Aftermarket Audio Installation Kits
The Mercedes sound system has been constantly evolving throughout its history, changing as modern technology improves. The central component of that sound system, which has not changed, is the Bose amplifier. Bose amplifiers driving Bose speakers, gives Mercedes the rich quality of sound synonymous with their automobiles.
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1989
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1992
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1994
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1998
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2001
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2004
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Becker Independent Amplifiers
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Bose / Becker Distributed Amplifiers
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Bose
Beta
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Bose
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Bose
(D2B Fiber CD Changers)
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Bose
D2B Fiber
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Bose
MOST Fiber
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2V Preamp
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4V Preamp
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Fiber Optic
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Similarly, as audio technology improves, owners of older models will desire to upgrade to keep pace with modern advancements, yet retain the performance of the Bose system. In most cases, with careful integration, the factory head unit can be upgraded to an aftermarket unit and still retain the Bose performance. If your Bose amplifier is not sounding as you think it should or possibly is malfunctioning, send it in for a free sound check.
W140 1991-1993 2-piece Bose Beta System, w/optional CD Changer + Telephone
As depicted to the right, the stereo layout of an early '90s W140 with the Bose Beta system is a carefully laid out system of 11 speakers and components. The MBCluster installation kit carefully replaces key components and integrates virtually any aftermarket head unit into the system while maintain the Bose audio experience.
The installation is non-destructive to your OEM wiring, no cutting or splicing is involved. The integrated mobile CTEL telephone system is unaffected and remains operative and compatible with the new stereo system.
The aftermarket head unit is a single DIN height unit that drive a standard 2V preamp output. A 197" antenna extension is used to connect the rear mounted OEM antenna mast to the new head unit. Sample pictures of an installation can be seen on the Custom Audio Installations page.
As can be seen above, the aftermarket kit uses the same OEM connectors found on your original HU and tuner, for ease of installation. We source these connectors from other old head units and tuners from local used parts suppliers. If your old head unit and tuner are otherwise inoperative, we can use your old HU and tuner to produce your kit, which saves time and money. The harness from the new head unit is integrated into the kit, making this a true plug and play kit! When deciding on your new head unit, browse your local electronics retailer such as Best buy or Future Shop to see the latest mobile audio technology.
When ready to order your kit, these are things which you may want to send in first :
- Verify your Bose Beta amplifier, or send it in for a free sound check.
- Your new aftermarket head unit harness, if purchased yourself, or can alternatively be purchased by us.
- Your old head unit and tuner for disassembly, or can alternatively be purchased by us.
1994-2001 Standard Bose Amplifier
For audio installations of 1994-2001 Non-Fiber Bose systems, no custom kit is required as this system can be easily installed with existing aftermarket audio accessories, which are listed below. The installation can be done by us, or by any qualified and reputable audio installation shop. This system can be installed one of two ways :
Using a high end aftermarket unit which drives a 4V preamp output. This will give a clean and linear preamp signal to drive the Bose amp. You will need to research at your local audio store which head units have this ability. Also, a Ground Loop Isolator (GLI) is needed to compensate for the input preamplifier ground differential, which fixes the popping noise issue with pre-amping these Bose amps.
Drive speaker out directly from the head unit to amplifier input. This may seem counter intuitive at first, meaning an amplified signal being re-amplified, however this is, in fact, how your OEM system is configured. No GLI is needed in this case, as the speaker outputs are never completely muted, and thus have no ground differential. The drawback with this system is the volume maxes out quite quickly, as opposed to using a preamp which comes in gradually and softly.
These are audio accessories which are needed for installation.
- BHA1784R Radio harness adapter - Connects to the OEM wiring harness
BAA7 European Radio antenna adapter - For European vehicles
- GLI Ground Loop Isolator - For eliminating on/off and muting amplifier pop on preamp signal inputs
Fiber Optic D2B/MOST Amplifier
In early 2K, Mercedes changed from standard copper wire to fiber optic technology to transfer audio information. The first fiber system implemented the D2B standard, and afterwards changed to the MOST standard. This also signaled the end of low-cost aftermarket audio upgrades. The fiber optic audio system is integrated into the COMMAND, TELE AID, and MCS navigation system, thus component substitution is more complicated.
There are products on the market which do integrate into the fiber system such as the Dension GWL1DB1. This unit basically mimics the factory CD changer to get access to the audio network. The CD changer gets unplugged and looped back, then the GWL1DB1 is plugged into the network, and hijacks all the CD changer commands and reuses them for its own iPOD connection. This way, the other members of the fiber community such as TELE AID, and MCS still operate and communicate to the amplifier as normal.
The following connectors represent the D2B standard, and are available from your local dealership.
- D2B Fiber Optics - Connectors, External Kits, etc.
Q682 0671 / A203 540 33 08 - CD Kit (Bose)
Q682 0670 / A203 540 34 08 - CD Kit (non Bose)
A000 545 33 84 - D2B Splice Connector
A036 545 07 28 - D2B Straight Connector
A036 545 08 28 - D2B 90 Degree Connector (top)
A036 545 09 29 - D2B 90 Degree Connector (bottom)
Sending In Your Unit
- Fill out the online Repair Form, and include it with your unit :
International customers, ex. United states, Europe, must fill out the customs documented, and follow the shipping instructions available here.
- Bundle the unit up in ample padding and place it in a sturdy box. Address is located at the bottom of the Repair Form. Please note : Only USPS may be used for American shipping! Canadian shipments may use private couriers such as UPS, FedEx, etc., all other countries must use their federal postal services.
- Once we have received the unit and diagnosed the fault, we will e-mail an update. If you are satisfied with the diagnosis, we will begin repair accordingly. Final payment is done using the easy PayPal system, with Invoice sent in the email exchange. If for whatever reason, you have decided to decline service, or service is not possible for your unit, a shipping charge is required to send it back.
Pricing
Aftermarket HU Installation Kit - Bose BetaUsing old HU and tuner
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$275
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Aftermarket HU Installation Kit - Bose BetaWe source an HU and tuner
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$375
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On-Site Installation
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$50/hr
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Note: After July 1, 2010: All Ontario & BC residents add 13% HST, other Canadian provinces add applicable taxes.
United States and other foreign countries do not add taxes.
