I'm about to get a command unit for my car (us spec)
any tips or tricks for the unit. Or any pointers?
Thanks
Mike

 

Are you planning on using the navigation functions? You're going to need the GPS attenna and related wiring items for that. From what I recall, it's not just a "plug it in and it works" scenario for navigation. You're going to need the DVD drive for the trunk, etc.

 

On his model it pretty much is, and there is no DVD drive in the trunk on the C class. The NAV drive is in the head unit. Straight forward project, go for it!

 

May need to get it configured using a Star Diag System, not positive though, If your car had the D2B system in it you definitely would, but being you have a C55, I think your car is set up with MOST, and I don't know too much on how that works with adding components.

 

Don't you need to install the GPS antenna?

 

Yes it does come with the GPS Ant and the DVD drive is in the head unit aswell. I was wondering if I can set it up so I can play dvd's in the head unit.

 

Personally, I'm really disappointed with the command system. I think it's functionality and NAV pretty much suck.

My Mom has a 2001 Lexus and it's navigation is 10 times better than the Mercedes one.

If I were spending the money, i'd go aftermarket with a touch screen.

Only my opinion.

 

You will need to install the antenna behind the cluster. There is no way to make the w203 MCS-II play DVDs without a whole bunch of aftermarket stuff that will cost you $500 or more.

Having a C55, you will likely need programming since you'll have the Harmon/Kardon or Bose system, unless this comand is coming from another C55.

 

I just did mine last week. COMPLETELY PLUG AND PLAY. Didn't need any STAR programing or anything. Right after I installed it, the map portion was blank for a minute but I think it was just calibrating after about 5 minutes everything worked perfectly. I have a '05 C230K.

I used these instructions for COMAND APS but it's the same thing for US spec.

http://www.mercupgrades.com/COMAND+A...rticle-39.html

When I bought the unit the guy sent me a GPS antenna and it came with a 2006 nav DVD.

 

The STAR programming is to get the Navi display functions working on the dash cluster. The Comand will work either way.

We drove our 2004 C240 for nearly 4 years with the Comand installed but no cluster display. I got it switched on by Steve (MBenzNL) this summer and it is a cool feature.

Summary, not necessary but cool.

 

Guys, before you go posting answers do your research. Just because it worked for you without programming doesn't mean the same for everyone.

If your fiber ring configuration does not match that of the previous owner, you will need to hook up to SDS and reconfigure it. Its an automatic process that takes only a minute or two, but if your fiber ring isn't set up properly then your comand might not even power up, or it will power up but you won't have sound, depending on your configuration.

For instance, if you take a comand from a car with no fiber ring devices, and move it into a car with a Bose amp and a CD changer, you're not going to have any sound.

 

Ok..I have a harmon Kardon and an IPOD intergration set up aswell.
WIll I haft to go to the stealership so it will power up? Or just to get the cluster to work?

 

This is absolutely true, but apparently according to Steve, if you take a piece of fiber and just loop it between the input / output on the comand unit it will boot and work fine. This is assuming you do not have anything else attached to the fiber ring in your vehicle as obviously those features would not work until you could have the comand unit coded so that you can properly plug in the fiber ring.

Would you guys mind telling us what you paid for these US spec comand units?

I seriously want to buy one and found on being sold on ebay.co.uk (a US unit) - it sold for $500 but I was too late.

 

I paid over 1100 for mine that includes nav disc command and gps ant.
I'm waiting for it in the mail.

 

Any update on this?

I just picked up an MSCII unit made in December of 2004, my car was built November of 2004 and I am hoping this is a direct plug and play - Unless I need to get the ring configured...

I will post pictures of the unit soon...Before I get too deep into opening up my Console...I want to make sure this will work!

I know I am MOST based, and so is this MCSII unit...So it should work out!

Please post updates,

Thanks,
Jake

 

They should, at least mine works. If not just tell your dealer the Navi stopped working.

 

The only way to know is to try. Open up your console and drop it in, its easy and there's threads that can walk you through it. Everyone's car is set up differently (as far as fibre ring goes) and when you're buying a used comand unit, you won't know exactly how the unit itself is configured. Just plug it in and see what happens. If it doesnt work, post your results and we'll be able to point you in the right direction.

 

Should I / Can I take it into the Dealership BEFORE I install it to configure it to "my car's" fiber ring...or does it need to be pluged into the car to access it through STAR port and then set up the ring?

I will gladly bring it in to "configure" it to my set up...If I can do that first. This will help me when I install it if needed.

Thanks all,
Jake

 

It has to be in the car at the time for them to configure it. They are going to do two things. One is program your cluster. Two is program your fibre ring, those settings are stored in your comand.

 

Here is the unit I bought...been too busy with house work and work to open up the console...

Thanks,
Jake

 

From what I've gathered, there are three scenarios here:

If the COMAND unit you purchased has the MOST fiber ring enabled then you need to have atleast one item on your fiber ring for the COMAND unit to boot up and work normally. If you have any of the following options they use the fiber ring: CD changer, hands free phone, tele-aid, satellite radio, HK amp, VCS (voice control, almost no one has this option).

If the COMAND unit has the MOST fiber ring enabled and you have NOTHING on your fiber ring the COMAND unit will not boot up. You need version coding. You may be able to get the unit working by looping the fiber out back to the fiber in on the COMAND unit - I have never tried that.

If the COMAND unit you purchased has the MOST fiber ring set so that it is disabled then it will also work fine, but any items you may have on your fiber ring will NOT work until you get it version coded.

Beyond that you just pop the unit in, plug in the antenna and find a good spot for it behind the radio where it gets a good view of the sky through the dash and windshield and wont rattle or move. Behind the instrument cluster is best but not necessary.

 

Hey guys. I'm in the same predicament here. About to buy a US spec Navi without the disk or antenna. I assume the antenna is gonna be costly so I'm thinking this might not be a worthy upgrade. The new Pioneers navi is my 2nd choice but I have an HK system and will need to rewire. I would prefer the stock but it seems so primitive in function compared to aftermarket. What do you guys think?

EDIT: I've searched ebay and it looks like the antennas are about $10.

 

Have you installed the unit yet? How do you like it so far?

 

antenna's cheap. labor's not unless you DIY.

remember you CAN buy the Euro Comand and just hack the NAV disc file by changing the file name before burning it out. There's a tutorial on it in the forum. The Euro Comand will save you some money as well since not a whole lot of people knows they can just hack the NAV disc.

but do make all necessary search before jumping to purchase it.

 

I was going to install the nav in my c230 2007 and purchased one off ebay which came with the 07 nav disk and head unit and manual. No gps antenna but i purchased it on ebay for $20.

prior to installation by a local audio guy (as Dealer would not install for me) went into hospital and shortly after that I traded my c230 for a new c350.

So folks I have a unit with nav disk and antenna which I need to sell.

I paid $865 for all items and if someone is interested in purchasing it email me on hdoolabh@sbcglobal.net and I will send pics.

Also I am open to any offers.

thanks