CAC F9MB8K1 9 Inch Fascia Kit Compatible with Mercedes R-Class 2006-2012 W251 Dash 1 Universal Trapezoid 9" Stereo Dash Plate with Steering Wheel Control Harness - Black

CAC F9MB8K1 9 Inch Fascia Kit Compatible with Mercedes R-Class 2006-2012 W251 Dash 1 Universal Trapezoid 9" Stereo Dash Plate with Steering Wheel Control Harness - Black

Professional 9-inch fascia kit specifically engineered for Mercedes-Benz R-Class W251 2006-2012 Dash 1 configuration luxury multi-purpose vehicle enabling seamless installation of universal trapezoid 9-inch aftermarket head units into factory dashboard openings. Manufactured from premium high-quality materials ensuring structural integrity and long-term durability matching factory dashboard materials with OEM style upgrade appearance. The kit includes 9-inch fascia panel, steering wheel control harness, and radio antenna adapter for plug-and-play installation connecting directly to factory wiring with easy installation process. Designed to suit universal trapezoid 9-inch stereo head units including Alpine AW409S AX809, Kenwood DMX80AXS, Pioneer DMH-AP6650BT, Nakamichi Android stereo systems, and aftermarket Android stereo receivers. Black finish coordinates with Mercedes-Benz R-Class interior trim maintaining cohesive dashboard aesthetics across luxury MPV configurations. Feature retention includes steering wheel controls and factory radio antenna with feature retention depending on specific radio model selected. Accommodates various 9-inch trapezoid format aftermarket receivers providing modern connectivity for premium luxury multi-purpose vehicle applications. Precision-engineered for Mercedes-Benz R-Class W251 first generation 2006-2012 Dash 1 applications delivering professional installation results maintaining factory appearance quality standards with OEM style integration across luxury MPV platform combining SUV capability with minivan practicality.

Product Overview

The CAC F9MB8K1 solves the fundamental installation challenge facing Mercedes-Benz R-Class luxury multi-purpose vehicle owners from 2006-2012 production seeking to upgrade factory audio systems with modern 9-inch trapezoid format aftermarket head units featuring large touchscreen displays and advanced connectivity features. This precision-engineered vehicle-specific fascia kit converts factory dashboard openings to accommodate universal trapezoid 9-inch stereo dimensions providing significantly larger display area compared to traditional double-DIN installations while maintaining Mercedes-Benz premium quality standards across this unique luxury vehicle segment.

Mercedes-Benz R-Class (W251 chassis designation, 2006-2012) represents Mercedes-Benz's entry into luxury multi-purpose vehicle segment combining SUV-like elevated seating position and all-wheel-drive capability with minivan-like spaciousness and versatility in distinctive sporty wagon body style. The R-Class featured distinctive Mercedes-Benz premium interior design and dashboard architecture requiring specific fascia solutions for aftermarket head unit installation. Available in six-passenger and seven-passenger configurations across various trim levels including R320, R350, R500, and R63 AMG, the R-Class offered unique positioning between traditional SUVs and minivans with premium appointments throughout. The "Dash 1" designation indicates specific dashboard configuration used across certain trim levels and production periods within the W251 generation requiring verification before purchase to ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle configuration.

The R-Class W251 shared platform elements with M-Class W164 and GL-Class X164 luxury SUVs but featured unique body styling, interior packaging, and dashboard design elements specific to its multi-purpose vehicle mission. The elevated command seating position combined with generous interior space and flexible seating configurations made the R-Class particularly appealing for families requiring premium transportation with Mercedes-Benz quality and advanced safety features. Despite its unique market positioning, the R-Class utilized Mercedes-Benz premium dashboard construction standards requiring proper fascia integration for aftermarket head unit installation maintaining factory appearance quality.

The kit provides complete installation solution including all necessary integration components for professional results. Steering wheel control harness enables retention of factory steering wheel audio controls allowing drivers to maintain convenient control functionality without sacrificing modern head unit features particularly important in family-oriented luxury vehicles where convenience features enhance usability. Factory radio antenna adapter ensures proper FM/AM radio reception after aftermarket head unit installation maintaining audio quality comparable to factory systems. Direct factory wiring connection eliminates need for cutting or splicing vehicle wiring preserving electrical system integrity and enabling future reversibility if needed.

OEM Style Dashboard Integration for Luxury MPV – Precision-engineered fascia panel matches factory dashboard contours and finish maintaining Mercedes-Benz quality appearance standards across R-Class luxury multi-purpose vehicle platform. The black finish coordinates with Mercedes interior trim ensuring cohesive aesthetics across dashboard surfaces without aftermarket appearance compromise maintaining premium vehicle positioning.

Universal 9-Inch Trapezoid Compatibility – Accommodates various aftermarket head unit brands and models using universal trapezoid 9-inch format. Compatible head units include Alpine AW409S and AX809, Kenwood DMX80AXS, Pioneer DMH-AP6650BT, Nakamichi Android systems, and other aftermarket Android stereo receivers enabling flexibility in feature selection and price points suitable for family-oriented luxury vehicle applications.

Steering Wheel Control Retention – Included steering wheel control harness maintains factory steering wheel audio control functionality. Mercedes-Benz R-Class steering wheel controls typically include volume adjustment, track skip, source selection, and phone controls depending on trim level. Retention capability depends on selected aftermarket head unit's steering wheel control compatibility and programming maintaining convenient driver interface essential in multi-purpose vehicle applications.

Factory Antenna Integration – Radio antenna adapter connects factory Mercedes-Benz antenna to aftermarket head unit ensuring proper FM and AM radio reception. Mercedes vehicles use specific antenna connection standards requiring proper adapter for signal transmission without interference or reception quality degradation maintaining broadcast audio quality for entertainment during family transportation.

Plug-and-Play Installation – Direct connection to factory wiring harness eliminates complex wiring modifications. Installation process involves removing factory head unit, connecting integration harnesses, installing aftermarket head unit into fascia kit, and securing complete assembly into dashboard opening maintaining clean professional appearance appropriate for premium luxury vehicle.

Large Display Accommodation – Enables installation of modern 9-inch touchscreen displays providing enhanced visibility navigation capabilities and multimedia functionality compared to traditional smaller head unit formats particularly beneficial in multi-purpose vehicle applications where rear passengers may also benefit from larger display visibility and enhanced entertainment features.

R-Class W251 Platform Specificity – Accommodates Mercedes-Benz vehicles from unique R-Class luxury multi-purpose vehicle generation representing distinctive market segment combining SUV capability with minivan practicality requiring modern audio upgrades while maintaining factory appearance quality across premium family transportation applications.

Dash 1 Configuration – Designed for R-Class models with Dash 1 dashboard configuration ensuring proper fitment across standard audio system applications without factory amplified systems requiring verification of specific vehicle configuration before purchase.

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does "Dash 1" mean for Mercedes R-Class W251 compatibility?

A: "Dash 1" refers to a specific dashboard configuration used in certain Mercedes-Benz R-Class W251 (2006-2012) models. The R-Class featured different dashboard designs across various trim levels (R320, R350, R500, R63 AMG), production years, and equipment packages. The Dash 1 designation helps identify which specific dashboard architecture your R-Class has to ensure proper fascia kit fitment. Before purchasing, verify your R-Class dashboard configuration by checking compatible dash photos on the Car Audio Connect website or contacting the supplier with photos of your specific dashboard to confirm you have the Dash 1 configuration rather than alternative dashboard designs that may require different fascia kits such as Dash 2 configurations with amplified audio systems.

Q: Will this fit all R-Class trim levels including R63 AMG?

A: This fascia kit is compatible with R-Class W251 models from 2006-2012 that have Dash 1 configuration, which may include various trim levels such as R320, R350, R500, and potentially R63 AMG depending on specific dashboard configuration. However, you must verify your specific R-Class has Dash 1 configuration regardless of trim level. The R63 AMG and higher trim levels often came with premium audio packages that may utilize Dash 2 configuration with factory amplified systems requiring different fascia kit (F9MB8K2 if available). Check dashboard photos on caraudioconnect.com.au or contact supplier with your vehicle VIN and trim level to confirm proper kit selection before purchase.

Q: Do I need any additional parts besides this fascia kit to install a 9-inch head unit in my Mercedes R-Class?

A: This fascia kit includes the essential components for physical installation and basic feature retention (fascia panel, steering wheel control harness, radio antenna adapter). However, you may need additional components depending on your R-Class equipment: a vehicle-specific wiring harness adapter to connect the aftermarket head unit to factory wiring (if not included with your chosen head unit), a reverse camera retention adapter if your R-Class has factory reverse camera or factory navigation with camera, and potentially a CANBUS interface for advanced feature integration. If your vehicle has factory amplified audio system (such as Harman Kardon or Logic 7 premium sound), you may need amplifier integration adapters for proper audio output or may require different fascia kit (Dash 2 configuration). Consult with professional installers experienced with Mercedes R-Class audio systems to determine complete requirements for your specific vehicle configuration.

Q: Is the R-Class dashboard different from the M-Class and GL-Class even though they share platform elements?

A: Yes, while the R-Class W251 shares some platform elements with M-Class W164 and GL-Class X164 luxury SUVs, the R-Class features unique dashboard design and interior packaging specific to its multi-purpose vehicle mission. The dashboard architecture, although similar in construction quality and some underlying structural elements, features different mounting points, dimensions, and integration requirements necessitating R-Class-specific fascia kits. Do not attempt to use M-Class or GL-Class fascia kits in R-Class vehicles as fitment will be incorrect despite platform relationships. Always use vehicle-specific fascia kits designed for R-Class W251 to ensure proper installation and factory appearance maintenance.

Q: Will this work with my R-Class if it has the factory COMAND navigation system?

A: This fascia kit can physically accommodate 9-inch aftermarket head units in R-Class vehicles equipped with factory COMAND navigation systems, however additional considerations apply. Vehicles with COMAND navigation typically have factory reverse cameras, potentially amplified audio systems, and additional vehicle integration features requiring specialized retention adapters beyond what's included in this Dash 1 fascia kit. You will likely need reverse camera retention adapter, and vehicles with COMAND may actually have Dash 2 configuration requiring different fascia kit with amplifier retention. Some COMAND-specific vehicle functions may be lost when replacing factory navigation unless aftermarket head unit includes compatible CANBUS integration. Consult with professional installers experienced with Mercedes COMAND system replacement in R-Class vehicles to ensure proper feature retention, verify correct dashboard configuration, and determine complete component requirements before purchase.