I posted some the following information in answer to a question from another contributor, but have broadened it here.

For those of us who cannot use the MB iPod kit, the options have expanded; the Dension Gateway 500 is now available from U.S. retailers (no, I'm not selling, or associated with any of them), and the MOST version of the GW 500 is here, in addition to the D2B version. Heretofore, the GW 500 has been available only through European sources, or through one site in Canada.

One U.S. source is Discount Car Stereo, a Virginia based company that also markets the NavTV iPod solution. For the D2B version, see http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1059. For the MOST bus version, see http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1062.

Another source is enfig.com, a New Jersey based company - see http://enfigcarstereo.com/shopsite_s...l/MB_IPOD.html. Enfig offers a lower price, but its kit does not come standard with all of the peripheral input cables that the Discount Car Stereo kit does.

I have been in contact with a Benz engineering shop in Chicago that recently became a dealership for the GW500 and has installed a MOST bus version, but is still broadening its technical support; I won't post their contact information until they say they are ready. Rob 13572468 has posted some of their work on a MOST version installation at http://www.benzworld.org/forums/audi...d-install.html.

For those interested, information on the NavTV OPI-M for MOST bus equipped cars is at http://www.discountcarstereo.com/detail.aspx?ID=1042. However, the OPI-M is not for any D2B equipped car.

The Dension Gateway 500 and the NavTV OPI-M iPod adapters are similar in some respects - but the Gateway 500 allows you to keep your CD player connected, while the NavTV unit does not. Both say they will display song titles and so forth on a COMAND display but show only track number on non-COMAND radios (and on COMAND-equipped cars' instrument cluster display). Both permit control of the iPod through steering wheel buttons (if you have them) and through your normal radio or COMAND CD controls. The Gateway 500 offers an option to maintain control using the iPod itself, but the NavTV unit does not.

As I mentioned elsewhere, I received an e-mail last week from MBENZNL stating that the iPod unit for MOST bus that was being developed for Steve Krabbenborg (and had some interesting teasers posted by miroj), is not going to be pursued.

However, the good news is that sales and support for the Gateway 500 is finally becoming available in the U.S., and the MOST version is here.

 

Funny I just got an Email this morning from the Distributer I used in germany to get the Gateway for my Audi back in Oct.2006 He stated that the MOST unit for the Mercedes is available for shipping (Finally). I have become so content with my 4gb DVD (now that I've finally figured that out) I've all but lost interest in the gateway but I'll end up putting one in anyway. The price is better at the first link you provided.(discount.....com) I might just order it from them, but it has moved waaay down on my list of ad-ons...

I'm getting a wood steering wheel and shift knob first. I also have a few maintenance items still lingering on my punchlist to clear so the IPOD kit will have to wait.

But I am very happy to see the GW500 finally make it to market ( however late) for the MOST Mercedes. I can attest that it is a TRULY AWESOME device. I fell in love with the USB port when it read songs directly from my zip drive.
I'll have one sooner than later I'm sure.

 

I'm happy to see it too - spent some time this morning looking over the project of accessing the back of my COMAND unit (whether it has to be removed, or whether removal of a side panel will get me there) - and determining the best location for the iPod (in the small upper console lid, behind the Tele-Aid controls, in my car). Also looking at how best to route the wires from the unit to the iPod location. That's the kind of support rob13572468 and his company are seeking to provide, but must do the installs in different models to find out.

Right now I'm using DVD as well, as we have discussed before. However, I have most of my music in high quality format (Apple Lossless or original AIFF) in one iTunes library that I use for the iPod, reduced to mp3 in another library for burning mp3 DVDs. The decrease in quality in the mp3 library is noticeable. So the iPod option, which will let me return to the high quality formats as well as simplifying updates, is up there on my own priority list.

Right after finishing the installation of remaining hurricane shutters on the house (starts tomorrow), repairing the pool heater for the second time in 5 weeks (water temp is fine now, but wife is chicken), and getting the installation of the hurricane-rated garage door completed properly (manufacturer either sent the wrong top roller assembly, or they sent the wrong panel - regional reps due soon). Oh, well. See, our Benzes aren't the only things needing fixing.

But not too far off....

 

I ordered the GW500 for my 2002 S500 last week and it just arrived a few min. ago. I was online looking for instructions on how to remove my Command head unit when I cam across this post. I will let everyone know how well the GW500 works when I get finished installing later today.

 

got the GW500 installed in my S500 and it sounds fantastic. At least as good if not better than the factory CD changer. The Aux input works great too (I have my XM satellite plugged in). The only downside is there is no song names displayed on the Command screen. You just get the usual Track # just like playing a CD... of course I suspected this when I ordered the unit. Been using it all afternoon and it has worked 100% as advertised with no issues so far. I paid $399 from www.discountcarstereo.com

 

You might check with tech support; I know the MOST version is supposed to show song titles on the COMAND display (track info only on the MFD), and believe the D2B version should also. (I just checked the writeup on the Discount Car Stereo site, and verified that song title info is supposed to display with the D2B version also). The instruction manual provides steps to set the unit for "+paging" for the display in a Benz; that could be the problem. Alternatively, some other contributors have indicated that firmware version 1.05 (for the GW500) is needed to allow display of text on COMAND. It is available at http://support.dension.com/support-center/index.php.

How did the removal of your COMAND unit go? Did you purchase fascia removal tools, or use another method to remove the trim?

Thanks for the update.

 

Where is the Denison unit supposed to be installed in a W211? Centre storage compartment? Glove box? Certainly doesn't make sense to cram it behind the COMAND and CD changer (I doubt there's room for it back there)...

 

I just removed 2 screws from the ash tray area and trim came right off. then 4 screws to remove the command unit. As for the text... the install guide or user manual either one doesn't make any mention of text on the D2B version, and mine has the 1.05 firmware already installed. I think the menu you are referring to was from the MOST install/user guide. I would LOVE to be wrong here but I am afraid I am not.

 

(Sigh!) Unfortunately you are correct about the text readout. The +paging instruction is in the MOST manual. The D2B user manual for Mercedes says that you get track and time data during play; but playlists, artists, album and song titles appear on the iPod - despite the glowing writeup on the Discount Car Stereo site. Thus, the readout is much like the old Ice>Link Plus for D2B (though of course you have more input options with the GW500).

The MOST version does give song title info on COMAND - I have confirmed this through others as well as Discount Car Stereo, which just responded to my e-mail query on the point.

Quaintly enough, the only installation manual available on the site is for D2B, even on the GW500 MOST page.

 

Another point... the wiring harness that I received with my kit did not fit my Command unit (2.5 type 220). I had to cut and splice the wires to the correct pins. They did provide a pin layout in the install guide, however. And, yes, I did specify my car type when I ordered.

 

I noted that yesterday, also. However, you can get the proper MOST manual directly from Denison's own website.

 

Skylaw,

the Panel above the comand just pops out. i use the two hook tools that I have for removing the instrument cluster for the w203 they are small and work perfectly.
this gives you access to the upper comand screws.

the lower screws can be accessed by removing the AC control unit. this cover comes out if you take out the ashtray and remove the two torx screws on either side.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much room is behind the comand. which reminds me. I never posted the pics from when I disected her...LOL seems I have a bit of catching up to do.