Aftermarket Nav system in 2003 C240
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Aftermarket Nav system in 2003 C240
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?
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?
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
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?
Have you decided what aftermarket unit you are going to use?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
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
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
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
cl203 Sports Coupe
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
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by 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
Willow
Pic sucks...
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by c230kracer
found the picture, here you go. its my set up. enjoy
Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 205
Likes: 0
From: SoCal
cl203 Sports Coupe
Originally Posted by tromar1
c230Kracer...your trim appears to be chrome/brushed silver... Is that OEM? Is there something like that for the 02 C240?
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by 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.
If you happen to know where to get it, feel free to let me know. My dealership have no clue.
Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
02' C230k Sport Coupe
Originally Posted by 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?
Have you decided what aftermarket unit you are going to use?
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by fanito
I think PAC makes an interface to make the volume from your steering wheel work with the AVIC-Z1. Never tried it though.
But now that I have the bluetooth option on the AVIC Z1, I would definately look into the PAC...
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
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
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
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by 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
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
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
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 453
Likes: 3
From: Bay Area, CA
'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Originally Posted by 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...
But now that I have the bluetooth option on the AVIC Z1, I would definately look into the PAC...
http://carsound.dk/log/download/RFA_Pioneer.pdf
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
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.
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.
Member
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
2002 MB C240 & 2004 ML 350
Originally Posted by mj50
yes, with a/v adapter & dvd player
Do you know the resolution on the Command screen?
Super Moderator
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 22,060
Likes: 972
From: MBworld
bone stock E55 AMG
Originally Posted by 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?
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.
