Possible Comand Purchase
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Joined: Jan 2009
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From: Houston
2007 C230 Sport
Possible Comand Purchase
OK, so I've decided to go for the factory Comand system instead of aftermarket. Just saw this on ebay..
First of - is this the model I need for my 07 sport? Second, it says its from a 05 clk - is there any difference in the 05 and 07 comand units?
What do you guys think of this specific unit? What else will I need for the install to get my wheel controls and dash display to work? I know I will need the antenna and also plan to get the ipod integration kit...
Thanks guys.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...fAudioQ5fVideo
First of - is this the model I need for my 07 sport? Second, it says its from a 05 clk - is there any difference in the 05 and 07 comand units?
What do you guys think of this specific unit? What else will I need for the install to get my wheel controls and dash display to work? I know I will need the antenna and also plan to get the ipod integration kit...
Thanks guys.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Merce...fAudioQ5fVideo
Last edited by 07 Benz; Dec 1, 2009 at 10:04 PM.
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From: Michigan
W203-4M W163
I've found it really annoying to try and figure out what will and what won't work in terms of Comand, Phone integration, iPod integration etc.
I don't know why MB makes this so difficult. I know they want you to buy the Comand system, but from the posts on here, the factory system leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the other options. Lots of posts mention that the loss of the steering wheel control is worth it. That's a sad commentary on the Comand system in my opinion.
Good luck trying to figure it out--let us know how it works out.
I don't know why MB makes this so difficult. I know they want you to buy the Comand system, but from the posts on here, the factory system leaves a lot to be desired when compared to the other options. Lots of posts mention that the loss of the steering wheel control is worth it. That's a sad commentary on the Comand system in my opinion.
Good luck trying to figure it out--let us know how it works out.
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Yes, that unit will work perfectly in your car EXCEPT(!) for the gaps that you will have on either side! Also that price isn't good. I bought a brand new G class comand unit (identical to the w203 unit, but has reverse camera input) for ~$500 on eBay. You need to do a lot of searching and wait it out for the right price. If you want to install the phone kit (phone kit + bluetooth puck = bluetooth phone kit) you will run into problems because your 07 is not prewired. For anyone with an 05 or 06 you need an MHI module, contact plate, and bluetooth puck. It is not nearly as complicated as it's made out to be.
Your steering wheel controls will work out of the box, so will the cluster, but the navigation menu on the cluster will not appear until you have it coded.
Your steering wheel controls will work out of the box, so will the cluster, but the navigation menu on the cluster will not appear until you have it coded.
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From: GA
2016 Chevrolet SS, 2006 Cadillac STS-V
I've been considering getting one as wel, I just haven't had time to do any research. I thought I read somewhere that these have a DVD drive or hard drive or something that has to go in the trunk? Or is that pre-facelift cars?
acr2001, did you add a rear view camera to yours?
acr2001, did you add a rear view camera to yours?
Thread Starter
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From: Houston
2007 C230 Sport
So the G and C class Comand units are the exact same and will fit with no gap? Don't like the idea of a gap...
So the wheel controls and cluster display will work out the box on those two units? The phone is not a must have, but would be nice.
Also - for the nav to work, I will need to get my car coded like in the sticky?
Might start to looke for a G class unit so I can add a rear cam. Is that the only differance?
So the wheel controls and cluster display will work out the box on those two units? The phone is not a must have, but would be nice.
Also - for the nav to work, I will need to get my car coded like in the sticky?
Might start to looke for a G class unit so I can add a rear cam. Is that the only differance?
Last edited by 07 Benz; Dec 2, 2009 at 09:29 AM.
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Really? Nicer? To each his own I guess, but in my opinion I've never seen an aftermarket unit that didn't look like crap in our cars. The comand unit looks best and has every major feature if you get the phone kit, but is more expensive.
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
So the G and C class Comand units are the exact same and will fit with no gap? Don't like the idea of a gap...
So the wheel controls and cluster display will work out the box on those two units? The phone is not a must have, but would be nice.
Also - for the nav to work, I will need to get my car coded like in the sticky?
Might start to looke for a G class unit so I can add a rear cam. Is that the only differance?
So the wheel controls and cluster display will work out the box on those two units? The phone is not a must have, but would be nice.
Also - for the nav to work, I will need to get my car coded like in the sticky?
Might start to looke for a G class unit so I can add a rear cam. Is that the only differance?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
I've been considering getting one as wel, I just haven't had time to do any research. I thought I read somewhere that these have a DVD drive or hard drive or something that has to go in the trunk? Or is that pre-facelift cars?
acr2001, did you add a rear view camera to yours?
acr2001, did you add a rear view camera to yours?
It's actually easier to install than an aftermarket unit. Radio pops out, comand unit pops in, you stick the antenna behind the dash, and you are good to go (plus coding for the gauge cluster to show directions, and in some cars coding is necessary for comand to work).
There is a thread with step by step photos showing how to remove the factory radio - search.
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From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
Steve should have a few units...
This is an EASY Do It Yourself - Takes a couple hours going SLOW...
1.) Pop out upper center vent
2.) Lift / Remove shifter trim
3.) Remove upper control panel (one clip, large, is a little tight)
4.) Remove ashtray housing (Replace with smoker delete and 12v plug)
5.) Remove HVAC controller (Replace with Digital HVAC controller)
6.) Remove Audio 20
7.) Cover fiber cable end (s)
8.) Remove instrument panel
9.) Remove instrument panel frame
10.) Install GPS antenna with FAKRA blue connection, route wire to COMAND
11.) Plug in and install COMAND, ensure all four snap clips are in screw locations
12.) Reinstall interior trim
13.) COMAND may need to be programmed to your VIN's fiber loop
14.) Turn by turn and NAV will need to be set to "Present" for the MFD
This is an EASY Do It Yourself - Takes a couple hours going SLOW...
1.) Pop out upper center vent
2.) Lift / Remove shifter trim
3.) Remove upper control panel (one clip, large, is a little tight)
4.) Remove ashtray housing (Replace with smoker delete and 12v plug)
5.) Remove HVAC controller (Replace with Digital HVAC controller)
6.) Remove Audio 20
7.) Cover fiber cable end (s)
8.) Remove instrument panel
9.) Remove instrument panel frame
10.) Install GPS antenna with FAKRA blue connection, route wire to COMAND
11.) Plug in and install COMAND, ensure all four snap clips are in screw locations
12.) Reinstall interior trim
13.) COMAND may need to be programmed to your VIN's fiber loop
14.) Turn by turn and NAV will need to be set to "Present" for the MFD
Thread Starter
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From: Houston
2007 C230 Sport
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2006 C350 Sport 6MT
Honestly I never knew there was a gap. The interior looks exactly the same. Just keep looking I have seen many w203 ones.
I noticed the person who mentioned the gap, is this because he/she used a G class? Maybe the G class might have a gap (still works with C) but maybe the CLK fit's perfectly?
The 209 and 203 look identical. I have a feeling you won't run into any gap issues with the 209. The seller does say it fits 203.
Maybe you can contact the seller and ask him about the fitment?
Good luck
I noticed the person who mentioned the gap, is this because he/she used a G class? Maybe the G class might have a gap (still works with C) but maybe the CLK fit's perfectly?
The 209 and 203 look identical. I have a feeling you won't run into any gap issues with the 209. The seller does say it fits 203.
Maybe you can contact the seller and ask him about the fitment?
Good luck
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From: Bay Area, CA
Volvo
Possible Intrest in mine.... I want to get the Single Slot.... one with the disk...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
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06 SL65 / 97 993tt /11 Suburban/ 2012 GTR (AMG è la mia Famiglia la Bestia è la mia protezione)
SL w/ Kenwood DNX8120
E w/ Kenwood DNX8120
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Honestly I never knew there was a gap. The interior looks exactly the same. Just keep looking I have seen many w203 ones.
I noticed the person who mentioned the gap, is this because he/she used a G class? Maybe the G class might have a gap (still works with C) but maybe the CLK fit's perfectly?
The 209 and 203 look identical. I have a feeling you won't run into any gap issues with the 209. The seller does say it fits 203.
Maybe you can contact the seller and ask him about the fitment?
Good luck
I noticed the person who mentioned the gap, is this because he/she used a G class? Maybe the G class might have a gap (still works with C) but maybe the CLK fit's perfectly?
The 209 and 203 look identical. I have a feeling you won't run into any gap issues with the 209. The seller does say it fits 203.
Maybe you can contact the seller and ask him about the fitment?
Good luck
The G class unit fits perfectly in the W203.
The W209 unit does NOT. They are not identical in size.
There is a gap on both sides. See photo.
I know more about these comand units than I care to admit.
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
I agree a lot of installs out there are crap but I have been lucky with my E55 and SL65 installs. I am sure a competent installer can really make an aftermarket HU look fantastic in a C, E, SL, or whatever MB you drive. I just think the COMAND unit is lacking in utility and counter-intuitive with regard to menus and the nav...my Garmin nav in my Kenwood alone was worth switching to aftermarket.]
I'm used to seeing that ugly plastic panel people buy on crutchfield. It's really low quality and it looks it. I've even seen some where the whole head unit is slightly skewed to one side. Also, you are right about the menus in the comand unit being conterintuitive. But feature wise I'm fairly satisfied (If it had a hard drive for music I would be totally happy, but MP3 CDs do alright for me).
Last edited by acr2001; Dec 2, 2009 at 09:18 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Possible Intrest in mine.... I want to get the Single Slot.... one with the disk...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
Don't you need a CD changer with that unit if you want to listen to a CD AND navigate at the same time?
You will have to burn a hacked DVD in order to have navigation functionality, just in case you're not aware.
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From: WNY
2005 w203 C230
2006+ with the dished in (OK) button will play MP3...2005 with flat (OK) button will NOT!
I think the COMAND is very good, the best thing for me is entering a destination with the phone number and then getting turn by turn in the MFD.
I think the COMAND is very good, the best thing for me is entering a destination with the phone number and then getting turn by turn in the MFD.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 252
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From: Houston
2007 C230 Sport
Possible Intrest in mine.... I want to get the Single Slot.... one with the disk...
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/c32-amg-c...nsole-c32.html
Will this unit play Mp3? I assume all units will take the OEM Ipod integration kit...
Last edited by 07 Benz; Dec 3, 2009 at 10:36 AM.
