charliehustle

Hi all, i just bought a 2001 ml320 a few months back. It had the navigation system bose audio system. I just gota copy of the southeast navi cd(MCS 2004.1 disc 9). When i place it in my cd changer, nothing happens. When i press the navi button, the screen tells me "no navigation system installed". What do i need to do, or is there something else i need to purchase?

lkchris

The nav CD goes in the dash, not the 6-disc changer.

charliehustle

So, if theres no slot in the dash for the cd, then i guess i dont have it at all then, right?? I dont get it.

charliehustle

Well, i know for sure that theres no slot in the dash of my truck. Then theres two questions, can i get it installed even though its a 2001 truck, and if not, is it worth me just taking out everything and installing my own audio system in it instead? Well, except the speakers, i love the bose sound system. IM not a fan of the 6 disc cd changer, my old car had a 12 disc mp3 changer. So is it worth it?

lkchris

Perhaps some help here.
http://www.mercupgrades.com/comand/R...g%20Comand.htm

My experience is with E-class only, so I hope I've given correct advice so far.

charliehustle

Well, thx. About a month ago i spoke to a dealer about my truck(had to get a new fuel pump), and he told me that all i needed to do is just place the cd in the changer and it will instruct me on what else to do. Dont you hate dealers who dont know the products they sell??
Im glad i paid only $20 on a copied cd instead of $173 for the original. Ill speak with someone from sales and parts and see what he tell me.

Skylaw

I'm not expert in the ML, but the photo of the original COMAND used in the ML (in the link ikchris provided) has a nav CD slot above the screen. Do you not have COMAND?

If not, COMAND can be retrofitted, and the page ikchris gave you is an excellent resource as to part numbers and how-to.

You will also find good information on the ML systems at http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/index.htm and at http://www.whnet.com/4x4/index.html. Be sure to browse the links on each site.

charliehustle

Well, the picture at the bottom of this link is the exact system that i have. Im assuming that this isnt the command. It doesnt have a nav slot loading cd at all only a cd changer in the back, but it do have the controls for navigation and phone. If i have time today, i'll post a few pics of everything i have in the truck.
Im liking the idea of retrofitting the command into my truck. But can you please gimme a ballpark figure of how much its gonna cost me?

Skylaw

I think we need to invest a little more time in determining what you have installed. On the links in Wolfgang's ML page, your unit is also pictured, and is described as an Alpine built MCS used from 2000-2005.

Specifically, Wolfgang says "Starting with 2000 in North America Alpine supplies the system, shown at left" {picturing a unit like the one you referenced at the bottom of his main page]. "From 2000 to 2002 the MCS uses a CD navigation module. Starting in 2003 a DVD navigation module was used. In 2004 a SVC was added and in model year 2005 it became a SAT button. The first MCS CD software version is 1999.1. The first MCS DVD software version 2001.1, both supplied by Navteq. "

MCS means Modular COMAND System; it is unique to the ML. Other models have Nav if they have COMAND, but with the ML one can have COMAND without Nav.

Paul H. Dick has posted the installation bulletin for the ML Nav at http://phdwebsite.powerpulse.cc/Misc...20Bulletin.pdf. It may be worth your time to see if the module is installed (I believe it would sit atop your COMAND electronics box).

If it is not present, or just isn't working, installing or replacing the nav unit, vice the entire COMAND, could save you a lot of money.

As I said, I am not expert in the ML - so I hope I'm not steering you wrong. However, Paul Dick (whose contact info is on his site) can be of immense help. http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/index.htm

charliehustle

actually you are steering me in the right direction. I was just wondering how would i get this installed. And the pdf file you gave me answered that. Seriously doubt if I'LL do it though. But thx, and i do need the navigation kit, from the dealer it costs $1200 so im gonna check out other options. I just found out that in my 2001 ml320, the navigation module is optional. Its comes standard in the 430's. So that means i need the cd or dvd drive and everything else needed.

charliehustle

Well, heres the pics of the system in my car. And this is the pic when i open it.. My next question is the system i have compatible with cd or dvd. Or is it only the cd navigation drive? Also for installation, who do i get to do it? Outside of the dealership. Im a computer teckie, but im now too good with cars. Outside of changing the tires and oil.

dtkw

If my memory is still good, I think in the ML, the face of the HU would flip down to show the slot for the Nav cd. But how, I don't remember. If you have to have a factory unit, then the dealer or other could sell you the kit you need to complete the setup. Or get a Garmin unvi 660 and you don't have to worry about adding another bluetooth and phone setup.

my06clk

Your car is compatible with th CD drive that mounts under the front passenger seat. You can find these on EBAY.I've seen them for 600 bucks. your car should already be prewired for it. take a look under the passenger seat and see if you find any free connections tucked away under the seat anywhere.

This is a very easy ad-on but you will have to go back to the dealer so they can version code your car when you get the drive installed.

Here is one for sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...QQcmdZViewItem

charliehustle

hey thx. i really appreciate that. Im gonna look into it.