I have a 2003 ML500 (W163), which comes standard with the MCS display and the DVD navigation. On the W163s, the CD/DVD drive for the navigation is right behind the navigation screen, but it also plays CDs. Obviously, you can't have both the navigation disc and a music CD in there at the same time, and I'm getting pretty sick of it and want to install a cd changer.

I definetely want a CD changer that can integrate with the vehicle's pre-wired cables in the trunk. Is the best option OEM? Does anybody have instructions on how to install it??

I know I can get the OEM changers off of ebay, but does anybody know if I can use the OEM wiring and get some kind of MP3 changer instead that would still integrate with the stock headunit?

 

I bought my MB changer from a private vendor in the area. It has Mercedes Benz on the front cover and optical connectors, it was around $350 to install. As far as MP3. I play my MP3 thru the radio, using a Road Trip FM Modulator, from newer technology. A FM modulator is built into the plug for the lighter socket and there is a plug on the other end for the speaker out of the player. Tune your radio to FM 107.7 MHZ and it plays, turn on your MP3 player and it works. No interference, sound quality is as good as the audio system in the car and it is only $15.00 plus S/H. If anyone is a member of the MBCA, there was an article on this device and also hard wiring the player to the radion head. I would only buy a changer from eBay if the seller can comfirm it is new or a money back gaurantee on a used one. But it has to be fiber optic as you already know.

 

where are the fiber optic cables in the ML? I can't seem to find them, and how easy is it to install the cd changer? Anybody have a DIY or pictures they can show me? Thanks in advance.

 

bump