Hi all,

I have a 2001 ML320 and am looking for a cheap place to purchase the special Optical cd changer for it. I know they just changed it to optical this year and its been a pain in the but to get the changer and bracket at a decent price. The cheapest i have found just the changer was for 390. Anyone with any suggestions?
I paid 300 dollars for a changer and bracket for my 99 e320 which is also optical. Thanks for looking.

I need help as well on installing a CD Changer in the ML 320. Where I can get one?:)

check out clair parts www.clairparts.com Install is easy and the cd should come with everything you need. That's where I got mine.

Cheers

Thanks for your help. Is everything pre-wired already from the deck to the back of the trunk, do I have the option of putting it under the passenger front seat?

Also, anyone know what the size of the speakers are on the ML320?

From the first model year until now, the wiring harness is already in, inside the passenger side hatch in the back. All you have to do is plug it in. The cd changer is supposed to include the mounting screws. The entire job takes about 10 minutes. BTW, you might want to get an extra changer magazine. They are pretty inexpensive and it saves a trip when swapping out CDs.

I used to know the speaker size but that bit of information is gone. Someone in the audio forum would know.

Enjoy

I heard from the dealer that when I install the changer, it require to be program? Is that true and how do I program it?:confused:

Yes, the MCS has to be reconfigured to reflect the addition of the changer.
It may work initially, but eventually you will have operation problems. Nothing that will ruin anything, just messages like "No CD changer" on the MCS and the changer won't work.
The dealer will need to do this reprogramming, i don't think there is another way of doing this programming, requires the MB computer in the dealership. Should be a small fee if any.
Gilly

Thanks

I went to install the Nav today and it did not work. Brought it back to the dealer and they say one of the module is messed up. They have to order a new module and have to go back Monday. However, they say they will program the CD changer for free :D

hello,

newbie in this board.

I have a 2002 ml320 & interested in installing the cd changer. Was informed from another MB board that for 2002 model, they are not prewired anymore and needs MCS programming as well.

gillybenztech,
plese confirm.


johnclo88,
Did you already install your cd-changer ? How was the install, easy ? difficult ? any installation guide ? tips ? Are the fiber-optic & power cables (wiring harness) already there inside the passenger side hatch in the back, and you just plug it into the changer ? Do you need to do plug any wires behind the MCS unit ?


thanks a lot !

You have to bring the car in for them to program the CD changer. There's no way you can do it by your self. You can do the installation and everything, optical cable and stuff are all there but eventually you have to bring it in for service to program!

I'm sure Baurat will correct me if I'm wrong, but i believe that 2002 was the first year for the changer to be D2B (fiber optics bus) instead of hardwired.
Myml, welcome to Mercedesshop.com.
Your ML is prewired for the changer, but has been posted before, will need a trip to a dealer to change the version coding to correct the fiber optics configuration parameters. You will see the fiber optics and power/ground/wakeup electrical connector inside the cd changer access door on the passengers side loading area trim.
On a 320, you can also install a cd player in the MCS unit itself, assuming you don't have a nav system, and also assuming you won't want a nav unit someday. The indash player is compatible with the rear changer.
Gilly

Just for clarification ...

No need to plug anywire in the MCS unit but need a trip to the dealer to correct the fiber optics configuration parameters.


Also, gillybenztech, are the mud flaps for 2002 already available ? I called several dealers and was told that they are not available yet.


Thanks again.

Not 100% sure, but relatively sure you won't need to plug anything into the back of the MCS to install the changer, should be good to go by just plugging in the D2B and electrical connector to the changer. Plus the version coding of the MCS unit at the dealer, yes.

Unsure about the flaps, haven't had it come up yet, not a hot item at our dealership I guess.
I can try to remember to ask on Tuesday
Gilly

Thanks a lot !

I'll let you guys know the outcome. Still waiting for my changer ...

-myml

Got my cd-changer & kit, installing the changer was a breeze but when I look for the cables (power & fiber optic), I can't find it.
The cables I saw was all connected going to the tail lights, etc.
Is my 02ml not pre-wired for the cd-changer ?

Thanks.

Yeah, I'm sure it's there. It should be just inside the lower lip inside the opening. The fiber optics has a brownish colored outer casing, should be 2 of them. Also there is an electrical connector, has 3 wires, wrapped in a cloth type material very coursely, you can see the wires, it's not wrapped very tightly. Keep looking!
Gilly

gilly,

Found the 3-wire (pink/orange/brown) electrical connector but still can't find the fiber optic cables. Will they be in the same area as the electical connector ?

Thanks again.

Yep, should be in the same area. The presence of the 3 wire connector confirms that the fiber optic line is there some place.
Gilly

gilly,

still couldn't find the fiber optic wires. I checked everywhere in the well and the only wire that i found that is not connected is the electrical connector. I'll still keep looking ... If I can't find it, I'll probably have my dealer do it (so much for DIY).

Any more suggestions gilly ? Again, thanks for your help.

Sure, it's about time for me to go to work, I'm sure I can find a 2002 without a cd changer, I'll see if I can find one on another truck and tell you just where is was. Hopefully yours will be in roughly the same place, but this may be the root of your problem, it maybe got tucked in someplace it doesn't belong. I don't remember this being an issue before, but I'm kind of used to "the program".
Gilly
ps maybe a tech at the dealer can find it for you for free. Bring 'er on over to me, I'll find it for you!

Thanks for the offer. I wish I'm just around the corner to bring the car to you, but I'm here in CA :( . Anyway, I'll wait to here from you.

Thanks !

Yeah, i was just teasing you about bringing it in.
Turns out none of the 2002 ML's we have are without a CD changer, I guess we don't order them without BOSE and a cd changer, it's an option package.
But after examining a factory installation, here are a few tips:
It almost has to be below the opening to access the cd changer. There is a foam block down inside the opening, I would have to guess it's on one side or the other of the foam block. The fiber optics are actually protected inside one of these corrugated black plastic conduits, on the very end you may see the 2 fibers, they are brownish or orangish colored, thicker than light gauge wire. On the very end is a black plastic connector, it will have a green cap on the end which protects the tips of the fiber cables.
Hope this helps
Gilly

I found the fiber optic cable ! It was behind the arm of the 3rd row seat. At first, I tried to reach as far as I can in the well until I touch a wire with some plastic cap on it's end. I took out the 3rd row seat and found it. :) Then I continue with my installation, after everything was hook-up including the wires, I put on some CDs and tried it. MCS did not recognized it :confused:. I double checked the install, it looks Ok, it has power (I can take out the magazine) but still unrecognized by the MCS. Now, I need to make an appointment to my dealer to have the MCS programming. I though the MCS would be able to recognized it but still have to do the programming ?

Thanks gilly for your help. Will keep you posted. Any update on the 2002 mud flaps ? That's next in my to do list.

Y'know, with the 2002 being the first year for the MCS to use the fiber optics CD, and me being at a dealer and able to program right away, I guess I don't really know about how it reacts without being programmed. I guess I thought it's like the cars where they will work, at least for awhile.
I fergot all about the flaps, I'll cheque into it.
Gilly

Hey Gilly and everyone..
I am still looking for a good deal on my 2001 Ml Cd changer. But 2001 is the first year they came out with the fiber optic. I got my 1999 eclass fiber optic changer for 300 shipped.....Im looking for that same deal hopefully!!

Take care everyone!

Had my dealer do the programming. They also told me that they need to hook-up the fiber optic behind the MCS unit and need some splitter cable as well. Everything is working fine now :)

Gilly,
In page 153 of the MCS Operator's Manual, it shows that for System Setting/Audio Adjust, there are 5 parameters, Bass, Treble, Balance, Fader and Sound. Mine only shows the first 4 and not the 'Sound' parameter. Any idea why ? I don't have NAV & Tel.


Baurat88,
Call with AutoClass.net and look for Gaston. I got mine from him.



Thanks again for all your help !

Howdy Baurat 88 & Others,
Gilly is taking a class this week so any questions directed to him will be delayed. So hang in there. Thanx.

MYML...mind if i asked how much you got it for?...
gillys gone!!! ahhhhhhhhh.....hurry back.
my Ml is major falling apart.. making me frustrated..

baurat88,
cd-changer(mb oem, fiber optic) $399
bracket kit (inclides screws, etc.) $69
+ shipping (to ca, $13)

-myml

Hi:
Well, I'm back. MyML, I'll have to both look at a 2002 and the MCS manual on your question. I can't figure out what they are getting at with a "sound" parameter, seems that's pretty much covered by the other 4 parameters. I'll see if I can figure out what they mean, won't be 'til Wednesday though.
baurat88, you didn't say whats falling apart, maybe i'll find another thread of yours yet, i had like 75 messages on my Yahoo mail alone!
Gilly

WELCOME BACK GILLY!!!
I hope you had a nice trip. Well...as i have stated in another thread i already had lots falling off my barely one year old ML Now, the dashboard is making squeaky sounds when i drive. Also, my windows are still sticking after taking it back to the dealer twice. When i roll up the window, as slow as it may be, there is a big grease mark on the window. The passenger side vanity mirror has lots it bulb and the cover is cracked. Now, the faux wood trim around the shifter is starting to peel.
What s up with all this CHEAP worksmanship?

Anyways...glad to hear you are back Gilly. Take care everyone

Hi:
I didn't see the other post you mentioned. In no particular order, here is my response to these problems:
First, the shifter panel isn't faux trim, never has been. It's wood. The dealer should have no problem replacing it under warranty. i have replaced a few, but deep down I felt they were all due to owner abuse, no real product fault.
On the windows, if the smearing is on the outside of the glass, it's due to this insulation crap peeling down off the inner metal of the door. I hate that crap with a passion, and usually rip off every piece of it and throw it away. It's more common that it peels off on dark painted trucks. It'll do it up over the sunroof too, and cause both/either a rattle or smearing of the sunroof glass.
The vanity mirror, again, I've done a few, but none I felt were a fault of the truck. Dealership should be willing to replace the whole visor assembly under warranty.
On the rattle, could be a few things, I'd almost need to hear it. Does it seem more passenger side than drivers side?
Gilly
ps I don't know what's up, most people love them. Maybe it's YOU!

Gilly, welcome back !

I was told that the 'sound' parameter was only for 02ML that have the Bose system. Since I installed my own CD-changer, that means no 'sound' parameter for me :) .

Thanks.

Hey Gilly,
Dont get me wrong, I love the benz...but it just seems little things go wrong with it. Things here and there are just falling off at random. I know things like this will eventually happen, but i hardly drive my ML. Its only got 7K miles on it. I have never had a problem with this on my TL or my 94 honda civic. I will stay true to the BENZ.

Hi all,

First time poster here.

Bought the OEM CD changer (paid $399) and insalled it in my 2002 ML320. Like the others that have posted here. The MCS claims that there is no cd player installed. After reading some of the posts, I see that it needs to be reporgrammed.

My questions are: What is it that they re-program? Based on some of the pics I've seen of the MCS, there is no adapter on it to get hooked up to any kind of interface. Does all the dealer do is disconnect the power from the MCS and plug it back in - to do some kind of bootup test?

Also, I've read in other posts that the center bin needs to be opened to disconnect and re-connect the fiber cables. I don't know how to remove the center bin to find these cables.. i can't find any screws to open the bin.

I don't know why installing this CD changer requires a trip to the dealer.

Any help would be appreciated...

TIA,
maneesh

Hi..
may I ask where you purchased the changer?
about the reprommaing..i have no idea how to do it myself. ON my 99 E320..it was all plug and play. Nothing else needed but to plug it in...

I purchased the fiber optic cd changer from Performanceproducts.com. I also bought the braket kit (which had the instructions).

The CD changer did not come with anything, except for the magazine.

I spoke to a "service advisor" at the dealership today. he told me that he needs to hookup the MCS to a laptop and program it.

As I said earlier, the MCS has no serial or any kind of interface to be hooked up to a laptop. My guess is this... They will disconnect it and reconnect the power and hold down some magic key (s) to enter some kind of setup mode, where they can configure the MCS.

There is no reason why an end-user can do this either... All we need are the codes I think.

Cheers,
maneesh

Maneesh:
Sorry I'm late getting to you on this, pretty busy at the shop these days.
The MCS does need to have some reprogramming done. The 2002 ML's use a fiber optics system for the CD changer, prior to this it was used for the phone only. It was also a plug and play hardwired system prior to 2002 also. The MCS reprogramming involves setting up the internal configuration of the MCS so that the MCS knows what components are located on the fiber optics ring. That's about the simplest explaination I can give. However, just to answer about where/how this is done, yes, there are a couple different types of diagnosis computers that can be used, and typically the dealers are the only ones who have them, although some Mercedes-only independent shops will occasionally have them, they are very expensive to obtain and maintain (monthly updates). The diagnostic connector for the whole truck is under the dash on the drivers side, there is only this one port for the whole truck, and through this port is where the MCS diagnosis/version coding changes are made, not directly at the MCS unit, but through a communication line to this port from the MCS unit.

This is not an extremely difficult or time consuming job, I would even say that especially if you take it to the same dealer you bought the truck from, they may even be willing to do this at no charge.

Gilly