Any ideas for an Audio 10 replacement?

[omega1]

Hi Fabes, I'm about to buy one of these, but am holding back if the steering column controls wont work, what is the issue you are having with it?

Cheers.

[fabes]

The non Kenwood dealer doesn't think they/ Kenwood cracked the SWC protocols for my car, but I am looking at a unit on the Kenwood site that says they did.

I actually want tt use these guys because they repsond, listen and more than one chap there seems to know what he is doing - which is different to the Kenwood dealer (Sextons) where 'Ed' is never there, I have to chase to be told - I'm trying but am really busy - and no one else seems willing to get invoved with despite it being solely an ICE dealer

And as for the local MB guys - I'd have more luck raising the dead.

I think I am going to have to wait until Monday - track down Ed or take a leap of faith, get the main parts myself and go to the non Kenwood dealer and hope I'm right, he's wrong - hey are happy ffor me to do this and charge £35 to fit if I am right

If you can wait a few days or are able to confirm the ISO fitting on your Audio 10 connectors let me know

No one else has chipped in on this, so I will bump it - being the weekend - I might get a response - see my other thread

[omega1]

Have just got an email from a company saying that the 2003 model (C220 CDI W203) will not work with the Kenwood, yet the Kenwood site lists both models (uo to 2002 and after 2002) so it would appear that one of them should work...

If I have more info i'll post it, thanks for the update.

I wont be able to check the connectors for a few days at least.

¨Cheers

[fabes]

Which company are you emailing on this issue?

It is confusing as Kenwood site advises yes, but 'experts' are saying no

Will push Sextons on Monday for a 'final'

Has any other member successfully done what it looks like we are both looking to do here?

[omega1]

Hi Fabes,

A company called Dynamic sounds sent me this:

Hi there,
The fascia you will need is the Fp-23-01.Add £5.00 if tou also require a pocket. There is no steering interface available for the 03 models.The glove needs to dropped to access the removal of the original stereo.

And this link contradicts what they said:
Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. | Steering Wheel Adaptors > Stalk Wheel Adaptor List

So i'm a bit lost with it all!

[fabes]

Hi

I hit a wall with 4 views from 3 ICE guys re SWC

A local indi here is not certain as advised SWC unit was £100 (www.justkenwood.co.uk offer it for £49.95)

A prestige indi doesn't do Kenwood, but on referral from the MB indi I use, is willing to fit if I supply and will work around what he can

Sextons have quoted me £290 all in assuming the part I think works, does, errr... work

Diesel Benz (member) has just run my VIN through an EPC and advised a production date of 4th Feb 2004 for me (many thanks again), so it should be the 10 way ISO that I 'thought / hoped' it would be

I have an email at MB Germany I had forgotten about but used to get the orginals spec sheet of the car 2 yeas ago - posting question to them now

You could PM Diesel Benz with your VIN and ask nicely - he may be able to confirm your date of manufacture

I will keep you update on my progress but would continue to open this up to any other members here who have dealt with the issue

Cheers

Fabes

PS I was told that a bit of wizardry with a STAR machine could uncover the adapter in place as to whether its a the electronic Canbus which 'the ECU uses to 'know' what head unit is there, or not. (this bit lost me....) perhaps Alfie, Mark and the Command guys could give a view (please?)

[Deker]

If it's still not too late to go with a Pioneer head unit these work, it depends on the stereo connection whether you need the 131 or the 133, mines the 133 and everything on the steering wheel works apart from the telephone buttons and I can live with that.

Just noticed the year of your car, it would probably be worth calling them to double check.

[fabes]

An update

Following a call with MB customer services, my questions were answered that

1. It is a Becker unit (6021)
2. It is fitted with a 10 way ISO - so the Kenwood SWC would/should work
3. That although not advertised, it has Aux in on the rear

Now following a shock bill from HMRC I am open to a cheaper solution and my local ICE guys and I spent an hour and a half this afternoon taking it all out to confirm the first two points, found a 12V power in the 'block' so may well the MB 'expert' CS referred the issue to, could be right.

a bespoke connection power and audio into the top of the arm rest would allow me to use the IPOD, retain SWC for the head unit and volume.

Two issues to resolve

1. Is there AUX IN L&R? - wiring diagrams and further research under way
2. IF so, how do we select the source?

We are thinking that either there is a power up source select (switch the Ipod on and the Becker selects it?)
OR
Double tap on the CD switch to select ,essentially, CDC (AUX Changer or Ipod)

CAN ANYBODY CHIP IN HERE?

It does mean I don't have to / need to get a new toy to play with (head unit and full Ipod control) but thanks to the need to restuff the governments coffers single handily, I may not have to scrub the idea all together

Omega1 - don't know if this helps, but give MBenz CS a call with your VIN and see what you get?

PS the ICE guys (who i'll name if they solve it) are on this foc at the moment as I am not the first to ask this by a long way locally so if they can crack it, they consider it time well invested.

Will let you know

Fabes

[fabes]

Drat

MBenz tech in Maschtrict have been on the phone to the ICE firm looking at my car and they were incorrect - there is no Aux in to the Audio 10.

Thanks for raising my hopes guys!

Parked for the moment then.

I don't have the money for aftermarket now, so dropping it for the moment.



If any body has a low costs alternative, I'm all ears

[omega1]

I recall seeing some instructions on taking out (dismantling) the Audio10 but cant find them now, can anyone point me in the right direction.

I'm going to see what I can find out about all this...

Thanks

[henry1]

Originally Posted by tobus10

If you are not looking to spend a fortune try the Sony MEX-BT2500.I have used one for a year now it will do all you want and looks good in the dash,no flashing lights etc quite restrained.Is iso leads 10min job at the most.built in mike as well..Around £100ish..I fit audio and fones etc so know a little after 30 years.

Will the sony - bt2500 work with the steering wheel buttons?

[N7OGP]

I have this one fitted, bluetooth, plays mp3, and ipod via serrate connections
Blaupunkt MP68 bluetooth