E 320 Audio

I have a 2000 E320 with the (Bose?) in - dash am/fm/cassette stereo. I would like to replace it with a newer stereo (aftermarket or any with CD and satellite) and maintain my steering wheel controls. I have heard several 'no's' to this question, but I have to think that someone knows how to do it. Can any of you help?

I'm not saying it can't be done, but you better have someone who knows these cars well to replace a stereo. I'm pretty sure your car uses the fiber optic cable to connect various components such as the cd changer, stereo, phone, etc. The different components work individually but share information through this one cable. Breaking the D2b ring will cause all components to fail. Since this has been out for some time I'm sure there is a bypass fiber optic cable avaliable for the stereo, but restarting the ring may not be possible without a diagnostic computer. I also do not know what effect removing the stereo will have on your other components. I would contact some of the larger stereo shops in your area as a MB dealer will probably not want to do modifications and advise against it.
On one more note, if all your wanting is satellite and a cd function, then it's very easy to upgrade to a cd changer in the trunk and a satellite receiver while keeping your factory deck. It will probably be cheaper in the long run as well.

Talonlover: Thanks for your response (and if there are any supportive or differing opinions/knowledge out there, please also respond). I think I am pretty well beyond the idea of aftermarket stereos for my E320, so I am looking into plans 'B'. Please let me know what you think. As for the satellite, I am planning on a stand-alone as an add-on. My current head unit has radio and cassette, but the cassette works very poorly. Checking websites (read Ebay) for affordable replacements, there are Mercedes head units with radio and CD that appear the same size as my radio/cassette, and the rear photograph makes the unit appear to take the same connectors. So to the average consumer (me!), it would seem to 'plug and play', but the local dealer says no. Has anyone out there tried this and still used all of the stereo components including steering wheel controls?

I'm not saying it can't be done, but you better have someone who knows these cars well to replace a stereo. I'm pretty sure your car uses the fiber optic cable to connect various components such as the cd changer, stereo, phone, etc. The different components work individually but share information through this one cable. Breaking the D2b ring will cause all components to fail. Since this has been out for some time I'm sure there is a bypass fiber optic cable avaliable for the stereo, but restarting the ring may not be possible without a diagnostic computer. I also do not know what effect removing the stereo will have on your other components. I would contact some of the larger stereo shops in your area as a MB dealer will probably not want to do modifications and advise against it.
On one more note, if all your wanting is satellite and a cd function, then it's very easy to upgrade to a cd changer in the trunk and a satellite receiver while keeping your factory deck. It will probably be cheaper in the long run as well.

Ok! I am a step closer to the completion of this stereo. I have obtained a Mercedes truck CD changer, and I found the power cable behind the trunk panel. The changer powers up, but is not recognized by the in-dash unit. Are there 2 cables to connect? What else is needed for installation?