I bought a used 99 CLK and I'm going to put the OEM cd changer in. The service dept at my local dealer quoted me $1100, I can get the changer and install kit wholesale for less than $600. Has anyone else out there done it?

My understanding is that you have to reprogram the car's central computer so the changer will be found. Only MB dealers have this ability. Gotcha!

But, they can't refuse to reprogram it after you have intalled the CD unit. Max charge should be less than one hour labor. IE you still save money.

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

Be carefull when you buy the aftermarket CD and install kit for your CLK. The 99 model takes a different CD than the 98 did and there is a major price difference. The 99 System is a fiber optic system and I would not recomend touching these if you are not fammilure with fiber optic technology. Yes the system needs to be configure useing the HHT at your dealer. This is very simple process.

The MSRP from the MB accesssory catalog for the changer (99 model) is $746. The parts people told that included the installation kit.

The dealer charges $1000 for it installed. Being the trouble maker that I am, I told this to the mechanic who installs them. He was not very happy that the dealership is collecting $254 from which he gets $15.

My point is that the dealer may bot refuse to program the system to find the changer but I'd find out have much it would cost before I bought and installed the changer.

Can you share with us the information on where you are purchasing the OEM CD Changer. I have researched this extensively and have not been able to find a vendor that carries the Fiber Optic OEM Changer?

I called Caliber Motors which I found in Hemmings. The cd changer is part#00228207989 and I was quoted $520,the install kit is Q6820408 and was $69. When you say they must reprogram the computer, do you mean resynch the radio as described in the owners manual

The recommended installation time from MBUSA is 1.0 Hours this included the Coding. Note the key word here is recommended. I suggest that you try another Dealer. Good Luck

I've heard that there is a adaptor coming out from alpine for our fiber optics? Is that true?

thanks
-rr-

Ron, that is the rumor. They eventually will crack the codes and build a kit for it as they did for all of the previous ones.

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

Alpine does not make the adapters. There are 2 companies that make adapter cables. One told me they will likely never tackle the 99MB fiber optic system and the other said it will be a very long time.

Now that we've settled the question of the adapter cables, I'd like to respond to the original question. Yes, I've done it. Bought the Becker changer from S&W stereo in North Carolina for $500. They advertise in the Star. I installed it under the hat shelf so I did not need the installation kit from the dealer. Everything was included in the box. The head unit recognized the changer immediately and I did not have to reprogram.

Now the real fun begins. A couple weeks later the radio started turning off and then back on randomly. I took it in for service and the tech complained that I should have brought it in for reprogramming. They replaced the head unit under warranty & didn't charge me anything for reprogramming. They never said whether the radio failure was caused by the CD changer or just coincidence. Of course, I didn't ask. Hope this helps.

------------------
Rick Miley
Tampa, FL
99 E300DT
86 190E
87 300E



[This message has been edited by Rick Miley (edited 09-30-1999).]