[z168]

Ordered. Came to about $199

 

[RJ's SL]

Ordered as well from the website I posted. Which, I believe I got somewhere on this forum. Yup, $164 all in. Although 10-12 days to get to me. It's going to be very quiet in the SL until it gets here. I'll just have to listen to the engine noise.

 

[FATHERTIME]

Sounds like a winner. Anyone here tried a GROM unit and comment on the difference?

I just installed a GROM USB in my 98 SL500 with Mercedes radio, I'm not happy with the sound, it's too much bass even when setting the iPod to flat. Distorted sound above half volume, CD is the best sound so far. So i'd like to know these issues with the Continental unit before I buy?

 

[edfreeman]

I just installed a GROM USB in my 98 SL500 with Mercedes radio, I'm not happy with the sound, it's too much bass even when setting the iPod to flat. Distorted sound above half volume, CD is the best sound so far. So i'd like to know these issues with the Continental unit before I buy?

Hmmm . . . did you have the heavy bass before the GROM? Sheesh, could it have been this unit all along?

 

[FATHERTIME]

Hmmm . . . did you have the heavy bass before the GROM? Sheesh, could it have been this unit all along?

No heavy bass before the GROM. The Mercedes Becker, Bose system with CD changer is great sound even at full volume, in both the SL500 and SL320, no distortion like you get with aftermarket heads, Its the GROM USB, I've been in contact with them but so far no solution.
I had a Kenwood in my SL320 and it was pretty good with the iPod and iphone but I went back to the Becker and CD because the sound is better (more presence) and I don't like the screen on the Kenwood.

 

[FATHERTIME]

There is a noticeable difference between bluetooth and USB connected, connected does sound better. Also, it doesn't play well with the lightning connection, but I have all the music on an iPod classic as well, so no biggie.

Were I adding Bluetooth, I'd get this head unit, you'll wind up paying just as much for the Grom.

If I read correctly I can't plug my iPod to the USB port on the radio? I must use the Blue Tooth connection? My experience with Blue Tooth sourced stereo is poor compared to USB. So I'd like to know more on this before I buy one/

I have a Kenwood head that uses the direct USB port for my iPod it's pretty good but does distort at high volume, hence I'm back to CD's and the Becker.

I really would like to find a solution to quality sound using an iPod, all my music on it is AIFF no MP3, I wonder if the Continental head will play a USB flash drive loaded with MP3?

 

[Midnightsun]

If I read correctly I can't plug my iPod to the USB port on the radio? I must use the Blue Tooth connection? My experience with Blue Tooth sourced stereo is poor compared to USB. So I'd like to know more on this before I buy one/

I have a Kenwood head that uses the direct USB port for my iPod it's pretty good but does distort at high volume, hence I'm back to CD's and the Becker.

I really would like to find a solution to quality sound using an iPod, all my music on it is AIFF no MP3, I wonder if the Continental head will play a USB flash drive loaded with MP3?

Not through the USB but you can use the aux input function via the headache jack.

 

[edfreeman]

If I read correctly I can't plug my iPod to the USB port on the radio? I must use the Blue Tooth connection? My experience with Blue Tooth sourced stereo is poor compared to USB. So I'd like to know more on this before I buy one/

I have a Kenwood head that uses the direct USB port for my iPod it's pretty good but does distort at high volume, hence I'm back to CD's and the Becker.

I really would like to find a solution to quality sound using an iPod, all my music on it is AIFF no MP3, I wonder if the Continental head will play a USB flash drive loaded with MP3?

My comments were on the GROM unit that connects to the original head unit, not the Continental Unit. From what I can read in the user manual, you can plug your iPod into the USB, but will have to use the iPod to control your music (ie - the unit will not control the iPod). I don't have mine yet, so I'm not sure.

 

[LWB250]

My comments were on the GROM unit that connects to the original head unit, not the Continental Unit. From what I can read in the user manual, you can plug your iPod into the USB, but will have to use the iPod to control your music (ie - the unit will not control the iPod). I don't have mine yet, so I'm not sure.

As I understand from a non-forum MB friend who has the Continental head unit, there is no iPod integration with the Continental. That is, you can plug your iPod in and it will charge, but it will not play music through the USB connection.

Dan

 

[edfreeman]

As I understand from a non-forum MB friend who has the Continental head unit, there is no iPod integration with the Continental. That is, you can plug your iPod in and it will charge, but it will not play music through the USB connection.

Dan

Ok, I just read it again, and it was an assumption on my part that pressing play on the iPod would send it through. No worries though, just a different wire hooked up.

 

[LWB250]

Ok, I just read it again, and it was an assumption on my part that pressing play on the iPod would send it through. No worries though, just a different wire hooked up.

They are pretty clear in the documentation that it does not support any sort of MP3 player integration. However, I was curious as to if it would at least provide +5 VDC for charging from the USB port.

According to the acquaintance who has now had his Continental installed for several months, it does indeed provide charging through the USB port.

Dan

 

[hotshoe]

Just a little review. First, my power does not come on when I turn the key on. Goes off wit hteh key fine, but must push the power button every engine start. A minor inconfvience, but a hassle none the less. The setup menus are a bitch, and most of them are acronyms that I sure don't recognize. Remember I know not much more than volume and station changing. I tried a cord in the USB port with my iPhone 5s. First it said that the device was incompatible, and would not charge. Then when I selected USB for a source it displayed reading. I waited a while and lost patients and went back into the office to write this. The AUX port or Bluetooth will be fine for my needs. I never figured ho to get music onto a memory stick anyway. Any help from other owners would be appreciated.

 

[GiftedHippo]

Hey Guys, What's up?

I am writing this from the front seat of my 1990 300SL, attempting to install the Continental TR7412UB-OR. Unfortunately, I have pulled my radio out of the dash (the original Becker BE 1480) to find that none of the connectors match the new Continental head unit. Essentially, the stock head unit has round connectors, and the new one has blade style connectors. I believe that the 1990 was the only one with this head unit. Has anyone installed this in a 1990 R129? I can provide photos if that is helpful.

 

[LWB250]

It can be done but you're going to have to buy a harness for the Continental to make it fit.

Dan

 

[Midnightsun]

Or tackle it yourself. Not all that complicated. This should help. http://www.benzworld.org/forums/r129-sl-class/1708692-1991-500sl-wiring-radio.html

 

[LWB250]

Does the Continental come with a pigtail harness? If so, just splice everything together as detailed in the previously linked post and you're good.

If it doesn't, you can get the proper harness from Metra on Amazon for around $10-$15.

Dan

 

[Midnightsun]

Does the Continental come with a pigtail harness? If so, just splice everything together as detailed in the previously linked post and you're good.

If it doesn't, you can get the proper harness from Metra on Amazon for around $10-$15.

Dan

Good point as there is no harness supplied.

 

[LAMike240]

Hi guys. Was there a definitive post on what years this will fit? I'm looking for a replacement for my 02.

Thanks.


Sent from AutoGuide.com Free App

 

[GiftedHippo]

The 1990 has the Becker 1480. Which I haven't seen anyone do a replacement for yet. I presume by harness, you mean some sort of adapter, but not that simple I would guess. Has anyone done any kind of aftermarket installation, replacing the BE1480, that didn't involve re-wiring to all the speakers?

LAMike240, if this doesn't work out for me, I'd be happy to sell you the new Continental HU for the $160 or so that I paid for it. Or whatever 135 Euros is these days.

Thanks in advance for the help!

 

[MAVA]

Hey Guys, What's up?

I am writing this from the front seat of my 1990 300SL, attempting to install the Continental TR7412UB-OR. Unfortunately, I have pulled my radio out of the dash (the original Becker BE 1480) to find that none of the connectors match the new Continental head unit. Essentially, the stock head unit has round connectors, and the new one has blade style connectors. I believe that the 1990 was the only one with this head unit. Has anyone installed this in a 1990 R129? I can provide photos if that is helpful.

These 90-93 R129's and the 92/93 W140's have a very antique radio system that no one makes a plug n play system adapters. To wire in is simple head-unit harness is simple, but one must cut wires, for a neat job is to use Metra adapter, but the best one can do is to get the whole audio harness to the head unit to the amp from a junk +94 R129 with the tweeters, and the bass enclosure with the amp. The fidelity is great on these +94 cars..

Martin