Installing a Head Unit and Backup Camera in a Mercedes ML (W163)

Installing a Head Unit and Backup Camera in a Mercedes ML (W163) - Bose Amplifier Bypass

Рет қаралды 54,081

Күн бұрын

In this video, I’ll be covering the process of installing a double DIN Android Auto and Apple Carplay radio in a 2003 Mercedes-Benz ML500 (W163) and bypassing the factory Bose amplifier. I’ll also show the process of installing a backup camera and how to hide the wiring.
Shortcuts:
0:00 Intro
00:46 Removing the original radio
02:37 Removing the kick panel
03:36 Removing the Bose amplifier
06:08 Audio wiring
08:09 Wiring connections and diagrams
10:19 Head unit wiring
10:42 Microphone wiring
11:30 Center console/USB routing
15:46 Kick panel reinstall
17:03 Double DIN adapter install
19:41 Backup camera install
22:24 Trunk trim
Parts:
Radio (used for this install, you can choose from many double DIN options): a.co/d/4CLqaNx
Dash Kit: www.amazon.com/SCOSCHE-MZ2349...
Metra Harness: www.amazon.com/Metra-70-1786-...
Factory Antenna Adapter: www.amazon.com/Metra-Electron...
Metra Speed Wire (cut to length): www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Backup Camera: www.amazon.com/Niloghap-Unive...
Other: trim tools, butt connectors, crimping tool, wire strippers, torx bits

Пікірлер: 145

@tomgruenke3048 2 жыл бұрын

This is one of the best "How To" clips on KZfaq. You go through every step, not assuming the installer already knows much of the information. Very detailed. Excellent trainer and teacher. Thanks much for your sharing.

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful, and I really appreciate your comment!

@Diego-gi8hg Жыл бұрын

Literally one of the most helpful videos on KZfaq 😂😂

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@Robtheautoguy 2 жыл бұрын

That's a super-clean install! Thanks for making such a detailed video!

@gloriadejuana5131 2 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to try this. Thanks for the content. Super helpful!

@pnwadventures2955 Жыл бұрын

I've been fighting with my Android unit upgrade for my ML430 for a few days - thank you so much for this comprehensive video!

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

I'm glad it helped!

@brandonw33zfy1184 2 жыл бұрын

Super clean install. I did the same thing on my 02 ML320 using speed wire. Instead of running it back to the radio, I ran the wires under the carpet along with two sets of rcas and a additional remote turn on wire for mids/highs and bass amp install.

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Nice! So you used an aftermarket amp?

@brandonw33zfy1184 2 жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer yes, a Taramps TS400x4 temporarily & a audio apex CAB45

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Cool! I bet the system sounds great with that setup!

@RogueKnuckle 4 ай бұрын

I just completed this install thanks to the frenchineer! I wouldn't have had the confidence to to it at home without this tutorial.

@djmac_xiii Жыл бұрын

This video is great. I used it to replace the OEM head unit on my 2005 Ml350, no back up camara, and it worked perfectly.

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

That's great to hear! Enjoy the upgrade!

@rohanvern9470 Жыл бұрын

Did you have Bose speakers?

@miguelcarbajal5213 Жыл бұрын

@@rohanvern9470 yes, I have the Bose speaker sound system.

@clairelegall5134 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome job, it looks great!!

@avasolaris1 5 ай бұрын

Very smooth and professional, really helpful video. Thank you.

@chahad49 2 жыл бұрын

thank you so much bro . this is the best video for headunit w163 with fiber . i buy a d2b adapter for nothing ... ❤️

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Glad to help! I think the d2b converter is a good option too though, and probably a little simpler if you can find the d2b wake wire to tap into.

@longvo3191 2 жыл бұрын

Diagrams were super helpful

@zaffazad4040 16 күн бұрын

Excellent video!

@holeephuk 2 жыл бұрын

Great video ,great channel 👏 👍

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

@PaulBhullarSingh 10 ай бұрын

Excellent & detailed video. NOTE that the radio connector is an ISO standard connector with standard wire locations so it's plug and play except for the speakers if you get a HU that is also ISO. I was going to remove the AMP until I found an optical bypass which takes RCA from my new HU and delivers optical to the Bose OEM amp. Only drawback is that I lose Front/Rear fader. But a super easy install.

@frenchineer 10 ай бұрын

Yes! The Optical converter box is a great option to make it a simpler install. In this case there was a budget, but I would recommend using the RCA to D2B fiber converter box. I have a similar converter for the MOST fiber system in my W220 S-Class, which also loses the fader functionality but is a worthwhile tradeoff.

@werepe 7 ай бұрын

hello @PaulBhullarSingh...is there a converter you can recommend for this? I want to do the same for my 2005 ML350 but not sure which fiber converter to get. Thank you. How's the sound quality with the converter and your install?

@werepe 7 ай бұрын

hello...is there a converter you can recommend for this? I want to do the same for my 2005 ML350 but not sure which fiber converter to get. Thank you. How's the sound quality with the converter after install?@@frenchineer

@frenchineer 7 ай бұрын

The type you would need if you have a Bose sound system should be a D2B fiber optic decoder. As far as I can tell they are all very similar. I can't comment on sound quality as I haven't used one in a D2B equipped car, but it should be good since you will still be using the factory amplifier. Keep in mind there may be additional wires to connect like the amplifier wake signal wire.

@sridharshrinivasan4572 6 ай бұрын

This video is very helpful. I finished the installation for my ML350- 2005. If anyone needs some help, pls reply here. The wiring of new system to the connectors was the toughest part- so inconvenient to work. Also removing the plastic screw in the trunk was tough. I had to use other videos for - replacing speakers - installing mount kit

@wyatterickson-sy2td 11 ай бұрын

Thanks for this video this helped me A lot, if you don’t want to get rid of the amp there is a bypass kit through spiral Audio the only down side is that it’s like 250 dollars but it comes with everything you’ll need except for the aftermarket radio and some wire connectors. Also if you don’t want to drill a hole in your car you can do what I did and rout the wire through the license plate light and there’s already a hole to rout your wires, fyi I had to take a chainsaw file and make the whole a bit bigger to fit my wiring. If any of you would like a basic video on how to do it reply to this comment asking and I totally will.

@frenchineer 11 ай бұрын

I'm glad the video was helpful! To keep the amp, there's also another option, which is to get a fiber optic decoder box, which would send the audio signal to the amp via the existing fiber optic harness. I've seen them for under $150, but the price will vary depending on the seller. There are a few more things to wire in for amp wake and power, but it's a good option!

@user-oj9fp5oz7l Жыл бұрын

Excellent video, thanks very much. I am planning to install the same Headunit (BE7ACP) to my 2003 ML500. The OEM radio's fiber optic died and is having a parasitic power drain. Couple of questions: When you run the video cable from tail gate to trunk, you just let it pinched under the weather strippings? no need to cut a notch in the metal lip? Do I have to use the casing adaptor for the radio? Can I use wedges to hold the radio in place? So you use the factory speakers? How is the sound with the new HU? Do you disconnect the front tweeter to correct impedance problem ? Do you have connection issues (dropping) with CarPplay/Android auto?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

For the camera cable to the trunk, I didn't cut or notch anything. I usually try to run it through the flexible rubber harness piece, but if I can't, I make sure to leave enough slack in the wiring and zip tie it to where the factory wiring is run. I would recommend using the double din adapter, otherwise the radio might move around. The factory speakers were retained, and it sounded good! I did not unplug the tweeters, the impedance mismatch did not cause any issues. I don't remember having any issues with the connection for carplay or android auto. If you want to retain the factory amplifier, there are fiber optic converter boxes that would plug into the aftermarket radio and send the audio information to the amplifier via the fiber optic connection. There are a couple more connections to make for the converter box, but you would not need to modify the wiring at the amplifier. I would recommend looking into this option if you are able to.

@user-qj7mx8nt1i Жыл бұрын

Спасибо, единственное полезные видео на эту тему!!!

@victoreyo7387 2 жыл бұрын

Great video - neat install. I am thinking of doing similar (except for backup camera) on my truck but I get confused regarding the Bose amp. So once we disconnect from the Bose AMP, it's useless - no need to remount, right? Or, one may gut it out and use the shell along with its connector to house the new wiring configuration - keeps things clean behind the kick plate. Also, what brand HU housing are you using? Again, thanks.

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! In this install, you are correct, the Bose amp is no longer used, and I didn't remount it. If you wanted to try to reuse the housing and connector, you could, though troubleshooting may then take extra steps. I cut the speedwire to the length I did to reach the stub of the original connector close to the center of the dash for ease of access. If you decide to gut the amp, you could run the speedwire into it. The head unit housing is a Scosche, and the link is in the description for the Amazon listing I used.

@shantgedelekyan7315 2 жыл бұрын

What did you do with the factory bose amp? what did you do with the wiring that you ran from the bose amp harness to the head unit? should I get another amp? I'm looking to get a Boss Audio BE7ACP-C.

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

For the factory amp, in this case I removed it. The wiring from the harness to the head unit is tucked away behind the kick panel in the driver footwell. Using fabric tap around the bundle (once tested) can prevent rattling too. Getting another amp is not required for this head unit, and the volume/quality provided by the head unit I used was good. Adding an amp is definitely an option, I know others have done it!

@rich4059 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome install!! What brand and model stereo did you go with?

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! This radio is a Boss Audio Elite BE7ACP. I put a link to the best buy page for it in the description, along with all the other parts I used.

@WanderingBuckeyes 5 ай бұрын

I plan to have a head unit with Sub Woofer connection. How do I address the impedance issue between after market head unit and low impedance of the Bose speaker (I assume they are 2 ohms)

@frenchineer 5 ай бұрын

What I recommend for the Bose system is to get a fiber optic decoder, that way you won't need to splice anything and can retain the factory amplifier. That way you would retain the factory amp and not need to worry about impedance.

@georgeklimes7604 6 ай бұрын

Nice video. Are there any issues if you have the CD changer? Will there be issues if you do diagnostics via the OBD port?

@frenchineer 6 ай бұрын

Since this bypasses the amplifier, there are no interactions with the CD changer, and the OBD port is unaffected. If you go for a fiber optic decoder box and retain the factory amplifier, you may need to add a fiber optic loop at the CD changer (I recommend checking forum posts for details on that).

@yashagarwal6220 2 жыл бұрын

Hi - really need your help we have followed all steps however there is a deep hissing sound coming from somewhere which we can’t figure out / even the earthing etc is correct . Please help

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure what could be causing this unfortunately. Maybe you can try connecting the ground to a bolt in the dash instead of to the wiring loom?

@zealvortex 2 жыл бұрын

Sir how do you connect a speed wire to the amp colors?

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

I used crimp connectors. To identify which wire is which, I had to use a diagram that labeled each wire on the amplifier harness.

@shan-zp6ip Жыл бұрын

Wow thanks so much for this video! Will the sub woofer still work once you by pass the system?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Yes, with the connections I made, it still works!

@fouzemad83 2 жыл бұрын

Omg man you do too much work there I did not know you need all of this to remove the old screen and connect the wire Thank god I just add a screen in the middle mirror with recording options but no car play and cable available But is nice I have reverse camera too which much easier installing than this

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Yes, there are definitely simpler options! I chose to go this route for the features and clean final appearance. Also, if you don't have the Bose speaker system with fiber optics, it's much simpler, the harness adapters for audio are plug and play.

@kamileon88 11 ай бұрын

Anyone have and steering wheel icon on cluster after removing radio?

@OleeVegas 6 ай бұрын

Best of the best Video! I have a 2004 ML500 with Bose Sound System. Please tell me everything I need to have my Radio replaced with BE7ACP head unit. Etc., 1. BE7ACO 2. Types of Harnesses 3. Any bypass Harness that makes plug & play? 4. Speed Wire? Length? 5. Antena? 6. Types of Mounting Brackets? 7. Anything Else? Thank you so much!

@frenchineer 6 ай бұрын

For the head unit, you can use any double din radio you like, so choose one with the features you want. All the other supplies are listed in the video description, BUT if you want to keep the Bose amplifier, you can get a fiber optic decoder box (like www.amazon.com/TAMOSH-Digital-Optical-Decoder-Adapter/dp/B0CHYT1CFZ for example - please note I have not tested any d2b decoders). If you make the connections with this type of decoder you only need make connections behind the radio, and no speedwire is required.

@22tvo4 Жыл бұрын

Hello. I'm having a 2003 ML320 and I really want to replace a new stereo for it But my car doesnt come with the bose speaker systems so do I still need to remove the amplifier like your video?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Hi! Without the Bose system it's actually much simpler! You don't need to remove anything or make special connections (so no need to work in the driver footwell unless you want to run the microphone or a backup camera). With the adapter harness you should be able to just plug in to the car's harness with no modification!

@22tvo4 Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer thanks alot! Btw my og radio just pop up "WAIT" when i turn it on, so idk if my car's speakers are still working. Do you know if there's a way to test the speakers to see if they're still working or not?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

That message sounds like it could be an issue with the factory radio. Some forum posts make it sound like you need to leave the ignition on (or drive the car) for 10 minutes to see if the WAIT message resets. I'm not sure how you could check the speakers without a different radio, but this doesn't seem like a speaker issue!

@michak5665 Жыл бұрын

What a great video. It helped me so much to bypass the amp. I connected all the wires with wago connectors 😅 It’s working but the sound quality is worse than before. I am thinking of installing a new amp for the sub but can’t find informations about the sub. Which amp could i install and how i have to connect the rt? Thanks a lot. Cheers!

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Thank you! Wago connectors seem like a good idea! Probably much easier to work with under there than tools. I wonder why the sound quality is worse. Did you change your head unit? Regarding an amp, another commenter did mention some amps he used. I haven't done any installs with a separate amplifier yet though, so I don't know enough to make a recommendation.

@michak5665 Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer maybe worse is not the right word. It does not sound as good as before 😊 This is probably due to the fact that the subwoofer can no longer be controlled directly and the bass is increased on all speakers

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Ah I see, that makes sense! I think an amp for the subwoofer would solve your problem. If it's small enough, you might even be able to put it where the original amplifier was!

@pacepace3316 10 ай бұрын

Hello, what is the gauge of speed wire you used?

@arielharom4473 Жыл бұрын

Do you have the link for the radio & case? Thx

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Hi! The links for everything I used are in the video description - I just updated the link for the radio.

@IAMDJCAVEL 2 жыл бұрын

do you plug everything back in the amplifier or leave them plug out cause you didn't show that just asking

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

For the Bose amplifier? Since I completely bypass it, there is nothing for it to connect to anymore, so I left it out of the car. The new radio serves as the amplifier in this setup.

@kingdavid0011 Жыл бұрын

So when you buy these new stereos you don’t need the Bose amplifier that comes with the car? The new stereos have an amp included right? I want to remove the old amplifier to make the car lighter

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Yes, aftermarket radios have amplifiers built in, so you could save a little weight. The Bose amplifier does not need to be in the car if you bypass it.

@Monovskyy Жыл бұрын

Hey man, super clean installation. I have maybe a dumb question but I think it is important. I have a stock ML350 2003, does the whole process apply for my car? Thank you!

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

That's a good question! In this case, the extra wiring connections in the footwell are specific to the Bose equipped cars, since the amplifier is back there. If it turns out you don't have a Bose system in your car, most of the install still applies, and it's actually simpler since the amp was built into the factory head unit. In that case, the adapter harness should plug in directly to the car's harness and you don't have to run any extra wires!

@rohanvern9470 Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer I'm assuming the adapter harness only transfers audio data, not power? Also is the adapter harness your talking about is it the one linked in the description or the one that comes in the radio box?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

The adapter harness (in non Bose cars) will carry power connections and audio signal to the new head unit. In this car with the Bose system, I had to connect the audio differently since the factory Bose system uses fiber optics. The adapter harness is designed for this car and ordered separate from the radio.

@rohanvern9470 Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer thank you for clarification, looking at the adapter harness there are four RCA's but they don't seem to color coordinate with the ports on the back of the radio, do you know which ones would go in which port?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

For the RCA connector colors, I believe they follow the color coding for car stereos: Front Left: White Front Right: Gray Rear Left: Green Rear Right: Purple

@richardhollingsworth1032 2 жыл бұрын

What color wire does what. Can you post that? I've been trying to figure it out for hours and have come up with nothing

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Which wires do you mean?

@richardhollingsworth1032 2 жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer Like the Radio wires and the ones that go to the speakers. I saw you had them labeled but I wasn’t able to see all of them.

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

I labeled them in pairs as I cut them from the amp connector, but the colors I used at 08:51 in the video are those that were in this car. Some of them are repeated and flipped though which can be a little confusing. If you removed them from the connector before labeling them, you could try temporarily connecting one pair at a time to your new head unit to see which speaker plays audio, then label them that way.

@fabienpoupon8493 2 жыл бұрын

Great video but you forgot to show us the rendering of the backup camera on the screen

@Thunder_Budy 3 ай бұрын

Does it have rca connectors on the back or the head unit?

@frenchineer 3 ай бұрын

This unit has RCA outputs, though you could use any head unit you like.

@sowadnyc 2 жыл бұрын

Awesome work 👍👍 Where are you located? I have a same car and planning to install the same thing. Would you be able to help me? Thanks

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Hi! Thanks for watching! I'm on the US East coast, but I'm working on upcoming projects and videos. I'll be glad to answer your questions here to help though!

@sowadnyc 2 жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer I wouldn’t be able to install it by myself.

@Ruanez91 Жыл бұрын

Just a weird question... Why to remove and by-pass the oem amplifier?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

That's a good question! With the Bose system, the original radio sends the audio signal to the amplifier via fiber optic cables, but the replacement uses regular speaker wiring. There are some fiber optic converter boxes that exist and might work, but for this install the amplifier bypass was the option I went for. To access the wiring harness from the amplifier it was easier to remove it, and reinstalling it was unnecessary since it was no longer used.

@Ruanez91 Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer Thanks for explanation. But the sound quality is not better with the oem amplifier on? I've an aftermarket radio, and the sound is pretty aceptable, how can I know if I've the amplifier working or not?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

So the Bose amplifier was an option on the ML (W163) and included the amplifier and a subwoofer under the driver's seat. If your car didn't have it, the speaker wires went straight to the factory head unit. If you don't have any Bose logos on your speaker grilles in the front doors, you likely did not have the amplifier. Modern head unit amplifiers are good these days, so sound quality shouldn't be too different, and you'll likely have more control of the EQ.

@fernarap 25 күн бұрын

With this setup is the bose amp working or not?

@frenchineer 24 күн бұрын

This bypasses the amp. If you want to keep the amp, you can use a D2B fiber optic decoder box (you can do the whole install behind the radio in that case, no need to work in the footwell).

@flamesky5758 6 ай бұрын

I made the keys but when they clicked and I pulled, the ends snapped. What should i do about that?

@frenchineer 6 ай бұрын

I recommend picking up some metal radio keys, they might be thin enough to fit alongside the broken ones so you can get the radio out.

@MARIU8Z Жыл бұрын

Is the sound quality with this setup equal or better than the factory Bose setup?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

I actually couldn't compare, since the original head unit had partially failed (with the super low volume issue), but I would say that modern head units can have very good amps, especially if you go for a major brand like pioneer, sony, kenwood, etc.

@MARIU8Z Жыл бұрын

To keep it simpler and to be able to keep the factory amp, why not just add a D2B fiber optic decoder?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

I think that would be the best way to go for sure. I didn't use one for this install because of parts availability and budget.

@alanlawson1263 5 ай бұрын

What type of radio is that?

@frenchineer 5 ай бұрын

This is a BOSS double DIN radio, but you can use a double DIN from any brand (like Pioneer, Kenwood, Sony, etc). If you want Android Auto and Apple Carplay, you just need to make sure you get one that has that.

@susanschuck8841 Жыл бұрын

What size radio you put in? 7 inch?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

This one is a 7 inch screen on a standard Double DIN radio size.

@daviemaxwell9041 Жыл бұрын

@frenchineer So does the subwoofer still work with the new headunit?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

The way I did it, the subwoofer is wired in and works!

@alexp3633 Жыл бұрын

Is Blue/white on the harness adapter used or can I de-pin it as well?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

I'm not sure, but the best way to confirm is probably to check the other part of the connection to see what they go to. If everything works in your install then you're probably safe removing them. (They may be there for different radio configurations)

@jryuwah 2 жыл бұрын

So do you actually not need to buy a new amplifier to do this? I was in a forum where they instructed that we purchase a new amplifier but this doesn’t seem to mention it!

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

I used the new head-unit's built in amp! I guess some people prefer a separate amp (or even two in some cases!). Just be aware that some very cheap head units have weak amps.

@jryuwah 2 жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer would you say the quality this amp provides is top notch? Cause if so I would return this amp and buy this same module just to save money and labor costs!!

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

I think this one sounds good, though this is my sister's car. I actually have this head unit in my truck too! I've also had Kenwood and Pioneer units in my cars, which probably give you more flexibility with their built in EQs and more power. This process would work for any double DIN head unit, you'd just have to make sure to check the manual to confirm wire colors on the harness. If you have a preferred brand or head unit style (like volume knob vs buttons, or you want RGB buttons, a bigger screen, a CD player, wireless android auto/ apple carplay etc.), check out reviews and go for what you like!

@jryuwah 2 жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer you have been an immense help! My tape player went out randomly the other day and I was like this will not stand and got to researching. Was supersized these older models can take modern day units so I’m really excited!

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah it's pretty cool how much you can upgrade if you're able to do the work yourself! It really modernizes the car! Also, if you happen to not have the Bose system in your car, the install is much simpler (the harness adapter would connect the speaker wires rather than having to do the wiring stuff in the footwell). Be sure to check that beforehand! I think there is a way to retain the Bose amplifier with a fiber optic decoder box. It's an extra cost, and there is an extra wire to connect (for d2b wake), but it could simplify the install. Here's one option that may work: www.seicane.com/car-optical-fiber-decoder-sc131

@JoeBilello1969 4 ай бұрын

I'm thinking that the aftermarket system wouldn't sound nearly as good or as loud as the factory Bose system with the amp. My MB radio is giving me trouble as they all do, but it sounds absolutely fantastic and is a booming system when its working, so theres no way an aftermarket radio with their small built-in amps won't sound nearly as good.😮

@frenchineer 4 ай бұрын

If you’re willing to spend a little more and make a few other connections, you can retain the factory Bose amplifier using a fiber optic decoder box. That would convert audio from the new head unit and send it to the Bose amp. No need to splice any speaker wiring in that case.

@JoeBilello1969 4 ай бұрын

@@frenchineer Do you have a video of that?? If not, you definitely have to make a video doing that and showing us the decoder box, I'd definitely do that if I could see how and am shown what to buy and I'm sure countless other ML owners would love that information as well, Thanks, and please give us that much needed and important information 😊👍

@frenchineer 4 ай бұрын

While I don't have this ML anymore, I should be using a D2B fiber optic decoder in an upcoming radio install on my 01 S-Class. If you want to look into it sooner, the converter box needs to be connected to 4 wires: 12V, Ground, Accessory, and D2B wake (these should all be on the factory radio harness). You may also have to bypass the CD changer fiber optics with a loop.

@JoeBilello1969 4 ай бұрын

@@frenchineer Yeah, I have those loops. I'm an ex-auto mechanic and back in the day I'd do some very intricate and extensive stereo system installations but shit just got way too stupid and outta hand with all of this needless crap. I tell ya that if I knew about all of this ridiculous fiber-optic stereo shit in this truck I wouldn't have bought it, just for that reason. I haven't listened to music for the longest time now and I always bounced to my music, I've been too busy and old and with too bad a back to start ripping into all of this shit at my age now, it's incredible how much nonsense this has become. I always had awesome sounding Alpine, Kenwood or Sony systems and it was easy as cake, now its a nightmare that takes all day to do a system installation. This truck has a phone and all of the shit that goes with it and you cant even use it anymore, did these idiots even think about any of that?, about phone technology changing and not being able to adapt anything to it anymore?

@josemurillo9346 2 жыл бұрын

I notice an RT shirt

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Yes! Nice catch!

@krosmen Жыл бұрын

Colour not corespondet. Red is on 26, on 25 are White. But gread manual! Thanks

@garethsmith7628 10 ай бұрын

I've got a 2001 ML55 right hand drive (i am in Australia) with a speaker in each of the four doors, plus a small pillar speaker in each front door, Command with fibre optic. But I'll be totally f*cked if I can find that f*cken rich box or Bose amp or whatever the f*ck it is. I've more or less dismantled the dash on both sides now and can't locate it Left side is full of denso stuff (ac) it doesn't look anything like the video. Right side, I started there and have found the body controller etc etc but to follow that fibre I would have to rip up the carpet and I'm pretty sure it actually goes to the cd stacker in the back and then another fibre comes forward from there to somewhere. Help. I have spent days and hours on this, I can't find a diagram that totally matches the connectors I can find and I'm lost and pissed off. Embarrassingly I am an electrical engineer in my day job, but I work on industrial plant and cars are a whole different kind of install that I normally leave to the experts, but I figured that this couldnt be too hard, could it...

@frenchineer 10 ай бұрын

On the harness that connected to the factory radio, one of the plugs should have two sections. On the car in the video, one of those sections had no wires coming off it (at 2:13). If that part of your car's harness has wires there, your factory unit has the amplifier built in, and the fiber optic wire is used for something else, probably the CD changer as you said. I found a forum post that shows that the 01 Australian ML55 would have the amplifier on the right side firewall up towards the windshield. www.benzworld.org/threads/bose-amplifier-location.2361489/ The pic is from when they removed their dash for other reasons, and it should be accessible without doing that. If you can't see up there because of the tight fit, try feeling for the ridges/fins on the amplifier case.

@garethsmith7628 10 ай бұрын

@@frenchineer thanks a lot, I finally found it, don't know how I missed it, it was behind some pretty thick insulation but where you showed.

@frenchineer 10 ай бұрын

Awesome! It's definitely tight working under there. I had it up on quickjacks and used a stool to give myself something to lay on.

@richardfinnegan4275 2 жыл бұрын

that backup camera is a pain in the arse...

@frenchineer 2 жыл бұрын

Yeah it's really involved to do it this way, but it does look almost factory! I've set one up inside the rear windshield on another car and that works fairly well and was definitely simpler, so there are easier options too.

@hayamicin Жыл бұрын

bro, this is vandalism. you ruined the car. just switch to comand 2.0 and use factory AUX

@verywired1 6 ай бұрын

I could see your point if this were a classic Benz like an SL or a W126, but it's an SUV. It's a utility vehicle. A workhorse. A 4 wheeled tool. It's not going to be entered in any car shows. It's for picking up supplies at home depot or the kids and all their sports gear. The sound system this car came with is shit. So please - get a grip.

@hayamicin 6 ай бұрын

@@verywired1 Benz never ment to be a work horse.

@MikeCampSucksFatDick Жыл бұрын

Great video. My ml350 doesn't seem to have a Bose system. What would this mean for the amplifier? Probably doesn't exist right?

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Thanks! If you don't have the Bose system, the amplifier is built in to the factory radio. This means the install is much simpler! The adapter harness will connect everything from the aftermarket radio to the speakers, and you won't need to make any connections in the footwell.

@MikeCampSucksFatDick Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer I was hoping this was the case but the optic cable is still there, is this a place holder like how your harness wasn't actually making connections?

@MikeCampSucksFatDick Жыл бұрын

I watched your video again, your harness is actually missing the wires completely in the speaker section while mine has the wires. I guess that's my answer. Weird that they still installed the fiber optic cable

@frenchineer Жыл бұрын

Interesting! There may be some other systems that tie in to the fiber optics in some cars. In the ML it sounds like it could be for the cell phone integration or possibly the CD changer, so I don't think you'll have any issues with it disconnected.

@MikeCampSucksFatDick Жыл бұрын

@@frenchineer I was thinking the CD changer too. I don't have a CD player in this one either. Not sure what's standard in these but I feel that this one is more bare than usual