Juice it

I posted about this in the audio section but no response. Does anyone know what can be done to upgrade the sound from the dvd command that started in 05? I have adjusted all that can be adjusted and it still sounds like a POS. Obviously I don't want to have the command replaced but can amps or speakers do the job? I don't know much about it.


Thanks

tiggerfink

Nobody wants to touch the stereo system in a Mercedes in my area, so I gave up. They informed me that the Mercedes stereo is so proprietary, and Mercedes will void the warranty if they touch it.

vkapoormd

Jeff, i sent you a PM, but here it is for others: I am so glad someone asked about this; i agree the stock system is a POS. I had my 600 at the dealer for service and saw an aftermarket company that does upgrades for the SL audio system. The head unit remains stock, but they re-tune the speakers and add a 10 inchsub-it takes minimal space as they put it in the spare tire port. It took half a day, cost $3900, and sounds phenomenal - well worth the money. Furthermore, they plan to offer upgrades to the front speakers in Feb 2006, when they become available. I know one other person on this forum who has done the upgrade and he is very happy.

Check out their website,
http://reusaudio.com/ ; email me if you have any questions, but i would definitely recommend it. Only problem is there are here in Southern California, but you could call and ask for Rick Reuss, who is a really great guy, and has been at this for 25 plus years. Good luck!!

Juice it

I went to two different high end audio place today and they both told me they can't do anything. They said all the speakers are tied together and are powered optically and it is unique to Mercedes so no speakers or amps can be switched. They both said the only solution would be to yank out the command and all the audio components and start over. I can't believe there isn't a simple solution. I even said someone in california had it done but of coarse they don't care about that. If anyone has replaced speakers or amps, do you know the brand or model# of the new parts?

Thanks,

Jeff

vkapoormd

jeff, don't listen to those guys - i went through the same thing here until i found Reuss audio. there is also another high end shop here in LA that does engine and audio upgrades to BMW's, MBZ, Porches, etc. You just need to find someone who is familiar with the Command system and its workings. It can be upgraded fairly easily - i think it would be a total mess to rip everything out, and start from scratch, especially given how nicely things are integrated already. If you need to talk to someone, call Mike at meridian automotive (310) 475-2788 - he does all the aftermarket audio upgrades in the mercedes while keeping the command systems stock. he might be able to coach some of your guys back east on how to do it. Good luck.

prsmith777

I looked into this last year, but never went through with it. THere is a place in Houston that can upgrade SL500. I heard and saw an SL55 they had on the floor when I was there and it was awesome. They add amps and upgrade the speakers and sub and tune the head unit, but everything remains integrated.

http://www.customcarstereo.com/

benzmodz

Certainly there are some options in relation to speaker cones.

southernbmw2005

check these out

Bull

Juice It,

Late on the Post but ... Reus is the way to go. Give him a call. His sytems are in 3 of my cars and will soon be on a '06 ml. He knows his sh...

Good luck.

Jackarutunian

I have 2004 Mercedes SL500 Does anyone know I can add this 2005 Mercedes SL Wide Screen Radio navigation? I know the bezel will need to be changed but will this be plug and play? http://www.icarpart.com/2005-mercede...308204889.html

Ghostty

Hey,

Just curious, yours doesn't look like this? What do you mean a whide screen radio? Never knew that 04 has it differently.
I'm 99% sure it's plug and play, MB keeps this one till 2012 as much as i know. But wait and see what others say.

As well maybe you would like to consider on ebay a used one, cheaper? New it's always the best option, but paying 1500 for a stock radio unit - i'd consider already upgrading to something more interesting/advanced.

P.S.
Lots of shops don't want to deal with the MB sound system because they use optics (at least on SL for sure), which, if you mess with it the wrong way, will cost lots of money So they go the safe way - "we can't help you". But there are shops that will do it for sure, as others replied. It will not be cheap neither - as vkapoormd said - he paid $3900 (glad he is happy with how it sounds for that amount of money ^_^ ). Does it worth it? Maybe, if you are looking for high end sound. I'm happy with what i have, since mostly i drive it top down during summer and definitely i don't crank up my speakers Have fun finding what you're looking for I'm looking now for some cool rims Everyone wants to change something in the car, don't we?

Best wishes,
Ghostty

funymuny

Display changed in 2005. Slightly larger screen and thus a different bezel. Some other changes related to radio/nav/comand in 2005, maybe the type of optics. Lots of info on older boards. My memory is the later system is easier to upgrade. Mark

Vader1

2004 has D2b system optics, 2005 has MOST optics. Totally different systems and not compatible.

carguyshu

you CAN NOT put an 05+ comand into an 03-04. You are best off going aftermarket anyhow. You can either use something like this android unit,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/191559114100?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&rmvSB=true
which will fit in a factory 03-04 opening, but will still require you to use a new amp and rewire the factory speakers to it, or you can change the cupholders over to the 05+ style and cut off your factory surround where it meets the cupholders and go with a Connects2 CT23MB11 dash kit any double din aftermarket radio you want. You'll still need to rewire all the speakers to a new amp regardless of what you do on an 03-04. Technically you can use your old cup holder covers, but it looks like crap. Just look at this install http://audioexpress.com/mercedes-sl500-stereo-upgrade/. I think it looks much better with the cupholders coming all the way across and separating the wood from the Connects2 dash kit, which is why i would suggest it.

For an 05+ you can use the OPT1 to make any aftermarket stereo plug and play without the need to redo wiring/amps and just throw on the connects2 kit.

rajah996

Does anybody know of a similar android unit or other factory
looking after market unit for a 2005+ that has more features
than the factory one?

carguyshu

Just get a surround trim piece from an 03/04 and the cupholder covers and that unit will fit right into an 05+. I'm actually looking to do the opposite and would be willing to swap my 03/04 trim/cupholders for someone that has 05+ trim/cupholders.