Upgrade Options for '03 SL55 Nav Unit
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Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 12
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2003 SL55
Upgrade Options for '03 SL55 Nav Unit
Hi All! I'm new to this forum and new to MB as well. I just purchased a 2003 sl55 and would like to explore the options of upgrading the nav command unit. Has anyone done this? Any suggestions? In the mean time would getting a more recent set of discs help at all? Thanks in advance for any help!
Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 1
From: Upper Marlboro, MD
2006 SL500/2006 Porsche Cayenne S Titanium
Welcome,
I to am fairly new. I've been reading alot about Mercedes but didn't join until purchasing a 06 SL500. As far as your Command unit goes, it is still a collection of CD's, however, my buddy just picked up the entire set for current year 2009 for his 2003 SL from the dealer for under $250.00.
As far as upgrading your Command unit, you either have to pull the entire unit and put in a aftermarket Kenwood or Pioneer unit or add a JL Cleansweep(sp?) to add just amps and new speakers. Remember, nothing is cheap when customizing a Benz but it sure is fun.
Let us know what you decide to do and make sure that you include pictures. Where are you located? East Coast or West Coast?
Enjoy!
I to am fairly new. I've been reading alot about Mercedes but didn't join until purchasing a 06 SL500. As far as your Command unit goes, it is still a collection of CD's, however, my buddy just picked up the entire set for current year 2009 for his 2003 SL from the dealer for under $250.00.
As far as upgrading your Command unit, you either have to pull the entire unit and put in a aftermarket Kenwood or Pioneer unit or add a JL Cleansweep(sp?) to add just amps and new speakers. Remember, nothing is cheap when customizing a Benz but it sure is fun.
Let us know what you decide to do and make sure that you include pictures. Where are you located? East Coast or West Coast?
Enjoy!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,430
Likes: 12
From: Cleveland Ohio
beater with a heater
Definitely needs to be scrapped if you are even considering an upgrade, your telaid doesn't work anyways most likely, and the system by today's standards is very antiquated. The Alpine is nice as unit, but you need the very expensive DVD based nav, NVE872, because the little portable unit they have sucks, always breaks, and is a complete disaster. Even their new one to replace the one that has problems has problems. Kenwood seems nice, menu system of the Kenwood unit seems a bit goofy but it works, the Pioneer is also very nice, but the nav voice commands suck, unless you like a ******* cyborg telling you to make a left turn...
note:
blanket statement: I really do not know what one sounds like, I was just saying it sounds really bad
replacing the factory amp would be wise also instead of trying to wire up the factory speakers to the new radio. It just doesn't sound good.
the factory sub on a 05 I believe was 1 ohm or 1/2 ohm I can't remember but it was disappointing when trying to integrate it into the system, I did one with an audison SRx5 amplifier and there was no issues within the past year, even though the ohm load of the woofer was lower than what is recommended. the rear speakers are mono and a waste of time to integrate, but if you do, you can either hook them up to the rear right off the radio or wire them up in stereo, I tried both ways also and could care less for either, I ended up just fading all the way to the front.
note:
blanket statement: I really do not know what one sounds like, I was just saying it sounds really bad
replacing the factory amp would be wise also instead of trying to wire up the factory speakers to the new radio. It just doesn't sound good.
the factory sub on a 05 I believe was 1 ohm or 1/2 ohm I can't remember but it was disappointing when trying to integrate it into the system, I did one with an audison SRx5 amplifier and there was no issues within the past year, even though the ohm load of the woofer was lower than what is recommended. the rear speakers are mono and a waste of time to integrate, but if you do, you can either hook them up to the rear right off the radio or wire them up in stereo, I tried both ways also and could care less for either, I ended up just fading all the way to the front.
