Hi all,

I got my car stereo stolen last weekend, radio and CD player. Happened at home on the driveway. Theft seems to be professional, removed the device, disconnected antenna as well as power supply and neatly cut the wires (2 per loudspeaker I think) without much damage to the interior.

Today I wanted to buy a new radio/CD at Best Buy with free installation. At the workshop the technician said that a wiring harness AND a reverse harness from MB are required. He sent me then to MB dealership to obtain the said items.

At MB the part man did not know anything about "reverse harness" but quote a price of $357.- for the wiring harness. He added that they gave no warranty for fitting of non-MB stereo devices regarding connectors and/or adapters.
On my asking how much would a factory radio/CD cost a dizzy making quote of $3,300+ was given to me, parts alone. I asked twice to be sure.

My frustrated questions/thoughts:

1. Why can't the exsiting wires be used when everything is there and long enough (the wires were cut directly behind the radio). The reason I could think of that Best Buy's guy doesn't want to invest any time to trace the wires back to the loudspeakers.

2. Most important thing: is it a doable DIY job for s/o with average skill? Could anyone provide instructions.

3. as a side note: Are $357.- and change justified for some unsophisticated wires? and car radio for $3,300? Although MB owners are used to high-priced MB parts but we need to embrace ourselves every time for surprise.

Thanks a lot!

PS. I think the most the theft could get for my radio could be 40 bucks and he caused me a lot of frustration, anger and unsafe feelings regarding the neighborhood.

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1996 E320 since 1/16/08, 171K miles as of Feb 2011

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1989 300CE - R.I.P. Dec 29 2007
Other MBs (sold): 1992 300E-24 - 1979 350SLC - 1984 230E - 1990 300CE