Tacjam

What do you guys think?

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/235281-perfect-fit-alpine-nav-install.html

Peter_02AMG

Very nice which PAC controler are you using for hte steering control? I didn't know they make one for mercedes

thanks

Tacjam

I'm using the Alpine KCE-868B steering wheel controller from Europe...the PAC OEA2 ties in the Alpine with the Bose amp/system

Jim

jeff.bisonett

wow, that looks clean!!

How much did it all set you back?

Tacjam

Alpine IVA-W205 $620
Alpine Nav PMD BT200 ........2 months old on Ebay for $280 (new $600) (this also adds BT phone)
Ipod Cord $20
Pac OEA2 $39
Alpine KCE 868B $170 (shipped from Germany)

$1129

-sold Command $800
-sold Argos $500
-what ever the stock changer sells for........
= +171

Peter_02AMG

Hey Jim, do you still need the radio wire harness? what is the Pac OEA2 and where is that installed?

my local stereo shop (Car Toys, Bestbuy, Circity city) are really stupid! they all told me there nothing they can do about the steering control for the stereo and ther no radio harness for our car and that they have to rewire everything..BS

Tacjam

it is BS Peter! Getting another steering wheel controller will be the problem...besides that the Metra #70-1784 "Volkswagon" harness (this fits our cars), the powered antenna connector can be gotten here (Tacoma/Seattle) I got the VW harness from Crutchfield...who sent the wrong antenna adapter. I got it from an audio shop on S38th in Tacoma. I soldered the harnesses and the Pac OEA 2..it was plug and play from that point. The only tap I had to do was to the cig lighter to get a switched 12volt since the MB harness doesn't have this. I turned down the gain on the speaker level converter (Pac OEA2) fade...Lt/RT and Front/back work perfect. Not one wire was cut from my car. I was going to tap into the auto GPS antenna...then I put the antenna that come with the Alpine on top of the heater duct (under the dash)..took the car out of the garage...I got 10 sats...problem solved. If I had to do it again...I can do the entire system in about 4 hours...most of that time is soldering the Apline to the PAC and then to the VW harness.


Jim

maxwerks

Jim,
Great Job! Congrats...questions please:
Did the surround plate around the Alpine fit exactly as shown where the comand opening is or did you have to get a custom trim? ALSO...
It s probably a silly question but would the adapter you used to keep the steering control work with a Pioneer unit ( D3) , or are you aware of the Euro pioneer steering control adapter? I remember hearing that one exists somewhere. any help and guidance will be greatly appreciated. Regards, Max

Tacjam

The cage that came with the alpine fit perfectly into the opening...I put 4 rivits in the cage to hold it in place..the reason for rivits instead of screws...rivits are flush so the Alpine wouldn't get scratched up sliding it in place. The trim peace did indeed come with the unit..I also thought I would have to make a trim peace, no modifications to the cage or the trim peace was needed. Leomd used the Pioneer AVIC D3, he ended up pulling it out because of the fit...no cage or trim peace. I know Pioneer Europe makes a MB to infra red repeater that works...the only problem is those tend to suck, delays...then volume jumps up super fast..then the sun causes it not to work..ect. The Alpine KCE 868B is plug and play...hardwired that works flawlessly. I don't know if it works with other than Alpine head units. The next time I install an AVIC into a vehicle I will let you know...I'll test it =)


here is a link to the SWC...

http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/pro...ts_id/461.html

Jim

Yacht Master

Nice work, Tacjam
I am impressed, I understand the alpine is better than the pioneer.
I like the ability to keep the Bose in tact.

Tacjam

Thanks....hmmm, I'll trade you my Alpine equipped E55 for yours

TonyC

Q: where did you get the Alpine KCE-868B from exactly?

a US source? a UK source? or directly from Alpine Germany?

thanks!

SaMaS

Great job !!! looks very good enjoy !!!

Tacjam

Don't laugh now...I got it from Ebay Germany

Jim

TonyC

not laughing. that's a LOT of heart. the cheapest from a UK auction site is $170 + shippping from UK.. major kudos to you! i'm assembling my parts list as we speak.

can't find the OEA2 from PAC website tho?

Tacjam

This is the PAC OEA-2, you won't be using the RCA but the speaker level imputs.

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...ch=PAC&tp=3486

Peter_02AMG

Hey Jim, Do you have to use the Pac-OEA-2?

thanks

Tacjam

That all depends on if your new head unit puts out 2 volts or 4 volts to the pre-outs. My Alpine only puts out two volts. So I had to get a speaker level converter to control the gain on the factory amp, otherwise it would be at full volume just a quarter of a turn up. But I know some Alpine Decks do infact put out out 4 volts...if that's the case, you can solder on RCA terminals to the speaker's instead of using speaker level outs. But if your deck is 2 volts I would suggest something like the PAC OEA 2 to have control over the Bose Amp. In short, the Bose amp expects 4 volts and most head units only put out two volts.
That's where the speaker level converter comes into play.


Jim

Tacjam

Well...I just found a problem.....how in the hell do you set the clock in the cluster without Command?

Jim

Peter_02AMG

Tacjam

Thanks Peter,

My car doesn't have the hour/minute time set...it goes straight to the 12/24hr thing. I'm guessing but I bet your car doesn't have Command? I wonder if the dealer can set up my car like a NON Command Car?

Peter_02AMG

No i don't have a COMAND. You are right it doesn't work with COMAND unit.

Tacjam

More than one way to skin a cat...disconnect the battery at midnight!

Peter_02AMG

croweld

that's a good one Tacjam.