I have a '99 C43 with the standard, factory-installed Bose audio system (including 6-CD changer in trunk).

Is there an in-dash CD player that is compatible with this sytem? Any suggestions?

Also, while I'm on the topic of car audio, has anyone out there put an XM radio system in their Mercedes? What do you think?

Thanks!

Hi, this is Cleeve Morrison with La Jolla Audio Repair; San Diego,Ca. I can't answer your question on the indash CD unit at this time but I can tell you that I have modified many Mercedes factory radio's for allowing DIRECT input of XM radio. Of course, the factory radio will not display the information on the channel being listened to but you use the seperate control that comes with the XM system for that. The modification that I do allows for direct input of the XM radio into the main audio control of the factory radio. Thus you get the best quality, which is close to CD quality, with automatic switching. You lose nothing from your factory radio. When you choose XM radio with the controller it automatically switches the source inside the radio to allow XM radio to be sent to the amplifing section. When XM is not being used your factory radio will perform as it always has. The nice thing about the way I do it is that it doesn't require replacing the radio thus keeping the car original. This proceedure can be done on all factory units from the mid 70's on up to present day. Let me know if you would like something like this done. Just call me at (858)373-0596 Mon-Fri 9:00 - 5:30 (PST)

Cleeve

That sounds very interesting. So how do you do that when the unit is FM modulated and has to run through the tuner, causing of course sound degradation? You say close to CD quality so I'm just curious. Also, automatic switching? Since to use this XM kit you have to tune your radio to a certain station to activate it, how exactly does that work?

thanks for your feedback

It is simple, we don't use the fm modulator instead we utilize a pre-amp output out of the pioneer unit and then Cleeve puts directly into the factory radio with a switching device that he has figured out and will work on evey radio we have seen. The almost cd sound quality is achieved by not using the fm modulator and using a pre-amp output.

Scott@lajollaaudio

__________________
The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

Interesting, so then that must only work on newer benz factory radios. Older ones didn't have pre-amp outs(not sure about > '96). Sounds like a nice setup

It is connected directly into the circuit board where all sources come together. It doesn't matter what year the radio is from, it will work the same way.

Scott@lajollaaudio

__________________
The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

What about the antenna? Is there anything that be done so that the XM radio install doesn't appear to be an aftermarket add on? I've seen the antennaes for sale and they are obviously aftermarket in appearance. Anything out there that has a more OEM integrated look?

Have you considered the MB radio with the built in CD player? It also works the CD Changer. I have the MB Audio 10 CD in my car and it sounds great and it works the factory CD changer. You can get them from Autoclass.net or if you want it for half that, go to German ebay (ebay.de) and search for Audio 10 CD. Of course you will lose the cassette but I've learned to live without 8-Track tapes or cassettes.

armeyman

I had the trek computer mouse-looking xm antenna painted to match my car interior and mounted on rear deck inside the car.

In the city of Philadelphia where there are repeaters virtually no reception dropouts. In suburban areas 99+% coverage.

Unless you really know what your looking at it looks like it was designed to be there.

Glenn

You got pictures of that? I think that might be an ideal solution.

hello,
you can look at www.audio-10.com there you can get informations about that.
you can also buy there the Mercedes Benz Radios and read for more informations about Mercedes Audio 10 CD Radio Alpine Model MF2910, MF2199 or Becker Model be6021, be4410 on this side:
www.audio-10.com
If you have any questions you can ask him everything about this radios.
Bill