I found on the Internet a Mercedes radio with a single CD front load player from a 99 C class. They say that it will fit a W129. I would love to get rid of the stock radio with a cassette player.

My question is: Does anyone know if this radio will plug directly in to my current wiring that is associated with the Bose sound system in my 96 SL500.

Only if the radio came from a C-class that has the Bose amp.

EDIT: I just noticed the fiber-optic issue in the other forum. Never mind.

I did a aftermarket head-unit swap into my Bose-equipped SLK, keeping the Bose amp in the system. There are certain minor technical challenges, but it can be done. The Alpine HU sounds much better than the stock unit. Visit www.slk32.com for more info. (Note: Because you have an SL, your challenges will vary somewhat.)

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'01 SLK320, '79 450SL & '01 C320 -- What? 3 Mercedes? I am DEFINITELY crazy!!!

Unless you are purist and need an MB radio, go for a new one. I just put a top line Kenwood in my R129. It has hookup (if needed) for a Serius reciever. Also a single CD, however, it will play MP3 digital music. That means you can record MP3 music on a regular CD and have around 150 different tracks on the same CD. It is like having a CD changer without taking up the room in the boot.

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roadkingmike@aol.com
Coast Aero Support Services, LLC
'92 MB 500 SL
'01 BMW 525i Sport
'98 Harley Davidson RoadKing
'74 BMW 3.0 CSi - Gone to a good home

As far as I know it won't fit. The C class doesn't take single DIN head units, whereas the R129 does. For example the last APS 30 was BE4718 for the C class and BE4716 as a single DIN unit.