New Alpine headunit... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

BENZ-LGB · #1 12-06-2007, 01:40 PM

I had an Alpine headunit (iDA-X001) instaledd in my recently purchased 1990 300CE.

This is what the unit looks installed in the car:

I've owned Alpine headunits for a long time and this is by far their best unit yet. It is easy to use, the controls are more logical than ever before and it matches pretty well with my car's interior. The sound quality is great, music come out clear; this unit can make the old OEM speakers sound good!

One of the features that I really like is that I can get my music either from my iPod, or if the iPOd is my other car, I can use a USB key to get my music.

Here is a link to the Alpine website.

Alpine iDA-X001 headunit

If you are looking for a replacement to your OEM radio, you should take a look at this unit.

On the other hand, if you have an old Benz radio that it is not working and you don't want to spend the time/money getting it fixed AND you want to keep the stock look of your car, I have my old Becker 1480 which I am offering for sale.

The 1480 is in good working order. I want to sell it, along with other Benz stuff to clean out the garage and keep the little lady happy.

Dee8go · #2 12-06-2007, 01:50 PM

Where does the I Pod plug in, Ernesto? I don't see anything there that looks like a female plug.

BENZ-LGB · #3 12-06-2007, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

Where does the I Pod plug in, Ernesto? I don't see anything there that looks like a female plug.

The cable for the iPod connection (4th generation and older) and for the USB/MP3 connection (including 5th generation iPods) attaches to the back of the unit. You can then route it through the glove compartment, so that you can keep your iPod safe in the glove compartment). Or you can rout the cables so they come out next to the console, by the front passenger seat.

It really does not matter where the iPod, or other MP3 player, is located. You control the iPOd via the headunit.

Are you thinking of getting a new headunit?

TheDon · #4 12-06-2007, 02:00 PM

that is the one I was recommended to get.. Its on my birthday list... its soo... star trek looking

Dee8go · #5 12-06-2007, 02:01 PM

I have many dollars to spend before I get to things like that on mine. I do hope to get an S-50 car dock for the 300 so I can transfer my satellite radio to it when I switch cars.

BTW, that's some nice looking wood in yer new ride.

Dee8go · #6 12-06-2007, 02:02 PM

I've heard sveral people on the forum knock Alpine. I guess it's all a matter of preference since you seem to be happy with them. I always thought they were supposed to be pretty good.

BENZ-LGB · #7 12-06-2007, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I have many dollars to spend before I get to things like that on mine. I do hope to get an S-50 car dock for the 300 so I can transfer my satellite radio to it when I switch cars.

BTW, that's some nice looking wood in yer new ride.

Thanks!

The unit cost 4 Benjamins, installed. The install included by-passing the infamous console mounted fader switch. If you notice, there are no buttoms for the preset stations like in old headunits. With this one you press preset, scroll to your station (using the center dial), hit Enter and you are good to go.
(It sounds more complicated than it really is).

The h/u will not play CDs. You can add a CD changer, but it won't take CD's into the h/u itself. I've not used CDs in a a very long time. I keep all my music on the iPod, now I can even use a USB key to carry music.

The display will show album cover art if you use the 5th gen iPod. The screen's wallpaper can be changed by downloading new wallpapers from Alpine-USA.

The best feature about the unit is the large, bright and clear display. My eyesight ain't as sharp as it used to be....

BENZ-LGB · #8 12-06-2007, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I've heard sveral people on the forum knock Alpine. I guess it's all a matter of preference since you seem to be happy with them. I always thought they were supposed to be pretty good.

I've used Alpine on every Benz I've owned for the past several years. The original Alpine units looked as gaudy as New Orleans whore during Mardi Gras. But the new ones look far more restrained.

The sound is clear and sharp, and I've never had a unit fail.

So I guess you're right, I am happy with Alpine.

Dee8go · #9 12-06-2007, 03:19 PM

One of these days . . . I have an old Pioneer in my 300. The speakers are crying out for replacement, so I have no idea if the head unit is any good or not.

iwrock · #10 12-06-2007, 06:41 PM

Did you replace the speakers?

BENZ-LGB · #11 12-07-2007, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by W124.090

Did you replace the speakers?

Not yet. It is xmas time and I've already dropped some coin. And I still want to get new wheels and tires.

Dee8go · #12 12-07-2007, 08:45 AM

You just going to replace the stock speakers with better after market speakers, or will you be putting in subs, amps, etc?

BENZ-LGB · #13 12-07-2007, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

You just going to replace the stock speakers with better after market speakers, or will you be putting in subs, amps, etc?

Just better speakers for now. Then we'll see.

Dee8go · #14 12-08-2007, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BENZ-LGB

The cable for the iPod connection (4th generation and older) and for the USB/MP3 connection (including 5th generation iPods) attaches to the back of the unit. You can then route it through the glove compartment, so that you can keep your iPod safe in the glove compartment). Or you can rout the cables so they come out next to the console, by the front passenger seat.

It really does not matter where the iPod, or other MP3 player, is located. You control the iPOd via the headunit.

Are you thinking of getting a new headunit?

If you route the I Pod conector out the front of your console, do they provide some type of face plate for it? What would that look like? Of course, being able to control the I Pod via the head unit is nice. I'm just kind of "low tech," though.

BENZ-LGB · #15 12-08-2007, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

If you route the I Pod conector out the front of your console, do they provide some type of face plate for it? What would that look like? Of course, being able to control the I Pod via the head unit is nice. I'm just kind of "low tech," though.

You can't control the iPod from the iPod itself. Once you connect the iPod to the h/u then the control is transferred t the h/u.

You really don't want to use the iPod controls. The h/u interface is faster. It is neat to put the iPod in the glove compartment (or next to you) and then forget about it.

For me this is the 4th generation iPod enabled Alpine h/u and they keep getting better.

Check out their website and take a "test drive."