1999 C230k W202 with no cd changer - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BenzOnline · #1 07-04-2005, 10:18 AM

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?

96C220 · #2 07-04-2005, 04:39 PM

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

BenzOnline · #3 07-04-2005, 05:13 PM

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?

96C220 · #4 07-04-2005, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

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?

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

BenzOnline · #5 07-04-2005, 06:35 PM

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.

96C220 · #6 07-04-2005, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

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.

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

BenzOnline · #7 07-04-2005, 06:58 PM

Are you serious if there is no fold down then the gas tank is in the way? Wow I better check that cause that was a pain in the a... with my 126 already! These cars are definately not for audiophiles!

This one im planning to get wont have a sunroof eitheir...

maybe I should skip it as a whole. But then again its mileage and condition is pristine!

96C220 · #8 07-04-2005, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

Are you serious if there is no fold down then the gas tank is in the way? Wow I better check that cause that was a pain in the a... with my 126 already! These cars are definately not for audiophiles!

This one im planning to get wont have a sunroof eitheir...

maybe I should skip it as a whole. But then again its mileage and condition is pristine!

It poses much less of a problem than in the w126, Especially in a non bose car. In the rear deck of a 202 are provisions for two 6" speakers on either side. On the drivers side there are actually two. The outside one is the stereo speaker, the inside one is used with the optional (and antequated) built in MB phone. It can be removed providing a nice 6" hole covered by the stock MB speaker grille. On the passenger side, there is a foam plug, which covers the hole. Also easily removed.

Now on a bose car, the speaker for the phone is in the passenger front kick panel, and those extra two holes are used, there are 2 6.5" "subs" wired in parallel off one channel of the bose amp.

One odd thing though, once you open those passages you will hear odd sounds, like the fuel sloshing in the trunk when you are filling up. (Well at least here in NJ where all we have is full serve). Its not really a big deal, but it freaked me out until i figured out what it was.

Trust me ive been there, done that with my w201 190E, and its not that difficult in a w202 without bose. Dont let that stop you from buying the car. Now no sunroof is interesting, I dont think ive ever seen an MB without one.

Take care,

George

BenzOnline · #9 07-04-2005, 08:04 PM

hmm guess it wouldnt be as bad. I didnt check if it had the fold down seats....I should but I have to sell this damn 126!

In Canada I dont know why but MB made 2 versions of the C. A "classic" sedan and the "elegance". Basically a "elegance" is standard for US and the classic has slighlty less options and comes with wheel covers and optional sunroof etc.

The one im getting is a Classic C230k.

96C220 · #10 07-04-2005, 08:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

hmm guess it wouldnt be as bad. I didnt check if it had the fold down seats....I should but I have to sell this damn 126!

In Canada I dont know why but MB made 2 versions of the C. A "classic" sedan and the "elegance". Basically a "elegance" is standard for US and the classic has slighlty less options and comes with wheel covers and optional sunroof etc.

The one im getting is a Classic C230k.

That's not a canadian thing, thats a European thing. I've seen plenty of classic's in europe. Your cars are strictly euro market cars with basically the only modifications being DRL's to meet your unique requirements.

At this point MB makes one car emissions wise world wide, as the days of euro cars with no cats and federalizing have gone by the wayside.

Out of curiosity, does the car have 2, 4 or 6 airbags?

George

BenzOnline · #11 07-04-2005, 11:42 PM

The car would have all airbags available in it. I forgot....yeah its a europe thing.

Its not too bad....I dont mind a simplistic benz...I had my share of gadgetry and troubles with the w126 and would like something simple and good on gas but still having the star on the hood.

That being said dont the Bose systems have issues with amps?

96C220 · #12 07-04-2005, 11:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

The car would have all airbags available in it. I forgot....yeah its a europe thing.

Its not too bad....I dont mind a simplistic benz...I had my share of gadgetry and troubles with the w126 and would like something simple and good on gas but still having the star on the hood.

That being said dont the Bose systems have issues with amps?

Apparently, there have been some problems, usually with burned out transistors on a single channel, especially on the older ones. The w202 uses a different amplifier than the w140/w210/ ML setup.

I only have personal experience with my car which knock on wood so far has been fine.

W202 C classes are great, great cars. Especially the later ones where they got whatever intial bugs they had worked out. Bulletproof reliablity, Classic MB styling, and generally great gas mileage, my 96 still gets ~ 30mpg on the highway, and my Kompressor gets ~28 if I keep my foot out of the boost unless its really needed. Also unbelievably tough in the unfortunate event of a collision. I am living proof of this... Got hit almost directly head on, it was maybe 30 degrees offset by a Jeep Grand Cherokee traveling 45 or so mph while I was in the middle of a left turn. The car was DESTROYED, but I walked out of it with nothing but a few minor scrapes and burns from the airbag, as well as a bit of soreness for a couple days. I have the pics to prove it too.

Take care,

George

BenzOnline · #13 07-05-2005, 12:41 AM

Good to hear they are bulletproof in crashes and reliabilty! I remember borrowing my uncles C230k sedan when he had it as a company car...it was one of his cars and didnt care much so he let me borrow it for weekends but had to bring it back washed (wasnt complaining). I always had the urge to engage that kompressor and feel the push in the seat.....im gonna have to control that urge!

Good News....somebody called about my 126 and wants to see it later tonite so we'll see what happens there.

Attached is the C230 im supposed to get.

BenzOnline · #14 07-05-2005, 10:37 AM

Aswell the battery is in the trunk if im not mistaken for easy hook up of the sub and amp?

96C220 · #15 07-05-2005, 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BenzOnline

Aswell the battery is in the trunk if im not mistaken for easy hook up of the sub and amp?

Yeah wiring up a w202 is easy. There are wiring channels down both sides of the car, with clear passages into the trunk. The battery is also in the trunk so thats easy.

Don't mind the sony sub, its just there till I figure out exactly what sub I want.

I'm thinking either the infinity perfect 12.d or an elemental designs sub.

Take care,

George

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
1999 C230K CD Changer - What size screws	seanieboy81	Tech Help	2	02-19-2007 05:31 PM
Cd Changer 1999 C230 Kompressor	SPUNKYB	Car Audio and Multimedia	5	02-19-2007 04:52 PM
What should it cost to get a 1999 C230K tranny rebuild kit	elemental	Tech Help	10	02-22-2005 12:13 PM
CD changer problem for 1999 E300 Diesel	rkost	Car Audio and Multimedia	3	01-29-2005 10:36 PM
1999 C230K CD Changer - What size screws	seanieboy81	Car Audio and Multimedia	0	09-28-2004 01:10 AM