Mercedes SLK55 Audio and Lighting Upgrades for Midlothian Client

A client from Midlothian recently visited Extreme Audio to discuss upgrading his 2005 Mercedes SLK55 audio system. The client was interested in updating the technology in his luxury roadster and adding a few personal touches in the form of custom lighting. We talked to the client about the features he wanted and his goals for the upgrades before putting together a proposal for this classic and unique vehicle. The client is picky about his car — a trait we love because it allows us to show off our attention to detail. Let’s look at the upgrades we performed for this client.

Mercedes SLK55 Audio System Upgrade

The client now has voice control of his smartphone thanks to Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay lets the client play music from his smartphone with voice control.

The NAV-TV dash kit makes this installation look factory.

We started the project by removing the factory source unit from the Mercedes-Benz in preparation for the installation of an Alpine INE-W977HD. The 977HD is a double-DIN multimedia receiver with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration solutions. The head unit also has built-in navigation, so the client can get directions without having to use his smartphone. We added an SXV300 SiriusXM satellite radio tuner to the Alpine source unit so the client can enjoy whatever genre of music he wants.

The installation of a new source unit in this Mercedes requires some unique hardware compared to the average vehicle. We used a NAV-TV MOST HUR head unit replacement interface to convert the analog audio signals provided by the new radio into a digital signal that can be sent to the factory amplifier over the MOST fiber-optic network. We added a Paser steering wheel audio control interface to allow the factory volume control and source selection buttons on the steering wheel to communicate with the Alpine unit. Finally, a NAV-TV dash kit fills in the space between the dash and the new double-DIN radio and makes everything look like it belongs.

Backup Camera System for Added Safety

Parking lines are superimposed on the screen to aide in backing up.

The small backup camera is barely noticeable.

The client wanted a backup camera that would automatically display an image of everything behind the vehicle when it is put into reverse. We installed a Voxx Electronics ACA501 camera just above the rear license plate on the Benz. This camera provides a high-resolution image and offers an exceptionally wide field of vision to ensure the driver can see everything and everyone behind the car.

Custom Accent Lighting Installation

Smartphone control of the RGB lighting lets the the client choose a wide range of colors.

Our team installed lighting under the hood of the Mercedes.

Mercedes Benz puddle lights were wired to come on when the doors were open.

The lighting upgrades transformed the interior of this SLK55.

Lighted sill plates were provided by the client.

The lighted windscreen was a nice touch to this interior.

The client wanted us to add several accessory lighting upgrades to the SLK55. We started with the installation of a set of Hella RGB LED rock lights in the engine compartment to light up the engine. Additional RGB LED lighting lower in the engine bay can be configured to add a contrasting color to the main lights using a Morimoto XBT Bluetooth lighting controller and an app on the client’s smartphone. Unlike most smartphone control solutions, the premium XBT controller from Morimoto has three separate lighting control zones.

We added a set of GTR Lighting Logo projectors to the underside of the doors. These lights project the Mercedes logo on the ground when the doors are open. Next, we added a set of amber LED lighting strips under the dash and under the back of the seats to light the floor and the wall behind the seats when the doors are open or the dome light is switched on.

The client provided us with a set of illuminated door sills for the car. We wired them into the dome light circuit so the AMG logo will light up when the doors are opened. The last piece of the project was a custom acrylic plastic wind deflector with the Mercedes-Benz and AMG logo engraved on it. The deflector includes white LED lighting. We connected the lighting to the vehicle electrical system for him and hid all the wiring, so the installation looks neat and tidy, just as if it had come from the Mercedes factory.

Another Happy Extreme Audio Client

With the work complete, the client returned to see the Mercedes SLK55 audio and lighting upgrades we performed for him. We showed him how to control the lighting with his phone and demonstrated the smartphone integration features of the new radio. He loved the custom lighting upgrades and was very pleased with our craftsmanship. If you are in the Richmond area and are looking for audio or lighting upgrades for your vehicle, drop by our store in Midlothian or Mechanicsville and speak to a member of our team. You can also reach us by e-mail using our contact page.