Not happy with this head unit...

[rich1068]

My new to me '03 CLK came with this aftermarket head unit.



Sounds great (which makes me feel better about the stock speakers) but looks hateful. Not a fan of modern head units in older cars. It has aux and USB inputs which are OK I suppose but I don't own any CDs.

So I think I'm going to swap it out for something else. I have two options.

1) Buy an original head unit off the Bay along with an original cubby for underneath. Like this but ideally cassette. I like my cassettes



Everything nice and original but even though they're Becker units I doubt they're too sparkling. Especially in cassette guise.

2) I've got the chance to pick up a slightly older than period Blaupunkt Koln. Looks great, top quality in it's day and probably graced the interior of many a 90s Mercedes.



Also, just rounded enough not to jar with the centre console styling imo. Though I would have to keep the angular cubby in the first pic.

So what do you think? Opinions? Or suggestions on alternatives?

 

[Smart320]

Sounds good to me you should put in what makes you happy, with a tape player if that’s what you like to listen to. Agree that the current unit looks a bit rough, actually I like the look of the Blaupunkt unit

 

[Bortig]

Think I'd go for the Becker it looks more original to me from the second photo

 

[rich1068]

Oh no! Two responses, two different views

I think I'll probably end up with the Blaupunkt because a) it looks cool (to me) b) it's the sort of thing my dad would have had in his old Mercedes c) back in the day I wouldn't have been able to afford one.

a tape player if that’s what you like to listen to

It's making the cassettes that I enjoy more than anything else. I also enjoy Minidisc but there aren't any head units that look "right".

 

[rich1068]

I also enjoy Minidisc but there aren't any head units that look "right".

Apart from this one and now I'm wracked with indecision...

 

[Kudly]

Not enough buttons

 

[rich1068]

Not enough buttons

And writing. I think there's room for more writing.

Note the CLK button though. Wonder what that does in err... a CLK?

 

[Kudly]

And writing. I think there's room for more writing.

Note the CLK button though. Wonder what that does in err... a CLK?

Didn't notice that! To remind you what car you're in of course

 

[richard]

Consider putting in a Pioneer double din CarPlay unit. I say Pioneer because I assume the existing pioneer works with the steering wheel controls, so you wont need to change anything on those, and Pioneer units are decent and reliable !

R

 

[Trickythemerc]

I have a Pioneer Avic-920 DAB with a proper install. Brilliant bit of kit that performs without fault.

 

[rich1068]

Consider putting in a Pioneer double din CarPlay unit. I say Pioneer because I assume the existing pioneer works with the steering wheel controls, so you wont need to change anything on those, and Pioneer units are decent and reliable !

R

Thanks for the suggestion but no the Pioneer doesn't make use of the steering wheel controls. Also, a double din unit and I'm back to the modern unit in an old car issue. Well, it's an issue for me at least. Just doesn't look right in my eyes.

 

[markjay]

Personally, I would fit the original single-DIN radio, possibly with an amp hidden under the dash if the sound quality isn't good enough. This will retain the original look and feel (and steering wheel buttons).

If you also want satnav, then I would opt for a double-DIN Android unit, but this will be function over form.

I don't see much point in retrofitting COMAND, not even with the HK option, because the display will be outdated and the HK sound is mediocre at best.

 

[rich1068]

Personally, I would fit the original single-DIN radio, possibly with an amp hidden under the dash if the sound quality isn't good enough. This will retain the original look and feel (and steering wheel buttons).

If you also want satnav, then I would opt for a double-DIN Android unit, but this will be function over form.

I don't see much point in retrofitting COMAND, not even with the HK option, because the display will be outdated and the HK sound is mediocre at best.

I've flip flopped backwards and forwards between the Blaupunkt mentioned earlier and the original head unit. I am now coming down on the side of original as you mention. They seem to be plentiful and prices are reasonable. I'd have to source a good condition original cubby for under the unit too.

A hidden amp is a good suggestion too

 

[markjay]

I've flip flopped backwards and forwards between the Blaupunkt mentioned earlier and the original head unit. I am now coming down on the side of original as you mention. They seem to be plentiful and prices are reasonable. I'd have to source a good condition original cubby for under the unit too.

A hidden amp is a good suggestion too

I don't know if these units had theft protection, but if they did, them you'd want to make sure that the unit you buy is either unlocked or supplied with the code.

 

[rich1068]

I've seen codes mentioned. I assume a dealer could supply one if the unit is locked?

 

[markjay]

I've seen codes mentioned. I assume a dealer could supply one if the unit is locked?

On a modern unit, not really, because the antitheft code locks the unit to the car's VIN for a reason. The antitheft function can be disabled prior to the removal of the unit from the car, but not after.

However I don't know when MB started replacing the old fashioned PIN with the new VIN-locked codes, and I don't know if the radio for the old CLK falls in that category - it might just be a simple PIN, like in the old days. Either way, the seller should provide any relevant antitheft codes as part of the deal, or otherwise confirm that the unit is not locked.

 

[Alfie]

I would install the original Comand unit which although dated, works fully with the steering wheel controls and looks fully factory fitted. To get good sound the factory speakers need changing as the standard ones are rubbish. Its an easy enough job in a CLK.

 

[rich1068]

In the interests of completeness I thought I'd let you know that I've gone for a fully refurbished Mercedes Audio 10 cassette unit with added Bluetooth. My two favourite things, clunky analogue but with digital for when I can't be bothered to put the work in

I've also ordered a genuine cubby off the Bay so it should all look very OEM. Which pleases me.

 

[rich1068]

Ah, much better...



(The wire, haven't sorted out placement of the microphone yet)

 

[rich1068]

Spoke too soon. It appears to have developed a fault. Not long after fitting the Bluetooth and FM stations just faded away to silence and show no sign of returning. My phone will still connect to the unit but no sound. Oddly, cassette and AM frequencies work fine.

The seller is being very helpful but unfortunately I've got to send it back to Germany Can't really get someone here to look at it because any warranty will be void if the unit's cracked open.