Minty Fresh

Just got back from my favorite car stereo shop, and he suggested the Kenwood DDX9902S. I only got an estimate for new HU, new amp (Mosconi), new front speakers and subwoofer (Focal), and a back-up cam... $4.2k OUCH. Now thinking just the HU and MOST adapter based on the good reviews here of how good the sound is after replacing the head unit only.

BlownV8

Installer.com has everything you need and you can DIY for less than half that price.

Minty Fresh

I believe you, but taking car interiors apart and messing with wiring is not something I feel comfortable doing. The few times I've done it I was so relieved when the final piece went back into place.

Minty Fresh

I asked my stereo shop how much to do just the HU and MOST converter, and he said he could replace the stock amp with a Kenwood 5 ch. amp for the same price as the MOST conversion. Is this a better idea?

EuroDriverSD

IMHO, I don't think it is. You're going to end up having to do so much rewiring, if you don't change out all the speakers, you'll eventually blow them out and have to replace them anyway. On top of that, there is so much of the vehicle's infotainment system tied into the MOST ring that you're going to end up with a lot of dysfunctional features and just a 4-channel + sub audio. To me, it's analogous to replacing your full symphony orchestra with a high school marching band.

I'm just a lurker here from the feeble E350 crowd but I'm looing to do an upgrade similar to the OP, but with the Kenwood DNN992 HU. I have been researching this for the past several weeks and ultimately decided to go with preserving the factory amp/speaker system. Some of the components are still en route, but I'm hoping to do the upgrade in about a week.

With regard to the NAV-TV interface, it's the same as the Opti-1 which I purchased for $400 shipped here. Look up jbondox who is the guru on the interface (I think he either invented it or was largely involved in its development). He's been giving me pointers in this thread

At his suggestion, I went with the Metra Axxes SWC-1, but now I'm very curious about the idatalink maestro. Anyone have any experience with it? What are its advantages? I looked it up, but haven't found any info on its compatibility with the W211. Any input helps.

e34nication

Are you just looking for bluetooth phone integration for calls? If so, the Tooki is working well in my car (I also had a Streamblue installed via the aux-in for bluetooth audio).

WIKDWS6

Anyone else use the MOST-H.U.R. MB (OPTI-1) unit? I can't deal with the stock headunit anymore.

EuroDriverSD

Just to update: I had the DNN992 installed using the Opti-1. I'm quite happy with the results. The audio (especially the sub) have really come to life and now I'm technologically up-to-date (especially with navigation) without hacking up my car

WIKDWS6

Good to hear. Do you think the system still needs another aftermarket sub after the change over?

Any pics of the head unit installed? I'm not sure if I should go with the DNN991 or 992?

EuroDriverSD

I don't think so, at least not for me. My friends thought I added a sub box after the upgrade. It doesn't boom hard or anything but it did sound much more robust

WIKDWS6

Does your clock still work with the aftermarket headunit? What steering wheel control adapter are you using?

EuroDriverSD

Clock still works - you just need to set the clock sync to off, otherwise it won't let you adjust it.


I used the Metra ASWC-1 SWC adapter. Everything worked for me, except the telephone buttons on the steering wheel. I have read it worked for many others but in my case, I couldn't program them even after replacing the SWC. I kind of don't mind it because the hang-up button works as a mute button. Perfect for me, since my head unit does not have a dedicated mute button.


Here's a link on what I needed & what I did: https://mbworld.org/forums/audio-ele...ions-w211.html

WANTED!!

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on a kenwood myself. But I'm also curious as to the nav antenna situation.
AM I going to have to drill a hole in my dash or rear shelf? Can it be under the dash? Does it integrate with the existing antenna? ETC...