Install New Stereo and CD Changer in 560SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

downeyjc · #1 05-23-2001, 10:57 PM

I recently replaced the stock radio in my 560SL with a Blaupunkt Sydney and A08 10 disc changer. I had no problems with the installation and it works great. It has a really nice, simple German appearance with no "gee whiz light shows" or unnecessary bells and whistles.

Feeling frisky, I then proceeded to try and upgrade the small 4 inch speakers located in the dash. This should be a "no brainer" but I am stumped at getting the speaker cover off on the drivers side. The cover is held on by 2 small Phillips screws at the base of the cover. On the passenger side the screws are easily assessible, but on the drivers side they are completely covered by a carpeted trim piece that mounts under the steering wheel and seems to cover the air duct. The trim piece has 3 plastic twist pins that come out easily, and allows the trim piece to drop down, but the upper half is firmly attached to the dash and continues to obscure the screws holding the speaker cover. I assume there is some kind of plastic clip or retainer that holds this piece on, but I am at a loss to figure it out. If I break this piece I know it will rattle forever and remind me of my impatience.

Can anyone help me get this trim piece off? Oh, there are 2 small dummy plugs in the base of the trim piece that lift off and provide an access hole, but to what? I think these must be used to access some remote screws or clips. Unfortunately, you can't see anything.

The MB CD for the 107 body is a mixed blessing. It provides laborious detail on things that I will never do, and virtually no info on the practical things---ARGHH!!! Someone please enlighten me. Thks. John Downey

MBenzNL · #2 05-24-2001, 04:03 PM

It has been a while since I last got that dash panel out of a W107...but I remember the stealth screw(s) that hold on to the ventilation ducts above the interior light under the dash...might be the ones that are giving you a hard time...

greetingz,

BENZ-LGB · #3 05-26-2001, 09:50 AM

Downeyjc:

I saw the Blaupunkt Sydney in an old Blau catalog. I cannot, however, find it in any of the local authorized blau dealers. Where did you buy yours? Did you do the install yourself? And (I don't mean to pry, but I am trying to do a price comparison) how expensive was the headunit alone (I already have an idea how much the changer is). the only other Balu unit that I'd consider for my 420SEL is the Blau Munchen.

Thanks for the info.

downeyjc · #4 05-26-2001, 08:05 PM

Benz-LGB:
Yes, I did the install and it was pretty painless, though working in the cockpit of the SL is a bit cramped for me. I purchased the whole package via the Internet at Continental Imports in Gainsville, Fla. They are both a Blau and Becker dealer. Here's a URL to a special offer they are running on the Sydney and A08 Changer in a package deal for $381 http://continentalimports.com/_ren_cdc.html . This includes the wiring harness for the CD changer. The Sydney alone is shown on their site for $210.

They are really good people to deal with. They even gave me an $80. trade-in on my old Becker that was not working (repair estimate was too high), so I got the whole package for $300. I did have to buy an additional special harness ($17.) that allowed me to interface the new system to the factory Becker wiring.

I couldn't be happier with the looks or the performamce. My wife has a 560SL as well and after she saw mine, now she wants one for her car. Guess my next project is set for me. Good luck in whatever decision you make. John Downey

BENZ-LGB · #5 05-28-2001, 01:47 AM

Downeyjc:

Thanks for the reply and thanks for the web link to your audio dealer. I visited their site and they have a lot of good products. I really like the Sydney unit. If not the Sidney, then the Munchen (althhough I won't be able to play my casettes in the Munchen).