Any ideas for an Audio 10 replacement?

[fabes]

Hi

I hit a wall with 4 views from 3 ICE guys re SWC

A local indi here is not certain as advised SWC unit was £100 (www.justkenwood.co.uk offer it for £49.95)

A prestige indi doesn't do Kenwood, but on referral from the MB indi I use, is willing to fit if I supply and will work around what he can

Sextons have quoted me £290 all in assuming the part I think works, does, errr... work

Diesel Benz (member) has just run my VIN through an EPC and advised a production date of 4th Feb 2004 for me (many thanks again), so it should be the 10 way ISO that I 'thought / hoped' it would be

I have an email at MB Germany I had forgotten about but used to get the orginals spec sheet of the car 2 yeas ago - posting question to them now

You could PM Diesel Benz with your VIN and ask nicely - he may be able to confirm your date of manufacture

I will keep you update on my progress but would continue to open this up to any other members here who have dealt with the issue

Cheers

Fabes

PS I was told that a bit of wizardry with a STAR machine could uncover the adapter in place as to whether its a the electronic Canbus which 'the ECU uses to 'know' what head unit is there, or not. (this bit lost me....) perhaps Alfie, Mark and the Command guys could give a view (please?)

 

[Deker]

If it's still not too late to go with a Pioneer head unit these work, it depends on the stereo connection whether you need the 131 or the 133, mines the 133 and everything on the steering wheel works apart from the telephone buttons and I can live with that.

Just noticed the year of your car, it would probably be worth calling them to double check.

 

[fabes]

An update

Following a call with MB customer services, my questions were answered that

1. It is a Becker unit (6021)
2. It is fitted with a 10 way ISO - so the Kenwood SWC would/should work
3. That although not advertised, it has Aux in on the rear

Now following a shock bill from HMRC I am open to a cheaper solution and my local ICE guys and I spent an hour and a half this afternoon taking it all out to confirm the first two points, found a 12V power in the 'block' so may well the MB 'expert' CS referred the issue to, could be right.

a bespoke connection power and audio into the top of the arm rest would allow me to use the IPOD, retain SWC for the head unit and volume.

Two issues to resolve

1. Is there AUX IN L&R? - wiring diagrams and further research under way
2. IF so, how do we select the source?

We are thinking that either there is a power up source select (switch the Ipod on and the Becker selects it?)
OR
Double tap on the CD switch to select ,essentially, CDC (AUX Changer or Ipod)

CAN ANYBODY CHIP IN HERE?

It does mean I don't have to / need to get a new toy to play with (head unit and full Ipod control) but thanks to the need to restuff the governments coffers single handily, I may not have to scrub the idea all together

Omega1 - don't know if this helps, but give MBenz CS a call with your VIN and see what you get?

PS the ICE guys (who i'll name if they solve it) are on this foc at the moment as I am not the first to ask this by a long way locally so if they can crack it, they consider it time well invested.

Will let you know

Fabes

 

[fabes]

Drat

MBenz tech in Maschtrict have been on the phone to the ICE firm looking at my car and they were incorrect - there is no Aux in to the Audio 10.

Thanks for raising my hopes guys!

Parked for the moment then.

I don't have the money for aftermarket now, so dropping it for the moment.



If any body has a low costs alternative, I'm all ears

 

[omega1]

I recall seeing some instructions on taking out (dismantling) the Audio10 but cant find them now, can anyone point me in the right direction.

I'm going to see what I can find out about all this...

Thanks

 

[henry1]

If you are not looking to spend a fortune try the Sony MEX-BT2500.I have used one for a year now it will do all you want and looks good in the dash,no flashing lights etc quite restrained.Is iso leads 10min job at the most.built in mike as well..Around £100ish..I fit audio and fones etc so know a little after 30 years.

Will the sony - bt2500 work with the steering wheel buttons?

 

[N7OGP]

I have this one fitted, bluetooth, plays mp3, and ipod via serrate connections
Blaupunkt MP68 bluetooth