What model is my Audio 20?

[colin_thames]

Just got a 2004 model W211 200k estate. Nice car, though I miss my old 320 CLK six cylinder engine and the fuel economy!

I've decided not to upgrade the audio 20 head unit, which is the basic single CD variety, but would like to get ipod integration of some sort, to a budget. It seems that my Audio 20 is too old to have the aux input. I've held down the CDC button but nothing happens other than getting "No CDC" message. I've seen the topic on altering a cassette Audio 20 to take Aux in but this seems a bit over the top.

One option seems to be Dension FM Link, which comes in under £100. Their full ICE Link (which shows menus on the head unit) isn't available for the Audio 20. The Dension FM just plugs in to the aerial socket, so you just get a better noise free signal than using my old iPod iTrip, plus the Dension plugs in to the iPod base so almost any iPod model from about 2G to 5G, plus Nano will work with it. The only downside I can see is that the Dension apparently cuts off the aerial signal when the iPod is plugged in, so you get no Traffic Announcements, and you have to unplug the iPod to go back to radio - bizarre! I wonder if I couldn't just have a two-into-one aerial connection to avoid this?

I have three questions:

1. How do I extract the audio 20? My old audio 10 and audio 30 had keys but there's no sign of this on the Audio 20.

2. Does anyone have a Dension FM Link? What did you think?

3. Does Becker do any other interface? Just wondering if there might be some other interface available, other than the rather pricey MB one. If I can get the unit out I can confirm who makes it (is it Becker still?) and what model it is. Maybe Becker or someone else will do an iPod interface that is compatible, and could be linked to the CD changer input?

Any thoughts or ideas gratefully received, especially to question 1, which I need whatever solution I use.

 

[television]

You do have an Opitical input on the back, there are a few converters around that change anolouge into optical. I do not know if Ipods come with an optical output.

Malcolm

 

[colin_thames]

Thanks Television. You mention that there are optical to analogue converters. Do you know of any that work with the Audio 20?

BTW, I found out tonight where the two bolts are that hold in the Audio 20 after taking a look at the M-B WIS. I'll take a look in the next few days and see what I can find out. Installing a CD changer didn't look that hard. Might give it a try if I can find a reasonably priced one.

 

[television]

Thanks Television. You mention that there are optical to analogue converters. Do you know of any that work with the Audio 20?

BTW, I found out tonight where the two bolts are that hold in the Audio 20 after taking a look at the M-B WIS. I'll take a look in the next few days and see what I can find out. Installing a CD changer didn't look that hard. Might give it a try if I can find a reasonably priced one.

I missed the bit about FM converter's, try and not go that way the frequency response is not that good 15k -3db on average, bottom end not good either.
I had some info on optical converter's in a flyer that came to me recently, and I will try and find it.

Malcolm

 

[mckcol]

This was fitted to my SLK when I bought it:

http://www.harmankardon.com/product_detail.aspx?Region=EUROPE&Country=GB&Language=ENG&cat=CIA&prod=HK-DP2EU&sType=C

It uses a plug in FM transmitter, which also keeps the original FM connection.

Seems to sound ok - not as good as a direct connection, much better than iTrip.

I/F is excellent

Regards
Colin

 

[djheap22]

number of products that will allow you to connect ipod via the cd changer port. No good if you intend to get cd changer as well, but may be an idea to look into rather than an fm transmitter.

couple of links below to get you going.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/in-car-iPod-i...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:10|39:1|240:1318

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/iPod-Adapter-...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:10|39:1|240:1318

http://www.mercupgrades.com/IPOD+Retrofit+in+A++B++C++CLK++ML++GL++R+Class-article-35.html

http://www.comandonline.co.uk/home.php?cat=249

 

[axe220cdi]

I have just extracted my audio 20 and this is the procedure:
1 - Open the door to the ash-tray/lighter.
2 - Grab hold of the end of the gear knob surround (the ash-tray end), and pull it up (dont worry, you won't break it! It snaps on and off).
3 - There is one horizontal screw (star-shaped head), that is slightly left off centre. Unscrew-it. Leave the 2 vertical screws alone.
4 - Pop out the ash tray. It's attached by a power cord.
5 - Next are the 2 black horizontal screws either side of the multi-change cd player above. Unscrew them. When you pull out the unit, it will snag on a cable attached to the underside of the unit. Pull down on the cables which are atached to a plastic box, attached to a clip on the underside of the unit. The box should now slide out (attached to a cable.
6 - Unscrew the 2 vertical screws under the audio 20 unit either side. These screws do not come out, and just 'un-do'. You have to unscrew them all the way which means ALOT! They remain attached to the chasis.
Now the Audio 20 should slide out. Squeze the antenna clip (single wire) and pull out. The other multi-cabled connector is pulled out by pulling up on the top part of the bracket, and just pull away.

Please remember not to force anything; everything is designed to come apart easily!
It should take you less than 3 mins to take apart. The only snag is you need special star-shaped driver heads, and 3 different sizes for the 3 different units (dont ask why)!
When you put things back, the ash tray unit is a bit dodgy, but dont give up hope. Practice putting it back without the CD changer above it so you can understand how it snaps in.
Lastly, snap back the gear knob surround and you're done!
Good luck!
PS: this is for a W211 e-class.
Hope it helps.
alex

 

[television]

Thanks Alex for the above post

 

[Celtic pride]

Thanks for the information Alex, I am steeling myself to get at the back of the audio 10 in my W209 CLK.

I want to install a Harmon Kardon Drive and Play I used successfully in a Volve for about five years. I paid about £140 fitted - they're down to £40 (unfitted) in Halfords. My problem is a blanking plate for the cubby under the audio 10 as it is not rectangular but curves across the horizontals.

I heartilly recommend the HK Drive and Play - they give full control of the iPod functions - the six CD stacker in my car can't compete with 3000+ iPod tracks, playlists etc.

There is a new version now with coloured screen too - go to their website