Mercedes Forum - Mercedes Benz Enthusiast Forums - Replace the head unit in a 2004 SLK320??

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Replace the head unit in a 2004 SLK320??

I've heard some crazy stories about the stereo head unit in my 2004 SLK320. I've had installers laugh at me like I'm nuts when I ask them about replacing it with an aftermarket head unit. They say the whole audio system is "fiber optic", and "I'd have to rip everything out" to replace the head unit in a 2003 or later SLK320.

Has anyone with a 2003 or later SLK320 done this? Was it as easy as just replacing the head unit (and connecting it to the stock amp) or do I really need to rip out everything down to the speakers & start over again??

RE: Replace the head unit in a 2004 SLK320??

2004/5 SLKs (R171) have MOST wiring; earlier SLKs (R170) have D2B wiring. Both are fiber optic, but the CANBUS protocol is entirely different.

So... if you want to plug in an aftermarket unit, or an original MB unit which is compatible with D2B wiring, you definitely need to replace the entire wiring of your car... But I don't think that is a wise thing to do... [&:]

greetingz,

BigSis