Folks:

I just took delivery of an '02 C32 that doesn't have a CD changer. Now I am discovering that in typical Mercedes/Bose fashion, nothing is simple. I have a nice Alpine 6 disc changer from my old car, but the local shop says "no can do" because everything is fiber optic.

They claimed I would have to re-wire the entire system to mount the old style changer. That doesn't make sense to me. They also said that it is a 2 ohm system and replacement speakers or subs can't be added without changing everything. (Except the head unit.)

Does anyone have any insight into this setup? Are these guys right? I was told my 400E was a 2 ohm system as well and I wouldn't be able to replace speakers, but I did in that car, AND added subs in the trunk. Is there any good on-line reference for the system?

Thanks for your help!

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Mike in Denver
'93 400E Now DEAD - Rear ended and totalled.
Replaced by '02 C32 AMG - FAST!

I seen a C32 with a sub and alpine deck added to the Bose system....sounded great!
Dont know how they did it though....

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

this is true the whole system needs to be rewired. i work at the local circuit city roadshop and i have had to rewire youre type of car, its a BIG PAIN!!! the stock system doesnt allow you to add anything. you might be able to find an iterface kit tht wires into the changer and the car im not sure if they have came out with it for youre vehicle yet.

The system does NOT need to be rewired to change the headunit. You just have to know what you are doing, thats all. Aftermarket head units work perfectly with the rest of the bose stereo.

You can not use aftermarket speakers while successfully leaving the bose amp intact, however, all the connections to the speakers can be reused, and they are conveinently located in the trunk at the bose amp harness. If you change the speakers, you must change the amp.

In either case the car does not have to be gutted and completely rewired, contrary to what a lot of the mass market car stereo places say. Personally, I would not let a mass market audio shop touch an MB. Either find a local specialty audio dealer who knows the car, and how to properly integrate into its existing factory systems, or if you are handy with electronics I can guide you along. I've personally seen and fixed more than one spaghetti dinner created by these places in an MB.

Now as far as the CD changer, 99+ mb's use a specific cd changer, that sends its audio signal over a fiber optic cable, and the d/a converter is in the head unit rather than in the CD changer. The alpine unit has strictly analog outputs, so it will not work with your head unit.

If you want to keep the MB head, you must get the MB changer.

Take care,

George

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George Androulakis

Former Mb's:

1990 500sl R129 - 76k Original Miles - New project - Follow the saga http://90r129.blogspot.com/
1990 190E 2.6 148k mi (sold)
1989 420 SEL 246k mi (sold)
1995 C220 175k mi (sold)
1992 190e 2.6 74k original miles (sold)
2000 c230 Kompressor 122k miles (RIP)
1996 C220 149k mi (sold)
2000 C230 Kompressor Sport 127k (sold)

Current Cars:

2009 Mercedes c300 4matic
2006 Mercedes s430
2005 Jaguar XJR
2003 Cadillac Escalade