Hi - I am new to this forum having just purchased a 2002 C240. I love the car but I am having a problem getting some questions answered about installing CD/Changer.

My car has a Radio but no CD. It has a Mercedes radio and keypad (for phone?) and steering wheel controls. Now, I called Mercedes and no surprise, the Disc changer was $1,090! That was for the part (glove compartment is CD changer ready). After that price, I asked about getting a regular CD player installed and that was $1,000 for just the player and estimated 4 hours of labor!! I hung up quick :-)

I called a local Car Stereo place known for installing in high end vehicles and after taking my Car information I was informed that only Mercedes could install the CD players using only their parts because this car uses fiberoptics and their are no aftermarket stereos that comply/fit.

Okay, I am a girl and only care about getting CD player in my vehicle but find it hard to believe I have to pay over 1500 to put a CD player in my car. Please, can anyone help me to start looking at other options? Please, no need to say I shouldn't have purchased a Mercedes if I didn't expect to pay the high costs associated with it..... I do expect it, I just want options

My Concerns: Can installation places install so the steering wheel connects to CD player?

Can anyone help? I would greatly appreciate it. Janet

 

this is correct

true

it can't. it would be like an italian cd changer talking to the german radio. communication protocol is different.

 

i bought a 1998 c280...no fiber optic cable.....and still have to pay big bucks installing cd changer/ cd player ...

whats my best options?

tnx
R0ss

 

they do got aftermarket for that but better check if your radio got "CD" button on it.

 

You could try using an RF/FM moduleated CD changer. That way, you won't need any "special" hooking up, as they CD changer plays through the FM radio to a specific station, (like 88.9 fm for example). They are usually used for when you want to hook up a CD changer to a radio that does not accept and cables, like in older cars (pre-CD era). I used them in alot of cars and have been very satisfied. They cost about the same as other cd changers, and I think Best Buy, Circuit City, etc... can install them. Hope that helps!

 

Sorry for the horrfic spelling. I hit "ok" before spell checking.

 

I bought from a local audio shop a OEM Mercedes fiber optic CD changer for $450. Installation was $75.00. Never had a problem with the changer, but had to have the Radio replaced once, no warranty $1000 and that was with a 15% discount. The salesperson at the dealership sent me there to have get it. The name of the shop is LONG Audio in West Springfield, MA. There are two wires that plug into the back. The longest part of the job is mounting the bracket for the changer.

 

Yes it does have a "cd" button!

I wonder if I can add an aftermarket cd player {from Best Buy etc} right under the Radio/Cassette Player..
and have it all there?
Tnx
R0ss

 

then you got D2B.

Omead's advice may apply.

 

If I do that i was thinking of a cd player NOT a cd changer?

Right under the cassette radio...

R0ss