amg_sl55

I need to replace the command HU in my 2003 SL55 has a faulty screen luckily I have a complete 2005 model parts car available. I've done allot of reading on the forum which has highlighted that the systems are different D2B & MOST, but couldn't find a conclusive list of differences overall. Can anyone share their knowledge of what other parts I'd need to swap over aside from HU, CD changer & Amp to get the 05 system working in an 03 model.. Are the wiring/connectors common to both? Anything else I've missed?

MJ50

it CAN be done...
however, you need to swap out entire wiring harness and all associated modules/parts...
this means all interior needs to come off... lots of labor...

amg_sl55

Thanks for the speedy response, seems I have quite a task ahead of me to identity the related wiring harness and modules and that's before the hard work even begins.

Would you happen to know if the related wiring harnesses are independent to the rest of the vehicles systems as my parts car is a SL350, missing many of the options my car has, I'm guessing there would be quite some differences in the harnesses, if that is the case then perhaps it's time for complete upgrade and ditch the command altogether.

MJ50

what year is your 350?

amg_sl55

The 350 is a 2005 model

MJ50

if 55 has more options, then u'll need modules that 350 doesn't have...

amg_sl55

I'll follow up on the link you sent, if that fails I'll most likely go complete upgrade non command.

amg_sl55

I've actually been looking at an Android upgrade too, only thing stopping me was having the parts car here and no cost fix.. Otherwise I'm going Android..

Which Android unit did you install?

Carole Wright

O. P., you DO realize that replacement screens for Comand, MCS, etc. head units can often be found on eBay... Right?

Replacing the front panel would be a LOT less work than what you're proposing!

amg_sl55

I do.. just that i have a complete car available for the parts so no cost if the swap is possible, if I'm going to drop some cash into her might as well go all in on an Android upgrade.

gapcobenz

The CANBUS in D2B and MOST equipment work at different speeds which makes
them totally incompatible.

Speak to a Mercedes dealership auto electrician to better understand what is
proposed here.

jbondox

the can network will support it in the 03, you will also need the audio gateway, amp, and screen. the newer wiring harnesses can be repinned with the old wires.

Carole Wright, the radio is an antique, and makes for a crappy driving experience because it has zero features that are modern

Carole Wright

Jbondox, with all due respect, the entire vehicle is an antique, but I've never once had a crappy driving experience in my Benz. Well, except for the day I blew a tire... 😀

jbondox

Carole... i used to work for a MB dealership, I retired off a bunch of nickels for every time I heard it sucks to take on a long trip, doesn't have this, graphics suck, no bluetooth, no pandora, no ipod, no usb, no sat radio, no DVD, no HD radio, you do see where I am going with this I hope...