W124 Stereo Install...Redux
 

One month after the install, the system is doing fine.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...z/IMG_1275.jpg

Decided to add a stiffening capacitor to the setup. This one is a 2 farad unit.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...l/IMG_1312.jpg

A stiffening capacitor stores energy instantaneously and dispenses it when needed. Since I'm running a stock alternator, this was the trick way to get needed current to the amps during demanding musical passages.

I've seen these sell for upwards of $200. This one I picked up at a Fry's closeout for $20.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...l/IMG_1314.jpg

Install was simple...but you had to make sure the capacitor was discharged before installing and then charged up when ready to use. A light bulb was supplied with the kit for this purpose.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a1...l/IMG_1315.jpg

The digital voltage display was a nice feature. A quick test drive of the sound system revealed that the subwoofer output was much more controlled, translating to tighter bass.

What was considered a done deal has now become a work in progress...I found the speed sensor wire that will control volume, and I found a Honda to Alpine CD changer interface that looks to be the magic cable for the stock MB changer. But that install is down the road...

Oh dear..... Is this install going to be one of those never-ending types??? I have one of those stereos in my wagon....



ITS NEVER DONE!!

Post some pics...I like to see other installs! :D

I'm not sure I'd want all that in my trunk, living in this area. I can just picture the scenario of driving into a government facility with all that stuff wired up in my trunk. . . .