W203 Dash and Heater Control Centre swap

[OrObOrOs]

Hi All

Newbie here, just bought my first mercedes

Mercedes C230 Kompressor 2002.

I was looking to update the car a little, is it possible to swap over the heating controls and top dash buttons?

i.e change

to something like

I was thinking of getting a non Mercedes head unit to cover both slots which just leaves the heater control unit and top buttons.


i.e MERCEDES C CLASS W203 HEATER AC CONTROL PANEL A2038303485 | eBay

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2005-MERC...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f1ebfb1aa

has anyone got any experiences or guides on this?



Thanks

 

[sspeed]

I know there is someone who has indeed swapped the pre facelift centre console over to the face lifted version..
Its very involved but yes it can be done.
It was quite a while back when I read his howto..
I can remember if it was this forum or "The other one" (I am on both)..

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I've done it on my W209, check the link in my SIG.

Not for the faint hearted and will require dismantling your entire dash

 

[OrObOrOs]

Thanks,

any one done a how to guide?

also can you update the speedometer?

 

[KillerHERTZ]

I planned to do a How to but it was such a huge job it took long enough all ready.

You will also need the facelift cage for inside the dash aswell as you will need to make custom plugs for the cables.

 

[KillerHERTZ]

Here is the thread with photos of me changing it over:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/general-discussion/137132-what-have-i-started.html

 

[whitenemesis]

This may be an informative read?

Facelift center console to prefacelift w203

 

[npuk]

MWSTEWART.CO.UK | Facelift Centre console upgrade and Audio 20

 

[OrObOrOs]

Ok, so I have now found a local breaker that has all three units cd/ control unit, air con unit and the additional buttons / Harzard unit.

Is there anything else I will need,

Killerherts you mentioned "the facelift cage for inside the dash" is that just the cage from which the three units came from.

Also is it a decent enough deal to get all three units for £250?

Thanks for all your wisdom

Alex

 

[OrObOrOs]

Also as it looks look i am going to open the car up I might as well take advantage of any other Tweeks I could do.

Is there any other things I can improve?

Actually how about an iPhone cradle?

 

[OrObOrOs]

Right i am getting more of an idea of what i am going to do.

As the 05 control centre does not play mp3 discs i will be going for thrid party double pin 2Din head unit.

i would like however to update/ replace the HEATER AC CONTROL PANEL but would like to know would if need to replace all three units ( heater, head unit and hazard/ button pannel) or could i just replace 2 of the i.e the heater and head unit?

thanks