2007 W211 with issues, potential purchase... E350 Advise please?

[Duh_Vinci]

While waiting for the engine to arrive, replaced the worn/cracked gear shift lever boot. Opted to go with the lighter color that matches the seats and other trim.





This is my first experience with JF Customs I'm quite happy with the product, nice stitching, very very soft leather. Design of the top part is a tiny bit different from the factory, but overall appeal is very satisfying, and it was fairly simple to replace. The old worn out factory piece - no more!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Some minor details bother me, like the sticker of some kind that once was over the ashtray cover, that once removed left the color of the darker wood from 2007



No local yards have these style/colors of the wood: "Birdseye maple anthracite", so I had to reserve to the online shopping, ordered a replacement piece for a very little money...



Interior will be very very tidy soon!

Regards,
D

 

[maw1124]

View attachment 159457

Interior will be very very tidy soon!

Regards,
D

That looks like one of my favorite eBay vendors. I don't even mess with the local yards, these guys do such a good job. AutoHubShop is another good one for Benz parts, good prices, good service, takes offers, moves inventory, no issues.

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

That looks like one of my favorite eBay vendors. I dont even mess with the local yards, these guys do such a good job. AutoHubShop is another good one for Benz parts, good prices, good service, takes offers, moves inventory, no issues.

maw

YES!!! I see their inventory is plenty, nice variety, really fair prices and indeed, 10-15% off is always doable with them on the offers. I'm yet to try the AutoHubShop, but saved to watchlist and favorites few of their items.

My engine assembly coming from from "garageman01" as well btw... I can't get low mile engine in complete assembly locally, not with lower miles at these prices. Ebay coupon didn't work, so asked them directly for a discount, accepted, discounted and $1163 for a complete engine with most accessories, sensors, injectors, coils, wires, TB all attached...










This will be a good daily, well sorted and on a good budget, I feel it!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Dropped the car off at the friend's shop. Got a ride in his tunned E550 - quick car, but absolutely left me unimpressed from the quality of interior components and their build quality!

We will try first figure out the occasional non-start first, then, when the engine arrives next week, will update/upgrade all that we can on that engine off the car, and will go from there...

My command unit had half of the screen partially dead, and I really really don't want to rewire the entire car for the modern android unit (most report non-reliable fiberoptic decoders otherwise), so based on this neat interchangeable chart for my W211



Found me what appears to be a nice replacement unit 211 820 4397 with 30 days warranty and money back guarantee


From CLS 550, this was very "oddly" listed and an absolute bargain at $65 with free shipping from Cleveland Autoparts, vin number provided from the donor car, so I should have no issues obtaining the code for the unit.

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

Dropped the car off at the friends shop. Got a ride in his tunned E550 - quick car, but absolutely left me unimpressed from the quality of interior components and their build quality!

We will try first figure out the occasional non-start first, then, when the engine arrives next week, will update/upgrade all that we can on that engine off the car, and will go from there...

My command unit had half of the screen partially dead, and I really really dont want to rewire the entire car for the modern android unit (most report non-reliable fiberoptic decoders otherwise), so based on this neat interchangeable chart for my W211

View attachment 159588

Found me what appears to be a nice replacement unit 211 820 4397 with 30 days warranty and money back guarantee

View attachment 159589
From CLS 550, this was very oddly listed and an absolute bargain at $65 with free shipping from Cleveland Autoparts, vin number provided from the donor car, so I should have no issues obtaining the code for the unit.

Regards,
D

Too late probably, but these guys seem to have a really nice integration system for aftermarket head units in the W211 that even retain steering wheel controls:

Doesn't look to be that difficult of a job, either.

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Too late probably, but these guys seem to have a really nice integration system for aftermarket head units in the W211 that even retain steering wheel controls:

Doesnt look to be that difficult of a job, either.

Dan

Cheers Dan!

Not, difficult at all, I have considered doing this on my old E500 W211, but $400 for this wire harness, and another $200 in various accessories for car play, dash kit, etc, plus another $200-$500 for a decent double DIN unit - I moved on from that option.

Lesser expensive options, the basic $100-$150 fiberoptic decoders mostly garbage from what I've read and fail quickly.

There is another company, friend of mine, his shop using these kits from IX-MB006 little less expensive, reliable also.

And to my best knowledge, not of so called "W211 Android" unit" from Amazon or Ebay are plug and play (regardless of what the seller state in description), these will not work without a proper fiberoptic decoder adapter. Would be nice though!

Regards,
D

 

[LWB250]

Yeah, I saw one of these originally that was for sale on BanzWhirled and looked into it. Between the adapter, the goodies needed to go with it, and a head unit that has a 4V preamp output you would probably drop $1000 to do it.

Not worth the expense in my opinion. If I was really into the car or expected to have it for a decade or more, maybe, but otherwise I can live with the factory head unit. In my case it would be Mrs. Dan's car, and she's not that discriminating when it comes to car audio, nor would she ever use most of the features, so it would make even less sense there.

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Yeah, I saw one of these originally that was for sale on BanzWhirled and looked into it. Between the adapter, the goodies needed to go with it, and a head unit that has a 4V preamp output you would probably drop $1000 to do it.

Exactly! And if this was 10 years ago or so, maybe, now, I'm quite satisfied with a basic, fairly balanced of this car (it is HK)... And quite honestly, once AUX is plugged in in the glove compartment, from streaming music - it sounds very very good imo. Maybe (maybe), I will add a 10" subwoofer down the road, but overall, this factory HK work for me for now.

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Uhhh, I remembered today that I still have x3 sets of wheels that I could potentially use on this W211...

One set is staggered Mandrus Rotec, 18", but those are black, not sure how well will it play with this light blue car. I've used them on my SL320 for a while...



The other sets, are:

Fairly rare Axis FL02... I've had them on me E500 W211 for few months before the car was totaled, these are 19" square set



The other set is MRR VP7, still in the boxes from 4-5 years ago, never been touched... Originally purchased these for R129, but would not clear the front calipers, need to take them out of the boxes to test fit on W211, these are staggered, 18", I think these would look well on the car? Particularly if I can get all the chrome trim re-done in the same color?



Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

The engine arrived!



Friend of mine called me from his hop, said looks very clean, likely steamed cleaned prior to shipping... He did scan the car today, fuel pressure is solid, however, CPS codes re-appeared, cheap part used by a prior owner? Also, downstream bank 2 Oxygen sensor (likely responsible for the rich running).

I couldn't pick up any of those with my basic Matco scanner.

Ordered MB Crankshaft Position Sensor - Genuine Mercedes 6429050000, $32 from the local dealer, will arrive on Tuesday
Orderd Bosch 0045420718 (16749) from Napa, $68.97 with rewards discount, picking up tomorrow

All the rest of the parts are here, 5W40 oil and G48 coolant picked up today, next week (fingers crossed) she will be up and running!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

A little progress... The engine is out, engine bay is being cleaned up...



I don't know the fine details, but from the "quick" look around through the manifolds, he said one chamber had oil and one coolant





He said that all came out well, and the only needed parts that didn't survive was the expansion tank, nipple cracked, and the upper hose, replacing all anyway... Shocking that all these parts are in the only range from under $40 for the tank to $20-30 for variety of hoses from the dealer

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Glorious day it is!!! "The Cloud" is home with it's "new" engine and new lease on life!!!

Appears to be a very very good engine, clean, dry and mostly intact with just about everything from the prior car, my friend said he enjoyed working with this clean engine! Drove the car home for about 40 min, love it! I don't know what is it about this rather basic car, but I love it, the color combinations, the light and airy interior feel, it just fits like a glove.

The hot starts are perfectly fine, seems to be resolved with the "new" engine. There an interesting piece of information in this video:

Apparently, improperly seated connections can cause the hot no start issues, and my friend said multiple connectors had missing gray retaining clips and or broken connectors on my old engine. New engine came with it's own virgin harness attached and all 100% perfect clips, so... possibly this was the cause? It runs, drives, stops and I'm happy!

Side note: Magically, the navigation display is fully operational again (was only half the screen visible), now, in all, complete full view... Oh well, I now have a spare command (just in case)

A very nice replacement ashtray from garageman (same place where the engine came from)



I have no use for the lighter



I cleaned and detailed the unit, removed the lighter assembly, and replaced with nicely built aluminum bodied, fused USB outlet



It's perfect hidden fit



Ordered 90 degree USB plug to work with my very compact bluetooth adapter with output mini plug to AUX input in the glove compartment and factory look, no hanging wires, and hands free music and phone calls.

Great day in my book, thankful and happy with the outcome! And indeed, thank you very much for all the input, comments and suggestions every one, appreciate it!

Regards,
D

P.S. few plastic tubs of spare parts from the old engine pulled while at his shop this eve (sensors, air pump, TB, MAF, manifolds, etc)

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Day 2, starting and running beautifully, so I'm going to close that door on the previous hot start, all good and will stay good!

Finished installing new modified ashtray compartment, you can seen why I wanted to get rid of the original



Aux input, ran the braded cable from the glove compartment directly to the new ashtray



And in that ashtray, this little guy now resides



Ordered 90 degree USB narrow usb adapter (clearance of the ashtray compartment door is tight, and I want to keep it closed) Connects instantly and sound well to my liking. Good range, no interference, happy with this little guy!

Magnetic phone mount



All in all - simple, non intrusive, functional and bluetooth integrated into the factory HK



Replaced the broken mirror insert and cleaned up the sunvisors to nearly new condition





Removed the Jiffy Lube sticker, added mine lol





Little things, little progress, all good!

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

All installed, all buttoned up, all works really well!



I really enjoy these interior colors! A what do we have here:



It's clean, soot-less exhaust tips after 2nd day of driving the car

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Few more things done...

Replaced both broken lens/signals in the side mirrors







Finished just in time for liquid sunshine to start... Amazing how little things like these lenses date the car!

Sport pedals, beauty of pic-a-part, fraction of the dealer cost!



Next - need to order the headlight lenses, have to remove the bumper anyway (for proper installation of replacement inner fender well cover and belly pans, busted in prior ownership)

Regards,
D

 

[ace10]

Does the CD changer door still function?

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Does the CD changer door still function?

Absolutely! I was considering getting few CDRs to be loaded with MP3 files as I did for my father's car, and load them in for those time when I want something "specific", otherwise, for the last few years, it's been streaming only...

 

[gsxr]

I was considering getting few CDRs to be loaded with MP3 files as I did for my fathers car, and load them in for those time when I want something specific, otherwise, for the last few years, its been streaming only...

How about an old iPod with the W211 iPod interface? Nearly unlimited tunes, controlled from the steering wheel... no streaming required.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

How about an old iPod with the W211 iPod interface? Nearly unlimited tunes, controlled from the steering wheel... no streaming required.

Right? In paps car, 2008, he has that old interface (and AUX), 2007 didn't have it...

 

[gsxr]

Right? In paps car, 2008, he has that old interface (and AUX), 2007 didnt have it...

It's an optional accessory for all W211's. But, the kit is difficult to find used now, and of course is NLA new.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Its an optional accessory for all W211s. But, the kit is difficult to find used now, and of course is NLA new.

Dealer lied to me!!! When I had my E500 W211, I asked them if I can purchase that add-on, they said no!!!

I'm loving the steering wheel controls! I wonder if I can "donorize" it from pick-a-part, there are 2-3 late W211 cars coming soon (currently at the private lot). And I assume I could use an adapter something like this https://www.amazon.com/Sartyee-Conn...ocphy=9008222&hvtargid=pla-1655137792300&th=1 to my current phone too?

 

[ace10]

We had the ipod dongle on the '06 W211 cdi. I think it was dealer installed. Can't remember.

 

[LWB250]

We had the ipod dongle on the 06 W211 cdi. I think it was dealer installed. Cant remember.

It's an OE kit that was installed by the dealers. Unfortunately, you can find the module but not the iPod interface cable, as I recall. And if you do find the cable the insulation is toast.

I'm having the same struggle with my 2008 W164 - it's got an iPod interface for the COMAND system that I use with a 64GB iPod Touch to have days and days of unlimited music - my 30 pin cable from the interface is falling apart and no matter how hard I try I can't find a replacement.

Dan

 

[gsxr]

Dealer lied to me!!! When I had my E500 W211, I asked them if I can purchase that add-on, they said no!!!

Im loving the steering wheel controls! I wonder if I can donorize it from pick-a-part, there are 2-3 late W211 cars coming soon (currently at the private lot). And I assume I could use an adapter something like this https://www.amazon.com/Sartyee-Connector-Compatible-Smartphones-Sound-Docks/dp/B092HHQ1FF/ref=asc_df_B092HHQ1FF/ to my current phone too?

If you could find the accessory kit & cable, yes, I *think* the 30-pin to Lightning adapter may make it work with a newer phone. This wouldn't charge the phone, but should allow audio to function.

If you could find a W211 in a junkyard with the kit, you may be able to extract it, but IIRC it spiderwebs into the car quite a ways - not easy to R&R. Then there's the adapter cable concern Dan mentioned. Gotta be a Chinese replacement available though...

 

[LWB250]

If you could find the accessory kit & cable, yes, I *think* the 30-pin to Lightning adapter may make it work with a newer phone. This wouldnt charge the phone, but should allow audio to function.

If you could find a W211 in a junkyard with the kit, you may be able to extract it, but IIRC it spiderwebs into the car quite a ways - not easy to R&R. Then theres the adapter cable concern Dan mentioned. Gotta be a Chinese replacement available though...

I've yet to find one.

There is a distinction between model years with the interface kits, too. The later kit that doesn't fit my W164 seems to have all sorts of cables available for it, both used and new knick-offs made of Chinesium. When you need to do is locate the accessory catalog for that model year car and find out the accessory part number for the interface kit. once you have that you can determine if it's the one that is still around.

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

may be able to extract it, but IIRC it spiderwebs into the car quite a ways - not easy to R&R. Then theres the adapter cable concern Dan mentioned. Gotta be a Chinese replacement available though...

Well then, I'm glad the volume is working off the steering wheel, the rest - I think for now, imma just going to stick with this little bluetooth adapter. Angle mount USB plug came in today, all now enclosed inside the ashtray, it stays closed, but simple adapters inside



Regards,
D

 

[Stegel]

My 2008 E500 estate had an MB iPod kit fitted to it before I purchased it; as LWB250 says, the cable is frayed. It had a Lightning adaptor fitted when I bought the car, but I’ve replaced this with an Invery Bluetooth adaptor which means it can rest easy in the glovebox and I haven’t got to stress the frayed cable every time I use the car, as the phone pairs seamlessly without prompting. The cable may well give up eventually though; I thought I’d bagged one on eBay before Christmas for £8 but the vendor couldn’t find it after I paid so refunded me.

 

[gsxr]

... Invery Bluetooth adaptor .... as the phone pairs seamlessly without prompting.

You must have the rare version of Bluetooth that actually works. I find Bluetooth to mostly be a headache, and prefer hardwired solutions where possible.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

You must have the rare version of Bluetooth that actually works. I find Bluetooth to mostly be a headache, and prefer hardwired solutions where possible.

Dave, this bluetooth thingie was about $9 from Amazon, and it works flawlessly! I've first tested it for about two weeks at home on my old HK receiver, now, 3rd day in the car, connectivity better than anything I have in any car, instant! No feedback, no buzz, nothing... Amazon.com

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Uhhh how much do you know your car...?

You must have the rare version of Bluetooth that actually works

I just discovered something in the car that looks like "phaser" from the StarTreck...



Found this post Mercedes Bluetooth Adapter – MB Medic The site with instructions of how to program NLA... I did find the connector inside the center console, connected it, it's alive! My Iphone 6S-Plus (I know, old), discovered this device, this MB dongle asking for the code:

Is it safe to assume that it's the radio code it wants? (I'll get it from the dealership tomorrow)
Does it work with any bluetooth phone or does it need to be MB specific Motorolla or something?

Anyone has one of these in their later cars?

Regards,
D

EDIT, nevermind, the power of the internet! Generic code for MBluetooth devices 62872, it worked. But the phones must be specific, tried 2 different phones, yes, it recognizes them, yes, it displays the phone book on Command's scree, but mic is not compatible, and sounds terrible through the speakers, and - can't play the music, phone calls only, so kinda useless...

 

[LWB250]

That's odd, as I've got the exact same BT adapter in my 2008 ML550, and it pairs and works great with my iPhone XR. Might want to talk to someone you know with a newer model iPhone to see if it works.

I've never, and never will, buy a current or even 2nd generation iPhone. I wait and buy them when they're 3rd-4th generation when the prices drop significantly but the technology is still fairly recent. You can find a nice XR or iPhone 8 for a couple hundred bucks in good condition on Swappa or other places.

Dan

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Thats odd, as Ive got the exact same BT adapter in my 2008 ML550, and it pairs and works great with my iPhone XR. Might want to talk to someone you know with a newer model iPhone to see if it works.

Ive never, and never will, buy a current or even 2nd generation iPhone. I wait and buy them when theyre 3rd-4th generation when the prices drop significantly but the technology is still fairly recent. You can find a nice XR or iPhone 8 for a couple hundred bucks in good condition on Swappa or other places.

Dan

Dan, you can’t play music though this device, no streaming, right? Just the phone?

 

[alabbasi]

Dan, you can’t play music though this device, no streaming, right? Just the phone?

There should be an aux port in the glovebox. You can buy one of those bluetooth dongles and jumper the cig lighter for power. Should be pretty easy to get streaming.

 

[Stegel]

Uhhh how much do you know your car...?


I just discovered something in the car that looks like phaser from the StarTreck...

View attachment 160685

Found this post Mercedes Bluetooth Adapter – MB Medic The site with instructions of how to program NLA... I did find the connector inside the center console, connected it, its alive! My Iphone 6S-Plus (I know, old), discovered this device, this MB dongle asking for the code:

Is it safe to assume that its the radio code it wants? (Ill get it from the dealership tomorrow)
Does it work with any bluetooth phone or does it need to be MB specific Motorolla or something?

Anyone has one of these in their later cars?

Regards,
D

EDIT, nevermind, the power of the internet! Generic code for MBluetooth devices 62872, it worked. But the phones must be specific, tried 2 different phones, yes, it recognizes them, yes, it displays the phone book on Commands scree, but mic is not compatible, and sounds terrible through the speakers, and - cant play the music, phone calls only, so kinda useless...

My E500 has the same “phone prep” socket in the armrest, but the adaptor is slightly different. Glad you found the pairing code - for future reference I remember it as MBUSA. My iPhone 11 connects to both this and the Inveray adaptor at the same time, phone calls only through the former and music and navigation through the latter.

Our diesel S211 - an 09 - has Bluetooth built into Comand without needing an adaptor, but it doesn’t stream music. As per Alabbasi above, a Bluetooth dongle plugged into the aux socket in the glovebox allows music streaming, with the only noticeable difference between the two cars being an absence of control via the steering wheel and no track listing in the dash.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

There should be an aux port in the glovebox. You can buy one of those bluetooth dongles and jumper the cig lighter for power. Should be pretty easy to get streaming.

My E500 has the same “phone prep” socket in the armrest, but the adaptor is slightly different. Glad you found the pairing code - for future reference I remember it as MBUSA. My iPhone 11 connects to both this and the Inveray adaptor at the same time, phone calls only through the former and music and navigation through the latter.

Our diesel S211 - an 09 - has Bluetooth built into Comand without needing an adaptor, but it doesn’t stream music. As per Alabbasi above, a Bluetooth dongle plugged into the aux socket in the glovebox allows music streaming, with the only noticeable difference between the two cars being an absence of control via the steering wheel and no track listing in the dash.

Good to know, appreciate the info, that's definitely easy to remember!

For now, this little guy for $9 from Amazon works flawlessly so far, instantaneous connection the moment it powers on



Streaming, phone calls, etc... Steering wheel for volume only, but that's ok, I really like the sound quality of this HK with Logic7, maybe just a dedicated 10" subwoofer in a compact enclosure with it's own, dedicated output control, but that's later in the spring/summer. Well balanced system for the most part, to me anyway...

Regards,
D

 

[gsxr]

Streaming, phone calls, etc... Steering wheel for volume only, but thats ok, I really like the sound quality of this HK with Logic7, maybe just a dedicated 10 subwoofer in a compact enclosure with its own, dedicated output control, but thats later in the spring/summer. Well balanced system for the most part, to me anyway...

Have you tried turning off the Logic 7 "feature"? I was not impressed with this faux-surround applied to a stereo source.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Have you tried turning off the Logic 7 feature? I was not impressed with this faux-surround applied to a stereo source.

NO, I have not! Didn't know it has the option to turn that on/off, thanks, will try! I wonder how many other "thingies" this car has I don't know about and I need to try?

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Have you tried turning off the Logic 7 feature?...

And I have to agree with you. If one had to compare, overall, I think I prefer the "standard" setting to "Logic"... The staging I think is better on the logic setting, but overall, standard would be my choice as well. Been driving with it for 2 days now, and it's going to stay there!

Speaking of driving, tomorrow is going to be 7 days daily driving since the "Maiden Voyage" for this Blue Cloud, I couldn't happier with the transplant! Starts, stops, drives beautifully.

At some point, I will swap the Comand unit, since the one in the car, screen has some minor scratches on the "anti-glare" coating, my replacement unit is pretty much flawless. And while there, will add another USB outlet, will hardwire and install the plug in the glove box for charging if needed, since all the console trim will be out anyway...

And will install this rather unique shift gate cover



I've only seen it on E55 cars, and with airmatic buttons, but never in this configuration with anthracite burlwood and silver plate that matches the "sport" cluster inlay and standard suspension (which is what I have), so no extra buttons. I think it will look nice. @maw1124 - this GARAGEMAN definitely becoming my favorite seller! Reasonable prices, indeed accepts offers, so far, all my replacement pieces (including the engine) all from them.

Regards,
D

 

[Duh_Vinci]

You know the benefits of the pic-a-part at 8:30in the morning with 25F - frozen ground with no muddy mess and you have pretty much entire yard to yourself!

Did a little more work on some annoying things:

Center speaker had occasional buzzing at certain volume and certain mid-high ranges, basically blown. Replaced with 2008 with the same HK system, no more buzzing, crystal clear



Replaced microswitch on the sunvisor



Now, the pulsating squeak from the blower motor at lower 3-4 speeds like deja vu, my old E500 W211 had the same issue, and seem like most of them do, in the cold weather. Luckily, it only takes about 10 mint to remove it completely. I use this ultra fine lubricant from Hobby Lobby, the flexible long spout attachment gets you right under the plastic cover to the top portion of the bearing.



First, lubricated the bottom part, let it sit over night to let it penetrate as much as possible, then, this morning flipped it over, upright, and let is sit for anther 6 hours. Whisper quiet motor once again, at any speed!

These little things, these little fixes and improvements make the car so much more pleasant to drive and be in (little time and little cost invested and so worth it)

Regards,
D

 

[maw1124]

That's the benefit of "they made tons of them" as I've come to understand.

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Swapped the shifter plate from all wood to wood/aluminum, facia matches the cluster insert





Not yet sure if I'm in love with it... I like it as much as the original all wood plate, it is pretty rare. The good par, it only takes about 5 min to swap it out if I get tired of it.

Regards,
D

 

[maw1124]

Not yet sure if Im in love with it... I like it as much as the original all wood plate, it is pretty rare...

It's almost like you need a black one to match the stereo surround, or to wrap the one you don't like in a grey vinyl to match either the dash or the center console. But like you, I like the aluminum but am not sure if I love it.

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Maw, I'll use wide angle lens tomorrow for a better overall view... This piece matches the "sport" cluster inlay perfectly, same as E55 package that I've seen. But remains to bee seen if I like it in the long term...

This weekend (weather permits), re-adjusting the bumper (with removal), installing replacement replacement fog lights (and need to get them lamine-Xed) and new fog light trim bezels, installing new driver side fender lining, and all the bottom tray covers.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

Busted fog lights no more!

Surprising enough, replacements at $35 pair (I took a chance with free returns), are very nice quality, glass lenses, adjustable! The only thing didn't work are the LEDs that came as a set pre-installed. This car does not anything LED, and I'm not interested in adding resistors, so standard halogens used instead



Applied Lamin-X leftovers for a good measure



Installed replacement trim bezels too



Coming along, slowly, but surely, and on the budget.

 

[Duh_Vinci]

OCD continues...

Thats the benefit of they made tons of them

Yes! Literally for pennies, brought back the trunk back to "tidy" with parts from pic-a-part (original panels were removed by prior shop, guessing in the search of an issue of non-start? And never assembled back as it should have been):

Passenger side net was missing, now, with all the trimmings and attachments is back in the car



Fuse cover panel now has both of the locking tabs



All the missing holding pins are now replaced



I know, little things, but makes me happy to bring the car back to where it should be, and for a very little money.

Driver's side back part of the seat bolster had a little crack in it (compliments of the modern version of MB-Tex, these all do!) I've discovered that back cushion/skins are identical from driver's to passenger side., so another bargain coming my way non-worn passenger complete assembly from the same garageman





Should last for a while...

 

[maw1124]

Exactly! And if this was 10 years ago or so, maybe, now, Im quite satisfied with a basic, fairly balanced of this car (it is HK)... And quite honestly, once AUX is plugged in in the glove compartment, from streaming music - it sounds very very good imo. Maybe (maybe), I will add a 10 subwoofer down the road, but overall, this factory HK work for me for now.

Regards,
D

If you ever want something more fancy, the Dynavin systems are PnP and a very efficient upgrade, though not cheap. https://dynavinnorthamerica.com/col...2004-2010-most-adapter?variant=42568442708186 I have their last model in my M3 and have been happy with it.

maw

 

[Duh_Vinci]

If you ever want something more fancy, the Dynavin systems are PnP and a very efficient upgrade, though not cheap. https://dynavinnorthamerica.com/col...2004-2010-most-adapter?variant=42568442708186 I have their last model in my M3 and have been happy with it.

maw

I like these units quite a bit! I've seen someone actually posted a detailed installation video of this in W211, fairly straight forward and all pieces are included, screen is large too! Price, well, for what it is, I think it's fair for "exact fit" and not a generic kit...

That said, you know what stopping me from getting these units (and laugh all you want): NO having a round volume, the actual knob!

Seriously!!! I love dials for the volume! I've installed a very nice double-din JVC in my brother's Volvo wagon little over a year ago, car play and all... I had to drive this car few times, NO volume knob, can't do!

Because of that, I was actually considering something similar, but with knob, as this one Amazon.com and was looking a the installation kits/converter...

Alternatively, I've already driven this car for 1000 miles since it came back to life and this factory system - I'm more than ok for now. I do however, @maw1124 appreciate the suggestion, I do! Saved to my ICE folder for later.

I still have to change the brakes and some suspension components on this W211 to make it perfect, you know, the "deferred maintenance", then the sound system upgrades (maybe)...

Regards,
D

 

[maw1124]

I can completely relate. On the E46M it’s an exact factory match, with rotating knobs. It looks stock but sounds nothing like, which I LOVE. And IIRC up through the N7 Pro (the last model), they were factory matches here too.

maw

EDIT… good catch… I hadn’t noticed the new look… old one here... Amazon.com: Dynavin N7-MBE Radio Navigation System for Mercedes E Class 2002-2009 & CLS 2004-2010 Includes Most Adapter : Electronics … I know the USA owner and night recommend him… he tells me the guys of the N7 and N8 are basically the same, and it looks that way to me.

 

[gsxr]

That said, you know what stopping me from getting these units (and laugh all you want): NO having a round volume, the actual knob!

Seriously!!! I love dials for the volume! Ive installed a very nice double-din JVC in my brothers Volvo wagon little over a year ago, car play and all... I had to drive this car few times, NO volume knob, cant do!

Amen, brother! SAVE THE KNOBS! And, I'll take it a step further. I don't like digital rotary-encoder round knobs, although the vast majority of head units use those. I still have old-skool Nakamichi CD-700 head units in a couple of cars with analog rotary knobs. No blue teeth, no PlayCar stuff, no phone capabilities, just wired audio from an iPod or other MP3 source (ok, you could connect an adaptor to stream from you iFone or whatever). But anyway - I feel your pain about the knobs.