CubanCorona

Hi everyone,

I own a 2003 C240 4MATIC. I want to leave in the factory head unit and install an aftermarket nav system in the storage bin beneath the head unit (see image). Can this be done?

rrpnow

yea, but screen will cover up a lot of buttons when opened...

CubanCorona

Ahh, yes. Good point.

If I were to replace the factory head unit entirely, would I lose the steering wheel/HUD screen functionality of the radio/CD changer?

WaveyKat

yes u will lose the stearing wheel control but it has been done u can search the Forum u will find lots of topic on this

tromar1

I have the AVIC z1 installed and did lose the volume +/-. No big deal considering what i gained. Pluse, i didn't have the phone so losing that was a no brainer.

Have you decided what aftermarket unit you are going to use?

CubanCorona

I haven't decided on an aftermarket unit yet.

Basically, I'm happy with the functionality of the factory head unit, but I would like a nav system as well. I've seen the portable nav systems that mount on the dash/windshield, and I think they are tacky and obtrusive.

I would go ahead and replace the head unit AND the storage bin with a double size aftermarket unit, but I actually do use the phone functionality (w/ bluetooth adapter) on the factory unit, and I really appreciate the steering wheel controls and HUD information.

Since I won't be using the nav system all the time, I don't think blocking the radio buttons will be too much of an issue. Also, the steering wheel controls provide most of the functionality that I use regularly.

Willow

CubanCorona

Does the AVIC Z1 have a retracting screen, or does it just lay flat? Does it fit well? Do you have any pics of it installed?

Willow

c230kracer

I have a 2003 c230k coupe and the bottom CD holder area can not hold a single Head unit because it is not thick enough. you have to buy the new mount kit for it and install it on the top part. I have a Kenwood KVT815 installed with navi and it works great but the hardest part was the fiber optic cables that i had to change out because i had the bose system. Other than that i loved the gain in sound power and even got the re-amp the Bose Sub in the back. I did lose the stearing wheel controls of course but that can actually be retained when it comes out on a SWIX product. They make things for aftermarket systems on euro cars. I have'nt checked recently because the headunit did come with a remote and my ipod dock in the car also has a remote. so i really had no need for the steering wheel controls. I had pictures posted up awhile back. Search my past posts. it should be there. Good luck with ur install

c230kracer

found the picture, here you go. its my set up. enjoy

tromar1

The Z1 is a double din...("Lay Flat"). The N2 & N3 is the retracting screen. The double din fits perfectly. I don't have a pic of the Z1 as it was just done yesterday. It was replacing a AVIC D1...for which i have pics.

Pic sucks...

tromar1

c230Kracer...your trim appears to be chrome/brushed silver... Is that OEM? Is there something like that for the 02 C240?

c230kracer

that came OEM and i think they had that trim for the sedan too, i dont know where to get it but im sure its out there.

tromar1

The trim in your car looks hot. Funny thing, I never liked wood. Most people do, but I keep thinking of the 1970s station wagon with the wood panel on the side...or my Grandma's old formica table.

If you happen to know where to get it, feel free to let me know. My dealership have no clue.

fanito

I think PAC makes an interface to make the volume from your steering wheel work with the AVIC-Z1. Never tried it though.

tromar1

My BMW has the Peswic Peripheral (hope spelling correct) that allow the steering wheel functios to work. From what i've been told, the MB has fiber optics and as such no aftermarket products will work. However, I never did check to see if there was a product. Actually, I can live without the +/- button..

But now that I have the bluetooth option on the AVIC Z1, I would definately look into the PAC...

CubanCorona

Troy, your setup looks great! I really like it.

I may have to go ahead with the Z1 as well. I'd really like to get the steering controls working. I'm an CS/EE guy, so maybe I can fab something up in the lab =)

Willow

tromar1

Thanks...the setup above was the AVIC D1...the dealer scratched the screen and now I have the AVIC Z1. I also have the TV tuner, Sirius (lifetime subscribtion so i don't have to pay a bill), reverse camera. The Z1 comes with voice activation and bluetooth which is both awesome...

Other than that, custom sub enclosure in the trunk with a pioneer flat 12" sub woofer powered by Memphis amp (this preserved my trunk space). The interior speakers are also powered by another Memphis amp installed in the spot where the first aid kit was located.

If you are looking to get any car audio/video systems...check this site... http://www.discountcarstereo.com/ the name of my contact is Bay Coban @ 804.717.5717. He has been selling me stuff for almost 2 yrs. He sent me the kit (no shipping for anything purchased) as well as the unit, all the accessories: back up camera/TV tuner/remote/Sirius/DVD changer/speakers/CanBus, yada yada...Additionally, he is an expert on the install and will detail everything you need to do. I steered sunil vali (mbworld.org member) to him and sunil Vali to Bay Coban and he purchased his D2 at discountcarstereo.com

MJ50

CubanCorona, sounds like u r happy with stock HU except for navigation. if that's the case, just save $$$ and get COMAND from MBenzNL.com.

dey-bid

just wondering if the comand plays dvds?

MJ50

yes, with a/v adapter & dvd player

jedcred

Sooooo, I was looking into this issue awhile back for both Pioneers and Alpines. Apparently Apline and Pioneer both make a steering wheel control adapter for their HUs, and both are not available in the US. I tried to get in contact with the people over at Pioneer UK, but they won't even talk to me if I don't have a car in the UK (go figure). According to the pdf linked below, it should work, but I'm not in the mood for maybes. However, if you want to try talking to Pioneer UK (and hopefully they won't give you the brush-off), then this will hopefully help you. Enjoy!

http://carsound.dk/log/download/RFA_Pioneer.pdf

tromar1

Thx jedcred... I wouldn't have ever found that info...

I have friends/family in the UK...so I'll touch bases with them and see If i can have it shipped to me... But, if I understand this correctly, the interface is only to make the volumen button work?

Based on the one in my Bimmer, I was able to reprogam other buttons to do my bidding...as such, I would want to be able to reprogram the phone buttons to work my bluetooth options in the AVIC Z1.

tromar1

I guess the command is only a screen...and when connected to any source would display the feed. Therefore, it doesn't "play dvd" but rather is the screen that shows the dvd output.

Do you know the resolution on the Command screen?

CubanCorona

I'm hesistant to put in the MB COMMAND system... I've only heard bad things about it. Plus, no touch screen. How do you enter destinations? Is it tedious?

MJ50

touch screen is not a huge priority... the main feature i like about aftermarket is the ability to see all the street names on the map.

if u want to keep steering wheel controls, keep OEM fitment, get directions from MFD, then go w/ COMAND.

it all comes down to personal preference.