Any ideas for an Audio 10 replacement?

omega1 · 17-06-2009, 06:20 PM

Hi all,

I will be changing the Audio10 system in my C220 and am wondering what to replace it with. The main reasons for changing it are that I would like an MP3 player and a Bluetooth enabled system for the phone.

Problem is that the ones I have seen will look a bit 'odd' in the dash... So i´m wondering what other people have done?

Cheers.

P.S. Photos would be great!

desilva · 17-06-2009, 08:36 PM

Another good reason for replacing the Audio 10 is the fact that it is rather a poor unit when it comes to sound quality

I replaced mine with an Alpine unit.

omega1 · 17-06-2009, 09:34 PM

What model is it if you dont mind me asking?

Swiss Toni · 17-06-2009, 09:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desilva

Another good reason for replacing the Audio 10 is the fact that it is rather a poor unit when it comes to sound quality

I replaced mine with an Alpine unit.

Weren't Alpine one of the manufacturers of Audio10s at some point?

Diesel Benz · 18-06-2009, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Swiss Toni

Weren't Alpine one of the manufacturers of Audio10s at some point?

My W210 had an Alpine Audio 10 radio.

tobus10 · 18-06-2009, 09:23 AM

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.

mxs · 18-06-2009, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omega1

Hi all,

I will be changing the Audio10 system in my C220 and am wondering what to replace it with. The main reasons for changing it are that I would like an MP3 player and a Bluetooth enabled system for the phone.

Problem is that the ones I have seen will look a bit 'odd' in the dash... So i´m wondering what other people have done?

Cheers.

P.S. Photos would be great!

Google 'double din headunits', there are loads out there with bluetooth, ipod connection, sat nav etc.., and autoleads do a double din convertor facia allowing an aftermarket unit to be fitted. I went for a Kenwood.

ROBB · 18-06-2009, 10:01 AM

here's mine:

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/780309-post58.html

steering wheel controls dont work - but hopefully STAR coding change may fix that

mxs · 18-06-2009, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBB

steering wheel controls dont work - but hopefully STAR coding change may fix that

Kenwood do a steering wheel controller convertor for their units which is compatible with Mercs.

fabes · 18-06-2009, 12:51 PM

I'm in the process of doing this - waiting for Sextons to price up a full supply and fit for this head unit - though I have non Kenwood dealer also available

Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. | Receivers > KDC-W7544U

Chose this one as it has switchable display colour (amber being the one i am after to match the OEM dispay near speedo) and, as I am having it fitted primarily for an Ipod Touch in the glove box no CD slot on display

As you want bluetooth phone, this is also one of theirs

Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. | Receivers > KDC-BT8044U

The 7544U is around the £150 mark, but with the fascia plate, harness, Ipod lead and SWC I am hoping for around £250 fitted.

I have been told it is not merely a STAR job to get SWC, you need the kit - the kenwood one for mine is around £50 and I am including that.

I want this unit as it doesn't have a CD slot on view - as I won't be using CD's - but it does have one underneath the flip down front so that its still sellable in the car in a few years time. The Alpine media units don't have a CD slot and I think that a little limiting as any perspecitve buyer might want a CD slot.

you pays your money....

PS the Audio 10 seem to be worth 'upto' £100 on ebay to offset the cost of the new unit btw

PPS without all the station preset buttons, I think these units look little less aftermarket than some of the 'bling' head units out there.

omega1 · 18-06-2009, 08:10 PM

Hi Fabes,

Great links, thanks...

As always im stuck again as I like the features of the 8044 but i want the option of changing the display colour to amber as you mention in the 7544!

Argh... so hard to choose!

fabes · 19-06-2009, 08:09 AM

Omega1

Well you can get the 7544 and then add the Bluetooth module Kenwood also offer - see the bottom of the 7544 page -(cake and eat it - albeit at a price)

I have hit a problem on the SWC - will be posting on that in a minute to see if the assembled masses can help

omega1 · 19-06-2009, 03:35 PM

Fabes, yeah, thought that, but it does whack the price up a bit, may have to use the external Parrot bluetooth I have (which is a grat little unit) and get the 7544 with the OEM amber colour. Shame though, as i wanted it all in one...

will carry on thinking!

Am interested in hearing about the steering wheel controls, as i want to keep the steering volume fucntion

thanks

fabes · 19-06-2009, 03:37 PM

I have a Parrott kit for the phone which I am happy with (within budget)

SWC -

Still not resolved

omega1 · 19-06-2009, 03:38 PM

what is the issue?

17-06-2009, 06:20 PM	#1
omega1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hampshire Car: C220 CDI Avantgarde Saloon (W203) 2003 Posts: 139	Any ideas for an Audio 10 replacement? Hi all, I will be changing the Audio10 system in my C220 and am wondering what to replace it with. The main reasons for changing it are that I would like an MP3 player and a Bluetooth enabled system for the phone. Problem is that the ones I have seen will look a bit 'odd' in the dash... So i´m wondering what other people have done? Cheers. P.S. Photos would be great!

18-06-2009, 09:23 AM	#6
tobus10 Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Huntingdon Car: 2000 202 est Posts: 47	Radio 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.

18-06-2009, 10:01 AM	#8
ROBB Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2006 Location: Coventry Car: 2001 W203 C220 CDI Estate (Rare Manual!) Posts: 319	here's mine: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/780309-post58.html steering wheel controls dont work - but hopefully STAR coding change may fix that __________________ W203 2001 C220 CDI ESTATE (MANUAL) TANSANITE BLUE 174K GOING STRONG ..cynicism is the product of youthful optimism & bitter experience..

19-06-2009, 03:35 PM	#13
omega1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hampshire Car: C220 CDI Avantgarde Saloon (W203) 2003 Posts: 139	Fabes, yeah, thought that, but it does whack the price up a bit, may have to use the external Parrot bluetooth I have (which is a grat little unit) and get the 7544 with the OEM amber colour. Shame though, as i wanted it all in one... will carry on thinking! Am interested in hearing about the steering wheel controls, as i want to keep the steering volume fucntion thanks Last edited by omega1; 19-06-2009 at 07:13 PM.

17-06-2009, 08:36 PM	#2
desilva Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: London Car: C230K Sport 1999 Auto Facelift Posts: 1,535	Another good reason for replacing the Audio 10 is the fact that it is rather a poor unit when it comes to sound quality I replaced mine with an Alpine unit.

17-06-2009, 09:34 PM	#3
omega1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hampshire Car: C220 CDI Avantgarde Saloon (W203) 2003 Posts: 139	What model is it if you dont mind me asking?

18-06-2009, 12:51 PM	#10
fabes Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southampton Car: c class coupe 220CDI & Zafira Posts: 302	I'm in the process of doing this - waiting for Sextons to price up a full supply and fit for this head unit - though I have non Kenwood dealer also available Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. \| Receivers > KDC-W7544U Chose this one as it has switchable display colour (amber being the one i am after to match the OEM dispay near speedo) and, as I am having it fitted primarily for an Ipod Touch in the glove box no CD slot on display As you want bluetooth phone, this is also one of theirs Kenwood Electronics UK Ltd. \| Receivers > KDC-BT8044U The 7544U is around the £150 mark, but with the fascia plate, harness, Ipod lead and SWC I am hoping for around £250 fitted. I have been told it is not merely a STAR job to get SWC, you need the kit - the kenwood one for mine is around £50 and I am including that. I want this unit as it doesn't have a CD slot on view - as I won't be using CD's - but it does have one underneath the flip down front so that its still sellable in the car in a few years time. The Alpine media units don't have a CD slot and I think that a little limiting as any perspecitve buyer might want a CD slot. you pays your money.... PS the Audio 10 seem to be worth 'upto' £100 on ebay to offset the cost of the new unit btw PPS without all the station preset buttons, I think these units look little less aftermarket than some of the 'bling' head units out there.

18-06-2009, 08:10 PM	#11
omega1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hampshire Car: C220 CDI Avantgarde Saloon (W203) 2003 Posts: 139	Hi Fabes, Great links, thanks... As always im stuck again as I like the features of the 8044 but i want the option of changing the display colour to amber as you mention in the 7544! Argh... so hard to choose!

19-06-2009, 08:09 AM	#12
fabes Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southampton Car: c class coupe 220CDI & Zafira Posts: 302	Omega1 Well you can get the 7544 and then add the Bluetooth module Kenwood also offer - see the bottom of the 7544 page -(cake and eat it - albeit at a price) I have hit a problem on the SWC - will be posting on that in a minute to see if the assembled masses can help

19-06-2009, 03:37 PM	#14
fabes Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southampton Car: c class coupe 220CDI & Zafira Posts: 302	I have a Parrott kit for the phone which I am happy with (within budget) SWC - Still not resolved

19-06-2009, 03:38 PM	#15
omega1 Hardcore MB Enthusiast Join Date: May 2009 Location: Hampshire Car: C220 CDI Avantgarde Saloon (W203) 2003 Posts: 139	what is the issue?

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