Picking up a 2002 4Matic EWagon tomorrow ... just found out doesn't have the CD changer - assume this was an "option?"

Options look to be in two categories:
1. Buy OEM or aftermarket changer and live with CD only (no ipod)
2. Replace dash unit with single chassis that plays single CDs and has some form of aux input for ipods or other USB devices

Could anyone offer recommendations or options they would consider in such a case? I've seen OEMs of at least two different types in ebay - which part number is the right one? Looks like single of dual plug determines whether is the optical version? ... only way to tell for sure would be the part number ...?

Is just a driver for around metro area, so don't wanna go overboard on cost. Say $200-300 or so ... I'd do the install.

Thanks!

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George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

All W210 chassis cars E320 / E430 ,etc. come pre-wired for a CD changer, but the changer itself was an option.

There are companies that sell an iPod adaptor cable that allows you to listen to your iPod and control it via the CD buttons on the factory head unit (play, rewind, fast forward, etc.). The cable plugs into the CD changer port on the back of the head unit, so if you go this option you couldn't use a cd changer anyway.

For me it is a moot point. My iPod has almost 10,000 songs on it, and the factory cd changer holds 6 cds (about 60 songs). 10,000 songs vs. 60 songs.

My opinion is the iPods / mp3 players have made the cd an obsolete technology.

I had an installer plug in the ipod cable and route it under the shift gate wood and into the center console where it's out of site.

The company that sells the cable is Dension, and I think the cable is called ice link.

Google Dension and you'll find it.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
79,200 miles.

1973 280SE 4.5, 170,000 miles. 568 Signal Red, Black MB Tex. "The Red Baron".

Does anyone have the part number for the CD changer that fits the 2002 Eclass wagon? There appear to be different ones for each application.

I looked for the Denison connector, but looks like there were issues in supply - not clear where I can get it - and, wife just informed me she would be fine with the multi disk changer - if I can get the right one.

Ebay seems to have a lot - likely removals from system being upgraded ...

Thanks!

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

Its a MC 3010 or A 203 820 9089, went for $368 discounted at dealer. It needs no brackets remove the frame and it bolts in the fender well bracket holding tel aid. The 210 is configured to require no programming unless the car has Command, then your dealer needs to configure the D2B, the power plug and fiber optic connectors are there, either taped back or behind the insulation. If you find a used one make sure the suspension is set for "V" then it is plug and play!

Thanks, Peter - exactly the key to the issue. Ebay has lots of these on - will try and pick one up at the right price and go from there.

Would like to find a matched stereo head unit and cd changer - that way could perhaps get a head unit where the darned pixels haven't dropped out!

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

I have not heard any issues as to missing pixels, as with anything on E-Bay be carefull as to it working.
http://www.mercedesradiorepair.com/

Peter,

The LCD on the the radio has horizontal lines on bottom with dropped pixels on the top - I have read of many radios having this same issue. The W210s appear to have this same failed LCD issue on both the instrument cluster as well as the climate control displays ... pretty pitiful stuff for an expensive car.

I am sure the display can be repaired - sadly for MB it should never have happened and every one of these should have been repaired.

__________________
George Stephenson
1991 350 SDL (200K and she ain't bent, yet)
former 2002 E320 4Matic Wagon - good car
former 1985 300 CD - great car
former 1981 300 TD - good car
former 1972 280 SEL - not so good car
a couple of those diesel Rabbits ...40-45 mpg

I was aware due to some penny pinching the reliability of the LCD in the dash was marginal, I did not know it extended to the radios, one was a Becker the other an Alpine, they both look identical. I examined my 8yr /100,000 and the radio is not listed as covered neither are the self dimming mirrors.