2002 E320 4Matic Wagon ... has Bose, but no rear end CD changer ... radio has screwed up pixels - so, figured good time to replace the head unit.

Went through the logic regarding needs vs technology available - wife's car and she has no interest in loading CDs into the backend, so didn't need to go that way - she prefers to carry them. I have ipod, kids have ipods, I have data sticks, kids have data sticks ... so, looks like: single CD OK, ipod must have, data stick cool additional option ...

I reviewed dozens of options - doing a comparo of capability vs looks vs ease of operation vs cost, to me it appears the Sony line looks best ... especially since our wagon has the funky dark blue interior ...

Under consideration from low end up ... Sony line looks best for our use ,,, CDX-GT110 (less than $100), CDX-GT310 ($125), CDX-GT410U ($150), CDX-GT610Ui ($170M) ... each has own goodness, but coolest diff was having USB capability and, if desired, iPod connector that feeds through display ...

I can't tell, though, whether or not the radio and audio controls can be operated through the steering wheel controls ....

Any comments, opinions, or thoughts would be appreciated ...

Thanks!

Update - was just told by folks at Crutchfield that none of the Sony line supports the MB steering wheel controls for changing FM and AM freqs or the volume control ... is there something special about the MB in this regard?

I was told they were all plub and play without modifications - tech, while not a good listener, did say their products come with plugs and pigtails for both head unit and the car wiring - this means there are differences in the plugs and wiring?

Also said an antenna adapter was necessary?

OK - am still filling out info as I read as much as possible ... is all the below correct?

1. The speakers are Bose in my 2002 E320 (label on them says so, at least)
2. The head unit is a pre-amp unit only that feeds amps in the back
3. The cable from the the CD cnanger (if I had one) is fiber
4. I can install a suitable head unit with pre-amp outputs and assuming cables can be made to connect, the pre-amp outputs will power the OEM amp?
5. I can't "bypass" the amps like I did in my 91 350SDL

Thanks, again, for your thoughts!

you will need the harness that will make it really simple for you to connect the aftermarket stereo. crutchield.com has that available and they send it free along with free removal tools if you order from them. I'm going through the process of upgrading as well and therefore was checking all this out. sony seems to be good. alpine is good as well but their new blue buttons are too flashy in my opinion. try pioneer as well keep us updated. good luck !