W203 facelift radio...

[Yogi bear]

Hi guys,

I've got a facelift W203 (with the big head unit) and was wondering if I can get an aftermarket double din head unit and just slot it straight in?

Also, does anyone know of any wiring problems? My 1series Beemer had to have an ignition wire wired into it....

 

[mxs]

Yes, you can fit an aftermarket double din unit, there are facia adapters available along with wiring harness adapters, and you may possibly need to wire up a permanent 'live' from the ignition. Some aftermarket systems have the adapter for steering wheel controls. Have you done a 'search' in the forums?? there is a lot of info. regarding this issue.

 

[Yogi bear]

I've tried searching and doesn't come up with a great deal of relevant info. Need to know if it needs a permanent ignition feed or not as to wether it's worth doing or not

 

[mxs]

I am sure someone will come along with a definitive answer for you.

 

[riz_k]

iv'e completed this install in my facelift w203, it's quite simple with all the right adaptors.i used the connects 2 steering wheel control adaptor which generates a ignition live,speed pulse,reverse signal etc it's all plug and play. ill get some links to the adaptors i used later on

 

[riz_k]

Fascia adaptor i used
CT23MB18 Double DIN Facia Plate for Mercedes Benz C Class 05-07

iso adaptor i used
CTSMC002 Stalk Adapter for Mercedes C Class W203 / B / A Class/S

Theres many different mounting options available check out the website above

 

[riz_k]

actually this is the adaptor i used ignore the one above
CTSMC001 CAN-Bus steering control adaptor

 

[Yogi bear]

Fascia adaptor i used
CT23MB18 Double DIN Facia Plate for Mercedes Benz C Class 05-07

iso adaptor i used
CTSMC002 Stalk Adapter for Mercedes C Class W203 / B / A Class/S

Theres many different mounting options available check out the website above

Thanks for that dude. I'll look into it now!

 

[Allanbee]

Hi, just joined so hope this helps. I've just fitted a new after market double head to my w203 c180 and it was pretty easy. I took the switched live from the cigarette lighter and all worked well. The only problem I have now is I have no steering wheel controls so would be interested to hear how you got on. It's annoying cause it now has a hands free and all the rest but no remote control. If you need any help to getting it out ill do my best to help

 

[riz_k]

Hi, just joined so hope this helps. I've just fitted a new after market double head to my w203 c180 and it was pretty easy. I took the switched live from the cigarette lighter and all worked well. The only problem I have now is I have no steering wheel controls so would be interested to hear how you got on. It's annoying cause it now has a hands free and all the rest but no remote control. If you need any help to getting it out ill do my best to help

you need the adaptor above this retains steering controls plus you don't have to wire in a switched live like you have the adaptor and it's little box of tricks does this all for you making it a simple plug and play install.

 

[Allanbee]

Hi riz k, thanks for that it was basically a bit my fault as there were two different head units to choose from and kinda got my wires crossed a bit, ended up fitting the one which didnt specify the steering wheel controls although it looks the biz now so going to leave it, if that adaptor fits my unit i will get that and sort it out, make life a lot better.
Al

 

[riz_k]

forgot to mention you'll need a patch lead to connect to your headunit, for example if you have a pioneer stereo you will need a patch lead for a pioneer stereo

 

[Lukeydb]

i have pioneer avh 4200dvd double din and is stunning. I have changed fascia and i pod cable goes to my glove box. very good idea to change it.

 

[Yogi bear]

Had another idea....if I got one of these, assuming it'll literally go straight in?

http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&id=121059640189&globalID=EBAY-GB

 

[richard]

Hi

You may well have to wire in the switched live to the cigarette lighter, even if the steering wheel controls have a switched power output.

The reason for this is that many head units want quite a lot of current on the switched power feed, and the steering wheel controls do not give much power.

Of course some head units take very little current on the switched power, and take all their current from the permanent power - you can tell by looking at the fuses in the stereo loom or the spec of the unit and of the SWC box you are using

SWC also tend to provide lights on, reverse, and speed signal as these are often needed for head units that support camera and sat nav

Richard

 

[richard]

PS, don't use those cheap replacement units. You will be dissapointed. We recommend Alpine and Kenwood as we get no warranty issues with them (and as an installer, warranty issues just cost us serious money and make the customer unhappy, so double bad)

Richard

 

[Yogi bear]

So would it be a case of me buying a SWC adaptor, such as this one...

CTSMC001 CAN-Bus steering control adaptor

 

[gIzzE]

Yeah, that is all you need.

Try Car Audio Systems, Car Stereo, Car Radio DAB Stereos, Car Speakers Amplifiers Head Unit as well, they are usually a little cheaper and very speedy delivering.

Don't forget the patch lead to match the make of head unit.

 

[Yogi bear]

I was under the assumption that I wouldn't need it all because its a straight swap?!

It says and I quote "This unit has 3 kinds of Factory Special Cables. Please tell us if your car comes with optical fibre amplifier or canbus when ordering."

So surely that would say to me I don't need the patch lead and the SWC adaptor?!

 

[gIzzE]

You don't need a patch lead with a Pioneer, Alpine, Kenwood, Clarion etc. if you use the steering wheel control.
That is your patch lead and your can bus adapter.

Or you talking about those cheap chinese units?

They plug straight in, they are designed for Mercs, but are pants.