ncmudbug

I'm really considering a new head unit for my '05 C230K. Currently it has the CD changer (which I like because I haven't gotten on board with those new fangled MP3 players), but I would like to have blue tooth, navigation, and probably a backup camera (obviously, a port for those aforementioned new fangled devices will be a part of the package).

I've read about the Dynavin, Pioneer, Sony, Clarion, and maybe one or two others, but I'm still not sure which one is best. I've read a bunch of threads on this topic, but many of them seem pretty old and I wonder if there is more up to date information.

If you have a navi/bt/camera/ipod unit or have experience with any would you please post a review. I'm mostly interested in the quality of the sound, the navi, integration with the steering wheel, and bluetooth as well, obviously, as the quality of the unit itself.

Thanks!

phister

Pioneer, clarion, and eclipse my choices for hu. I have an eclipse and love it. Go to crutchfield.com and see which ones fit our cars and read the reviews.

a3i

Im curious to know, did you just swap out the head unit or did you change everything (speakers, sub etc)?

ncmudbug

Crutchfields is a real disappointment to me. They only list single din units! (http://www.crutchfield.com/g_182350/....html?tp=20212).
Do you have experience with any of these brands?
I should have posted that probably $900 is about as expensive as I want to go for the head unit.

Cartronics

$900 is gonna be tough, unless you want to give up steering wheel controls and have it look poor. AND if you change your head unit, you will loose the changer. You can put in a bluetooth/ipod/external nav via iPhone for under $900 to your current system.

ncmudbug

I don't have an iPhone but I'm interested in how this would work.

I don't think $900 is unreasonable:
Pioneer AVIC-F700BT - $600
Pioneer AVIC-X910BT - $555.99
Pioneer AVIC-X920BT - $696.99
JVC KW-NX7000BT - $699
Sony XNV-660BT - $549.95
Kenwood DDX616 - $559.99

One or two of these is a refurb but not all...

Does anybody have any personal information of any of these units? Others?

Cartronics

You're forgetting about installation kits cables reprogramming and other items that may go along with those stereos... But for more info see our site.

ncmudbug

Understood. I was just trying describe a price range.

ChrisBrown

You can always do an oem COMAND navigaton unit.

ncmudbug

I have found used command units for about $500, but I don't believe they support bluetooth and updating the maps is also very expensive. It seems like a more current head unit makes more sense than an old command unit. Am I missing something?

Cartronics

all Mercedes support Bluetooth with our system installed

Glyn M Ruck

mcmud - You will be happy with any of the Pioneer double DIN AVIC's in your price range. You really want to maintain ergonomics & display & steering wheel control. Talk to our sponsor.

Comand is great if you can find one because you have full integration without hassle.

ncmudbug

Thanks, Glyn. If I got MB Command, would bluetooth be included with it or would I need to get all the other bluetooth bits?

Cartronics

Comand does not come with any Bluetooth however you only need the iTronic BT, one piece, to make Bluetooth happen in the car

Glyn M Ruck

There you go! - your choice.

robmandeville

I've had a Hikity double din with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible. I was initially concerned about screen resolution as well. I understand that the display resolution could be higher but honestly, the display looks fine to me. This device supports original steering wheel button study, Multi-format audio, and video recording; Support 1080P full format; Brightness adjustment, Subwoofer audio output. Pretty easy to install.