How to Install a CD Player in a Mercedes

Use Mercedes-Benz stereo extraction tools to remove the factory stereo.

Mercedes-Benz uses a system for extracting their factory stereo decks that includes the use of special stereo removal tools. The two flat keys fit into the slots at the bottom corners of the stereo's face. Pull the tools by the rings at the ends to remove the stereo from the vehicle's stereo dock. Once removed, installing a new CD player will require that you adapt the stereo wiring and the stereo mounting dock to accommodate the new aftermarket CD player. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the Mercedes' negative battery terminal before removing the factory stereo unit.

Things You'll Need

• Adjustable wrench or pliers
• Mercedes stereo removal tools
• Flat screwdriver
• CD player (with installation cage)
• Aftermarket stereo faceplate adapter (optional)
• Wiring harness adapter

Instructions

1. Unplug the stereo wiring from the back of the factory stereo. The wiring is connected to the rear panel of the stock deck by plastic wiring binders plugged to the outlets on the left side of the back panel. Squeeze the release mechanisms on the side of the plastic binders to release the connectors.

2. Unplug the FM antenna cable from the outlet on the right side of the stock deck's rear panel. The cable pulls straight from the outlet. There is no release mechanism for the antenna cable.

3. Slide the CD player's installation cage into the vacant stereo mounting dock of the Mercedes dashboard. Push the cage into the dock until it is flush against the back of the dock.

4. Fold the metal retainer tabs outward by pressing them with a small screwdriver or Allen wrench.

5. Pull the stereo wiring and antenna cable from the back of the vehicle's dock.

6. Plug the Mercedes stereo wiring group connectors into the lead connectors of a wiring harness adapter. Consult the harness adapter manual for correct connection point locations. The stereo wiring connectors will fit into the proper harness leads only making it impossible to plug the wiring into the wrong lead.

7. Plug the FM antenna into the antenna outlet on the rear panel of the CD player. Most players will have the antenna outlet in the same general vicinity as the stock Benz stereo.

8. Slide the CD player into the installation cage. Push the unit into the opening in the dashboard until the face of the stereo is level with the surrounding dash panels. The CD player will lock into place once it is fully seated.

9. Replace the negative battery cable around the negative battery terminal post. Tighten the cable to the post using an adjustable wrench or pair of pliers.

References

• Star Power Training: Mercedes Stereo Removal Video
• Crutchfield: Car Stereo Installation Guide