W126 XM Radio install - suggestions? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

irish_flu · #1 03-09-2008, 09:57 PM

Hey folks, I'm wondering if somebody who's already been down the road I'm on can give me some pointers here.

I have a 1988 300SE (W126) with an aftermarket radio. I also have a Delphi Skyfi XM (the first one, not 2 or 3) Radio. With the mount, it's probably 50% larger than a full-size iPod or some such.

Anyway, I'm trying to decide where to put it and how to mount it without jacking up my nice interior. Anybody done this?

For now, I'll use a cassette adapter for sound. Later, I'll possibly install my AIWA stereo that was in my Jeep (RIP), because it has an AUX input on it (better sound than the cassette). The problem there is that the current aftermarket (a Blaupunkt 'Hollywood') has a 10-disk changer, and that's pretty nice. I'd lose that if I install my Aiwa.

The Blaupunkt is also acting funny, though; the rear speakers are mostly out. I'm pretty sure that the problem is directly behind the head unit (as jiggling same results in sound from one rear speaker). I haven't been behind it yet, so I don't know if it's the stereo, or just a loose wire. If it's the unit itself, then I guess I'll be installing my AIWA soon.

I'd like to power it somewhere other than the cig lighter, though; there's no way to avoid that looking ugly.

Anyway, the tech stuff isn't a big deal; I'm mostly concerned about where to mount it that it looks OK and isn't too hard to reach. Any thoughts, oh wise ones?

mvmiller · #2 07-24-2008, 04:11 PM

I installed this into a 1995 E320 (W124)
If anything you have more room under the floor panel than I have. Basically it is the same chassis but smaller than the W126.
I installed my tuner receiver under the front passenger side floor board carpet panel. There are several wells it can be installed in under there. Just trim back the foam where you want to install it and mount it there then run the control cable(s) up the side of the transmission tunnel into the back of the radio deck and plug it in. Re install the floor panel, transmission tunnel carpeting and floor mat. every thing is hidden nice and neat, but is easily accessable by taking out the floor mat and un snapping the floor board carpet panel.

I installed an Alpine xm ready, Ipod deck and bought the interface cable to attach the XM receiver as well as the interface cable for the I Pod connection. Everything is controlled through the deck display.

TX76513 · #3 07-24-2008, 04:29 PM

I attached my XM to the small center sun visor in my SDL. I used velcro to attache the XM unit and neatly tapped into 12V at the overhead light. It's right above the rearview mirror so it's not distracting to look up. I am using the FM modulator to Xmit to the head unit. Just remember to put your antenna down it makes for better reception.