ashbisaria

I am installing Euro nav (A163 820 3689) in my 1999 US ML 320? I also have underdash antenna. I could not find in discussion board.., if Euro nav needs Can Bus or, VSS? What other parts / wiring loom is required? Please Help

benzmodz

99 ML requires CAN bus adapter and several adapter wiring looms.

You should put the radio back in till you can order the parts. I ordered some from MBENZNL and got all that I needed.

pleubner

YOU SHOULD DEFINATELY NOT DO ANY ORDERING FROM ANY MONEY PINCHERS !!!!!

1. The unit you listed above (An orginal ML one 163 ....) is a nocan unit, so you do nothing! The unit you bought is the latest exact match for a w163 (..... 3689). Depending on the software (firmware) loaded you might need to update it..... but I doubt it!.

2. Only MY98/99 do not come factory default with the speed signal fitted. So if you have Sept. 09 2000 or later model, then you are fine with the 5 min installation time. For the Speed VSS retrofit see "Wolfgang's website for details. He has a list of the partno's and DIY instructions for the retrofit.
I've also often seen VSS kits on ebay , but lately the have become scarce.
The NAV (there also exists a non Comand unit) was introduced with factory shipped vehicles until MY00. That's why MY00 have the speed signal already fitted, and earlier models never knew anything about the requirement of the speed signal. Wolfgangs instructions make this a simple retrofit.


For installation all you do is buy a IS0 <-> C1/C2 harness from audiocomp.de or megacomm.de, or a dozen other ones I have listed. In fact I have also posted the pin layouts , so you can just order that plugs+pins and make your own. It's only a few wires! The OEM one (bloody expensive approx 89 Euros) I bought , and listed is far too expensive , and looks like it is home made. You should be able to make your own harness for approx 10-20$US.

Installation is no more than 5 min , .....
- keys (purchased from dealer) to remove your old radio
- Harness to ISO plug
- Plug in C1/C1 plug
- Antenna
. splitter/amplifier (for pre-facelift models only)
. Antenna to splitter
. Cable from splitter to comand
- Push Comand back into 2 DIN slot (If faceplate is not for a comand , you need to saw off the plastic tabs on the inside side wall)


ROOF ANTENNA
--------------
Intially when GPS NAV was introduced for the ML, the solution for the roof antenna was to use the existing single coax cable running the rear roof mount to behind the Comand in the dash for both the Phone, and the GPS. To do this the designers decided to manufacture a splitter/amplifier to allow this cable to be shared by both. Later it was decided that this was not such a good desîin, and dual coax cables where fitted at the factory to ML's as of Sept. 9 2001.

This means that at the roof end there are 2 different Antenna's. Once fitted they look exactly the some from the outside. The ealier one being a single roof antenna, the later one has muliple short color coded cables coming from it.




PS: I HAVE WRITTEN A VERY DETAILED INSTALL GUIDE ON THIS! SEND ME AN EMAIL WITH THIS QUOTE, AND I'LL SEND IT TO YOU!

PS: I ALSO HAVE DONE TV-TUNER, PHONE INSTALL GUIDES FOR THE COMAND ALSO!

See the "P3" Forum !.

PS: THIS MOD IS SO DAMM EASY, I COULD GET A 4 YEAR OLD TO DO IT!

benzmodz

We all know that if you keep labour rates low you can make more success in a workshop.

I dont agree with you that MBENZNL is a money pincher. Have you tried to run a system with warranty and paid taxes yourself ? Or are you busy changing the nappy on the head mechanic.

pleubner

...........

pleubner

....

pleubner

I posted the Antenna info already here

https://mbworld.org/forums/m-class-w163/149862-dvd-nav-install-02-ml320-help.html

Splitter
---------------
The splitter is behind the dash and not under the seat for pre 01.09.01 models (see pics of splitter above .. behind the radio bay) ... but the break under the seat for the antenna coax must be checked only for post Sept. 2001 models.

MY 98,99 need the splitter with FME connectors (other wise you need adapters)
MY 00,01 needs the splitter with fakra connectors

MY 02,03,04 Don't need a splitter since dual coax cables run form the rear to the front.

VSS Retrofit (Speed signal)
------------------------------
98,99 Vehicles also need the "speed signal retrofit"
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/vss.html





Links:
-------
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/radios.html
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/mcsdvd.html
http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/comand_2.0.htm
http://www.mercupgrades.com/Retrofitting%20Comand.htm

pleubner

... now get yourself that baby mechanic with the nappies!

pleubner

Just to help you on your way ! Here is my setup!

pleubner

Here's some links if you get bored changing nappies!

15) Reference Links
Technical Info (Richard, Wolfgang, Hans)
http://www.hanshehl.de/multimedia1.htm#b2a (Hans: Command info,cable’s,wiring, etc)
http://www.mercedes-v-club.de/technik/ (V Class Club, has some Command Info)
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/radios.html
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/gps_antenna.html (Wolfgang: Getting the right Arial for your ML)
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/vss.html (Wolfgang: Spead Signal Mod for 98,99 ML’s
http://www.ibex.co.uk/mbstuff/Retrofitting%20Comand.htm (Richard: The basis of this document!)
http://ww.audiocomp.at/comand-pin.html (Command pinout)
Other Comand/MCS Installs (Benza, Frank, Hans, )
http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=119
http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=66
http://phdwebsite.powerpulse.cc/COMA...oval%20WIS.pdf
http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=201
My Install
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...osts=54&fid=29
http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...osts=26&fid=29
Software / Nav CD’s
http://shop.strato.de/epages/Store.s...soft/TeleAtlas
http://ww.teleatlas.com
Suppliers
www.navisworld.com
www.cartechsystem.de
www.MBenzNL.com
www.TVandNav2Go.com
www.nav-tv.com
www.naviplus.tv
www.mbdoctor.com
www.megacomm.de
www.audiocomp.de
www.audiocomp.at
www.navisworld.com
www.audiotechnik-dietz.de
www.reichelt.de (protected cabels)
www.caraudio-systems.de (Stecker, cables, cable for rear monitors, etc)
www.navisys.de
www.mobilDVD.de
www.mobiltronic.de
www.maxxline.de (Extra Monitors, cables, AV accessories)
www.car-video.de
www.braybrooks.co.uk/mainindex.htm
www.autotoys.com
Multimedia/TV/DVD addon
www.sunstar.info/html/produkte.html
Command Manuals Online

http://www.benzworld.org/forums/foru...posts=3&fid=36

Wiring Diagrams / Removals

http://www.budget.net/%7esura/wiring...%20w%20amp.pdf (‘99ML320)

http://www.carstereohelp.com/stereor...320CDChgrR.htm (ML CD Changer)

Audio10

http://www.budget.net/%7esura/Audio%...nual%20PDF.pdf (Manual)
http://www.budget.net/%7esura/Audio%...ck%20Guide.pdf (quick guide)

pleubner

making that comand's AUX input working with any audio input source.
(i.e MP3 Player, etc..)

This is definately a "NAPPIES" level DIY!

pleubner

Here is some good accessories for the "Nappies" mechanic to play with!

pleubner

Comand pinout .... so the "NAPPIES" man knows what he is doing!.

I've translated this into english in case this isn't a "German" Nappies head mechanic!

pleubner

Feel free to ask questions .... even if the nappies are full!.

pleubner

Carefull of those springs on the brackets ... If you bend them You will have a hell of a time getting that Comand back out .....

.... no matter if you have nappies on , or not!!!!

pleubner

Now lets assume you got the "Nappies" guy trained to install it. The good news is that the ML COmand head units (partnos with 163...) are NOCAN , which means they can be installed into any vehicle with a double din bay... e.g VW Polo

Here is the info to do it the "NAPPY" way:-

pleubner

HAPPY "NAPPYING"

benzmodz

Did you ever notice that ever "hero" with an ML has a "HOW TO" website ! There must be some inner need to impress everyone with their stature.

I really enjoy it when people send USA information to Australian customers which is completely useless. So rather than focus on the relevant information it becomes a matter of flooding the conversation with useless information.

You call Steve a pincher but you list Braybrooks .... are you on drugs ?

redeye

Um, the requester is in Canada: that would make US information 100% relevant.

ashbisaria, apparently the Euro parts (for VSS etc.) can be ordered here in North America (if you contact them).

In case you missed the details in pleubners post, Wolfgang's instructions are here and here. If you use the under dash antenna, you don't need any splitters etc.

pleubner

Mmmmm
.... I'm not in the US
...... I don't have a how-to website
.... I don't impress, but rather give detail and help others as much as I can !

I don't try to make money for the information I'm providing, I point to all other sources of Information I know about ....... I hope this doesn't fall under the term "Impress" , but rather "Sharing" .....

PS: Sorry about the suggestion "steve" is a money pincher ..... I didn't mean steve , but rather said it generally speaking .... After reading the previous post I realize the misunderstanding .... my answer was not in response to your post! (MIROJ ?). ... Who am I to comment on steve?, I don't even know what he charges for a easy DIY retrofit?.... Hopefully not more that 1000$US per hour?.....

The point of this thread is not to comment on others but to address the questions of the person opening it. I hope his questions, purpose is helped by my contributions.

Enough said , I hope others with Comand issues can profit from this post.

benzmodz

I dont know what your desire is but I can say that I get a lot of phone calls from Australians asking if your advice is correct because you carpet bomb the forums with information without regard for chassis number or build country.

Wolfgang and Richard ....... RESPECT

Pluebner ... the hero of all heroes

jtaleric

Seem like it is to help people.. Why dont you go troll somewhere else.

benzmodz

Just trying to sort out the intellectual vomit from the detail ... you must realise why everyone rolls their eyes at ML owners ....

redeye

...here's a recent post from an Aussie that obviously found pleubner's intellectual vomit pretty useful. Keep up the good work.

************************************************** *****

When I first got the idea into my head that I wanted to install a comand into my 2003 model ML350, I rang the dealer, who told me it would cost $13,000AUD. I was horrified.
But alas, I found this site!!.
I have just finished my install, which included the OEM combined GPS roof antenna.

All I can say it that it was so simple and went without a hitch, despite some telling me that I was heading for trouble.
The entire install took less than 1 hour, with the roof antenna taking most of the time.

I need to thank those that assisted me, and in particular the following two gentlemen:

RichardA, for a great article "retrofitting comand" and his assistance privately via email.

Pleuber, for the countless emails and pics he sent me, and general advice he gave.

Thank you lads.

Cheers,
George.

benzmodz

Seriously George .... you should start a website on how to modify the ML to retrofit navigation.

I installed UHI into a Nokia ML and you dont see me asking for a medal.