ChrisBrown

So I finally took the plunge. I was able to find a US MCS II Comand unit at a wrecker in Missouri. $500. I looked up the VIN and it came from a 2006 C55 AMG. The data card said the car had a CD Changer, so I'm hoping that the rest of the items on my MOST ring show up once I get this in since the donor car had at least one item on it's ring.

I noticed that this unit was manufactured in February 2008. I'm wondering if it was a replacement.

Since it was manufactured in 2008, would it have all of the most recent firmware updates (up to that point) installed on it from the factory? Will I be ok using current map discs?

ChrisBrown

I've attached a picture of the unit. I may install this tonight, but it will probably be tomorrow. I can do this in a half hour pretty easily, it just depends on how late I get home from work tonight.

nickgailloux

Why'd you have to do that to Rihanna dude? Not cool...

ChrisBrown

Ok, everything is installed. It looks like the only thing I need to do is call Sirius and get my SAT module reset. I also need to drive around and get the unit to pickup the satellites.

I will report back in the morning.

ChrisBrown

Ok, the install is complete. I've attached a picture. The GPS locked after about 15 minutes of driving. It also took a few attempts for the Eject button to start working again when I wanted to close the display.

There was a nav disc inside, but it's the 2005/2006 version. I'm going to need to get an updated disc, but I have to check my firmware version first or else I need a software update before getting a current disc.

I have to re-activate my Sirius radio as well.

So far this is the best OEM upgrade I've made to date. I love it.

Norwichdelta06

niiice! You can never go wrong with any OEM model. I was thinking about doing the same to my vehicle once Im done with my headlamps

ChrisBrown

That is the last item on my list. I'm not sure if I'm going to it. I have 120000 miles on the car and I dont know if its worth the investment at this point

Glyn M Ruck

Looks good. A really nice option.

ChrisBrown

So I have an update. The headunit is still working fantastic.

My Sirius unit was not. It has reset itself to a pre-activated state. I called, and Sirius tried numerous times to get the Sirius module to respond. Their tech remotely re-flashed my unit with a new ESN, then once that responded, they remotely reflashed it back to my old ESN/ID. They then remotely forced the unit into an update mode. This caused it to re-update the channel list. Once that was completed, my screen changed to the dreaded "Acquiring Signal", and it has stayed there for two days.

I called Sirius, and they agreed that my SAT module is in this condition due to their procedures. They told me to visit my nearest Mercedes Service Center, and have the service tech call them once the unit is examined. I asked them if I could make a claim to them (Sirius) for repairs. Could I get a response in writing? They said no, but to have the dealer examine the car, and then call them...

I called my Service Advisor. I told him the story. He talked to his boss, and he said to bring the car in. He said they will examine the car, look for codes and call Sirius and see what the story is for no charges, even if they spend a few hours on it. He suspects that the Sirius module is "bricked" and will need to be replaced. However, he doesn't know if the they (dealer) can make Sirius pay for it.

I'm bringing the car in on Monday.

ChrisBrown

So here's a quick update. Sirius acknowledged they killed my SDARS tuner. However, they won't replace it. I found a used SDARS unit on eBay for 25% of the cost of a new one. Installed it in the trunk today, and got it to activate.

I noticed that the unit gets very hot very quickly. I'm wondering of the design of these SDARS units without a fan is killing them so quickly. They have no airflow under the trunk liner, and no way to cool down.

anonymousmoose

The unit looks great in your car. Well-done for keeping it Benz OEM.

I wonder how much the map upgrades will cost, once everything is sorted out with your SDARS. I'm a little bit glad mine didn't come with sat-nav as my GM dealer was charging more for a map CD that it cost me to buy a tom-tom like sat-nav unit, for my previous car.

capt_paul

The price is about the same whether you go through Navteq or through the dealer. I just got the latest disk a few months back.

ChrisBrown

Yea it's going to be close to $300 for the 2010-2011 disc. Today I was looking for a Starbucks via the POI database. Said there was one two miles from my meeting. I passed by one 1/4 mile down the road...I'm going to need to get that nav disc.

A lot has changed in Phoenix between the 2005.1 DVD (mine) to the 2010-2011 disc.