I will soon be installing a CD changer in the truck of a 560SL. Does anyone have any recommendations? I have 2 main concerns: (1) Placement of the unit. There is a cell phone unit screwed down to the floor on the left side of the truck--it's coming out. Should I mount it there, or can I mount the CD chngr vertically to the front wall of the trunk (preferable), or is the fuel tank (or some other item that would make drilling undisirable) on the other side? (2) Is it ok to run the cabling from the chngr to the receiver along the passenger side of the of the car? I know that the battery cable is there and I don't want to pick up any alternator noise. Recommendations will be most appreciated.

It will depend on the changer you have if you can mount it vertically, most changers you can. Just check the owners/installation manual, there will probably also be a set screw to change according to a horizontal or vertical install. As for placement, put it where ever you like, just check under the car before you drill and use screws 1/2" or shorter. If you can I would suggest running the changer cable on the opposite side of the power wire, however if this is a problem I doubt you will get an alternator wine from it. I have never gotten an alternator wine from a changer cable before, they usually have allot of insulation and shielding. Now speaker wires that is another story, they need to be at least six inches from a power wire, and if they cross, cross at a 90 degree angle to reduce the chance of noise.

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Adrian Eckenrod
MBCA, PCA, BMWCCA & SCCA* member
86 190 2.3-16
83 944 ITS Racer

The fuel tank is in the trunk of your SL. It is located behind the carpet that is standing up and facing you when you are looking straight in. Be careful!!

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Thanks for the replies; I very much appreciate the info. However, I'm still a little unsure: is the fuel tank right up against the trunk panel, or is there some room between the two? If there is room, what is typical, 1/2" 3/4" or does it vary?

It is VERY close. If you do decide to screw it to that rear panel remove the panel and install the CD player to the panel. Then replace the panel/CD as one. Pull the carpet back and observe the multitude of bolts holding the panel.

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

That's a buncha bolts alright! What glue do you recommend to re-attach the carpet? I have silicone and windshield weatherstripping glue in the cabinet. I was thinking some type of contact cement.

I very glad you recommended removing the panel. Not only did it save the gas tank (I wouldn't have drilled anyway without knowing what's back there), but it made running the CD changer cables and cell phone cables MUCH easier. Thanks!

Bob Cavazos

We use 3M super trim adhesive (in the spray can). It does work like a contact cement product. Follow the directions very closely...

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
LEAD TECHNICIAN FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM