005 and newer versions have an all digital stereo wiring harness or something, that my older 2003 could not plug into an iphone.
Mine also always had the notice that the MB phone service was not turned on, which was annoying. Iwill not have the in car phone working, like everyone else, I have a cell phone. I would prefer the notice would disappear.
I am not looking to keep the one I buy stock. I am curious about upgraded stereos, navigation etc. But I do want the stereo controls on the wheel to work. I want it to appear stock, just be better.
Any ideas on updated electronics in the SL55? Does it matter which one you buy and then upgrade?
Any thoughts are appreciated...
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 955
Likes: 127
From: Kansas
2003 E55, 2003 SL55, 2014 CLS63, 2018 q50 Redsport, 1968 Camaro SS, 1999 Trans am Firehawk
2005+ is easiest to upgrade. You can buy a $500 box that will make an aftermarket head unit plug and play with the car's stereo and steering wheel controls. You can buy a double din kit that will replace the area above the the cupholders for about $100.
If you have an 03-04 you can do the same double din idea, but you would need to swap out the cupholder covers to the 05+ style or cut your current surround (which doesn't look good when you do b/c it won't sit flush with the double din kit). You also need to put in an aftermarket amp if you go 03-04 and run power wires to it from the trunk battery as well as run wires from the new headunit to the amp. From the new amp you can connect onto the factory wiring that goes to the speakers and use those. You can also get a steering wheel conversion harness that will allow it to work with the new headunit. The 03-04 is swap to an aftermarket unit is doable, but just more work.
If you get an 03-04 you can run a wire from the glovebox to the headphone jack of your iphone (that's what I'm currently doing) & the 05+ don't have this ability.
As far as the no phone service showing up in the dash, this is a <5 min job using a Star tool. You can also program out the teleaide system so warnings don't come it for it too. The other alternative is to buy a bluetooth puck that replaces the factory phone in the car and pairs via bluetooth to your new iphone and allows you to place calls using the phone system in the car through your phone.
If you have an 03-04 you can do the same double din idea, but you would need to swap out the cupholder covers to the 05+ style or cut your current surround (which doesn't look good when you do b/c it won't sit flush with the double din kit). You also need to put in an aftermarket amp if you go 03-04 and run power wires to it from the trunk battery as well as run wires from the new headunit to the amp. From the new amp you can connect onto the factory wiring that goes to the speakers and use those. You can also get a steering wheel conversion harness that will allow it to work with the new headunit. The 03-04 is swap to an aftermarket unit is doable, but just more work.
If you get an 03-04 you can run a wire from the glovebox to the headphone jack of your iphone (that's what I'm currently doing) & the 05+ don't have this ability.
As far as the no phone service showing up in the dash, this is a <5 min job using a Star tool. You can also program out the teleaide system so warnings don't come it for it too. The other alternative is to buy a bluetooth puck that replaces the factory phone in the car and pairs via bluetooth to your new iphone and allows you to place calls using the phone system in the car through your phone.
