nielsera

Now that it is starting to warm up, the reception on my stereo has become very poor. So sirus for 900-1000??

Has anyone removed the Command system and upgrade to an aftermarket system? Im thinking about the Kenwood Excelon DDX7015 DVD receiver with 6.5" touch-screen control monitor ($1200) sat radio is another $50.

Is there a trim kit for aftermarket install?
Can I remove command system?
Factory speakers still function?

scorchie

You better figure a lot of money for installation. If you go to a shop that hasn't worked on a W211, they may try to disconnect the audio gateway (which is wired to the speakers and headunit). If that happens... well... that would suck.

They will need to disconnect the speakers from the AGW and hook them up to the new unit. So wiring is gonna cost quite a bit.

-s-

nielsera

Does the AGW just use the center speaker?

If I dump the head unit are there any problems?

scorchie

The audio gateway contains the amp for all the speakers; the head unit is fibre optically connected to the audio gateway. You can't just dump one and not the other. Then again, you can't dump the audio gateway at all, unless you replaced it with a head unit with integral audio gateway (such as Audio 20).

So, if you leave the audio gateway in and replace the head unit, you need to rewire all the speakers to the new head unit. $$$

Please consult a local installer who has dealt with this issue before and understands the implications of disconnecting the audio gateway.

-s-