Thread: w211 stereo

Hey peeps,
Recently I got this after market navigation system from Hong Kong for my w211 E500 2003 which has wiring system just like the oem part but its touch screen and all that.
When I went for installation I was told that almost all of the Mercedes in North America have Fiber Optic system for the stereo, and this after market unit is for Analog system. Apparently Mercedes in Asia use analog system.
I have no idea what to do now.
Any comments or advices will be appreciated!
I really love this unit and love to see it hooked in my ride,
Cheers!

Most USA W211 have the amplifier in the boot, and its connected to the head unit via fibre optics. This is because they have COMAND or 'Audio-50' head units.

Most non USA W211 have the Audio-20 head unit, which the speaker wires connect to the head unit.

So, you need to extend the speaker wiring from the boot to the head unit along with a decent power feed and install a Quadlock connector at the front for your new unit.

If you talk to Comand Online Ltd they may be able to supply a loom to extend the wiring forward and create a Quadlock connection at the front.

If your car has Harmon Kardon sound system you have a bigger problem as I don't know if the speakers have the crossovers in them or the amplifier, and you need to ensure you don't send Bass sounds to the treble speakers.

Cheers

Richard