Incendiary

I have a 2003 C240 4matic. I'd like to retrofit COMAND/navigation. What are my options if I want to do it (easily) myself? Pre-facelift US COMAND, post-facelift US COMAND, and Euro COMAND? Is there only one version of Euro COMAND? I guess I'll do a search now and see what the differences and benefits are regarding the different choices. Also, looks from another thread that I'll have to buy a GPS antenna to mount under the dash and then have the dealer program it after I install it. Is that right?

TIA.

x-tian-230k

At this point, you should contact Steve. He is the source of all your OEM upgrades for your car. Do a search for steve. You will find his contact info... You options for your 2003 W203 is the command. They come in 2 flavors. US version and Euro version. You will not be able to do POST face lift command as it uses a different technology. As for the antenna, it will come with the kit. Not too hard to install yourself. You will need the dealership to upgrade the firm ware to recognize the command so it will show up on the instrument cluster. But you certainly dont need to go to the dealership if you dont really care for the instrument cluster option. Good luck and post some pictures....

mbbodytech

I second the recommendation to contact Steve. (Steve @ MBenzNL.com) I just purchased a 2004 spec Command kit, it included everything I needed - even the special tools to reomve the instrument cluster and a Torx screwdriver! It's installed and I couldn't be happier.

Incendiary

Thanks guys. I'll try him.

He sells completely OEM kits?

JohnCL

100% OEM, and he is the best option. I back him and his service 100%

Incendiary

Actually, is the 2003 US/Euro COMAND unit CD or DVD-based? I don't know if it's worth it if it's CD-based.

JohnCL

It is a CD based system. It is a great system.

Incendiary

Hmm, that's what I feared. So the C-class didn't get DVD-based NAV until the facelift (MY05)?

Also, isn't switching CD's a pain? The navigation unit is in the trunk, right?

JohnCL

Correct, starting in 2005 the MOST DVD system is utilized. Prior to 2005 was the D2B CD based system.

JohnCL

No, the NAV drive is in the COMAND unit itself, nothing in the trunk on the C class, new or old. Changing the NAV cd if necessary is as easy as swapping a CD as we have all done for many years.

Incendiary

John, thanks for the help. Gonna do a search now to see how many CDs come in the set and what the breakdown by state is per CD. Might consider a Garmin or Magellan portable GPS set as well, since it IS likely to be cheaper. I imagine the kit is at least $1000...

JohnCL

I'll save you the time. There are 10 CD's and the breakdown is shown in the pic.

Incendiary

You da man, buddy. Any good online sites, if I elect to pursue this route? Does Steve sell them on the cheap? The other problem I see with going this route is I doubt whichever company it is that produces these CDs is going to keep updating maps in CD format.

JohnCL

I totally recommend Steve as stated before as you will get everything that you need the first time. Please send him an email at steve@mbenznl.com to get current pricing. You can get units all day on eBay but alot are sold with half truths, and are most likely incomplete on parts. You will be hard pressed to find a better and more complete package than what Steve offers. His kit will not leave you hunting for parts as many other members have run into by getting parts from other suppliers. There are alot of these CD based COMAND systems in fairly new vehicles, up to 2004 in fact. I don't think that MB would discontinue these CD's any time in the near future. The most current CD's are dated 01/05. I use the 01/04 set and have never been disappointed with the amount of data. Good luck on your quest and let me know if there is anything that I can do to help.

BigSis

From what MBenzNL has in stock:

Euro spec units have a TV button; 2003 US spec comands have a blank button; 2004 US spec comands have a SAT button, and will integrate with a SAT radio kit as soon as this is installed in the car as well.

If you have a pre 2004 W203, it won't be pre-wired for SAT, but we can get you a wiring loom for that as well. Depending on where you are located, we may even be able to install the entire SAT kit along with a 2004 US unit.

All 3 comand units will work with a TV tuner (which we don't have in stock, unfortunately). The US units need to be versioncoded through Stardiagnose in order to work with TV.

The 2004 US unit can NOT get both SAT and TV, as the SAT button will be used for TV if that is the way you want to go...

greetingz,

BigSis

Incendiary

Thanks again for the help, all. Most helpful.

Incendiary

Now I remember why I asked about CD updates. I checked navteq.com, which I believe makes the maps for the version of COMAND I'd have to get (either US or Euro, but more likely US, version of COMAND for MY03). The website doesn't list any CDs for C-classes. Seems like if they're continuing to produce updates, I'd have to get them from Steve or my local stealership.

JohnCL

Yes, NAVTEQ makes the CD's but you cannot buy from them directly. The dealership or eBay will be your best bet as Steve doesn't handle the CD's (I think). The CD's will work in either the US or Euro COMAND system. I have the Euro and it all works fine. Like I said earlier, I have not heard any rumblings of discontinued NAV cd's.

Expat

The 01/05 CD release adds interstate routing without having to change CD.
I got my EURO COMAND from Steve and I'm really happy with it.