Radios with better and more integrated into the dashboard, that is to say having a specific shape, we tend to think that it is impossible to mount a double DIN aftermarket. And this especially as some cars, like the Mercedes C-Class have a remote screen. Once again, Hifimobile shows us that this is possible and with a nice integration!
Functionality far superior to the original source!
Mercedes C-Class sedan that is equipped with a multimedia handset in the center console and a remote small screen in the center of the dashboard. This screen can be concealed by a flap. The owner of the Mercedes wanted to keep this screen positioned in the field of view, but wanted to enjoy the full multimedia functions. Things that the original source does not. On this type of high-end sedan, there is little or no integration kits for double DIN. These radios have a very specific form, and it may take some orders deportation of the car to accommodate a double DIN aftermarket. But with art, nothing is impossible, without prejudice to the integration and aesthetics of the car. Hifimobile we demonstrated.
The first step is obviously to remove all the original audio system. Given joints increasingly complex, it requires a good dose of experience. Under the original car radio, is a small plate with a switch to turn off the parking sensor. And the latter gene for double DIN mount. Impossible to deport only the switch because it is integrated into a printed circuit board used for other options not present on the car. Never mind, then deported Hifimobile will complete the deck in the glove box. This is not very annoying, because it rarely uses this switch to disable the parking sensor.
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| The original source is composed of a central unit and a remote display |
The original screen is not retained. Hifimobile will use the chassis to incorporate a 4.5-inch touch-Spal. This little integration work is not very complicated, but still requires some skill. This screen is touch sensitive and Spal will use the dual zone source Kenwood multimedia. Moreover, thanks to its size, it fits well in the original support Mercedes. And it's less expensive than using an OEM interface to retrieve the image on the original screen. The media source is a Kenwood DNX-9260BT, the flagship of the range multimedia Kenwood (handset that we tested in our columns). GPS, Bluetooth, iPod control with cover-flow album covers, DivX compatible DVD player, rearview camera input, Option TNT, DSP, ..., functions are incomparably superior to the original source.
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| Spal screen is built into the original media Mercedes |
The Kenwood is set in the dashboard using a metal bracket. To catch up with the original shape of the dashboard, Hifimobile carries a small support starts coming around the double DIN. After refining the piece, the support is covered with a fine leather perfectly imitating the matter of the dashboard. Except that no 7-inch screen in the dashboard of Mercedes, one could really believe that it leaves the plant.
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| The control of the parking sensor is offset in the glove box |
This system has many advantages. The first is of course the media functionality of the unit. But especially with the mounting Hifimobile, the driver can use the top screen for navigation and display of the audio for multimedia. Both are tactile, allowing easy control of the sources. As shown in the photo, you can browse and at the same time, wander through the playlists to your iPod. Thus equipped, the Mercedes C-Class features a multimedia system very efficient and very pleasant.
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| Once again, the quality of integration is remarkable |
This installation took about eight hours of work and budget of 2500 Euros including labor, which is very reasonable when you know the cost of multimedia options car manufacturers. And more so than car radios car manufacturers are far from offering the benefits of DNX-9260BT Multimedia. The work of integrating Hifimobile is remarkable and does not disfigure the interior of the car. Fear of flying double DIN? No risk, the DNX-9260BT has a detachable faceplate with carrying case. In any case, once again, shows us that Hifimobile cars theoretically unchangeable, are still with cunning and expertise. A gallery of photos showing all stages of assembly!
Features:
- Source: Kenwood DNX-9260BT
- 4.5 inch video screen: Spal
- Other: offset control parking sensor
- Manufacturing time: 8 hours
- Main gear: 2000 Euros
- Budget workforce: 500 Euros
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