2001 Mercedes Benz S500 Sedan - Canyon Carver - Installation
by CAE, Apr 01, 2002
For video playback an Alpine DVD changer was installed in the trunk and is controlled through the 7990 source unit in the dash. The DHA-S680 can hold up to six CD's or DVD's so fumbling for a new disc on long road journeys is eliminated. Better yet, when the kids are burnt out on Barney after the first ten minutes, dad can switch over to Pokemon on command. A TV tuner is also incorporated should one have the desire to watch M*A*S*H re-runs; or maybe the misses would like to catch her favorite soap while on the road.
Perhaps passive viewing isn't enough and a more interactive approach is needed. A Sony PlayStation 1 is flush mounted in the rear armrest between the captain seats, a factory option that you won't see in too many of these vehicles. Wood grain trim finishes off the PS1 installation as carried out through the entire interior. Again, switching from one source to another is a no-brainer with the 7990. Simply use the remote to choose your source. We've truly come along way since 1980, eh? Video is displayed on an Alpine TME-M790 monitor fastened in the rear console and custom fit to blend with the factory style. Its "put away" design keeps it out of harm's reach should things get rowdy back there. With the kids, that is.
Finishing TouchesEverything installed and finished, it was a matter of adding the final touches that would really make the car shine. A personal favorite is the custom floor mats with a swirl 310 design. The mats are the definition of plush and, were they larger, would be more welcoming than a fine Persian rug. Hints of wood trim were added, as were generous portions of blue suede. As I write this, Canyon has purchased more suede to be added soon. He also plans to add a second video monitor, though where exactly he isn't sure.
Exterior details were not overlooked either. For one, the paint itself was special ordered right from the factory. The rare Black Opal is amazing to see in person. Depending on whom you talk to it has hints of blue or green. Canyon, being the diplomat, simply calls it a dark blue/green color, depending on the light.
The factory wheels were swapped for 21-inch Lowenhart LD1 wheels wrapped with Pirelli SP9000 tires. They may look huge, even bulky on most cars, but on this big cruiser they look right at home. For added stopping power and impressive looks through the larger-than-life wheels are Brembo callipers and rotors. A Remus exhaust was fitted for improved sound and looks.
Not a daily driver, Canyon and his family enjoy this Benz on weekend drives and special occasions. Living in Malibu Beach, the nice days and special occasions probably happen more frequently than not. Canyon is proud that everywhere he goes the beautiful MBZ "wows" people. But when he opens it up to show off the interior most simply fall in love.
Canyon assures us that his is the best on the block and that all of his neighbors are in envy. If the neighbors are in such envy, imagine how his old high school pals must feel. Unless they're rolling in a big Bentley Continental I don't think they can "out-sound" this one. They sure can't out style it!
An MB Quart PSD-216, 6.5-inch 2-way component set is used for rear fill, taking advantage of the passive crossover included in the kit. Powering the rear set are the additional two channels off the JL Audio amplifier running the 1" tweeters. Rear fill speakers are mounted in the factory location with minimal modification.
Something for EveryoneConsidering that Canyon ousted the Porsche for the sake of the kids, what kind of a dad would he be if a DVD system and PlayStation were left out? After all, the kids are too young to appreciate fine audio or respect blue suede, but punchy visuals and video games will keep them occupied for hours.
"Out Sound"To retain the factory hands-free phone and navigation system, the original control unit was left in place. An Alpine CDA-7990 F1 Status CD player was installed as a complement rather than a replacement. It was mounted directly below the original screen where the ashtray typically is. Hmm, keep ashtray or replace with Alpine F1? Not a tough decision.
The factory wooden trim had to be modified to fit the unit and was carefully refinished. Integrating the factory unit to the Alpine F1, while maintaining a higher signal level, is possible through Audio Control's Overdrive unit. With balanced input and output differentials it was the perfect module to effectively sew the elaborate original equipment with the extravagant F1 system.
