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2002 ML320 MCS Alpine Radio Compatibility Question

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5.8K views 4 replies 3 participants last post by  Kenrbnj  
K
#1 ·
Hi Everyone. I'm sort of new to this. Here's hoping someone might be able to shed light on a ML320 radio problem..

Top level: 2002 ML320, Bose package. In place now is a MCS Model# RA4210 P/N A163 820 10 86 radio. This is the optic fiber digital connection to the CD changer. Barbara Streisand CD in the CD drive -- likely THAT'S the problem. :eek

The battery had been worn way down -- caused all kinds of problems. The ML320 radio bit the dust. Fuses are fine. The optic fiber LED is blinking four times. Something on the power supply board likely failed from the prolonged brownout.

I am trying the EBay route for a replacement of this RA4210 A1638201086

I am advised a RA4210 *must* be replaced with another RA4210.

Question #1: IS THIS TRUE or Baloney?? Could I use a RA4310 or a RA4110 instead??

Question #2: Is the model number NV4BN010 the same as RA4210, but equipped with navigation? (Note Mercedes-Benz Part number A163 820 30 86 corresponds to both RA4210 and the NV4BN010

Question #3: Are there any other tricks or references one could use to get a replacement MCS?

Any insight that might be shared would be VERY much appreciated!!!

Thank You,
Ken (Red Bank, NJ)
 
K
#2 ·
In case anyone else is in my jam...

Hope to help a future lost soul with my homework..

This is your EBay legend. I learned: BE DAMN CAREFUL ON EBAY. Most people selling do not know what they're selling. Pay attention to the label photos.

I do not (yet) know the compatibility between years. ** IF ANYONE DOES, KINDLY ADVISE. **

I learned more -- and figure someone else would appreciate this information.

Model RA4x10. The legend is as follows:

RA4910 - 1999/2000 model year MCS unit, no navigation
RA4110 - 2001 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
RA4210 - 2002 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
RA4310 - 2003 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
RA4410 - 2004 and 2005 model year MCS unit, no navigation.

Wow. A pattern. I like patterns.

Breakdown, per research:

RA4910 - 1999/2000 model year ML320/500 MCS unit, no navigation
A163-820-04-86, 163-820-21-86

RA4110 - 2001 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
A163-820-08-86, 163-820-13-86, 163-820-15-86, 163-820-16-86, 163-820-24-86

RA4210 - 2002 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
A163-820-10-86, 163-820-30-86, 163-820-31-86

RA4310 - 2003 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
A163-820-19-86, 163-820-20-86, 163-820-02-79, 163-820-03-79

RA4410 - 2004 and 2005 model year MCS unit, no navigation.
A163-820-04-86, 163-820-21-86,
 
A
#4 ·
Did you ever figure this out?

I think if you upgrade to a NAV radio then you'll need the dealership to program some things to make everything work. And if you don't have a tele-aid module then the new radio will probably throw an srs cluster light until you get it programmed out of the system.
 
K
#5 ·
ML320 (and series) - Radio -- final word

Everyone,

This ML320 Radio thing has been an adventure. Abridged version?

** I promise to offer a superb conclusion. **

1. Buying and selling these Alpine radios on eBay is very touch-and-go. I tell you, there are some serious bastards out there on both the buy side and the sell side -- eBay is fine for many things. ..but car parts? A different group of people. Buyer and Seller beware.

2. These Alpine/MB part numbers are less interchangeable than I had thought.

3. Replacing the radio is a massive undertaking, since the amplifier, CD, and all that jazz must be jerked out; new equipment wired in..

**??** Conclusion? Repair it. Jimmy Chen of "Alpine something-or-another Repair" in New Jersey 201-312-2317. $200. Wonderful guy. Fast too. Plus his work is warrantied for six months. I am thrilled with the outcome.

If you have an Alpine "Comand" system or similar MB radio; call the guy up. With shipping, you'll be on the line for something like $220. You'll have your old system returned to you, together with the codes, etc.

I hope this message helps people.
 
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