Advice on Audio Upgrades

[rf065]

I've now had my CLK for 2 weeks. The Audio 20 and standard speakers sound fine to me, problem is, I don't want to have to fill the car up with CD's everywhere. I was thinking along the line of mp3's.

Any advice would be appreciated on the best route, I was thinking either a 6 CD changer in the glovebox or a MP3 player connected to the Aux input of the Audio 20.

MB want £331 for a CD changer, I've saw some on e-bay but have no idea if they will fit my car or how easy they to fit at all. Same with the MP3 player to Aux input, how easy would that be to fit and where would I get the cable from, what connections are on the back of the Audio 20?

Anyone who has upgraded or has any knowledge on this subject?

Russ

 

[jberks]

Not done it but ...

I was lucky, my car came with an MP3 compatible cd changer so I just dumped a few hundred MP3s onto CDs and I'm away, so assuming you get the right model that will work. Do be aware though that some MB changers aren't MP3 compatible and all you get on the display is track 0-99 (it won't address track 100).
You don't say how old the car is. Assuming it's new enough, the MB Ipod interface kit is the best as it gives track details on the screen and dash. Otherwise I'd be looking at something like this http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/6024.html or http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/i...y_Interfaces?gclid=CPrj_v7wj40CFQtHQwodNzQ5pQ

Just be careful as some hook into the cd changer input and some Audio 20s don't have the aux input (mine doesn't).

 

[rf065]

[http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/6024.html[/url] or http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/i...y_Interfaces?gclid=CPrj_v7wj40CFQtHQwodNzQ5pQ

Just be careful as some hook into the cd changer input and some Audio 20s don't have the aux input (mine doesn't).[/QUOTE]


Car is a Dec 05 model & Aux input active comes up on screen. The mods you have mentioned, talk about fibre optics, does the Audio 20 use fibre optics?

Russ

 

[carabind]

I got a neat little MP3 player from oseas, it plugs into the cigar lighter and transmits to the radio via a low FM frequency - these were illegal, but are OK now, I believe. No need to remove the radio with this. With 1g memory, it hold 200 songs.
far better than a CD changer - and with no moving parts less likley to go wrong!

 

[Alfie]

[http://caraudiosecurity.com/shop/product/products_id/6024.html[/url] or http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/i...y_Interfaces?gclid=CPrj_v7wj40CFQtHQwodNzQ5pQ

Just be careful as some hook into the cd changer input and some Audio 20s don't have the aux input (mine doesn't).

Car is a Dec 05 model & Aux input active comes up on screen. The mods you have mentioned, talk about fibre optics, does the Audio 20 use fibre optics?

Russ[/QUOTE]

The audio20 only has fibre into it if you have telephone pre-wire or a Cd changer installed. Otherwise you dont need fibre.

CD changers are easily retrofitted, including the fibre, on a car providing you can do it without removing the glove box (pig of a job on a W203/W209). the best route in my opinion id to retrofit the Mercedes IPOD interface kit. The parts are about £180 and its fairly straight forward to do.

If you have phone pre-wire, then no coding will be required. If you dont have pre-wire then a trip to the dealer for coding will be required!

 

[saleemarshad]

get the ipod kit fitted. Saves having cds lying around and its v handy.!!!
430GBP fully fitted from mercedes dealer

 

[jberks]

Alfie,
Out of curiosity.. My Audio20 is an 04 model without an aux interface but I do have phone prewire and the cd changer. Can I use the MB Ipod interface or is mine too old?

 

[Phil D]

not sure about 04 models, but I got the ipod kit fitted to my 54 w203 - don't pay dealer prices - got the kit with club discount for 160, had it fitted by an indie with all the necessary computer kit for around 80 - result a several hundred cd player, controlled through the steering wheel for around the same price as a six cd changer - if you've got shares in anyone who makes those things - sell before its too late!

 

[rf065]

I got a neat little MP3 player from oseas, it plugs into the cigar lighter and transmits to the radio via a low FM frequency - these were illegal, but are OK now, I believe. No need to remove the radio with this. With 1g memory, it hold 200 songs.
far better than a CD changer - and with no moving parts less likley to go wrong!

I already have an MP3 player with FM transmitter. In all honesty, the sound quality is not great, I also find it very difficult to get a frequency that does not suffer interference from the nearest radio channel.

That's why I was thinking MP3's through a CD changer as the standard Audio 20 does not play MP3's. An I Pod interface seems expensive too. Has anyone connected the Aux input to allow an MP3 player to work? It sounds as if it might be the cheapest option.

Russ