I'll be buying a W202 99 C230k but it doesnt have the cd changer option in it. Im not sure if it has the wires for the changer eitheir. How hard is it to add one later on and what if it has no wires is it a complex job? Aswell the cost?

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

The car is prewired for the changer. You need the specific Mercedes Fiber optic changer or its equivalent ( i believe others sell the becker changer but not mb branded).

As far as cost, it varies, depends on what you can find used, or if you purchase new. I don't know how much you value keeping the stock head unit, but you can easily swap to a better headunit, with more features (including mp3 playback and ipod integration), and an aftermarket changer for a similar cost.

Neither of my w202s came from the factory with the changer, although surpisingly my 00 has bose but no changer (and i have the original window sticker). After considering what I wanted to do, then, and in the future, I went aftermarket with both of those cars.

I have the info you need as far as properly integrating it into the w202.

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

One more question is it worth digging for a w202 with Bose? How much better in sound is it? And Yes I know aftermarket can be better!

So they come prewired for the changers 100% for sure?

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

Yes they are prewired for sure.

I have a 96 w/o bose. My 00 Has bose.

Here are my impressions of both.

The 96 stereo was horrible with the factory head unit. Simply NOT enough power. Running an aftermarket head, and using passive xovers to highpass the system at 80hz, made it sound 10x better. Its clear at reasonable volumes, but its not particularly "powerful" sounding.

The 00 with bose was a pleasant surprise. Its decently musical, definitely crisp, The bose came alive after the headunit was replaced with a digital source and once again highpassed at 80hz. The midrange seems a little bit muted with the factory head. What I have noticed is that there is at least some level of active input control in the bose system. In other words, it doesnt allow you to overdrive the system, with the factory head. You can have the volume full tilt and it sounds fine. The headunit is definitely a weak link in the factory bose setup.

I added, a headunit, a sub and an amp to the 00, and to be honest for the amount of money I have in the stereo, I'm extremely impressed.

Now, would bose be a dealbreaker? Probably not. If the car was otherwise what you wanted, and the right deal, go for it. If you can get one with bose, its a plus, but like I said, not a dealbreaker.

Would I pay to have bose on a new car (considering the price v/s the aftermarket). NO. Defintiely not.

Take care,

George

__________________
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

George thanks for your detailed reply. The w202s unfortunately that I have found for sale in my area with the Bose system and all options have too much mileage for my liking but the one I want to buy which doesnt have Bose is low mileage and at a decent price so I dont think i'll luck out on it but atleast it has the kompressor which is a blast to drive!

My friend on the other hand has a 94 C220 w/o Bose and added a sub with amp in the trunk hooked into the stock hu. It can be driven pretty loud and stock speakers no longer distort because the sub does the dirty work....im thinking of the same setup because I like the look of the stock hu.

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99 C43
98 S420
99 C230K
01 C240

No problem.... As far as the stock headunits, and speakers, the key is adding a highpass to alleviate the system of trying to make the really low bass frequencies that it cant accurately reproduce. With a stock head unit, this is accomplished via passive crossovers wired inbetween the head unit and the speakers. This will consume SOME of the head units power, but the net result will still be much clearer sound.

More advanced modern headunits have built in electronic crossovers, so the signal leaving the headunit does not contain the really low frequency portion of the signal. This is really the best option for the bose system, because it leaves the factory wiring untouched. In a bose system with the stock head, you would have to wire the crossovers in between the amp and the head unit.

Be aware that subs can mask a lot of audible distortion just by adding so much volume that you cant hear the speakers distorting. Make sure the system doesnt distort BEFORE you turn on the sub, then add the sub and tune to your liking. If you plan on running a sub, Id advise looking for a car with fold down seats in the rear, otherwise be prepared to have to modify the rear deck to allow the low frequencies to enter the cabin. Non fold down w202's have the gas tank behind the seats, and it essentially makes the trunk a sealed steel box.

Take care,

George

__________________
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