Chris The Swede

I just did by saying what I did. It is you that keep going now...

jobe

Who will produce this magic box and at what price will it sell?

sshams95

I'm not very knowledgeable in this area, but would this potential product help me upgrade the head unit in a 2009 GL w/HK system?

jbondox

sshams95,

nope, not on the 09. but, what do you want to add to the 09 COMAND? maybe I can help you out there.

jbondox

I believe it will just be all in-house, somewhere around the $449-499 range. There is a lot to the manufacturing process, especially quantities, so i doubt you will see it go to market from a manufacturer stand point. However I did manage to secure the only boards available

JonMBZ

Command is trash I hate it. The nav is the worst and no touch screen entering destinations is a pain in the *** and who wants spinning disks? I rather have a fast loading hard drive. I just had to replace my command navi unit because the disk jammed in it and broke inside. Chris you most likely have not used a touch screen in dash Garmin navi. I had one in my 2002 BMW touchscreen that was miles ahead of this command unit and it's probably 12 years old. I can understand what you are saying about aesthetics though. Aftermarket radios always look bad because they are always ractangle shaped to fit every car. The only reason I haven't swapped is because the money I put into the phone integration/command I have and the looks.

raed_jan

Hello jbondox

You've been PM'd

Thanks

jbondox

responded, sorry guys I have been really busy lately with work, any ways i tried to respond to everyone. I just did one in a 2004 E class for my Aunt, who wanted a Nav system. Worked flawlessly and sounds awesome. The only draw back that I can think of is that there is no fade controls, but I went through 10 CD's, hours of Sirius radio listening, and consider myself some what of an audiophile, and don't think it mattered at all, it was a perfect blend between the front and rear. The sub woofer came to life also which is a plus. basically, did the Kenwood 6190 with ipod, sirius, bluetooth (and streaming), hd radio, it has pandora and aha, but she doesn't use them as she is in her 70's, just the ipod, hd, sirius, and nav.

raed_jan

....and I'm quoted for $6K+ for the NTG 3 here at Lone Star MB in Calgary as I was searching for one and tried the dealership which they'll source out from Gremany

val69

Where can I get aftermarket dash kit for CLS63?

jbondox

what do you want an update on? i just did the E class for my aunt, 2 posts up. if you need more details, hit me up with a PM

jbondox

here is the E class

Lowell100

Any info if this board is being sold yet?

I have a 2005 CLK 500 convertible. I would love to replace the command with an up to date head unit while maintaining the stock amp and speakers.

Skylaw

So, jbondox, who is going to manufacture that neat box when (and if) it comes out? You are correct, it would solve a lot of problems.

malahhaor

bfisher

exciting indeed - I'm definitely interested.

jbondox

It is being sold, unfortunately I can't say where it is being sold because it violate rules of the board and I do not want to do that. I will PM ya's the info of the company selling it, and someone else can provide the link to it.

It is definitely a great product. I have been looking into other options to add to it but doubt I will have time.

The positive thing about this is that there is an option to replace the radio. I emailed the owner of the local MB dealer and he is excited about it also. Of course they want to sell their factory units, but at the same time they don't want to tick off their clients with a radio that is worth 20-30% of the vehicles worth. He will offer it.

A side note, I can't believe I seen a 2005 E class going for $10k used, but the Comand is $4200 to replace it. Scary!

Anyways I will PM the info where they are at.

jbondox

I just want to further say, these are the vehicles that it will work with

03-08 E
05-08 CLS
05-08 SLK with Bose amp and Comand radio
04-06 S and CL

Basically this is a public service message, I get nothing out of this! just enjoy new toys

aussie e55

have just been quoted by my local MB dealer (stealer) Aust. $ 9800.00 for command head unit & Aust. $650.00 for new map.

Bully Medic

Can you PM me the info on where to pick one of these up?

jbondox

DAMN! I hope the Aus$$ is like Mexican Pesos, otherwise you can buy a KIA for that.

Skylaw

The system certainly provides a solution to a very old problem, and is one I may well try in the future. Having just become aware of the OPTI-1 as a result of this thread, I am not able to provide any of my own user experience or feedback on how well the system works, whether steering wheel buttons still work, or audio quality. Much of that would depend on the particular 3rd party head unit chosen. I'm sure many of our members will be happy for any feedback.

I have no business relationship with the persons involved with the sales, marketing or manufacture of the product, or connections to the product itself, so I provide the following information to find out more on the OPTI-1. See Mercedes-Benz COMAND Radio Replacement Interface generally, and Radio Replacement for Mercedes-specific applications.

There is also contact information in the links provided.

aussie e55

one aussie $ today buys 1.03 us $ today

jbondox

Damn!

autopia11

Well, Kenwood is the best one among all and works really best but make sure to get the original.