Viper98912

Hopefully tomorrow or Wednesday I will be the proud owner of a Comand unit for my W203 (my only missing US option). And yes, money spent only because I love the factory look of it in the dash; I hardly use my Garmin....

So just to confirm after lots of searching...

I've found the part numbers for the MB GPS underdash antenna and supposed adapter you need for the 05-07 Comand unit.

But, are these GPS antennas universal? In other words, do I have to drop over 100 bucks for the set from MB? Or can I get something off ebay like this? (which, I think this blue connector is the correct one right?)

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCE...fAudioQ5fVideo

http://cgi.ebay.com/GPS-Antenna-Coma...efaultDomain_0

I do notice that one of these listings says APS, but does that really matter?

I also noticed that MBDoctor has an antenna as well, http://mbdoctor.com/item-GPS-antenna-002-86.html but it doesn't state (nor look like) it's an MB part. So I don't want to give away $60 if all it is is markup on a universal part.

Thanks for the help,

91RS

I bought one that looks just like those eBay auctions and it works perfectly. I just put it above the center HVAC deflectors (under the dash pad of course).

EDIT: This is the one I bought: http://cgi.ebay.com/GPS-ANTENNA-FAKR...efaultDomain_0

Viper98912

Well if that's the exact one that you bought and it's currently working just fine for you, then that's what I'm going to pickup as well. Plus, the price is more than awesome (even if it ends up being a pos and I need to buy a different one). Thanks man.

MW_ATL

Does your car have Teleaid? If so, it should have the GPS antenna already mounted in the rear window. Then all you have to do is use a GPS signal splitter and the cable from the rear to the front and it is *exactly* the factory installation - if the extra effort matters to you.

BF_JC230

I installed mine (Universal Antenna) under the dash pad, above the instrument panel...it was EASY...just pull the instrument cluster, you will see a few screws holding in the retaining cage, and pull that - then you can locate the antenna to the OEM retro fit location if you can not go the above route and split the Tele Aid signal.

Running the cable to the back of the COMAND is easy too, and the foam built into rear of the center stack has an “X” cut in it to accept the elongated antenna connection if you do not have one that turns down 90 degrees.

I have a few things posted on this forum if you want to search them out…ensure to keep your fiber ends covered, do not kink a cable and keep your key 5’ away from the EIS and you should be fine during install.

Viper98912

I think I do have Teleaid, because I have the overhead SOS button along with the info and telephone buttons inside the center console (these little buttons also light up btw). I went downstairs and looked at my rear window and didn't see any GPS looking antenna near the top inside edge of the rear window. I checked my original window sticker and it does say that I have teleaid. So I went back downstairs to see if it's maybe hidden inside the headliner, but I didn't want to pull it down. If it's supposed to be in plain sight, I definitely don't see it....

Also BF, what did you mean about keeping your key 5' away from the EIS(?) ?

BF_JC230

From what I have read and been told...keep your Smartkey FAR AWAY from your dash ignition socket...

Even if this information sounds crazy...better safe than sorry - I left my key(s) in the house when I did this work...

Viper98912

Well, I got it all installed without any issues in about 2.5 hours. I know many say they can do it in 30 mins, but it was my first time taking apart a Mercedes dash (but I've done others and other audio installs). It's also nerve wrecking when you're pulling up the two front HARD clips on your rare black birds eye maple shifter console. And plus, I enjoy taking my time and enjoying the wrenching

I think the donor car had the CD changer, so my HK worked without any issues. Only took about 2 minutes for the GPS to realize I wasn't in Jersey anymore. I guess this means that the $10 antenna works pretty well and followed my position very closely (the ebay seller shipped very quickly btw, I definitely recommend). Antenna was placed in the top right hand corner under the dash near the air vent. I was also happy to see that the map dvd was still in the unit, AND had my street listed (it's a 2005 version).

Definitely one of the easier/trouble free/plug and play mods yet....

PS - I used Weber Brothers Auto and wrote them a good review here in case anyone is interested and they may have the parts you're looking for https://mbworld.org/forums/buyer-sel...commended.html

toulimin

where did you connected it. I look behind the radio but I could not find anywhere the connector would fit. do you have pictures?

GINO-ESC

What did you pay for the used command unit?