Moving the radio (head unit) - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

81Wagon · #1 10-05-2003, 05:06 PM

The placement of the radio in my 300TD is terrible... Way too low to see the display and buttons properly even when I'm NOT trying to drive.

The climate controls, on the other hand, have only a few large, obvious buttons that I rarely use, but they're right up top practically in my face. So I'm thinking...

Switch them!

I know it would require cutting into the center console trim a bit, but I'm not too concerned about that. I even have a spare center console to practice on first (I just got a new one to replace my old - it was torn up in back) to make sure I do it right.

Has anyone else done this? I haven't pulled out my old center console yet, so I don't know how things are shaped and fitted in there - perhaps the climate controls can't be moved lower, but I hope that's not the case! I would certainly welcome any ideas and suggestions anyone might have... and I'd be glad to take and post pictures of the process for anyone else who is considering it.

240Demon · #2 10-05-2003, 05:24 PM

I wouldn't do that...I have no problems with my stereo in my 240D, all I do when i am driving is adjust the volume and press the track select buttons, which i just feel for.

sixto · #3 10-05-2003, 10:10 PM

Get a stereo with remote and keep your eyes on the road

I agree that the stereo placement is not ideal. Even if you move it up it will still be too far to reach.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

81Wagon · #4 10-06-2003, 03:01 AM

Actually, I am getting one with a remote (a Pioneer whose model number I can't remember at the moment), but I still wouldn't mind putting the head unit in a more convenient location.

I have no trouble reaching it in it's stock location; it is just difficult to see. Even my passengers complain (for the front passenger, it's very low at a bad angle; for rear passengers, it's blocked by the shift knob - though rear passengers don't get much control over the radio anyway ;-). Not TOO big a deal when they just want to know what radio station we're listening to, but when I put in an MP3-capable head unit I'm sure everyone will want to be able to see the track/title info.

It seems to me like the modification would be a pretty simple and straightforward one, so I don't know why everyone (well, the two of you who've responded so far) seems to be against the idea. I'm not one of those people obsessed with keeping everything "stock", especially with parts that are pretty easily replaceable. Are there any technical difficulties I'm unaware of?

#5 10-06-2003, 09:16 AM

Hi 81wagon.

You can do this.
I'm thinking of having a 5.1 surroundsound set-up
in mine(sound only no tv's)
But I need to find a place to mount a center channel
speaker.
I'm thinking of mounting the speaker where the
ashtray is but there isn't enough room for the
size speaker I want(4X6"),so I need to make
room,and moving the headunit up is the only
solution.
You can move the enviro.controls up or down.
I haven't done it yet but I did study the dash for
a while and if I remember correctly you'll need to
cut the woodtrim and the plastic behind it.
Just make sure the alignment pins(on the wood)
and holes lineup(in the plastic) and that you cut only
just enough so you can still use the original mounting
holes to secure the whole thing.
You should end up with the same diameter hole
that you had in the original headunit mounting place,
This way you can use the mounting sleeve just as if
you would normaly.

If done correctly nobody(exept MB owners) will be able
to distinguish the original from the custom.

And if you don't mind some more elaborate surgery
then you could make a mounting sleeve from fiberglass,
angle it up and towards the driver for a clear
and direct view.

I hope this helps.

Louis.

Quote:

You don't have to give up the original look for a custom job, if the job is done right!!!

sixto · #6 10-06-2003, 02:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 81Wagon
... so I don't know why everyone (well, the two of you who've responded so far) seems to be against the idea...

Because were the provenance nazis

I was offering a solution that means less work. But if it doesn't cut it, it doesn't cut it.

Sixto
95 S420
91 300SE
87 300SDL
83 300SD

81Wagon · #7 10-06-2003, 08:41 PM

sixto - I hope I didn't offend you with my reply, you input is of course appreciated :-).

mb123mercedes - thanks for the tips. I've heard of people using the armrest as a center-channel speaker location, but I suppose it isn't an ideal spot. Good luck with your mod!

rwthomas1 · #8 10-06-2003, 08:58 PM

Hey, anything is possible if you really want to try it. I could see justifying such a mod if the rest of a 123 was a GREAT stereo car. But its not.... Fuel tank blocks/interferes with sub placement, small dash openings, need custom panels/cut big holes to do door speakers, etc. I agree with sixto. Get a remote, I have one in another vehicle and love it. You won't ever use the buttons on the head again. As far as the display being viewable, some manufacturers are better than others when viewed at steep angles. I have an older Alpine and have not problem seeing the display. I will be upgrading to a remote system soon though. Cut it if you need to. Its your car. Just understand that you are in uncharted waters with this mod. RT

#9 10-06-2003, 09:36 PM

Thomas.

For the front speakers you can easily
make custom kickpanels from universal
ones(wrapped in some grille cloth).
So no cutting in doorpanels.

On the dash openings.
What more do you need than the radio
opening?
If you mean for the speakers,well that is
true but you can use 4X6's and they
give some nice sound.
If you make kickpanels then you don't have
to worry about this.

On the sub.
Well if you remove the first aid kit,build an
enclosure(sealed is the smallest)add a 10"
kicker L7 solobaric(square cone)
I can assure you that this sub(600 watts RMS)
will loosen your fillings if you have them.

On the remote.
Yes, it is a nice invention but when you're driving
you have to look down to pick it up or you'll have
to fumble to find it,then you need to look at the
buttons because if you press the wrong one,
you can mess up all your settings.
Having to reset all your pre-sets.

Louis.

Quote:

Don't settle for stock,when you can have it custom and still LOOK stock.

rwthomas1 · #10 10-06-2003, 10:24 PM

Louis,
I'm not debating that you can't have good sound in a 123.... It's just that making custom kicks, using universal door panels, building custom sub boxes is beyond the interest and skills of 99% of MB owers. There are MANY other cars, and even MB models that are easier to put bolt-in systems in than a 123. I have an extra set of map pockets for my 300D that will become enclosures for a set fo BA pro separates so I know where you are coming from. Regarding the remote. I run a Kenwood head, the remote is ergonomic and you quickly learn the buttons by feel. There is also no way to change the pre-sets or settings via the remote so its pretty fool-proof. RT

#11 10-06-2003, 11:20 PM

Thomas.

Unfortunatly it is hard to get good sound
in any car.
Road noise,bad speaker placement and
cheesy stock systems don't help.

If you want your stereo to sound the way it
does at home then you're going to have to
do some custom work.
But if it is just improved sound you're looking
for then replacing stock speakers with nice
aftermarket ones and adding a newer head
unit will do alot to improve the overall sound.

Louis.