Factory Radio Replacement

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

02-09-2007, 02:53 AM

NotesDOGG

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Sep 2006

Posts: 4

Factory Radio Replacement

Hi All,
I am wanting to replace my factory radio in my '97 S420 with an Alpine CDA-9835. I have talked to several local installers and inquired wether I can salvage my OEM amps that are part of my factory Bose system. Everyone has said that I will have to not only scrap the factory amps, but have to rewire the entire car, and replace all the speakers.
Does anyone one have any expirence with replacing the factory radio with an aftermarket one and retaining the factory amps, speakers and wiring?

For accurate information my VIN is: WDBGA43G1VA346795.

Any help anyone could provide would be greatly appreciated.

02-14-2007, 12:48 PM

cool

Senior Member

Join Date: Oct 2004

Location:

Posts: 142

RE: Factory Radio Replacement

yes you can, jsut take out the old head unit, and make sure you know which wire is for which function, what will happen is you will have to splice the wire in order to adopt to the new head unit. Mine is an S600 140 body and it worked just fine with the old amplifier and the old bose speakers.Caution, be sure to know the identity and function of each and every wire to make sure it is connected accordingly to the new head unit.

03-03-2007, 06:04 AM

NotesDOGG

Junior Member

Thread Starter

Join Date: Sep 2006

Posts: 4

RE: Factory Radio Replacement

I wanted to let everyone know, if nothing else to encourage them that I was able to succesfully get my Alpine installed in my S420 and I couldn't be more pleased. I did all the work myself and barring a dumb mistake that sidetracked me, it took me no more than an hour and half start to finish.
I ordered a wiring harness from Cruthcfield part number 120701784, and an antenna adapter, part number 12040VW12. Including shipping and everything I didn't even spend $20. I also ordered Mercedes factory radio removal tools from Ebay
Everyone I talked to from professional car install places to retail chains said that it couldn't be done and that the impedence of the speakers woudn't support the wattage of a high out put system like an Alpine.

HOG WASH

I highly encougage anyone contemplating upgrading to use Crutchfield, I called them 4 times for tech support during the install, they even knew the fuse number on my S420 I had to reset to get it to work. WOW. I am very impressed and couldn't be more pleased.