mp3 in '95 S

Greetings,

I just finished doing what you're talking about on my 95 S320. At first I tried getting the adapter for the CD changer so I could use the new format (non-MBus) changer that will read mp3's but I tried every unit availabe without success.

I cut into the CD changer harness and extracted the left and right audio channels and ran an extension up front to the console. I disassembaled the console, drilled a small hole and installed a switching stereo 1/8" jack.

It's important you use the switching type jack otherwise you'll get distortion from the signal (even silence) from the changer. Plugging in the jack from your mp3 player will automatically disconnect any signal from the changer thus giving you crystal clear sound.

I believe you must have the changer connected in order for the radio to recognize it even though I'm sure there is a way to fake it out and let the head unit select the cd changer mode anyway.

The hardest part was routing the wires from the trunk to the passenger compartment.

Bob

One of my colleagues just did that with his Lexus LS 400. He replaced the stock radio with an Alpine radio. I have a non iPod MP3 player, so I am looking at other solutions, although the Alpine does work with my player, I really do not want to replace the stock radio. The fit and finish is not the same as the oringinal ============= Alpine today announced it would ship its Alpine Interface Adapter for iPod (model KCA-420i) this fall with a target retail price of $100. First introduced in January 2004 at CES, the interface enables users to "experience superior sound tuning and control of their iPod music using any of Alpine's 2004 Ai-Net in-dash head units." Alpine's Interface Adapter for iPod enables users to access the in-dash receiver's exclusive Bass Engine technologies for better sound quality and control of their digital music files in the car.

The solution allows users to control iPod playback using the head unit's front panel buttons or remote; view song information (artist, album and/or song name) on the display; and easily find tracks through the receiver's Quick Search interface. Alpine is also integrating exclusive MediaXpander technology, which restores lost detail to compressed digital media, according to the company.

The adapter features a hide-away design and can be installed anywhere in the vehicle, including under a seat, in the glove box or behind the dash. A single cable connects the adapter to the Alpine head unit, while a second cable connects the adapter to the iPod through the iPod dock connector. Alpine says the the iPod then acts like a plug n' play hard drive controlled by Alpine's rotary knob control. The Interface Adapter also charges the iPod's internal battery when the vehicle is powered on.

The Alp> i'm now commuting about an hour each way to work every day and can't really

thanks, but i don't have the cd changer installed. i wonder if this means i'd have to put in a toggle to make the radio think the cd changer is on??

thanks for the link, but the products only apply to '99 and later.

Sorry I can't help you with that. I'm sure a simple "toggle switch" would do the trick but first you'd have to figure out what signal the cd changer sends to the head unit to let it know it's there.

Try this for good quality and price. Works perfect every time.

The Belkin unit is OK. I've used it myself. I find it has 2 drawbacks.

1) if you're traveling city ot city or cross country you'll have to change frequencies from time to time to eliminate interference from strong local stations in the area.

2) sound quality. The tuner section in MB radios is good at best, combine that with a small transmitter and signal to noise ratio gets even worse. It's great for books on tape or background music. If you want crystal clear, clean sound, you can't beat a direct wired connection to the head unit (ie. through cd changer input).

Bob