I just got an '03 C320 Coupe. It's pretty swell. Thanks to all the contributors here who helped me with the brainless noob questions, including especially the hundreds I didn't need to show-off not knowing about, because someone else already asked.

I understand the Mercedes Method. I know there's some things they do to keep the profit side of the business -service- cooking. But for the sake of the fast lane, what's the deal with a cassette player in an '03? D2B? Optical?

And above all, why isn't it in a DIN hole? It's practically their standard, fer cryin' out loud. Mounting ears?
Well, at least I can remove the non-MP3 CD changer and for a mere $280 install an adapter that'll hook up to an iPod..... as though that would happen. The same price for an Audio 10, still a non-MP3 unit, doesn't sound much better.

If others have more-clever, more-pleasing solutions, I'm keen to hear them. I think I'm too early to use the iPod adapter that ties into the harness, but I'll be checking that out soon.