Install a Fiber Optic CD changer in a '98 ML with an '01 MCS? Possible?

[UncAl]

I have an '01 MCS (fiber optic) installed in a '98 ML320. To install an OEM CD changer, wouldn't a '01+ Fiber Optic CD changer be required? (I remember a thread by Scorchie addressing this - I'm still trying to find it).

I expected to use the existing harness (even if re-wiring the connector is necessary) to the CD changer OEM location, and add a MB fiber optic line. However, the install instructions <a href="http://www.mclassmods.50megs.com/becker2662.htm" target=new>here</a> refer to a FO "junction" in the console area, pictured below ...



which probably doesn't exist in my '98.

So, the questions are:
1. Does a '01 MCS require a Fiber Optic CD changer?
2. If FO is required, what is involved in successfully connecting the Fiber Optic portion?

[jdbower]

Before you go through the effort, ask yourself why you want the CD changer. I've found that you will probably spend a lot less time and be much happier with a nice hard drive based MP3 player like the Neo Jukebox (www.ssiamerica.com). I've got many more than 6 CDs on there and I can play them in whatever order I want. It may also be better to get thier portable player, that way you can take it on the road and it acts as a portable hard drive.

[UncAl]

jdbower - 4/23/2004 10:34 AM
Before you go through the effort, ask yourself why you want the CD changer. I've found that you will probably spend a lot less time and be much happier with a nice hard drive based MP3 player like the Neo Jukebox (www.ssiamerica.com). I've got many more than 6 CDs on there and I can play them in whatever order I want. It may also be better to get thier portable player, that way you can take it on the road and it acts as a portable hard drive.

I plan to install Satellite Radio using a cassette form factor (per Tim's example). That is, once Benza solves the dreaded <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=1172400&mid=1219641&fid=29#M1219641" target=new>"blender issue"</a>. I also plan to install DVD NAV, so I wanted the changer for the occassional CD, either mine or my passengers.

BTW, the thread I alluded to above is <a href="http://www.benzworld.org/forums/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=53228&posts=13&hl=" target=new>here</a>.

scorchie - 1/31/2003 5:47 AM

I've been reading a lot of information on many forums about alleged "facts" about the 2000 ML MCS (with NAV). I'm here to dispel these so called "facts" with some empirical evidence.

Here's what I did:

1) Pulled out my MCS. My 2000 ML430 has MCS with Nav and CD changer, all as delivered from the dealer. It has the Bose package, and the CD changer is connected to via NON-fibre optic cable.

2) Unplugged the C connector, which is to the CD changer.

3) Plugged in a length of fibre optic cable to the MCS.

4) Plugged the other end of the fibre optic cable into a CD changer that I placed in the trunk of my C43.

5) Plugged the power connector for the CD changer (from the C43) into the loose CD changer.

6) Power cycled both the COMAND in the C43 and the MCS in the ML430 (to start up the fibre loop).

7) Listened to the CDs.

So, here are some myths that can be debunked:

1) The 2000 MCS requires a non-fibre optic CD changer. While it is true that the 2000 MCS is installed with a non-fibre optic CD changer, mine can also operate with a fibre-optic changer. I would be willing to wager that ALL the MCS of any year can work with either fibre optic or non-fibre optic, assuming the wiring is CORRECTLY HOOKED UP.

2) The MCS and the CD changer are made by Alpine. While it is true that some CD changers used in some Mercedes vehicles are made by Alpine, all the non-fibre optic changers I've seen in the M-klasse are manufactured by Panasonic. That's why they use a Panasonic magazine.

Here are some pictures that I took while setting this up. The captions for the pictures in order are:

1) Here is the 2000 MCS unit removed from the dash. Note that fibre optic cables have been hooked into it, and the non-fibre optic CD changer connector has been removed (it is floating next to the unit).

2) Here is the screen of the 2000 MCS while it is operating. Note that the screen indicate that there is NAV and a CD changer attached, and in the picture it is playing a CD.

3) Here are the fibre optic cables running across my hood towards the back of the C43.

4) This is the fibre optic (ALPINE) CD changer sitting on the floor of my C43 trunk. The power cord is coming from the C43 changer wiring.

Please contact me with any questions that I might be able to help you with.

-s-

[paulhdick]

Hi UncAl,

Yes you can install the F/O CD changer with an '01 MCS. You will have a bit of panel and carpet removal to do, and some cable and wire routing but it should be fairly straight forward. You need to tap into the D2B wake-up wire(s) and power and ground. I have a digital copy of the F/O cable diagram for an '01 ML around somewhere that shows how the cables get routed. I'll look around for it tonight. I may even have the wiring digram(s)

This would be a fun retrofit ...

Paul[8D]

[Tim]

UncAl, After you put in the Sat Radio, you may not use the changer anymore. Since I installed Sirius, almost two years ago, I have almost quit playing CDs in the car. There is almost always something on the Sat Radio that I want to listen too, and there are no annoying commercials. So before you go through the expense of obtaining one, I would try the Sat Radio first.

[UncAl]

paulhdick - 4/23/2004 11:32 AM
... I have a digital copy of the F/O cable diagram for an '01 ML around somewhere that shows how the cables get routed. I'll look around for it tonight. I may even have the wiring digram(s)
[8D]

Thanks, Paul! I'm particularly interested in the difference at the CD Changer end between the '98 and the '01 pinout, how to run the fiber optic cable, and whether or not the pictured optical "junction" is required for the retrofit.

Tim, I AM going to put in the sat. radio first - I'm just doing my changer research now. BTW, how did you run the antenna cable?