[scng]

Any aftermarket CD changer available for C230/C320? Instead of buying factory $400.

 

[Lynn]

The only cd changers that work on the D2B fiber optic loop are the MB/Alpine and the Becker Silverstone 2662.

 

[canadian_steve]

You know I spent alot of time trying to figure out a diffrent alternative to the factory cd changer......
Well I went and bought the factory cd and I cant imagine not having it.
I love the total control in the steering wheel.....so spend the $400 dollars it is worth every penny.... Dont get cheap now...you do own a benz... :lol:

 

[scng]

The reason I have asked this question is not because I want to be cheap on the CD changer for just $400, it is because the car I like which in the lot don't have the CD changer. Same I can't believe they don't have it installed in the first place. The dealer told me that it cost them $990 USD to put it on now.

 

[canadian_steve]

he is full of crap....

the cd is a dealer option, not from the manuafacturer....
It cost $560can for the dealer to purchase the cd player.....
Its up to them how much they want to mark it up on you.....
My experience is talk to the sales manager not the salesman...the manager can do something about the price...

hope this helps

 

[craniusmaximus]

When I ordered my car in November 2001 they told me the CD changer was $900, no way. I was back there looking at a ML for my wife and the salesman said they had a changer a customer had removed to put something else in. I asked him to see what he could do, $350 for the changer, $170 installation, better but still no way. I would buy one on-line for $400 that I know is new, but I think $170 to install it is steep. I really would like to have the MB/Alpine so the steering wheel controls worked.

 

[Lynn]

My stealer was charging US$775 for the $199 Alpine changer and $225 (2.5 hours) for the 20 minute install.

 

[craniusmaximus]

How difficult is the install, do you have to pull the H/U or dash Components? AutoKlass has the MB changer for $400, the Bose FO cable $22, and an Installation Kit for $70. What is in the Install Kit Brackets and screws? Then add in Shipping. I'm being nickled and dimed to death no matter how I do this.

Where can you get the Alpine (MB?) changer for $200, or are you just commenting that that is what it is worth.

 

[Kal Rubinson]

The install is doable; I did it. You do need the cable and should use the install kit (bracket and screws). Now, it is necessary to remove the HU, the vent grilles and the panel down through the shift lever to access the power connector and rear of the glove compartment.

I did it once in about 45minutes without too much difficulty. YMMV.

 

[Lynn]

How difficult is the install, do you have to pull the H/U or dash Components? AutoKlass has the MB changer for $400, the Bose FO cable $22, and an Installation Kit for $70. What is in the Install Kit Brackets and screws? Then add in Shipping. I'm being nickled and dimed to death no matter how I do this.

Where can you get the Alpine (MB?) changer for $200, or are you just commenting that that is what it is worth.

The headunit must be removed. I have seen it removed and re-installed in seven minutes. I was suggesting that the MB/Alpine cd changer is worth two hundred bucks. That is what a nearly idential changer sells for including installation at the local big box stores. The only difference is a little box added to the MB/Alpine to connect to the D2B fiber optics.

 

[Beavis]

The best time would have been when you were buying the car. My 2002 didn't have the CD changer in it, and I just told them that I'd buy the car today if it had the changer... but... Seeing that I was serious and that I didn't consider it an option - they installed one for me for free. But once you've pulled out of the lot and it's yours you've lost all your barganing power.
Still $900-ish is pretty steep. The advice of talking to the sales manager is good, you should try it. Some dealerships are deal-driven and some are relationship-driven. If yours is the latter you might have a chance.

 

[canadian_steve]

I'm glad that helped....
By all that I have heard there is not many customer related dealers around....like I said always the sales manager....he does not earn all his money from comision but alot from how many cars he can move....so I have been told.....