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Need Car Stereo Help!!

Discussion in 'Texas' started by future328driver, Jun 22, 2005.

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  1. future328driver

    future328driver Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2001
    1,838
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Ken Thomas
    #1 future328driver, Jun 22, 2005
    The factory CD changer (ala Alpine) in my E55 crapped-out and my MB Starmark warranty does not cover it. Replacement factory changer cost anywhere from $500-$600 depending on where you look. Crtuchfield has them for $600.

    So, I am thinking about going to a good aftermarket RF CD changer rather than buiying the factory changer or replacing the entire stereo.

    Does anyone have any thoughts on RF changers and/or a recomendation for a good stero shop in Dallas? i think in my car they can take the atenna connection directly into the head unit, thus eliminating any extra quality problems with an RF broadcast arrangement.

    Thanks.
     
  2. GhostRider

    GhostRider Formula Junior

    Dec 20, 2002
    999
    Tulsa, OK
    Full Name:
    Matt
    #2 GhostRider, Jun 22, 2005
    I would never trust an RF signal to be near the quality of a proper wired system.
     
  3. jakermc

    jakermc Formula 3
    Owner

    Jan 17, 2004
    1,804
    Palm Beach, FL
    Full Name:
    Rob
    #3 jakermc, Jun 23, 2005
    Often times there are adaptors that allow less expensive aftermarket changers to be directly attached to factory head units. Call Crutchfield and ask, they often carry that kind of stuff.

    Try these guys (Plano location):

    http://www.earmarkcaraudio.com/locations_plano.asp

    They put the K40 and head unit/changer in my 355. Excellent work and great service. Ask to speak with Frank, the manager.
     
  4. Speed Racerette

    Speed Racerette Formula 3

    May 24, 2004
    1,354
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    She wants Revenge
    #4 Speed Racerette, Jun 23, 2005
    I just very recently installed new a new XMCDdeck,subwoofer/amp installed and XMCD deck, Alpine changer, and subwoofer on the 840 for Mother's day (hey, Ultimate Electronics is going out of business so I had to seize the moment). I had it done over at the Car Stereo store off Greenville between lover/NW Hwy. They also installed the XM Deck on the 911 several years ago - no problems.

    In case you decide to pull the entire stereo....I have a reallllllly nice Eclipse CD Deck I pulled out of the 840i. :)
     
  5. Enzo

    Enzo F1 Rookie

    Feb 14, 2002
    4,089
    MinneSOta
    Full Name:
    Pat Pasqualini
    #5 Enzo, Jun 23, 2005
    You might want to check with the MB folks. Some of their stereo equipment runs through fiber optic wires (or atleast that is what I was told by an MB salesguy). If it indeed does run through fiber optics you might have a hard time hooking an aftermarket to a stock stereo.
     
  6. Speed Racerette

    Speed Racerette Formula 3

    May 24, 2004
    1,354
    Dallas, TX
    Full Name:
    She wants Revenge
    #6 Speed Racerette, Jun 23, 2005
    I second that...I had a compatability issue when the BMW stereo was replaced with the Eclipse and couldn't use the BMW changer in the trunk anymore. Thus, the newly installed Alpine changer.

    I had forgotten about that....so now I also have a factory 6 disc BMW changer if anyone is interested.:)
     
  7. future328driver

    future328driver Formula 3

    Dec 10, 2001
    1,838
    Dallas, Texas
    Full Name:
    Ken Thomas
    #7 future328driver, Jun 26, 2005
    There is not adapter kit for hte MB (ala Alpine) changer. Either buy the changer from MB direct or thru Crutchfield or replace the system. I am thinking about replacing the head unit and buying a new changer. Maybe I will go with Eclipse. I want something that looks nice in the car and that illumintaes close to the other gauges in the car. I seem to recall that Eclipse used to have head units whose illumintation could change to match the gauages.

    Lots of other bad luck with the car as well. Picked it up from Park Place on Thursday monring aftern having an alignment done and getting a new serpantine belt and noticed that while a the shop, someone backed my car into a wall and damage the paint on the rear bumper - Park Place wis going to fix that one. Then, while parked at a store, someone turned too wide into the parking spot next to me and put a large bent in the front quarter panel - will have to talk to Jano about fixing that one. Been a crappy week on the auto front.
     

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