CD Changer Hell
 

My 2000 E430 is currently equipped with its THIRD CD changer since new and it has now malfunctioned again. When and if it does play it skips, refuses to play certain tracks or discs, or displays "No Magazine." Right now the magazine cannot be ejected.

What is the problem with this cheapo audio system? I am getting ready to have it serviced/replaced for the FOURTH time in 4 years. Can anyone shed any light on what is wrong here. The dealer keeps replacing it under warranty, but it always screws up again. Is there something I can suggest to these people?

Um seriously no. Nothing you can do. MB changers are hit or miss. However MB specifically states they DO NOT warrant the use of CD-R discs in thier products. If you are burning cd's for your car burn them at 4x or lower speeds. Use high quality discs also, not the 100 disc spindle for 9.99 crap. Keep your CD's scratch and dirt free at all times. The "No Magazine" fault is caused my 2 things. First a defective changer, this applies to both style (large and small). Second only applies to small new style changers. The way to tell the two apart is the old style has a spring loaded sliding lid, the new style is smaller and does not have a spring loaded lid. The new style has adjustable settings for horizontal or vertical mount. Make sure these springs are set correctly, they are under small covers on both sides of the cd changer. Also ensure the shipping screws have been removed. This is rare but sometimes done by newbies and only applies to old style changers.

Yeah
The current CD changer is a slightly different type than was used originally. The change seemed to take place about the time the 203 C Class came out. What is being sold now is set up to fit into the dash for the C Class cars, the CD suspension is set up for "H" or horizontal installation. If this changer is installed in any other car except the C Class, you need to set the suspension back to "V'. or Vertical installation. If this isn't done, it will act as you have described, very unusual given what the actual problem is.

Gilly