stereo replacement help

[canuck699]

So I am looking to replace the factory stereo in a 03 mercedes 500 ml with a nav double din system. Something like an alpine of kenwood with built in NAV and phone. Any suggestions?

Do I have to replace the factory Bose speakers and sub? Can I reuse the in car microphone already in place for the telephone add on? Can i still use the 6 disc CD changer in the cargo area?

Any recommended installers?

[Stonewall]

Re: stereo replacement help

First off the new high end pioneer navs are nice, not sure about alpines. Personally I have never been a fan of Kenwood. Try them all out and see which ones you like the best. You can likely still use the factory speakers and sub. The mic will likely not be able to be used. A big fat not a chance in hell with the changer. Unless the stock deck is a alpine etc all the different manufactures have different connectors and communications protocols between equipment.
Since you have a higher end car and are likely to be spending good money I would go with shops like Audio Concepts etc and stay away from Bestbuy/future shop. Nothing against those installers but I bet they have to cut a lot of corners to make a buck and that is not the headache you want.

[stefan]

Re: stereo replacement help

Soundsaround is a no good for installation too.

[bitskyline]

Re: stereo replacement help

cd changer will be a no go.

the mic from the aftermarket unit can be used in the factory location, just need to the the housing off and "place" it in the factory spot... i use "place" loosely.

and as long as it isn't the fiber optic system it wont be hard.

the dash kit looks like pewpee id make a custom one. but that's just me.

but yea STAY AWAY from places like future shop and best buy like he said. a few bad installers have given places like that a bad rep.

i'm going on 5 years now installing... FML

[dJ]

Re: stereo replacement help

Install it yourself, save yourself the headache. Although it may seem like a lot of work, you then have the reassurance that nothing got broken during the installation and that it works perfect.

[Stonewall]

Re: stereo replacement help

Honestly installing just a new deck is rather easy. I would help you out but not much free time on my end these days.