[j3cubcapt]

Hi, This is a DIY on how to install a Pioneer AVIC F900BT in a fiber optic system '03 ML500. I did not install an after market Amp because I really don't listen to loud music.

You WILL NOT be able to use the Bose Amp, CD Changer or Sub.

I plan on doing the following upgrades soon...
1) Backup Camera
2) HD radio module
3) Sirius module

If you see anything in this DIY that is incorrect, I would appreciate your suggestions to improve it. If you would like a copy, PM me your email and I will send it to you.

Thanks to everyone on this board that I "Borrowed" this info from!

 

[j3cubcapt]

Part 2

 

[j3cubcapt]

Part 3

 

[JoeE46M3]

Awesome work! Someone should make this a sticky as the process is about the same for any double din!


Good work!

 

[j3cubcapt]

Thanks Joe, but the credit goes to you and the others that helped me so much. This is just my attempt at "Giving Back"

Will

 

[frets.217]

Shoot. I really wish this was posted when I installed my aftermarket HU.
Awesome post.
x2 on the sticky.

 

[Alex_GT]

Any pictures of completed install?

 

[Bogie]

You WILL NOT be able to use the Bose Amp, CD Changer or Sub.

Why not the sub? I'm using my sub! I have the pioneer AVIC Z3. ???

 

[chris0055]

Hey, its really nice to have this writeout.
I plan to put on a F90BT as well by myself but my 03 350 doesn't come with Bose amp and etc. I'm wondering if its the same set up as described in the article. Thanks

 

[j3cubcapt]

Why not the sub? I'm using my sub! I have the pioneer AVIC Z3. ???

I did not know how to use the FI Bose Sub. I found the OUT wires, but I had no idea how to wire IN to that amp.

I really only listen to talk anyway and when I do listen to tunes, they are not Cranked, so it works find for me!

Will

 

[mlfazal]

Any ideas on how to change CD 10 system?

I just bought a 2005 ML350. It comes with a CD 10 cd player. No navigation, no DVD player. Would I be able to install one of these after market DVD/Nav unit? The opening for the stereo in the car does seem to fit double DIN unit but I am not sure what kind of wiring are there behind the stereo.
Thanks for any help.

 

[silver Inspiration]

I just installed the Pioneer AVIC F700BT in a 2004 ML350 with the Bose system. I followed the instructions on this thread and everything went perfectly. :bowdown:

I have a few details to add from my install:

1. A few of the wires on my Mercedes harness where different colors than described but that was not a problem since everything else was exactly as described.
2. I wired the right rear speaker with the rear tweeters.
3. I used a hack saw blade to cut the plastic tabs that need removing on the dash rather than a dremel tool
4. The plastic trim peice from the double din kit did not need to be sanded and it fits and looks great.

Awesome write up Thanks!

 

[mbeach]

Nice work!

I'll be doing this in the next week or two.
The Bose amp on the wife's ML finally crapped out.
Heat related failure, replaced all the caps in the power supply and it still dies after a few minutes. Decided it's not worth working on anymore. The F90BT seems a better fit than trying to resurrect 8 year old technology.

Did you keep the Bose amp hooked up (to the fiber ring) and power (minus the speaker outs)? If so, do you still have Telematics etc.?

 

[j3cubcapt]

No, I dumped the AMP as well. I sold the whole system on Craigslist. Still works great for me. Good luck on your install, post some pics!

will

 

[mbeach]

I doubt my pics will be nearly as thorough as your documentation, but I'll shoot some before and afters for sure.

Last question:
I understand that the F90BT is not 2 ohm stable, do you plan to upgrade your speakers (at least to 4 ohm units) in the future?

 

[j3cubcapt]

No, I do not plan on upgrading the factory speakers. I really do not listen to music loud, as a matter of fact I mostly listen to talk radio. I was told as long as I dont "Crank It Up" there should be no problems.

Will

 

[dj_lex]

Great job man. I also went to an audio shop and they told me it can't be done
I have some question, though. I saw a guy here that managed to keep the fatory Bose AMP. Maybe he can tell us how he did it, as i would very much like to keep the AMP, or at least the Sub.
I understand that the power to the amp is ok. However, i suppose that the main probolem is that there is no way to send the command for the AMP to power up, other than optical.

Thanks.

 

[kmn5]

Didn't all the 03+ ML have a fiber connection from the CD changer to the head unit?
Just asking cause I see the "C" connector
(I want to wire in my ipod into my 03 HU Bose without Nav through the C connector inputs)

 

[shaunkennedy]

Hi,
My wifes head unit in her 2003 ML320 just crashed and burned and I must say this is great info. After reading this and the info from builder, I'm left with a few questions.

1. Can I use the Bose Amp?

2. Has anyone seen/used this mounting kit from installer.com

http://www.installer.com/item/display_item.php?it=CT23MB08

How does it compare/differ from the pioneer kit?

3. Since the majority of installs appear to be the Pioneer 900 unit, I was wondering if anyone has tried the

Pioneer AVIC-X910BT(how does it differ from the 900?)

Clarion NX509

Kenwood's DNX5140

Also, I saw some info about speaker problems when bypassing the Bose Amp. As these aftermarket units all have built in amps, what would be the real issue? Would the music distort? We're not into head pounding loud, but some nice jazz is great.

thanks for your help.
Shaun

 

[silver Inspiration]

Shaun,

You can't use the bose amp, Well, I suppose anything is possible, but it is not easy or recomended. Sound quality is fine on mine with the bose amp removed. I can't comment on the other radios or the install kit. If you want a inexpensive option I will sell you my old head unit for cheap.