Thread: Alpine/Mercedes issues???

I had and entire Alpine audio system installed in my 2005 Mercedes C class in April. The system consisted of IVA-W505/P1 head unit with nav, PXA-H701 5.1 processor, KCA-SC100 sirius interface, KCE-400BT Bluetooth interface, PDX series amps and SPX series speakers. From day one the system had problems: volume would be low at start-up and then 2 to 5 minutes later volume would come up to normal level, audio would also completely drop out for minutes at a time, when the volume drop occured there was always a crackling/poping sound that came from all of the speakers. There was also a problem with the Bluetooth phone interface (echo problems).
I bought the vehicle back to the installers, who by the way are Alpine authorized installers, 5 separate times for repair. Over the course of these 5 visits every component in the system with exception of the speakers was swapped out (replaced with new) at least 3 times. At present the system still has all of the same issues and I am having the entire system removed from my vehicle.
I would just like to know if anyone has had this kind of issue with Alpine or any other aftermarket audio equipment installed in a Mercedes. I am considering giving Kenwood a try but if there is some kind of compatability issue with my particular vehicle I may have to leave the factory system in place instead.
Thanks for any help!