BENZ-LGB, Who did the install and what did it cost? I'd like to update my Becker with CD/MP3.

I went to LaJolla Audio for new dash speakers (Rainbow), for about $240. I'm in Orange County and am looking for a local resource. Bruce Strauss recommends Beach Autosound in Costa Mesa.

Anyone who's posted here seen/heard of successes with either Monster's or the HON iPod interface that links up with the stock MB head unit w/CD changer controls? Our new-to-us '95 E320 wagon didn't come with the CD changer, but has the CD changer controller head unit.

With either option, where have people been stashing their iPod since there's no glove box in the wagon (airbag)? Is it an easy install to run the cabling to the console lock-box somehow?

Thanks - Jonathan

easy enough to run a cable to the lock-box. Take out the lock box (two screws at the front) then pull up the wood console that has the window switches/gear selector. Run the cable from head unit down behind the ashtray then along inside the centre console next to the gear selector. Drill or cut a small hole big enough for the 3.5mm jack in the black plastic of the front of the lock box, and run the cable in. Put it all back together and it's totally hidden.

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1993 320TE M104
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past:

1983 230E W123 M102
1994 E300D S124 OM606 (x2)
1967 250SE W108 M129
1972 280se 3.5 W108 M116
1980 280SE W116 M110
1980 350SE W116 M116
1992 300E W124 M103
1994 E280 W124 M104
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"music and women I cannot but give way to, whatever my business" -Pepys

Thanks for the solid tip on the console box. It occurred to me though that perhaps I can avoid it all together hopefully.

I posed this same question to the Monser iCruze help folks via web submission and haven't heard back yet. If I hear from them before anyone here, I'll post the reply.

Here's the question: Is there a way to hook up the iCruze interface directly the existing CD controller wiring in the trunk? (with an additional interface cable/module perhaps? - I'll buy whatever if it's possible)

Ideally, the most non-invasive way to do this would be to hook the iCruze interface directly to the CD changer cable found in the rear cargo area. Is that cable present if there isn's a stock CD changer installed? I know it was on my VW, and I haven't had a chance to go hunting yet in the back of the wagon. That way I can try to get all of it installed and tucked behind the right-side cargo area storage panel (where the first aid kit is). We've got an older iPod with battery issues (gift - no receipt so we can't claim the iPod battery recall), and I'd like to just fill it with tunes and install it back there and forget about it (iCruze provides power).

This method also totally avoids any shenanigans pulling the head unit out of the dash, and makes any MB wagon owner's life very easy.

I'm considering replacing the toasted factory CD changer in my '92 with and iPod system (ex-wife took the iPod so I need to buy a new one anway any idea if certain ones are to be avoided?)

So far all the threads I've read address '94+ MBZ except there is a brief mention of a Star article about wiring in Aux (iPod) input into just about any Becker radio. I've not had the MBCA membership in years so I don't have the relevant issue. I wonder if I can back-order it (don't even know the issue... can anyone help there on that info?)

I'm pretty handy with audio installs since I used to do it for a living so getting agro with the wiring does not scare me. Just need to find some pointers / docs on what wires are safe to use.

I did notice that if I unpluged the multi-wire cables into the changer the head unit would not turn on. Seems to be some signal from the CD changer that it wants to see. So if I delete the CD changer and install the iPod will I run into issues that require some hoops to be hopped?

Of all the threads this one seemed the most current and mentioned a relevant body style (W124) ever other thread was mostly about W140's

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I've only seen the 94-98 MBs listed at both Monster and USA Spec to run the interface to CD Changer input. I'm sure you could do some kind of aux line in on the older Beckers, but you'd still have to control the iPod (selecting songs, tracklists, etc.) using the iPod instead of the had unit.

Hopefully the holidays will yield parts of this solution - I'll post next week whether or not that happens, and any related trials and tribulations trying to get things installed.

No thumpin amps or ear blastin speakers! Just a very nice looking JVC EXAD head unit. Had local shop do the install and was quite cheap. The only thing extra was the replacement of the front door speakers which after 10 yrs were pretty much gone. The unit looks good and sounds great.

Smokie

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95 E420 BigBlue
500E Sway bars
2001 C Class 16 in. Rims
KYB Struts and shocks
Rear spoiler
American Stitches Wheel
Bigred 99 F250 Powerstroke
JVC EXAD Mp3 player
JVC EXAD GPS