Replacement Radio headunit, oh and Hello :)

seanp · 01-03-2008

Hello to everyone! I recently got my hands on a 2002 R170 SLK 320, and now I've had enough of listening to the engine note with the roof down, I thought I'd turn to the car stereo for entertainment... and then found it doesn't really like CDR's (recordable CD's)

So I've decided to change the stereo. I also want to get SatNav, so I've decided to go for a unit with this built in, so i can reduce the overall level of clutter in the cabin, as I already have 2 phones mounted in the car for work.

I started looking around for a unit and found one with a motorised 7" TFT screen at a decent price, an Alpine IVA-D105R. The question I have is, how much do these motorised screens interfere with the Aircon controls and vents on the R170?

Another issue, I've picked up a secondhand merc alustyle roofrack, and now realised it looks like it's notwhere to clip in. My local MB dealer is clueless. Do I need to modify the car to get it to fit?

Cheers,

Sean.

**-1-** · 01-03-2008

Hi and welcome to this forum. I would highly recommend an aftermarket head unit with as many functions as possible (GPS, Sat radio, Bluetooth, etc). The R170 should be much easier to modify than the R171. Can't answer the question on conflicts with controls etc. Why the need for the roof rack? I'd say pass on that idea. Good luck.

**alroumi** · 01-03-2008

Hello and welcome to the forum, I highly recommend Kenwood and Alpine products as I have experienced them on my previous cars.

Alpine is like Sony in the television market and has a premium price of other manufacturers in the market with similar specifications and features.

Good luck with you final decision and keep us posted. They block the ac controls but you can always hide the screen or tilt it if you want to adjust and reach the air condition system.

seanp · 01-03-2008

Cheers for the advice guys

I think I'm going to go for this head unit.

The reason for the roof bars... well this is my only car, and when I'm not driving I'm a bit of a cyclist. I would like to put the bikes on the roof if possible.

**Gabus** · 01-03-2008

Hi and a Welcome from Norway Sean

The clips for a roof rack had to be ordered as a option (code 726) when the car was new.
In German the description was: "Vorrüstung Trägersystem mit geänderter A-Säulenabdeckung" 726
In En

h: " Prepared for roof rack with changed A-pillar cover" 726
I don't know if it can be retrofitted

Edit: A pitur

**richard_leeds** · 01-03-2008

Been there for the same reason

Roof bars can't be retro fitted, the pillar strengthening has to be part of the build process. Fortunately, the SLK is our weekend car and my wife's car has a SAAB for load carrying. It is disappointing that this stops us using the SLK on weekends in the country when a bike is involved.

I did wonder about adapting a standard saloon/hatchback trunk/boot rack. Since you have no choice you might want to think about that. I wouldn't operate the roof with it attached, also not sure what the additional wind load would do to the trunk/boot alignment!

As for the head unit, I once saw a post from someone who used the cup holder slot on a R171 to stow the screen so it can't be seen when parked. When in use, it slides out and up to vertical.

nevets · 01-03-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by richard_leeds

...As for the head unit, I once saw a post from someone who used the cup holder slot on a R171 to stow the screen so it can't be seen when parked. When in use, it slides out and up to vertical.

The post was from Lenny, Noregret4life but the screen was just that a retractable screen not an entire headunit. I don't believe there is enough room up there for that...at least on the r171. Hopefully Lenny will chime in to confirm.

Zeroallan · 01-05-2008

I have recently changed my standard head Unit for a JVC KD-AVX33. This comes with Bluetooth as standard, DVD, AV inputs and can take GPS (with an additional module) as well as your Ipod (with a module also). I looked at various Becker Head Units, but ruled them out on the grounds of cost and because they seemed rather paltry in comparison with the JVC. My unit has the ipod module, which also does away with the need for a CD changer.The setup cost me £350 on the web (including the ipod module), and £50 to instal. It looks good and sounds great

I have the same unit in a new beetle, but that one is hooked up to a Digital tuner , a roof-mounted flipdown monitor iand a cd changer in the boot. Based on my SLK experience, the boot CD changer is to be given the BOOT and replaced by an ipod module.

The dash-mounted flip out monitors will inevitably obtruct your controls, and are also a thief magnet. I have looked at a number of them and find that they are over priced and thin on features.

Have fun with whatever you decide!

Lastly, I'm a SLK newbie, with a 1999 SLK230; black with black leather interior.

gettirdun · 02-12-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by -1-

Hi and welcome to this forum. I would highly recommend an aftermarket head unit with as many functions as possible (GPS, Sat radio, Bluetooth, etc). The R170 should be much easier to modify than the R171. Can't answer the question on conflicts with controls etc. Why the need for the roof rack? I'd say pass on that idea. Good luck.

Hello Don, can a nav. and cd system be put in the dash of my 1999-- 230SLK? Is there a kit out there? Also,Why would it be easier to put one in my car as opposed to a 171? thanks Greg!

**-1-** · 02-12-2008

Hi Greg. Not sure what would fit the R170. I assume DIN, not sure if double DIN would work. Newer car have many integrated systems and even swapping radios can cause problems. Shouldn't be a big problem on a 1999. Hopefully, some of the R170 experts will respond. Good luck.

mxs · 03-26-2008

Alpine = High end audiophile equipment.

JVC = Just Very Clumsy, in other words rubbish!

01-03-2008	#1 (permalink)
seanp SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cheshire, UK. Vehicle: 02 SLK 320 Posts: 4 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Replacement Radio headunit, oh and Hello :) Hello to everyone! I recently got my hands on a 2002 R170 SLK 320, and now I've had enough of listening to the engine note with the roof down, I thought I'd turn to the car stereo for entertainment... and then found it doesn't really like CDR's (recordable CD's) So I've decided to change the stereo. I also want to get SatNav, so I've decided to go for a unit with this built in, so i can reduce the overall level of clutter in the cabin, as I already have 2 phones mounted in the car for work. I started looking around for a unit and found one with a motorised 7" TFT screen at a decent price, an Alpine IVA-D105R. The question I have is, how much do these motorised screens interfere with the Aircon controls and vents on the R170? Another issue, I've picked up a secondhand merc alustyle roofrack, and now realised it looks like it's notwhere to clip in. My local MB dealer is clueless. Do I need to modify the car to get it to fit? Cheers, Sean.
	http://www.slkworld.com/

01-03-2008	#2 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,167 Country: Thanks: 49 Thanked 43 Times in 31 Posts	Hi and welcome to this forum. I would highly recommend an aftermarket head unit with as many functions as possible (GPS, Sat radio, Bluetooth, etc). The R170 should be much easier to modify than the R171. Can't answer the question on conflicts with controls etc. Why the need for the roof rack? I'd say pass on that idea. Good luck. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *-----------------1-----------------* ---------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- TOP D0WN-URGE 2 DRIVE GOES UP

01-03-2008	#3 (permalink)
alroumi Moderator Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Kuwait City, Kuwait Vehicle: 2006 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG Other Toys: 2007 Ebony Jaguar XKR Coupe' and 06 Black Cayenne S Posts: 6,021 Country: Thanks: 229 Thanked 157 Times in 95 Posts	Hello and welcome to the forum, I highly recommend Kenwood and Alpine products as I have experienced them on my previous cars. Alpine is like Sony in the television market and has a premium price of other manufacturers in the market with similar specifications and features. Good luck with you final decision and keep us posted. They block the ac controls but you can always hide the screen or tilt it if you want to adjust and reach the air condition system. __________________ 06 Kleemann Designo Mocha Black SLK55 AMG 06 Porsche Cayenne S 07 Jaguar XKR Coupe' I use the Torque and keep the HP for my Steak Sauce!

01-03-2008	#5 (permalink)
Gabus Elite SLK World Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Søgne Vehicle: 96 SLK 230K Other Toys: Volvo L3314N Posts: 378 Country: Thanks: 13 Thanked 45 Times in 29 Posts	Hi and a Welcome from Norway Sean The clips for a roof rack had to be ordered as a option (code 726) when the car was new. In German the description was: "Vorrüstung Trägersystem mit geänderter A-Säulenabdeckung" 726 In Enh: " Prepared for roof rack with changed A-pillar cover" 726 I don't know if it can be retrofitted Edit: A pitur __________________ Gabus The Rolls Royce is the Mercedes amongst cars To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

01-05-2008	#8 (permalink)
Zeroallan SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 1 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	SLK Head Unit Exchange I have recently changed my standard head Unit for a JVC KD-AVX33. This comes with Bluetooth as standard, DVD, AV inputs and can take GPS (with an additional module) as well as your Ipod (with a module also). I looked at various Becker Head Units, but ruled them out on the grounds of cost and because they seemed rather paltry in comparison with the JVC. My unit has the ipod module, which also does away with the need for a CD changer.The setup cost me £350 on the web (including the ipod module), and £50 to instal. It looks good and sounds great I have the same unit in a new beetle, but that one is hooked up to a Digital tuner , a roof-mounted flipdown monitor iand a cd changer in the boot. Based on my SLK experience, the boot CD changer is to be given the BOOT and replaced by an ipod module. The dash-mounted flip out monitors will inevitably obtruct your controls, and are also a thief magnet. I have looked at a number of them and find that they are over priced and thin on features. Have fun with whatever you decide! Lastly, I'm a SLK newbie, with a 1999 SLK230; black with black leather interior.

01-03-2008	#4 (permalink)
seanp SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Cheshire, UK. Vehicle: 02 SLK 320 Posts: 4 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Cheers for the advice guys I think I'm going to go for this head unit. The reason for the roof bars... well this is my only car, and when I'm not driving I'm a bit of a cyclist. I would like to put the bikes on the roof if possible.

01-03-2008	#6 (permalink)
richard_leeds Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Leeds, UK Vehicle: 05 350 Posts: 206 Country: Thanks: 16 Thanked 10 Times in 7 Posts	Been there for the same reason Roof bars can't be retro fitted, the pillar strengthening has to be part of the build process. Fortunately, the SLK is our weekend car and my wife's car has a SAAB for load carrying. It is disappointing that this stops us using the SLK on weekends in the country when a bike is involved. I did wonder about adapting a standard saloon/hatchback trunk/boot rack. Since you have no choice you might want to think about that. I wouldn't operate the roof with it attached, also not sure what the additional wind load would do to the trunk/boot alignment! As for the head unit, I once saw a post from someone who used the cup holder slot on a R171 to stow the screen so it can't be seen when parked. When in use, it slides out and up to vertical.

02-12-2008	#10 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,167 Country: Thanks: 49 Thanked 43 Times in 31 Posts	Hi Greg. Not sure what would fit the R170. I assume DIN, not sure if double DIN would work. Newer car have many integrated systems and even swapping radios can cause problems. Shouldn't be a big problem on a 1999. Hopefully, some of the R170 experts will respond. Good luck. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *-----------------1-----------------* ---------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- TOP D0WN-URGE 2 DRIVE GOES UP

03-26-2008	#11 (permalink)
mxs SLK World Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 2 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Alpine = High end audiophile equipment. JVC = Just Very Clumsy, in other words rubbish!

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)