CD Changer Installation - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 11-13-2002, 09:42 AM

Hello to all,
I am in a bind. I just purchased a 99 C280 and it has the AM/FM cassette radio but no CD changer. It is the stock radio with the 1-9 keypad to the right. I had wanted to install a direct wired unit but don't have the bucks at this time. I still have my old Pioneer RF cd changer I took out of the car I sold and was thinking of installing it until I could save up enough money for the unit I want. Does anybody know what type of antenna adaptor and how to wire the cd changer. From my previous installation I know I need an always on connection and one that works on the ignition. Thanks in advance for any help.

Billy

rbn3 · #2 11-13-2002, 10:36 AM

This little device plugs into the headphone jack of any mp3, cd or tape player and "broadcasts" rf to 88.1, 88.3, 88.5, or 88.7 (depending how you set it). This will enable you to use a portable cd player until you get a permanently mounted changer. Or, you could spend your money on a iPOD or similar large storage digital player.

#3 11-29-2002, 04:03 PM

Did anyone know how to install a cd changer in a 2002 c 240.? Please be specific.
Also, cd changer part number, price, etc???

blackmercedes · #4 11-29-2002, 05:57 PM

In 1999- cars, the CD changer uses a fibre-optic bus cable, and I am not sure if there are non-EOM parts.

The W203 changer fits in the glovebox. Your dealer is likely to have all that you need at their finger-tips, as these are HIGH margin parts...

MB STARS · #5 11-29-2002, 07:18 PM

And also you need SDS to turn it on

haasman · #6 11-30-2002, 01:56 AM

MB STARS - what is a SDS?

Gilly · #7 11-30-2002, 08:27 AM

Star Diagnosis System. It's the computer that is used to retreive fault codes and actual values via the diagnostic port on Mercedes vehicles. It also usually has the information system (WIS) integrated into it, except for a small version they have available, "SDS basic".
The SDS system would be used to change the actual value inside the radio (electronic configuration) to reflect the addition of the cd changer. Without doing it, the cd changer may only work sporadically, the sound may cut out and you may end up with a "dead" sound system, even the radio may no longer work. It wouldn't "kill" the system, but yuo would end up bringing the car to the dealer to have the fault codes erased and the reconfiguration done (as it should have been done anyways).
The SDS (not the basic) is based on an IBM thinkpad, however there is an adapter that the thinkpad slides in to so it integrates with the cable that attaches to the car, and there is also a multiplex box in line on the cable, as well as adapters on the end of the cable to plug in to the car, either the old "round" 38 pin connector, or the present 16 pin OBD connector. They are not purchased through MB, they are on a monthly lease.

Gilly

haasman · #8 11-30-2002, 02:01 PM

Thanks for the detailed explanation, Gilly.

Haasman