Hello all.

I'm new to the forum as I am about to purchase my first Mercedez Benz. The car is a 2002 C-230-K Sports Coupe.

I was told by the current owner that there is no way to replace the radio without losing function to the steering wheel buttons. I have searched the forum and found some suggestions. The first and most obvious being purchase a MB CD changer and put it in the trunk (or glove box). Another being to get an MP-3 broadcaster and put it in the car. I understand these options but I'm not sure I want the trunk mounted unit (or glove box for that matter) or the mess of a seperate MP-3 player.

My question is, can the factory radio head unit itself be changed while at the same time retaining the full function of the steering wheel controls.

I appreciate anyones help in answering this question and I am sure many others will too.

Thank you in advance.

 

what's your main reason for wanting to replace the unit?? is it bad or do u just want an xm or mp3 player?? because i have the same car.. and i have the factory cd changer in the glove compartment.. and it's not that bad being in the glove.. there's ample space for paperworks and cds.. in fact i was able to fit 2 dvd cases in there without a problem.. probably more too.. (cds right next to the changer and dvd's under with paperworks..)

 

infn8kw3st, thank you for the info on the changer. Knowing that there would still be some room in the glove box is helpful.

The radio part of the head unit is fine. Personally, the tape deck is worthless. I'm not a huge a/v person but even I gave up on tapes years ago. It still suprises me when I see them in high end late model cars (2006). What I would like to have is a head unit that takes one cd at a time so that I don't have to reload a cartridge. It's just personal preference.

Obviously if the changer is the only choice than I'll go with that. I would however like to know if there are others.

Thanks in advance for any help.