05 w211 upgrade stereo - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Phillytwotank · #1 07-05-2022, 07:06 PM

hi all,

are there any opinions on a good replacement for a stock w211 stereo unit?
everything works fine but i am seeking upgraded functionality for bluetooth and or usb connectivity. i see one on ebay that looks to be direct replacement. any experience out there?

Thanks

jay_bob · #2 07-07-2022, 08:37 AM

I am in the process of switching over to an Xtrons that is purpose built for a W164 dashboard for my son. Having all kinds of integration fun. Turns out Mercedes doesn’t turn on and off the stereo the usual way (red Aux wire like most normal cars) they send CAN messages to tell the radio to turn on and off. They include a ‘CAN adapter’ with these radios that is supposed to manage this. Well I discovered that 36 hours of the car sitting will drain the battery down to 5.3 V dc, the car became a brick. Had to go up under the car and clip battery charger to alternator B+, and wait about an hour for it to get system voltage up to 8 or so volts to start waking up electronics to be able to open door to get inside. (Mechanical key mech in drivers door was jammed, another thing I got to fix)

Stand by for post in Audio sub forum with my adventures once I get it all sorted.

Xtrons makes a W211 replacement, that is probably the one you are seeing.

Need to know if your car has Harman/Kardon or the standard system before ordering. The amplifiers are different - H/K uses fiber optic MOST connection to the amplifier in the back, the standard has the amp integrated into the head unit and drives the speakers directly.

Let me know when you’re ready to do this, I can help you figure out the system and what would be the best path forward. Still traveling all the time for work but I am home occasionally.