E320 CDI and pioneer AVIC F900BT Connectivity

[jazzenator]

Hi Guys and Gals

Have bought a Pioneer AVIC f900BT and took it to Halford to have it fitted to my 2004 E320CDI.
The technician after taking the Audio 20 out mentioned that the car had fiberoptic connections and that they could not carry out this installation and if I wanted to get this installed then I would have to get all the speakers rewired as well as a new amp.
He recommended a couple of auto electricians.
The questions are-
1) Does my car really have fiberoptics
2) If so then is it possible to install the Pioneer system
3) Are there any reputable indies over here that will advice me and if possible qoute me for an installation.
4) Does any one have any specs on the Audio 20 connectiity etc.

Thanks

jim

 

[jazzenator]

hi any thoughts anyone?

 

[jazzenator]

no one willing to help?

 

[biournie]

all i can advise here is that all later mercs do not have an ignition live to factory fitted units. as the units are switched on with a pulse/fibre optic.But there are ignition lives there, your fitter is obviously not experienced enough to know about these cars. You can actually fit this yourself...... try taking an ignition live from the cigar lighter perhaps?

 

[Blobcat]

Yes you do have optical connections. Alfie is the man when it comes to changing out the systems however he specialises in fitting Comand. He will no doubt be able to advise you on what you need or who you need to speak to.
I was thinking about the F900BT for my Caravelle however am now leaning towards the Kenwood DNX8220BT. What did you consider before getting the Pioneer?

 

[jazzenator]

hi thanks for your replies.
I haven't looked at any other makes to be quite honest. The reason I setttled for Pioneer was because I had an AVIX X1R fitted to my Evo and it was fantastic so kind of went for the 'devil I know'.
Anyway of contacting Alfie?
Thanks

 

[jberks]

afaik - if you have a post 04 E with audio 20CD(not tape) it shouldn't be a problem. Earlier ones and ones with satnav have a fible optic controlled amp in the boot - hence all the sepakers would be wired from here, but yours and mine have all that kit built into the head unit and hence the speakers should be wired to the front too.
Still check with Alfie as he is the expert.

 

[rivertiger]

Fiber optic car audio to aftermarket car audio systems

I had my COMAND 2.0 system taken out of my C32 AMG and the audio guys said that it was all wired fiber optic from speaker to headunit, including the connections to the amp. If you replace your headunit, the car install guys will have to bypass your amp and wire your new headunit to the speakers directly, with no amplifier used (unless you go with an aftermarket amp as well). Some inexperienced car audio guys have never done this on mercs and thats why they declined. This is very common on merc cars.

 

[bigbobs CL]

If your head unit is controlled by fibre optic then you will require a full re-wire, no other way round it.

 

[rukna]

Not sure if you ever got around to installing the Pioneer in your W211? I'm trying to go that same route, myself. Trying to replace the commander on my 06 E350 with the AVIC-F900BT. Would you/anyone mind sharing your/their experience with this setup?