Radio removal W202 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

plink49 · #1 11-21-2003, 09:02 PM

I recently purchased an OEM replacement radio on e-bay for my '96 C220 (the original had the LCD screen go almost full-black). Now, I must replace it! What are the steps to getting it old one out and the new one in (I mean real basics here, like how to access screws, pop retainers, etc.). I would appreciate any and all help. And yes, I do have the "code" for the new unit.

Limited Edition · #2 11-21-2003, 09:14 PM

Just buy the radio removal tools. They're on ebay all the time.

plink49 · #3 11-21-2003, 10:24 PM

So a seperate removal tool is required? It can't be done without it? My original request was for the details to get to the radio out(removal of trim, etc). This is beginning to sound like a complicated procedure.

Limited Edition · #4 11-22-2003, 12:10 AM

Yes, you need the tools and it is very easy to remove once you have the tools.

Kestas · #5 11-24-2003, 11:08 AM

If your radio is like mine and has slots in the lower corners of the radio, you can save about $8 and make them yourself from scrap cold-rolled steel. Below is a picture of the business end of the tool. The piece has to be long enough to insert about 1½" deep and have a handle on the other end for pulling. Don't get too happy with the notch, but it does need to be deep enough to hold while pulling the radio from the dash.

When inserting, the curved end goes inward. Once the clip catches, use a slight spreading force on the tools to hold the internal clips during extraction.

Gilly · #6 11-24-2003, 07:59 PM

Just to clarify, he'll have to make TWO of them.

Gilly

plink49 · #7 11-24-2003, 08:11 PM

Thanks for the helpful comments! I got the removal tools from ebay. Now....could someone please tell me the basics as to getting the console trim off to even be able to use that tool. Thanks in advance!

Gilly · #8 11-24-2003, 08:14 PM

No need to remove anything other than the radio.
The tools slide into the slots and lock into place, then the round rings (heads) of the tools are pulled out on and the radio comes out.

Gilly

blackmercedes · #9 11-24-2003, 09:40 PM

Pull the old radio, unplug it. PLug the new one in, and push it back into the DIN slot. Tada!

dyazdani · #10 11-25-2003, 08:25 AM

I actually ended up using some small jigsaw blades to get mine out. I do also have the tools though, cost me about $10. How much did you pay for the radio by chance?

plink49 · #11 11-25-2003, 09:22 PM

I'm impressed.....that nothing has to be removed to get the radio out. I just located the slots for the tool, so I see now it will be a piece of cake to replace. I now just have to wait for the tool to get here.
I may have over-paid (who knows?) for the radio at $100 on ebay, but I'm sure thru MB it's many times that, and I genuinely wanted/needed it. It's a real buggar trying to program stations, bass/treble, CD tracks and whatever else when you have no lcd screen! Besides, the CD changer works great and OEM is the only way to go (that I know of) if you want to utilize it.

dyazdani · #12 11-25-2003, 11:46 PM

Wow, I figured it's worth about $15 :-) Mine's going on eBay right away! I replaced it with an Eclipse unit quite a while ago, the factory unit has been in the closet.

plink49 · #13 11-26-2003, 11:01 PM

I sense a degree of cynicysm in you tone! Actually there were 10 bids on that unit. I wouldn't have gone so high had it not been for the fact that the radio was the ONLY part on my C220 that wasn't like factory new. I HAD to replace it...if you know what I mean, and I am one to stay OEM when at all possible.
Seriously, if you have one of these units in good working condition then I would put it up on ebay!

dyazdani · #14 11-27-2003, 12:27 AM

No, really - if I had known it could go for that much, I would have put it up for sale long ago. I figured no one would want a tape only unit made for only one make of car. I'm glad I read your post!

plink49 · #15 11-27-2003, 10:22 AM

Just a clarification....one of the biggest reasons I wanted to stay OEM was the fact that the radio also controls the CD changer in the trunk. If I didn't have the CD changer I would have gone with an aftermarket unit. I'm assuming that if the car yours came out of didn't have a CD changer, it would still operate one in a car that did...since I believe the changer is dealer-installed.