In my 92' 400e there is a multipin (looks like a computer connector) in the trunk on the drivers side. Could this be wiring for a cd changer? The car has the original radio in place.

Thanks,
Alansound

Is it down in the lower area on the driver's side? If so, it's for the factory Motorola Cell phone. I've got that setup in my 500E, and I recently was able to upgrade it to digital using the factory wiring harness. Plugged in the "brain" in the trunk, plugged the new handset in where the old one resided in the center console, and Presto I'm digital.

If you need further info, drop me a line and I'll try to help - be aware that neither Motorola nor MBZ knew that a compatable digital unit even existed, and both advised that I could NOT convert to a digital setup from analog. I've since been lucky enough to prove them wrong (and cut my cell bill by 75%)

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

Thanks for the reply. The connector is located in the lower area of the driver side trunk. That must be what it is. I use a portable Nextel phone so I don't think that will be of use. I guess I will try a RF changer. I don't really want to change the factory radio/cass.
Any brands/models to stay away from?
By looking at my username you might think that I should possibly know this info, I work in the pro-audio field (ie. Large Venue Installations/concerts and stuff) Thanks for the help from the MB car audio gurus.

Alan

Do a search...there are several ways to hook an Alpine CD changer to your radio (which resides in your trunk; only a dumb face panel and a cassette drive up front) and it'll sound much better than any RF unit.

If you have trouble, do a specific post...you'll be glad you did.

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"If God had meant for us to walk, why did he give us feet that fit car pedals?" Sir Sterling Moss

Michael
2014 E63S Estate
2006 SLK55
1995 E500
1986 Porsche 944 turbo

The Changer Cable might be behind the Passenger side trunk paneling.

I believe this is the factory location for the CD Changer.

I know that BMW Doesn't always put in the CD Changer cable, but I am not sure if mercedes does or doesn't, but since the car has the cell phone wiring, it should have the Cabling for the cd changer.

Check the Passenger side trunk, you might want to get the panelling out and look for a cable.

If not, RF will work, but not near as nice as being able to do it within the radio and not have a seperate control unit.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon

I recently added an Alpine 6-disc changer to my '92 400E. There are three factory part numbers required to perform the hook-up. It's a simple "plug-n-play" installation and uses the factory head-unit controls. I was pleasantly surprised at how much better the rest of the Becker system sounded once it had a high quality input.

Now, if I could only get a couple of Crown DC300A II's to fit in the trunk....

R.

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2003 AMG S55
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/3414/...5813f01a_s.jpg

Alansound:

After deliberating for several weeks, I gave in and installed a 12 disk RF changer last weekend.

I looked into the Alpine solution, but it was about three times the cost of the RF. This was mostly for the adapters from MB, about $400 worth. (Still cheaper than MB dealer OEM solution!)

I do believe there is some sound compromise with the RF. Additionally, you have to find an inconspicuous location for the FM Modulator, which is about 3"x5"x1". (Let me know if anyone has ideas.)

Regardless, if you do decide to go with the Alpine, you should talk to Jim LaPlant. He is a factory MB guy who does a lot of installs. He offered to help with the parts and install over the phone. I can track his address down if you like.

Finally, I have the same pin connector on the passenger side trunk of my '92 300TE. I believe this is for the CD changer. Check and see if there is any type of mounting area the factory would have allowed for the "OEM" changer.

Hope this helps,


CMOSS

I was quoted the same prices (about $400) for the MB parts, but actually got them for under $200 from a very unlikely source - my local Mercedes dealer! The most expensive component was the control box, which the dealer had in stock for only $79.00! This is a factory rebuild unit, and was indistinquishable from a new unit other than the scuffed paint at the mounting holes. It came in the same box, in the same wrap, and has the same labels and part numbers as the new version, but has a different stock number indicating it is a factory rebuild.

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2003 AMG S55
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/3414/...5813f01a_s.jpg