**EDIT: Xtrons, who is the manufacturer of the Head unit i chose to go with, now offers complete 'plug and play' kits
for all different Benz models 2003+ with MOST fiberoptics. with the analog to digital fiber converter that is needed, kits run $450 or less. Current head units for sale run android 6.0 or 7.1.**
This last weekend I got around to installing an android 5.1.1 aftermarket head unit for my 2005 E class. Normally, the only way to do this while maintaining decent sound quality would be to completely bypass the fiber optics and install a new amp in the trunk. NOT anymore! AVIN (which just so happens to be a sponsor of benzworld:wink) has a product out for Mercedes vehicles equipped with MOST fiber optics for the audio system, which converts the analog RCA output from the head unit into the MOST digital signal that's sent over fiber! its plug and play from the head unit to the fiber optics plug. Priced at $250, i think this is a fantastic alternative to completely rewiring your cars audio system!
The sound quality is fantastic too, no different than factory from what my young ears can tell.
This install information is specific to my E Class, obviously. But it would extend to any benz equipped with Command and MOST fiber optics between MY's 2003-2011.
Install:
CAUTION!!!!!!!!! BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE FIBER OPTIC WIRES YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH. DO NOT kink them, they WILL break.
The head unit is bought is : For Mercedes Benz E Class W211 4 Core Android 5 1 DVD GPS 2Din Radio Car Stereo | eBay
The Fiber optics interface for E CLASS is from: https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic-amp-interface-for-w211-e-class-mercedes-benz.html
The fiberoptics interface for ML,GL, and R class is from: https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic-amp-interface-for-mercedes-ml-gl-r.html
first things first is removing the radio and CD changer. There's plenty of information and videos out there on how to do that.
Next is to wire up ground and 12v constant for both he radio and Avin box. (the AVIN box NEEDS to be connected to constant 12v, NOT a switched source.) ACC is controlled through CAN-B, which ill cover later. now connect the RCA output to the RCA input from the avin box.
NOTE: On the radio i installed, i had to connect the FRONT RCA outputs, not the rears, because for some reason the Phone Bluetooth audio output only came out of the Front RCA output.
Connect the Fiber optic plug into the avin box. I installed the box above the driver side Knee Bolster, that is removed with two screws. I also routed the GPS antenna through there, and up the driver a pillar to the windshield.
The CAN wires need to be run to the CAN-B bridge located under the carpet in the plastic raceway along the drivers side rocker panel. Its a skinny rectangular plastic connector that has tons of Brown and Brown/Red wires running to it. splice on to each one of those wires, and there's your CAN connections. That controls your reverse lead, Radio turn on, steering wheel controls, dimming when headlights are on, and a couple other things i cant remember.
Connect any other optional equipment you want, like reverse camera, ipod, AUX-in, ETC.
Now its time to run the Antenna cable to the trunk! Run that cable under the carpet along the rocker pannel and under the rear seat, and then through to the trunk. you need to connect that to the LARGE antenna wire going into the AMP. remove the amp by removing the 3 10MM bolts holding it in place (its located on the drivers side of the trunk hidden between the fender and false trunk wall, right behind the fuse box.)
There are TWO connections going to/from the Amp with the same connector, disconnect BOTH, and connect the antenna cable you ran to the large diameter cable that you just unplugged from the amp.
Secure the amp back in place, button everything up, and you should be good to go. It was a pretty easy install that i did over the weekend. it could be done in a single day if you busted your butt and had a handy guide like this to help you out. :wink
Here's a video i did with a quick review of the head unit as well as some general install information.
for all different Benz models 2003+ with MOST fiberoptics. with the analog to digital fiber converter that is needed, kits run $450 or less. Current head units for sale run android 6.0 or 7.1.**
This last weekend I got around to installing an android 5.1.1 aftermarket head unit for my 2005 E class. Normally, the only way to do this while maintaining decent sound quality would be to completely bypass the fiber optics and install a new amp in the trunk. NOT anymore! AVIN (which just so happens to be a sponsor of benzworld:wink) has a product out for Mercedes vehicles equipped with MOST fiber optics for the audio system, which converts the analog RCA output from the head unit into the MOST digital signal that's sent over fiber! its plug and play from the head unit to the fiber optics plug. Priced at $250, i think this is a fantastic alternative to completely rewiring your cars audio system!
The sound quality is fantastic too, no different than factory from what my young ears can tell.
This install information is specific to my E Class, obviously. But it would extend to any benz equipped with Command and MOST fiber optics between MY's 2003-2011.
Install:
CAUTION!!!!!!!!! BE VERY CAREFUL WITH THE FIBER OPTIC WIRES YOU WILL BE WORKING WITH. DO NOT kink them, they WILL break.
The head unit is bought is : For Mercedes Benz E Class W211 4 Core Android 5 1 DVD GPS 2Din Radio Car Stereo | eBay
The Fiber optics interface for E CLASS is from: https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic-amp-interface-for-w211-e-class-mercedes-benz.html
The fiberoptics interface for ML,GL, and R class is from: https://avinusa.com/most-fiber-optic-amp-interface-for-mercedes-ml-gl-r.html
first things first is removing the radio and CD changer. There's plenty of information and videos out there on how to do that.
Next is to wire up ground and 12v constant for both he radio and Avin box. (the AVIN box NEEDS to be connected to constant 12v, NOT a switched source.) ACC is controlled through CAN-B, which ill cover later. now connect the RCA output to the RCA input from the avin box.
NOTE: On the radio i installed, i had to connect the FRONT RCA outputs, not the rears, because for some reason the Phone Bluetooth audio output only came out of the Front RCA output.
Connect the Fiber optic plug into the avin box. I installed the box above the driver side Knee Bolster, that is removed with two screws. I also routed the GPS antenna through there, and up the driver a pillar to the windshield.
The CAN wires need to be run to the CAN-B bridge located under the carpet in the plastic raceway along the drivers side rocker panel. Its a skinny rectangular plastic connector that has tons of Brown and Brown/Red wires running to it. splice on to each one of those wires, and there's your CAN connections. That controls your reverse lead, Radio turn on, steering wheel controls, dimming when headlights are on, and a couple other things i cant remember.
Connect any other optional equipment you want, like reverse camera, ipod, AUX-in, ETC.
Now its time to run the Antenna cable to the trunk! Run that cable under the carpet along the rocker pannel and under the rear seat, and then through to the trunk. you need to connect that to the LARGE antenna wire going into the AMP. remove the amp by removing the 3 10MM bolts holding it in place (its located on the drivers side of the trunk hidden between the fender and false trunk wall, right behind the fuse box.)
There are TWO connections going to/from the Amp with the same connector, disconnect BOTH, and connect the antenna cable you ran to the large diameter cable that you just unplugged from the amp.
Secure the amp back in place, button everything up, and you should be good to go. It was a pretty easy install that i did over the weekend. it could be done in a single day if you busted your butt and had a handy guide like this to help you out. :wink
Here's a video i did with a quick review of the head unit as well as some general install information.
see Pics, (apologies for poor quality), too much light and reflections outside, too little inside, and if I use my Canon SLR the pix are great but too big for the forum 
