CL203/W203 touch screen stereo system

[onwell]

Might be a shot in the dark but worth a try, would anyone be able to point me in the right direction in regards to a touch screen/sat nav stereo system that will be compatible with a C-Class Sport Coupe (03-07 Model).

Being able to use the steering wheel controls (vol + -) after the upgrade is not a necessity but would be a welcome extra.

Bit of a noob on the subject so any guidance will be appreciated.

 

[jaymanek]

There isnt much in the way of aftermarket out there that works with steering wheel controls.

I would speak to Alfie on here who owns comandonline.co.uk - he has an audio business selling all sorts of makes and models but specialises in mercedes upgrades.

 

[gIzzE]

You can buy a Connects 2 stalk adapter, this will give you speed pule, 12v switched, reverse signal, parking signal and illumination, it will also make it plug and play and will get your steering wheel buttons working (you will have to buy another cable to plug into your head unit, various types for Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood etc. and only a £5).

You will also need a fascia adapter to fit a double din unit in, but whole install will take around 30 minutes and is dead easy.


I would look at the Pioneer AVIC-F940BT, Dynamic Sounds were doing them for £499 last week, and they are guys I always use for the fascia and adapter too.

There is also the Pioneer App Radio DA100 which will allow you to plug and iPhone in and use the nav etc. off that, only up to 4s though as video has been removed from the iPhone 5.
This is £300.

 

[onwell]

Thanks gIzzE that starts me off in the right direction.

I like the sound of both the Pioneers from what I've seen, also seems like the install wouldn't be as daunting as first anticipated.

Being an avid protester against the day light robbery that is Apple, would you know how effective the Android compatibility on the App Radio DA100 is? From some reviews I have read it might be more friendly towards apple products.

 

[gIzzE]

I wouldn't know mate, I like Apple as it is simple and just works.

I had the appradio, but now the F940BT is down to £499 I would definitely go with that.

The Clarion units look nice too, but still think the 940BT is going to be very hard to beat, plus they have a nice full warm sound.

 

[mxs]

There isnt much in the way of aftermarket out there that works with steering wheel controls.

Really!...... I beg to differ

 

[V12]

You can get any aftermarket solution to work with your controls with the correct adapters.

I had a couple of fancy pioneer touch screen units and to be honest...i missed the buttons. They were great units with all the bells and whistles and reasonably intuitive.

In real life use, they are a distraction and a pain.
You do get used to it, but on a rough road it can be difficult sometimes to hit the right part of the screen.

If you want sat nav + dvd playback, then you are limited to something touch screen but if these 2 features are low on your priority list...look for a unit with physical buttons. In the real world they perform better, easier to use and cost less.

 

[gIzzE]

I agree with that completely, the Pioneer F940 is better than the top of the range F40BT as it has more proper buttons.

 

[onwell]

In real life use, they are a distraction and a pain.

You are quite right. I suppose me wanting a touch screen is a classic example of form over function. The F940 seems to be a good compromise as it has some physical buttons. With you guys having confirmed that the steering controls work I would not mind parting with that kind of money for the pioneer.

 

[annalf]

Information Request

You can buy a Connects 2 stalk adapter, this will give you speed pule, 12v switched, reverse signal, parking signal and illumination, it will also make it plug and play and will get your steering wheel buttons working (you will have to buy another cable to plug into your head unit, various types for Pioneer, Sony, Kenwood etc. and only a £5).

You will also need a fascia adapter to fit a double din unit in, but whole install will take around 30 minutes and is dead easy.


I would look at the Pioneer AVIC-F940BT, Dynamic Sounds were doing them for £499 last week, and they are guys I always use for the fascia and adapter too.

There is also the Pioneer App Radio DA100 which will allow you to plug and iPhone in and use the nav etc. off that, only up to 4s though as video has been removed from the iPhone 5.
This is £300.

Hi, first post from a new C220 Estate owner (W203).

I am keen to update the radio to the F940BT and some accessories. Firstly, the car has no parking sensors and I think it would be prudent with my slow maneuvering ability to get some pretty quick. Which aftermarket sensors are compatible with the F940BT, any recommends?

Also Dynamic Sounds offers a choice of three different cameras with the FB940T ranging from £49.99 to £189. Is it a case of you pays for what you get or are there other cameras out there more suited to the C220 estate?

Any answers would be greatly appreciated as my techie knowledge is as bad as my parking!

 

[gIzzE]

Just buy a camera, parking sensors not really needed then anyway.
Most have their own speaker anyway, so nothing to do with the radio.

I would just get the cheapest camera.