Picture of prewired cd for 98 c280?

[BBad199]

I have a 98 c280 and I can't figure out where the pre wiring is for this thing. The audio deck that I have is the one with the open tape insert that says mercedes on the flap. Has the CD button on the top right.

I'm considering two things...

1. An OEM CD changer (knock off) that will work (Is my car fiber optic???) Like this: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7948512235&category=43948

2. A different mercedes head unit from europe such as this with just a single disk: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=7945084429&category=38641



I'd rather not pay more for less...if I can add a cd changer to the trunk I will, but is this unit a direct fit or does it require coding adapters?

If someone can post a picture of where the trunk adapter is so I can check if I have it that would be very helpful. I've checked around the battery area and I don't see anything. I thought prewiring was standard...but maybe I'm wrong? If I am I'll just go for the new head unit if its a direct fit...

[audiophile]

it will be on the passsenger side of the trunk. you might need to take off the panel to reach it. it kinda looks like the radio harness.;)

[BBad199]

Well I found it based off a post I read on another forum about a guy who was looking for the prewiring in a e320...

I was located behind the drivers panel...not the passengers...


Well...my question still remains...what should I do about the head unit or the changer?

Does anyone have any info on the head unit?

[audiophile]

passengers;) no its not fiber optic. 99' and up has fiber optic.

[BBad199]

OK...I'm at a loss. I thought that I found what looks to be a data cable (parallel port) behind the drivers side and mistook that for an audio cable...

I've ripped off both pannels and cannot find this adapter.



Is it possible for my car not to be prewired?

Can someone take a picture of the location where it should be for me?




Greatly appreciated again.
Jon

[pnsji]

it should be 2 sets of wires:
- fiber optic wire (the color is orange)
- power wire for CD changer

Take out the passanger side carpetting, and it should be there.

[stox]

Originally posted by BBad199
I thought that I found what looks to be a data cable (parallel port) behind the drivers side and mistook that for an audio cable...


Speaking of which, does anyone know what that connector is for?

[bobcat]

Originally posted by stox
Speaking of which, does anyone know what that connector is for?

the connector that looks like a parallel port data cable is
for the optional Mercedes cellular phone. There's also a
cellular phone antenna cable/connector near it. (the cellular
antenna is inside the rear bumper)

If you look under your center armrest, there's also a modular-type
phone connector, as well as another cell phone antenna
connector, under a plastic flap. :D

By the way, he factory phone was analog 800Mhz.

[bobcat]

Originally posted by BBad199
I have a 98 c280 ........If someone can post a picture


Did someone say pictures? :D Here you go:

I was about to replace my MB CD changer, so I took out the
original MB 6-CD changer to take these pictures for you.

Your '98 C280 is analog, NOT fiber-optic. It looks exactly like
the pics below. In fact, these are pictures from a '98 C280.

Also check out a new thread I just started in this forum:
single-CD navigation headunit (http://www.club202.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5816)



Edit: darn it... I forgot to add watermark to the pics... how long do you suppose it will be, before someone uses these pics for their Ebay auction?

bobcat :)

overview
http://img144.exs.cx/img144/6492/aabb11pj.jpg

CD changer connector
http://img144.exs.cx/img144/7703/aabc23kr.jpg

(back of CD changer, where the connector goes)
http://img144.exs.cx/img144/4839/aacc32oo.jpg

(CD changer, still attached to mounting bracket)
http://img144.exs.cx/img144/6866/aacd41mn.jpg

[BBad199]

Thats what I'm looking for and it is an incredible help... The bad thing is it is not there in my car.

Why isn't my c280 prewired? I thought it was a standard?

[bobcat]

Originally posted by BBad199
Thats what I'm looking for and it is an incredible help... The bad thing is it is not there in my car.

Why isn't my c280 prewired? I thought it was a standard?

No problem, that's what we're here for. Here's what I suggest:


(1)
I encourage to try again. Completely remove the passenger-side
(above the battery) carpeting. The connector/harness should
be there. It may be covered up by other wires/harness or even
cloth electrical tape.

(2)
If you really can't find it, get a car stereo installer or the MB dealer
to help you out. I think a fair price for helping you locate the
connector by the dealer is $20 at the most.

(3)
The last possibility is that someone had removed the wiring
harness from the C280 completely. Were you the original owner?
(or did someone work on your car in the past?)

As far as I know, all '98 C280s come with the pre-wired harness
for CD changer.

Good luck! :D


bobcat :)

[BBad199]

I'm going to pull the car in the service lot at work tonight and I'll check it out again.

I really appreciate all the help. Based on what people have said about the traffic pro, I put in my order from crutchfeild today instead of a cd changer. I can't justify spending $250+shipping on a cd changer when I can get a traffic pro with an in dash so cheap. I'd rather not get out of the car anyhow to change CDs.

I'm sure this thread will be beneficial for others though. I couldn't find anything on it when I searched the web!!! I've learned quite a bit.

Jon