I have an '02 C320. MB wants almost 800.00 for the cd changer and wiring kit. Crutchfield wants 599.00 complete. The only issue is that the Crutchfield (USA Spec) changer won't fit in the glove box. Where else can you mount it and where do you get access to the fiber network to plug it it in?

Thanks,
Brian

There are no fiber optic aftermarket cd changers avail for your car. So your only choice the the factory or put an am fm indash cd.

Scott

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

--There are no fiber optic aftermarket cd changers avail for your car. So your only choice the the factory or put an am fm indash cd.

Scott
--

I do believe you are wrong - or they are lying :-)

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/ProdView.asp?i=581MERC99

MB did come out with a somewhat smaller cd changer a year or two ago (seems closer to a year than two years). I am thinking that the reason for the change was to have a unit that will fit into the "shelf" in the 203 chassis glove box.
In the Crutchfield site, they list the outer dimensions of the changer. I would recommend comapring these dimensions, especially the 2 3/4" height, to the dimensions of the top shelf of the glove box.
Crutchfield did use the wording "most" and "select models", I also belive when they state "C Class" they may be referring to the 202 chassis, not the 203 chassis. If it fits in the shelf area, I am sure it will function with the 203 chassis radio just fine.
You need to make sure you get the installation bracket and the fiber optic link for it. There are 2 different fiber optic links available. The 2 types are for vehicles WITH Bose system (as your C320 should have) or WITHOUT Bose (Bose is an option on C240 and C230 Sportcoupes).
Installation is fairly straightforward. The toughest part is removing the radio to access the wiring to pass into the glovebox, the entire fascia around the radio needs to be removed to do this.

Gilly

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Thanks Gilly,

I've been back and forth with their prod. specalists asking those very questions. The Crutchfield unit will not fit in the glove box. They recommend the trunk as an alternate location. They say they provide detailed instructions, cables - yada,yada, yada.

Do you think this is doable? Is there a way to tap into the fiber at that point? I was looking at the fuse panel in the left trunk area. I think I see the fiber cable there...

Anyway, they have a 30 day money back and they pay return shipping. I guess I don't have much to lose, but I don't want to "hack" the car either. Comments appreciated..

Brian

Just so you know it looks to me like the cd changer they are selling is the older factory fiber optic cd changer. I can sell you the proper one for your car for $599.00 + the bracket@$50.00 and the harness @$25.00& s+h if you want it. Let me know, you can reach me @ 800-467-6545 and if I am not availible ask for Donald.

Scott@lajollaaudio

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The Mercedes Specialists Since 1986

I'd go with the proper equipment like Scott is offering (Hey Scott, don't forget my commision! ).
The prospect of making it "work"? Sure, you could do it. The fiber optics would be easy, but getting the power, ground, and wakeup line to it (which all come from the radio BTW) would be probably the biggest hurdle, along with a good way to mount it. It just wouldn't seem to be a great looking project, no matter how imaginative you are with it. I'd do it the factory way.

Gilly

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Hello m8,
I do have a NEW CD changer for sale to fit your car.
I recently collected my new C200k from Belgium , but one month prior delivery,I purchased a cd changer + bracket+F.optic + harness for me to fit after taking collection.
But when I whent to collect the car in Belgium , to conpensate me for the delay of the delivery date, the dealer gave me an other complete cd changer.
In my way back in UK , I installed one of the changers my self with no problems.
So if you are interested I'm selling it inc. Fibre optic + bracket + harness for £300 inc. shipping.
I can even let you have the instrction to instal it or redirect you to a web site for you to download the instructions.