A new client came to us from Richmond, looking to upgrade her 2005 Mercedes SLK350 stereo system. She had bought the Mercedes from a car dealer that we’ve done a bunch of work for, and they suggested she give us a call. After spending some time on discussing options with her, we decided that the factory-installed speakers and amp sounded just fine to her, and she mainly wanted modern technology like Bluetooth, navigation and a backup camera.
One of the tricky parts of modern Mercedes vehicles is that most of the audio systems use a fiber optic cable to send information through the vehicle. Installing an aftermarket radio system into that is a little “different” from the norm. Thankfully, we deal with a company called NavTV that makes a perfect interface to tie in the factory system, without having to change out anything else. It plugs right in line with the OEM fiber optic signal, keeping the existing amplifier and speakers intact. This gave us the ability to install a brand-new Pioneer NEX navigation system, and a OEM-style backup camera.
The Pioneer NEX units add a host of new features to the Mercedes. She now has built in navigation, HD radio, SiriusXM, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth and more at her fingertips. The OEM-style mount Rydeen camera on the back blends in seamlessly, just like it came that way from the factory. She was thrilled with the overall look and host of new features that the new, upgraded stereo system gave her.
Have a Mercedes that you’d like to modernize with new, up-to-date technology? Check out either of our Richmond-area locations in Mechanicsville or Midlothian. We’d be happy to discuss some options and put together the perfect package for you.
did this inferface with the steering wheels controsl as well – or just screen operated?
It definitely worked with the steering wheel controls. We used a PAC swi-cp5 on this particular Mercedes
What was the Pioneer model that she had installed? Was it the AVH2330?
That one was the 7200NEX model w/ built in navigation
I am getting ready to put the Pioneer AVH4200NEX in a 2007 Mercedes SLK280, how did you get the Mercedes logo on the Pioneer screen? I would have your company install this but I am located in Central Kentucky.
There should be a section in the owners manual for the 4200 that explains the process.
That looks amazing. What was the total cost? Do you know where I can get this done in Southern California?
Thanks! What part of Southern CA?
My wife and I have delayed buying a low-mileage 2006 SLK350, because it doesn’t have navigation and Bluetooth. Where can this installation be done in the Macon, GA area?
I have a friend in GA that said Billy and Audio Zoo is as good as it gets in that area. Hope this helps
Thanks for the tip! I’ll give Billy a call.
We went to see John at Audio Zoo, and received EXCELLENT service. We wound up getting the 2440NX, and my wife loves how it interfaces with her phone.
Thanks for directing us to these folks!
My husband has a 2006 SLK350 and wants the upgraded stereo/BT/Nav also. Is there someplace in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area we can have this work done?
MusicarNW and Kingpin are GREAT shops in the Portland area
Thanks, we will give them a try.
I also own a 2006 SLK350 and would like to upgrade the stereo system to have modern technology (Bluetooth, nav, backup cam, aux adapter, xm and of course am/fm) any recommendations for central NJ, located in Middlesex county. Thanks for the assistance.
The closest I know is ironically named Eurocar.
euro car
john henrie
7327411384
80 central ave
Red Bank, NJ
7701
eurocarusa@verizon.net
We have a 2005 all 350 and want to update any recommendations for the Dallas/ Fort Worth Texas area
Dan Ungaro at Soundscapes would be a great choice, although they have moved towards more custom install recently. If it’s not a project they are able to take on, I would ask him for a recommendation, as he would know the local shops reputations. http://soundscapecaraudio.com/
Looks awesome. Any recommendation for somebody in Dallas/Fort Worth area? Thanks
Dan Ungaro at Soundscapes would be a great choice, although they have moved towards more custom install recently. If it’s not a project they are able to take on, I would ask him for a recommendation, as he would know the local shops reputations. http://soundscapecaraudio.com/
I have a 2006 SLK350 and am looking to do the same thing to mine. Do you have any recommendations for someone in the San Francisco/San Jose area?
The closest I know that would have the capability is Joe O’byrne at Brentwood Car Audio
Brentwood Car Audio
Joe O’Byrne
1-925-308-7677
1921 Verne Roberts Circle
Antioch, CA
94509
brentwoodcaraudio@att.net
http://www.brentwoodcaraudio.com
Thanks! Can you provide info on the cable that integrated with the 7200NEX?
That came from NavTV, they vary a bit from system to system. Joe knows me, so if he has any questions he can give me a call.
Can you ship the parts you used for her? I live in Perú
Visit http://www.navtv.com they may have a international division
Any recommendations for the Panama City, FL area? Upgrading the stereo with blue tooth and back up camera is the next thing on our list.
Try Exotic Car Audio
Roxanne Martin
850-664-2600
507 Mary Esther Blvd
Mary Esther , FL
32569
splpat66@gmail.com
http://www.exotic-audio.com
What can you do to bring apple CarPlay to a 2012 all 350.
I think your phone may have miss-translated, what model 350 do you have? Also, are you in the Richmond, VA area? Thanks!
SLK 350. I’m between Greenville Spartanburg SC and Augusta GA. I visit Atlanta GA and Winston-Salem NC. I could be convinced to eat oysters in Richmond.
Harold, Sorry, I was unable to locate any options for reliably adding CarPlay to your Mercedes. Wish I could have helped. Just an FYI for future needs though. Joe Zelano at Elite Audio in Spartanburg, SC runs a great shop
Thank You
How long did it take to update? I have a 2005 SLK350, just like the one in the pic, that needs upgrading. Tempted to make a road trip to see you guys unless maybe you have a recommendation for anyone in the Chicago area.
It’s definitely an all day job. I would suggest Jerry Villa at Showtime Car Audio or Marty Deane at Soundz Plus. Both are very capable shops in the Chicago area.
Sorry had wrong email. Anyone around Deltona Florida.
I actually do. Contact Chase Norman at Tint World. Even though they mainly focus on Tint, he comes from a car audio background. If they can’t do it, he’d know who in your area could.
Chase Norman
1-321-247-8468
2100 n ronald Reagan blvd
Longwood, FL
32773
store028@tintworld.com
I cant believbe how helpful you are 2005 SLK350 same exact issue just would like the upgrade. Houston, TX.
Thanks so much for the assist.
I would give these guys a shot. Custom Car Stereo
Daniel Marks
1-713-981-8455
7300 Southwest Freeway
Houston , TX
77074
dsmarks@customcarstereo.com
http://www.customcarstereo.com
Installation of same or similar. 2005 slk 350 Tampa Florida.
That’s tough, because I know so many people around there that are all great. Luke at Audio Expert Auto and Marine in Clearwater, Matt at MCOR Automotive in Lutz, and Rob at Soundwaves of Tampa would all be solid choices.
I’m in Chesapeake. VA and own a 2005 Mercedes Benz SLK350. My radio and cd player failed and I would like to replace them. How much would it cost me to install the Pioneer NEX ?
Thanks for the message. Give me a call at 804-302-4488 when you have a free minute so I can get a little bit of info on the car from you. I can then put together an accurate estimate. Or shoot me an email at mike@extremeaudio.org. Thanks!
I also gave a 2005 350slk and would like a similar upgrade. Would fact that mine is manual transmission affect anything. Also, I am on St Louis Mo. Do you know anyone here who could do this?
Thanks!
No question Josh Landau at JML Audio would be the place to go there. VERY professional shop that deals with premium vehicles on a daily basis. 636-343-2020 http://www.jmlaudio.com
Any suggestions for Lansing Michigan area
The only person I know in Michigan, is in the upper section above Wisconsin. I would give the guys at Nav-TV a call. They should know a reputable shop in your area. http://www.navtv.com
I have the 2006 SLK 350 and I am stationed in Hawaii (Oahu) know of anyone that can do this upgrade with Nav and backup camera installed?
I do actually. Kent Izuka at Security and Sound Systems is in Honolulu and could likely do this for you. https://www.securityandsoundsystems.com/ He knows us, so if he has any questions just have him give Mike a call.
I have Mercedes 2005 SLK350.
Already installed a backup camera with separate screen installed on wind screen.
Would like to upgrade the base unit with Pioneer NEX (or equivalent) with NavTV FO interfaces to keep the audio infrastructure/quality intact.
I am from Lake Charles, Louisiana.
Is there any service center nearby to help me?
What is the approx cost for this upgrade?
Deepa. I would check these guys out. Looks like they are in your town?
Baileys Audio
Blake Thibodeaux
3374334005
3711 ryan st
Lake Charles, Louisiana
70605
service@baileysaudio.net
http://www.baileysaudio.net
Any tips on door speakers for a 2008 SLK 280?
8″ sub and 3″ mid
non HK
in tulsa
Those are a little limited on options, but definitely replaceable. I’d talk to Ryan King at
King’s Kustoms
Ryan King
918-237-9762
1960 W. Albany St.
Broken Arrow, OK
74014
kingskustoms918@gmail.com
kings-kustoms-av.business.site
Hi Mike,
So good of you to recommend vendors and suppliers to upgrade these entertainment/technological systems.
I have a 2006 350 SLK that I would love to keep if I could make these upgrades.
Could you recommend anybody in Orange County, California.
Thanks in advance.
Tom, a friend I have that owns a high end audio company that lives in that area. He suggests La Jolla Audio in San Diego. http://www.lajollaaudio.com. Also Audio Lab in Laguna Hills. http://www.audiolabcarstereo.com. I REALLY trust his recommendation, as he would never want someone to have a bad experience in our industry. Hope this helps
Awesome install, looking at doing the same for my wife’s 2006 SLK350. Will need new speakers as well. Any recommended installers in the Nashville, TN area?
The guys at Titan Motoring are great. Ask for Philip or Donnie