blackdog

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Hi gang!

finally got around to writing up my experience with installing an Alpine Head Unit in our SLK 55. The write-up is here:
http://blackdogandmagpie.net/vehicles/slk_stereo_install.html




if you find any mistakes or typos, please send corrections to
magpie@blackdogandmagpie.net (my wife maintains our web site).


two overall observations: 1) it isn't that difficult. 2) don't let anyone convince you that the Scosche mount kit # 010MZ2347B fits an R171.

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gknight8

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Great write up! I was trying to decide whether to install a new radio such as your but was horrified at what the installation cost was. This write-up will help me to install it myself, and make it easier, THANKS!

-1-

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EXCELLENT work. Thanks for the great info and taking the time to document your install with pictures. A up to date, integrated multi-function system is the way to go. Can you share the cost of your install and all necessary parts to get an idea for this type of install?

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--------SLK 55 ///AMG---------
THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

FishtailnZ

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Excellent info and write-up!

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- Bill

Waiting on a 2009 C63 Opal Fire Red/Alpaca Grey

R.I.P. 2006 SLK55 Caspian Blue/Beige
Stock 1/4 mile results: ET 12.72, trap 110.80, 60' 1.80

Some guys they just give up living and start dying little by little, piece by piece. Some guys come home from work and wash up and go racin' in the street... - B. Springsteen

ghostdunks

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awesome write up mate... I also love to hear about new audio installs..gives me more ideas on how to improve as well.

ghostdunks

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quick question... with the use of the "Video ByPass Unit (TR-7)". With my headunit(Clarion MAX667), there was a wire which they said to connect to the parking brake which operated the "no video while moving" rule. After looking at the wiring, I determined that it was intended to be connected to the GND side of the parking brake, and when the park brake was triggered, the wire would be grounded. To get around the "no video while moving" rule, I skipped the whole park brake thing completely and just grounded the wire directly and it works fine.

I'm assuming that "no video while moving" rule is implemented differently with the Alpine headunit, and thats why you had to use the Video Bypass unit?

Heng

Nice, Black. I have got a 2006 SLK 280. By following the side you mentioned, I found out the parts that I need to install an aftermarket radio at Blue Spot are:

1. Wires Harness
Part reference: PC2-75-4(Models with 'Audio 20' factory fitted system)
2. Antenna adaptor
Part reference: PC5-100 (Models with 'Audio 10' or 'Audio 20' factory fitted systems)
3. Double din mounting kit.
Part reference: FP23-06 (Mercedes Benz SLK fascia adaptors).

Please correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.

P/S: Ghost, will it work?

ghostdunks

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The wire harness and antenna adaptor look like they'll work. Caveat on the antenna adaptor is that you check what is needed by your aftermarket radio(which might need ISO instead of DIN antenna).

Interested in how the mounting kit looks actually. Because the Metra kit I bought doesn't exactly match the rest of the stuff on the dash. The finish is slightly mottled(or freckled....) which sort of matches the surrounding dash material BUT the fascia for the rest of the buttons is smooth(ie. the fascia for the A/C controls, etc...) which I would rather match.

Blackdog, how does your metra kit look?

Heng

Hehe, guess what. The aftermarket head unit I will install to the 2006 SLK 280 is ALpine IVA-W502E which is exactly the same as Balckdog used (IVA-W505). This means that the wire harness and antenna adaptor will work. As for the mounting kit, I would like to get some more feedback whether the Socsche's dash kit will fit SLK 280 or not (http://www.scosche.com/products/productID/1452).

Ghost, why not you do some carbon fiber coating on the dash kit and the rest? It will look great and that will be in my plan

ghostdunks

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I asked the Scosche rep whether their fascia kit would fit, because in their product catalog it says it does (along with the CLK, etc...), but he replied that no, its a misprint, it doesn't fit. I was thinking that maybe he was mistaken and it does fit..but with blackdog's experience, the rep looks to be right.

The Metra kit definitely does fit, and I'm trying to find out now from Blue Spot what kind of finish they have on theirs.

alroumi

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a very clean install thanks for sharing. Looks very oem if you dont focus enough on the head unit.

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alroumi

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thanks for sharing, such a clean and very proffessional install.

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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!

blackdog

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sorry for the late responses, i've been out of town.

as to cost: i found the deck at Abt for $877, the iPod connector was $30, the antenna was about $25 off ebay, the harness was about $30 from Blue Spot in the UK, and the Metra mount kit and antenna adapter totaled about $65. so the total was about $1025, plus a couple of vacation days getting it installed.

the look of the metra kit: it has a bit of texture to it, but it doesn't look out of place, i'm actually very pleased with the look.

we've added the Blackbird II now, and it works well, even though it's not the same speed or depth of information you'd get from a dedicated in-car nav unit, it's good. we got it for $500 from Crutchfield.

thanks for all the thanks, folks, makes me glad i took the pictures and notes while i was working!

blackdog

blackdog

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in reply to ghost's question about the video bypass: yes, the alpine unit wants connections to both the had brake and foot brake circuits, and when connected to a conventional car that way, it wants to see a pattern (foot brake on, hand brake on, foot brake off, or something like that) before it will allow video and nav destination editing. The Tr-7 provides these signals.

blackdog

dantejazz

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I know that this was posted a while ago. But, I just wanted to say "thank you" for taking the time to give such great information and the pictures were phenomenal! I have the same MB and just gave up on installing / upgrading the stereo because of running into “jerks” in the Audio industry who were more interested in moving inventory, than in what I was looking for! Anyway. Many thank for you efforts! Danté

mtiede

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I think I may have looked at those instructions before, but I don't remember. But they are very nice. Special thanks... Good job.