Changing head unit in Japanese import to NZ compatible

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Changing head unit in Japanese import to NZ compatible

davidcsie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#215024 8-Jun-2017 20:30

First time poster -

Hi everyone, apologies if I get something wrong.

Have just bought a Japanese imported mercedes cls 350 2007. Have tried researching options to have NZ compliant headunit placed. I'm keen to have something that looks like it belongs there and connected to steering wheel controls as well as install a reversing camera. I'm based in Palmy but frequently travel to Welly. First contact with Auckland shop who quoted about 1.5k installed. Another company in ChCh who sells headunits recommended a shop in Palmy but when I went round he said he didn't have expertise for the car and suggested Welly. Two places in Welly tried and both quoted 2.5k but only one sounded like they knew what they were talking about. I know this is a common problem and have read the forum. Contacted the places mentioned in the forum but before I pay out the Welly prices I wanted to check if someone hasn't solved this problem before and if there was someone they could recommend and what the going rate is. A roadtrip to Auckland or ChCh if it saved 1k wouldn't be out of the question.

Thanks for any advice.

Aredwood

3885 posts

Uber Geek

#1796927 8-Jun-2017 20:55

Alot depends on how integrated the headunit is with the rest of the car. As if the steering wheel controls work over the CANbus, and / or other computers in the car talk to the factory headunit, which may then pack a sad if the headunit "disappears" And do you have separate aircon/heater controls. Or does the headunit also do those?

davidcsie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1796929 8-Jun-2017 21:00

Thanks for reply and help.

Aircon and heater controls separate.

Was also hoping to hear from someone who has been through the process so hopefully they can comment on your point re computers and headunit as it is a good one.

Camden

115 posts

Master Geek

#1796973 8-Jun-2017 23:38

I am not familiar with the the head unit in your Merc but it would most probably be more alaborate than the one in my wife's B200, and I assume that the compatibility may be more than just the FM radio reception you want made compatible. But if it is just the radio, I had the same problem with a Japanese import Volvo V50 wagon that had different frequencies than NZ.As the unit was a built in to the dash board type and couldn't be removed, I though I would have had to get a band expander but the local Volvo dealer,on relieving me of $200, plugged in his laptop and magically changed the frequencies to 88 to 108 compatible for NZ. My latest car,a VW Passat had a Japanese Sat Nav combo radio sterio and was not compatible so we just took it out and put a $400 Sony double din size radio/CD/DVD/reversing camera in, in it's place. It fitted with the original trim plates and looks standard. It might pay, if you have not already done so, to check with your local Merc dealer to see if they can reprogram the existing unit.It would be interesting to hear how you finally get around it.

Jaxson

8042 posts

Uber Geek

Trusted

#1797031 9-Jun-2017 06:57

Can you post some photos of your existing stereo please, including the steering wheel buttons too.

doublek69

36 posts

Geek

#1797063 9-Jun-2017 09:04

Something like this?

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/car-stereos/dvd-video/auction-1342603325.htm

"Mercedes-Benz E Class W211, CLS,C219
It Support Mercedes Benz E Class W211 2002-2009
Mercedes Benz CLS C219 2004-2010
Its a 7 inch DVD, It has dvd, Bluetooth, Radio, Video, Gps, Video aux functions. "

davidcsie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1797416 9-Jun-2017 17:37

Thanks,

Yes like the one in the link but that looks like the Dynavin version and the following clips put me off when I did my research

https://www.google.co.nz/search?q=dynavin+mercedes&oq=dynavin&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j69i59l3j69i61j0.8681j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#tbm=vid&q=dynavin+problems

Contacted a guy who sells something very similar but gives a 2 year warranty (not mentioning who as don't want to be accused of promoting anybody especially as a first time poster). He recommended someone in Wellington who quoted me 300 to fit it which is 700-1200 less than any other quote I've had. The guy I contacted who sells the unit quoted me the same for fitting if I went to him and has posted youtube videos showing his units working through steering wheel controls and responsive reversing camera.

Apparently he was inspired to sell them when he first went looking for something for himself and found a gap in the market.

Was hoping someone else might have personal experience with that make and model but will hopefully have it sorted next week and will report back.

ilovemusic

1439 posts

Uber Geek

#1797874 11-Jun-2017 00:48

david;

have you been in to see jim at autosound in taonui street ?

he has lots of experience with european cars.

http://autosoundpn.co.nz/contact-us/

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

Goosey

2831 posts

Uber Geek

Subscriber

#1797924 11-Jun-2017 10:07

what about this....

http://www.oemaudio.co.nz/multimedia-units/mercedes-benz

davidcsie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1797977 11-Jun-2017 12:28

Tried suggestion in Palmy (Autosound) and was initially told no problem but when I brought the car in, a more senior gentleman (presumably Jim) told me he didn't take on cars as 'complicated' as mine. The oem audio was the unit I was referring to above. They originally recommended Autosounds as their Palmy fitter but have now referred me to a guy in Wellington who they assure me is very very good after I described my experience to date. My quotes for fitting alone have either been around 300 or 1500. I was impressed by oem audio and their demo on youtube and presumed that if they had a unit specifically for Mercs then they know what's involved with installing them. They are also confident they can get it to communicate with the steering wheel control. So I am either getting a bargain and avoiding rip off merchants or am being incredibly naive and will have to pay even more to sort out the mess I'm going to have trying to save money. This is why I posted as with the number of Japanese imports I had hoped someone could say - been there and bought the T shirt but if not I don't mind being the first! If anyone has experience of Oem audio and Mercedes I would love to hear their experience. Am hoping to get it done end of next week or the week after. Waiting on a unit to arrive as they are on order. Thanks everyone.

Camden

115 posts

Master Geek

#1797992 11-Jun-2017 13:01

You should not have any problem buying from OEM as that is where I got my unit from to install in a Passat. The car dealer took me there and the staff were very knowledgeable and showed me several suitable units and explained very well all I needed to know. I would buy from them again when the need arises.

davidcsie

5 posts

Wannabe Geek

#1797997 11-Jun-2017 13:24

Thanks, really encouraging to hear from someone who has actually dealt with them. Would be great to hear from a Merc owner if possible.