Scott @ La Jolla...I have another question: - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Pbalias · #1 10-04-2002, 07:46 PM

SCott..

THis is Peter again. On that same 400e, with the 2-peice becker, I need to know if you stock or know of a wiring kit/conversion harness that I can plug up a Kenwood deck (more specifically the KDC-X859) and still use the factory speakers and amps. Please let me know. I want to eventually gut and redo the whole system but right now budget will not let that happen. THanks lots...

Peter

SCLJA · #2 10-05-2002, 12:03 AM

If you want to keep the stock amps still then you can tie into the amplifiier input at the rear tuner box. I have an adjustable output adapter that will allow you to do this.

Scott

Pbalias · #3 10-05-2002, 04:48 PM

Scott...

one more thing...do you think I am better off having the new Kenwood's deck run the stock speakers, or are the stock amps more powerful? I am trying to decide if I should tie into the system before the stock amps, or after by bypassing them and using the Kenwood's power to run the 4 channels. If I decide to use the stock amps. how do I go about ordering that adapter you have?

BTW: the Kenwood is 22W X 4 RMS and 50 X 4 MAX

THanks Scott........

Peter

SCLJA · #4 10-05-2002, 05:21 PM

It is always best to eliminate as much of the old equiptment as possible especially the amps when replacing most of the radios so you are not relying on the amps to work because when they fail you then will either have to repair them or wire past them. It is only a little more work to wire past them now and then you wont have to worry about it again. The factory amps are usually between 15 and 25 watts a channel and your new unit will have that and more if it is wired up correctly. You will need to get a good constant power source for the kenwood as it should be fused @ 15 to 20 amps so you will need to run a line to the battery.

Scott@lajollaaudio

Pbalias · #5 10-06-2002, 10:53 PM

Scott,

Another isuue. THere is a Green/Yellow wire that connects to the stock dash unit. It is (according to my Alldata Printout) the lead for the SPEED CONTROL/CRUISE CONTROL. I dont care about the stupid speed signal, but when I put the Kenwood in (the speed signal/cruise control wire wont be hooked up), will I loose my cruise control? Also, I see that the courtesy lamps are tied into the antenna by a Red/Yellow wire, which is in turn tied into the tuner/amp, which is tied into the stock dash unit. Will I loose these too? I thought I was through bothering you with this, but the further I go into this project the more questions I've been having. Your help is truly appreciated.

Thanx again...so far you've been a tremendous help!
Peter:

SCLJA · #6 10-08-2002, 10:23 AM

Peter, the speed control wire is for the automatic volume control in the becker and your kenwood doesn't have it so just leave it disconnected and everything will be ok. The Illumination is not hooked to the antenna, I think you are reading too far into things.

Scott

Pbalias · #7 10-08-2002, 12:47 PM

Scott...

Thanx for all of your help. I bought the deck last night, started the install around 10pm and finished around 130am. Everything went well, the deck looks beautiful in my dash. Even through the stock speakers (which are pushed by the deck) sound is 100X better than before. I ran all the wires from the stereo through the center console, down under the carpet to the sear seat, and out to the trunk through the stock hole. I tapped into the speaker leads and by-passed the old amps. Very professional install. I plan on adding amps, njew speakers, a small box, and all new wiring within the next 2-3 months. I will post pictures when i do this for other members to see.

Thanx again Scott....
Peter