[cohiba1200]

When I heard that it would be $800 to install SIRIUS (and I had two PNP units already) I took it as a personal challenge to get it done myself. With some help removing interior panels, I was able to install the SV1 (radar-detector sized) unit in my ashtray with an in-line antenna adapter for a clean sound. It works perfectly, and power comes from the cigarette lighter. You have to be careful to tap the right wire at the c-lighter (auto headlamps will turn it off in the daytime). Can't remember color, but if you attempt, when using an electronic tester - test twice = once with lights on and once with them off. If there is no change, you've got the right wire.

Hope pics come through OK:

 

[cawave02]

hey

where are you from? I have the same car, I would pay you to do similar work on my car. That looks phenominal

 

[cohiba1200]

SIRIUS Install

Thanks for the compliment. I'm proud of it.

I'm in Nashville, Tennessee.

 

[jason.navarro]

Trying to do the same thing

how did you go about getting the dash taken apart. Usually once you get the first piece removed the rest are easy. Any tips on which one to remove first and how to get started? Also, did you use the Sirius DEI univeral antenna box for the antenna? I bought it just in case. I didn't know if you need an special adapter for the MB antenna? Thanks for the help.

 

[cohiba1200]

Installing in the Ashtray

First, take off the automatic transmission selector trim ring (pop-off), then, remove the cupholder, then the main part of the center console comes off easy. You have to remove the airvents in the center of the dash to have easy access to all the bolts that hold the radio in. It's really not that bad. Don't be scared, most stuff just pops in and out.

I did buy the DEI antenna adapter (you need the German adapter plug - its extra). The part that has the cig lighter is pop-out, too.

I used a Dremel tool to cut a notch out of the ashtray so that it would fit once everything was plugged in on the left side. Then, we put a wood block with black carpet on it so that it would sit up so you could see the display. Hope this helps.

Once you're all hooked-up, don't worry if the unit feels hot. It doesn't have much breathing room down there, and it runs hot anyway. It's fine.

 

[glennbaz]

Could you furnish me with a little more info on your antenna adapter? I've always used a separate dedicated antenna for satellite radio.

 

[cohiba1200]

Antenna Adapter

If you mean THE satellite antenna - of course, you have to use that. What I'm talking about is a connection from the "FM out" on the radio to an in-line adapter, which goes between the car's antenna cable (from the back glass, run up through the console to the radio) and the radio itself. It's powered and is only on when you turn on your satellite radio. The purpose is to deaden the signals coming from the "air" and to amplify those coming from the sat radio (for clarity, sound quality, and no interference/flutter). Does that help?

 

[jason.navarro]

Thanks for the info. Another question about the DEI antenna adapter. Did you have to patch it in from the trunk? Someone told me that all the radio and amplifier stuff is in the trunk so you would have to patch the antenna adapter in the trunk. Is there access from under the arm rest? Also, if you leave the satellite radio on and want to just switch the channel to a regular radio station, is it going to deaden all the channels or just the one you have dedacated to the Sirius FM channel.

 

[cohiba1200]

Antenna Adapter

No - it goes in behind the radio. It's patched in-line between the the antenna wire plug (that comes up front from the antenna's position on the top of the back glass) and the radio itself. You unplug that from the radio, plug it in to the adapter, and plug the adapter into the back of the radio. Don't mess around in the back seat (for this anyway) - it's not necessary.

The adapter should cut-off when you power-down the satellite radio. You won't even know it's there when the SAT radio is off. It doesn't interfere.

 

[BF_JC230]

Do you have any more detailed pictures...

IE -

removing the upper vents, and the console parts...
I have some stuff from Buellwinkle (thanks) - but more the merrier...

Jake

 

[bjn143]

adaptor for connection

hi where did u buy the DEI adaptor and the german add on to connect to the FM antenna

thanks

 

[cohiba1200]

No more pics

Sorry - I don't have any more pictures to post. Good luck with the install, and I'll answer any questions I can.

 

[cohiba1200]

It's an easy to get part from Circuit City's roadshop (it's a DEI part).

 

[clk787878]

When I heard that it would be $800 to install SIRIUS (and I had two PNP units already) I took it as a personal challenge to get it done myself. With some help removing interior panels, I was able to install the SV1 (radar-detector sized) unit in my ashtray with an in-line antenna adapter for a clean sound. It works perfectly, and power comes from the cigarette lighter. You have to be careful to tap the right wire at the c-lighter (auto headlamps will turn it off in the daytime). Can't remember color, but if you attempt, when using an electronic tester - test twice = once with lights on and once with them off. If there is no change, you've got the right wire.

Hope pics come through OK:

Did you use the antenna build into the car, or is the Sirius antenna?
If the Sirius antenna, where is it installed?
Thanks,
Dick

 

[cohiba1200]

Sirius Antenna

There is not a Sirius antenna included with the car.

I installed the one included with my "car kit" (i.e.: stuck it) on the dash just below the Daimler signature sticker on the passenger side. It works perfectly, and is nearly unnoticeable to anyone who isn't looking for it.

If my girlfriend ever returns my camera (she will after Christmas because she's getting one) I'll post a pic.

 

[claymbz]

Here is what did. It took some serious and extensive Dremmel cutting to make it fit. The ashtray lid still functions/closes, it is very accessable and user friendly. Also, i still get full signal strength from its built-in antenna. It is permanently wired to my cigarette lighter so when i turn on and off my car, the Navi does the same. It is pretty much permanently installed, the only way it will come out or even move is if i take out the center console and then remove the ashtray etc. It looks really clean and the Garmin's handsfree Bluetooth phone option is great for talking and driving. This is the Garmin 660 widescreen. I'm really happy with the results.

 

[tonyz3]

Hi claymbz,
Where you put the 12volt outlet, and how you power the Garmin permanently?

 

[Bluefox]

The work is really great. I will try to do the same with TomTom. Perfect idea.

 

[dacs]

I am trying to remove the center console to replace my carpets. Do you have idea how this be remvoed? Much appreciate your help.

 

[tothjj]

Alright fellow DIYers, I am a long-time lurker, first time poster. I drive a 2006 CLK 350. W209. I love the car. It is my first Mercedes. Great car.
I want to install Satellite radio. I love this thread and am planning the same install.

I have done a ton of research and I have all the parts and did a dry run to remove the HU. I was able to get everything off beneath the HU but I cannot get the pieces off above. The problem is my center air-vents are different than all the other DIY pictures I can find. I have searched EVERY thread for the last week and I cannot find any info on getting to the air vent off.
Here is a pic of the vent that is well documented. The last three pics are my CLK. Everything is the same except for these darn airvents:

Now that we all know what we are looking at, can someone please help me with getting to the HU. Do I need to get that air vent off to get the HU out like pre-2006? If so, how do I get the air-vents off? I assume they come off first then the panel with the heat seater, then the HU screws can be accessed.
Dang man, please help. I am so ready to do this, I can't believe I am still stuck.