AirScarf Retro-Fit

DansSlk · 10-17-2007

Hey guys,

I could be attempting an AirScarf retro on a customers car in the next few days/weeks depending on him, just starting the thread up now and i will document the process.

As far as i am aware this has not been done before so it could all go horribly wrong but with a bit of luck it will be cool, going to try it without removing the interior first to help keep the costs down.

igosuperfast · 10-18-2007

I hope you take lots of pictures! What car is it in particular?

**alroumi** · 10-18-2007

Good luck, It's going to be a hard install.

**-1-** · 10-18-2007

We eagerly await the results. Most without AirScarf would prefer that options. Cost will be interesting.

Baron7700 · 10-18-2007

dont you have to go under the seats into the floor panels?

Sheesh good luck.

**Ynot** · 10-18-2007

Will be interesting to see the final result

DansSlk · 10-18-2007

Estimate on the cost is about £1k because so long as you have heated seats the mounting hardware and air intakes are pre-installed.

This is on a 2006/2007 (i need to check) SLK55.

John, Yeah you do need to get under the seats but you can position them to give you enough access to the cable tray without removing them and then you just need to use a cable puller to route the wiring.

The whole install is only 10 wires.

**-1-** · 10-18-2007

It's interesting. The strong desire for the things we don't have and the effort and expense we go to get them.

DansSlk · 10-18-2007

I think in this case it was a compromise, buy an almost new second hand car with all the options bar one or buy a new car custom optioned and face the depreciation.

Pay £5k and wait for a new one or pay £1k to upgrade.

**etyu** · 10-18-2007

Good compromise PLUS everybody else learns technical stuff from the retrofit.

DansSlk · 10-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by etyu

Good compromise PLUS everybody else learns technical stuff from the retrofit.

Exactly mate

**Woolly** · 10-18-2007

Dan, would every SLK of the same type (i.e. 1.8's, 2.8's. 3.5's and 5.5's) had the same wiring loom, regardless of spec, so, for example, I don't have heated seats or airscarf, but would there be connectors under the seats for them. I know, when I ordered my car back in '04, It was 'built to order', but would it have a different loom, just because of the options I chose/not chose? I could imagine the heated seats/airscarf have a fairly high current draw - are the 'heavy duty' cables for these just lying under the seat??

**etyu** · 10-18-2007

From Dan's post (#7) above:

"... so long as you have heated seats the mounting hardware and air intakes are pre-installed."

Good question Woolly: what if you don't have heated seats, how much work is needed?

DansSlk · 10-18-2007

Its certainly possible to retro heated seats either by themselves or with AirScarf but when the cars are built they have custom harnesses made, you will have the main body harness that contains a certain set of wiring looms for basic systems and then each option will have its loom integrated into the main harness.

The other issue is the control unit if you order heated seats / AirScarf / heated steering wheel you will have it installed ready if you don't have any of the above options then the unit itself and the associated wiring must also be installed.

If i where going to retro heated seats and the scarf into a car with neither i would -

Remove the center console with the floor and rear wall carpeting and seats.

Remove the lining in the trunk and remove the tray and mounts used to hold the roof when its open i would also lower the equipment carrier to access the harness

Open the cable trays and route 4 heavy duty cables down from the interior fuse box down the passenger (Driver's side for the US) side of the car into the trunk following the main harness then back into the driver's side of the cockpit.

Install the N25 control unit on the driver's rear wall and connect power/gnd wiring to it, i would also connect it up to CAN at this point and configure the car to talk to it.

I would then build a custom harness containing all the wiring for both the seat heat and scarf systems for the drivers side of the car and route it from the control unit to the X55 connection point for the drivers seat.

Then do basically the same thing for the passenger side routing the wiring via the trunk.

Now its just a case of putting the car back together and doing function checks on the wiring before installing the seats.

I would strip the seats down and install the internal harnesses, carbon pads and blower motors then connect them to the seat control units.

After doing a function check i would re-install the seats and would fit a new upper control panel with heated seat and AirScarf control switches.

To do the whole thing no more than 1 days work.

Woolly, the systems consume 25 amps at full power and the conductor cross section of the heavy duty wiring is 2.5mm2, not exactly 'heavy' but for a car environment its high capacity.

Hope this helps

**Duo-Art** · 10-18-2007

This should be a warning to people considering ordering a car. Order your car with all of the options that you think you might want because adding them later is far mor expensive. If you are buying a used car or one from dealer stock, be aware of this also.

DansSlk · 10-18-2007

I think it works both ways mate.

In this case its going to be cheaper to retrofit the parts than to buy new by a considerable amount.

Certainly you have options that are very expensive to retrofit such as COMAND that takes days but then you have things like HK that is a 2 wire retrofit and takes about 30 minutes.

A full heated seat and AirScarf retro would cost about £2k for the parts and £700 in labor, the AirScarf with heated seats already installed will cost about £1k in parts and only a few hours labor.

I think what you need when buying a used car is to first research the subject figure out what can and what cannot be reasonably done, with a little info you can get some great deals.

**-1-** · 10-18-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by Duo-Art

This should be a warning to people considering ordering a car. Order your car with all of the options that you think you might want because adding them later is far mor expensive. If you are buying a used car or one from dealer stock, be aware of this also.

Those are wise words. Can't say I've ever read a post with someone complaining they have TOO many options. Can't say the same for missing options. Dan's also correct on the retrofit. Somethings can be retrofitted. My wife had a nicely optioned 2003 Cadillac CTS which we purchased new. With information gathered from the Cadillac Forums, I was able to add the factory Nav/GPS system with additional wiring to enable voice commands and NAV voice guidance, factory integrated XM radio, factory xenon headlight assemblies, and 18" Cadillac XLR wheels. Once I finished, it had every available factory option other than automatic transmission (it was a five speed). There are many talented and innovative people that provide the "how to" expertise that others follow. That's why I'm here.

DansSlk · 10-19-2007

The interior carpet will be coming out for this retro now because the ground point i was planning on using has 4 devices already attached so i will be using the ground under the seat instead.

Not sure exactly when it will be done but i will keep you posted.

Baron7700 · 10-19-2007

this seems to be alot easier and cheaper than I could ever imagine . (not that it is either, i just expected it to be MUCH more difficult and involving more $)

DansSlk · 10-19-2007

Yeah i think the massive difficulty thing has come from dealers not having enough skills to do the work so instead just feed people BS about how its completely impossible and then that person tells another who tells another and so on.

Especially if they use forums info like that can spread real fast and of course some people capitalize on it and charge obscene rates for jobs only they are capable of performing but in reality anybody with electrical skills can do it perfectly fine.

10-17-2007	#1 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	AirScarf Retro-Fit Hey guys, I could be attempting an AirScarf retro on a customers car in the next few days/weeks depending on him, just starting the thread up now and i will document the process. As far as i am aware this has not been done before so it could all go horribly wrong but with a bit of luck it will be cool, going to try it without removing the interior first to help keep the costs down. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-18-2007	#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: 6,271 Country: Thanks: 288 Thanked 231 Times in 145 Posts	Good luck, It's going to be a hard install. __________________ 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!

10-18-2007	#4 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	We eagerly await the results. Most without AirScarf would prefer that options. Cost will be interesting. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

10-18-2007	#6 (permalink)
Ynot Founding Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Colorado Vehicle: 06' MBZ SLK Posts: 2,795 Country: Thanks: 135 Thanked 35 Times in 30 Posts	Will be interesting to see the final result __________________ 06' SLK 350, Iridium/Ash all pkgs. 6-spd, 19" DCR. 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.

10-18-2007	#7 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Estimate on the cost is about £1k because so long as you have heated seats the mounting hardware and air intakes are pre-installed. This is on a 2006/2007 (i need to check) SLK55. John, Yeah you do need to get under the seats but you can position them to give you enough access to the cable tray without removing them and then you just need to use a cable puller to route the wiring. The whole install is only 10 wires. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-18-2007	#2 (permalink)
igosuperfast SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Boston, MA Vehicle: 2001 SLK320 Other Toys: Too many! Posts: 20 Country: Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	I hope you take lots of pictures! What car is it in particular?

10-18-2007	#5 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	dont you have to go under the seats into the floor panels? Sheesh good luck.

10-18-2007	#8 (permalink)
-1- Don Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Virginia USA Vehicle: SLK 55 ///AMG The MON55TER on the block Posts: 2,226 Country: Thanks: 54 Thanked 57 Times in 41 Posts	It's interesting. The strong desire for the things we don't have and the effort and expense we go to get them. __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. *----------------1-----------------* --------SLK 55 ///AMG--------- THE MON55TER ON THE BLOCK

10-18-2007	#9 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I think in this case it was a compromise, buy an almost new second hand car with all the options bar one or buy a new car custom optioned and face the depreciation. Pay £5k and wait for a new one or pay £1k to upgrade. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-18-2007	#10 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,281 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	Good compromise PLUS everybody else learns technical stuff from the retrofit. __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

10-18-2007	#12 (permalink)
Woolly Founding Member #8 Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Co. Durham, UK Vehicle: 2004 SLK350 Other Toys: Cars, Bikes, Boats & Aircraft!! Posts: 972 Country: Thanks: 28 Thanked 26 Times in 16 Posts	Dan, would every SLK of the same type (i.e. 1.8's, 2.8's. 3.5's and 5.5's) had the same wiring loom, regardless of spec, so, for example, I don't have heated seats or airscarf, but would there be connectors under the seats for them. I know, when I ordered my car back in '04, It was 'built to order', but would it have a different loom, just because of the options I chose/not chose? I could imagine the heated seats/airscarf have a fairly high current draw - are the 'heavy duty' cables for these just lying under the seat?? __________________ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. 2005 BMW LT - 16 countries, 2 CONTINENTS & counting 2004 MB SLK 350 Andradite Green (6 speed manual] 1999 Ducati ST2 2003 Vauxhaul Vectra 1974 Triumph Bonneville 750 T140V 1937 Norton 500 single (all still current)

10-18-2007	#13 (permalink)
etyu Founding Member #2 / Ambassador Of Good Will Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Vehicle: 2008 SLK 55 Posts: 5,281 Country: Thanks: 377 Thanked 277 Times in 168 Posts	From Dan's post (#7) above: "... so long as you have heated seats the mounting hardware and air intakes are pre-installed." Good question Woolly: what if you don't have heated seats, how much work is needed? __________________ *Eddy* To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Pewter/Beige, PIII package, Airscarf, Hands-Free Communication System, Lighting package Designo Black Leather Cover on e-brake handle, ( To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts. Bill T), SmartTop v1.0, Kleyman 3BFM (NoRegret Custom), Green Air Filters, *Mod. R170 ant.*, EuroClear sidemarkers w/PIAA PlasmaIon lamps, chromed front & rear turn indicator lamps, PIAA SuperPlasmaGTX front parking lamps, bilateral rear fog lamps enabled.

10-18-2007	#14 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	Its certainly possible to retro heated seats either by themselves or with AirScarf but when the cars are built they have custom harnesses made, you will have the main body harness that contains a certain set of wiring looms for basic systems and then each option will have its loom integrated into the main harness. The other issue is the control unit if you order heated seats / AirScarf / heated steering wheel you will have it installed ready if you don't have any of the above options then the unit itself and the associated wiring must also be installed. If i where going to retro heated seats and the scarf into a car with neither i would - Remove the center console with the floor and rear wall carpeting and seats. Remove the lining in the trunk and remove the tray and mounts used to hold the roof when its open i would also lower the equipment carrier to access the harness Open the cable trays and route 4 heavy duty cables down from the interior fuse box down the passenger (Driver's side for the US) side of the car into the trunk following the main harness then back into the driver's side of the cockpit. Install the N25 control unit on the driver's rear wall and connect power/gnd wiring to it, i would also connect it up to CAN at this point and configure the car to talk to it. I would then build a custom harness containing all the wiring for both the seat heat and scarf systems for the drivers side of the car and route it from the control unit to the X55 connection point for the drivers seat. Then do basically the same thing for the passenger side routing the wiring via the trunk. Now its just a case of putting the car back together and doing function checks on the wiring before installing the seats. I would strip the seats down and install the internal harnesses, carbon pads and blower motors then connect them to the seat control units. After doing a function check i would re-install the seats and would fit a new upper control panel with heated seat and AirScarf control switches. To do the whole thing no more than 1 days work. Woolly, the systems consume 25 amps at full power and the conductor cross section of the heavy duty wiring is 2.5mm2, not exactly 'heavy' but for a car environment its high capacity. Hope this helps __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-18-2007	#15 (permalink)
Duo-Art Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 544 Thanks: 0 Thanked 15 Times in 14 Posts	This should be a warning to people considering ordering a car. Order your car with all of the options that you think you might want because adding them later is far mor expensive. If you are buying a used car or one from dealer stock, be aware of this also.

10-18-2007	#16 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	I think it works both ways mate. In this case its going to be cheaper to retrofit the parts than to buy new by a considerable amount. Certainly you have options that are very expensive to retrofit such as COMAND that takes days but then you have things like HK that is a 2 wire retrofit and takes about 30 minutes. A full heated seat and AirScarf retro would cost about £2k for the parts and £700 in labor, the AirScarf with heated seats already installed will cost about £1k in parts and only a few hours labor. I think what you need when buying a used car is to first research the subject figure out what can and what cannot be reasonably done, with a little info you can get some great deals. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-19-2007	#18 (permalink)
DansSlk Dude Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Wales Vehicle: 05 B55S (Brabus 6.1 S) Posts: 6,756 Country: Thanks: 96 Thanked 221 Times in 173 Posts	The interior carpet will be coming out for this retro now because the ground point i was planning on using has 4 devices already attached so i will be using the ground under the seat instead. Not sure exactly when it will be done but i will keep you posted. __________________ One thing you will learn with German cars - If it's simple it ain't happening.

10-19-2007	#19 (permalink)
Baron7700 Elite SLK World Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Pennyslvania Vehicle: 2006 Slk 350 Other Toys: Lots of ATV's Posts: 1,599 Country: Thanks: 3 Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts	this seems to be alot easier and cheaper than I could ever imagine . (not that it is either, i just expected it to be MUCH more difficult and involving more $)