I am newbie to a mint low mile 94 US spec C280. I finally located the pre-wired CD connector in the trunk by removing the panel on the passenger side of the trunk above the battery.

My question today is if anyone from the forum knows the model and part number of the original CD changer. I was told it could be Model MC3196NA - MB# 002 820 5989, but again it was not certain. It would be great if someone from here can confirm that for me. There is an ad selling a used unit locally but I wanted to make sure.

The other option is to purchase a new unit (Apline CHA-S630 or S645? or USA Spec) from Crutchfield.com. Could someone share your experience on installing one of these after martket CD changers in an early C280?

What are the pros and cons using the Apline-MBZ interface cable instead of a direct connection from factory connector? Thanks in advance.

Tony
San Francisco, CA

 

I had one of those old standard cd changes, there not the most reliable, i ripped it out cos it just died, maby thats why urs is missing.
just step it up and get a whole new install, a nice mp3 player is way better than those boot mounted cd changers, + it will go louder with a new headunit, and it will go good with the standard speakers, it may possibly cost similar to...
just my 2 cents.
good luck

 

Hi C280,

Thanks for your input. I am aware that I can get much better sound quality by upgrading to newer technologies like MP3 or iPod. However I try to preserve the original look on the console by not replacing the radio/cassette head unit, and therefore I will be stuck with a trunk mounted CD changer likes the Alpine CHA-S630. I thought I have came across some forum mentioning a newer Alpine CD changer capable of playing MP3 format. As you can tell, I am still doing some research on this issue on the Internet. By the way, the original owner did not order the CD changer when the vehicle was bought new.

 

We purchased a USA Spec CD changer from Crutchfields for my 1997 C230 (totaled by an idiot running a red light, now I own a 1999 C280). It worked great, never any problems, and the price was good. My husband installed it with no problem. I don't know about the 1994 model, but the 1997 was pre-wired for a CD changer. Of course, you have to have the "CD" button on your radio unit. The wire was in the trunk behind the right rear side trunk panel (passenger side). He simply located the wire, plugged the wire into the CD changer and mounted the CD changer to the underside of the top of the trunk. Actually, if the CD changer is the same for the 1994 model and 1997 model, we still have the CD changer, box and everything. My husband removed it before the insurance company hauled it away. If it is compatible, we would be willing to sell it to you at a discount. You can reply to this post if you are interested.

 

can any one help connected the wires to the CD player on my C280 turend on the radio sayed no Magacin but a magacin player cant get it out Any suggstion

Thanks need anawer soon