KL316

My question is this.... If I get an aftermarket headunit, will the buttons on my steering wheel that control the audio functions still work?

I ask this because I did not want to get the Command Navigation system. I didnt want it because the screen is small, its low contrast, and its CD based!!!

For these reasons I decided not to get the command system, and to get a In-Dash LCD Navigation unit that also plays DVD's and MP3's.

If i get this type of aftermartket headunit, will the buttons on the steering wheel that control the audio still work?

I heard that if I get an Alpine unit, there is a converter or something that will make the buttons work. Is this true?

Does anybody have any experience in this matter?
Because, if there is no way for me to make this work... Then I will have to order the navigation unit immediately!

please help!!!

peet

No one has yet to report on the alpine interface. It supposedly exists and is only available in europe. Other than that we have no practical info.

Get the Comand. You can't watch dvd's and drive anyhow - at least I and 100million of my fellow motorists woudl appreciate if you wouldnt!

P

ffejalink

Agreed! It's bad enough watching people do their hair and make-up all while eathing their bowl of Cherios (with milk, I might add). And we wonder why traffic is bad...

SiLvaC32

the controls won't work!

KL316

so should I jus order the command nav unit? or jus get aftermarket knowing that the buttons wont work??? what should i do??? its extremely important that i get to play MP3's but the buttons on the steering wheel r important as well...

tom incredibie

go aftermarket. then you can get a better sound system

tommy

The choice is oem crap vs. moving your hand 2". I vote for aftermarket.

cliffybabe

I agree i got a steering wheel remote for mine, here some pic's of my install

cliffybabe

Here my boot

peet

I'm sorry to insult, but that just looks horrid. It's not your fault or a faulty installation, rather that of the MB designer that decided that our head unit needs to be 20% larger than a DIN unit.

All that trim ring and the way that aftermarkets protrude forward - bleah.

I vote stock. You want MP3 - get an iPod and modify your cassette head to input aux. Or - get the Comand and feed aux in that way.

P

nevide

or... get an audio10 and a FM modulator. Or even better, an audio10 and an EE degree to figure out how to put aux in it. Hehe.

cliffybabe

its personnal choice but i like it, i know the unit din hangs a little but its all about the bass in my motor and doing show car its needed

rsyed

get a comand, get a dvd player put in the glove box, you can then watch dvds, play mp3 music and it won't look as artificial as with an aftermarket unit! Sorry if i insulted anyone!! In a car like ours, only a comand looks good (it looks more complete)!

cliffybabe

i would like command but its difficult in the uk to get gear, does the command have a rca out on it?

SUNILP

Get the COmand and you can retain your factory look and keep the steering wheel controls. You also have the option of a Audio input with a aux connector in the glove box for a ipod or similar mp3 player. The comand does not have a RCA output. The Mercedes TV tuner can be added in the trunk and you will have TV in your comand screen, and 2 sets of Audio and Video Inputs. Check my FAQ on www.mercedesmods.com

JeT

There is one Alpine unit that requires you to replace the switches under the steering wheel control pads with the Apline switches. This requires the ignition assembly to be removed which means only the MB techs can do it. If you do a search on the forum you should be able to find the thread that talks about it.

Personally, I think you can make the sound quality pretty good without replacing the MB headunit...but this is a personal preference issue: greater quality vs functionality and aesthetics.

JeT

Sunman, no offence intended, but I would update your site before recommending it to forum members..that is if you want the site to be a constant resource for MB enthusiasts. Have a look at some of the how-tos at csportcoupe.com to get an idea of the detail members have come to expect.

tifosiv122

Here is a pic of my HU install...I get asked all the time if thats from MB or not...

Erik

Guest0001

Erik looks great! since you have that aluminum trim it matches and looks clean

on the other hand i think if you have dark interior and brown wood trim it just looks out of place, that is i might go for the command system

tifosiv122

Everything matched real well...it's part of the reason I knew I liked the car. The other car I was leaning towards (thank god I didn't get it) was the Jaguar X-Type 3.0 Sport, which has a dark grey wood...it would have also matched nicely.

I would have gotten command if it was DVD based...but as it was offered I could not order it.

Erik

amdeutsch

Ho offense here. Do these people know how to read? Afterall it does say Pioneer on the unit. (j/k)
Otherwise I'd say a good match to your setup.

ffejalink

I was thinkin' the same thing...

SUNILP

no offence taken but I don't have the technical know how to make my site really fancy. I keep adding stuff as I get it and when I have time. I am not out here to get sponsors, or make money, just to help the fellow Benz community members. Any help would be appreciated to update my site or any contributions would be helpful also.

tifosiv122

No offense taken (i didn't ask the questions, so I can't be offended)...but many cars come with HU that don't have the factory name....off hand, I know the Mazda Protege MP3, and Mazda Speed Protege have an aftermarket unit from the factory...if I am not mistaken, I think its pioneer. I know there are several other cars, just can't think right now.

Erik

daimaru

you thought eating cherios was bad? i saw a guy in traffic just the other day eating spahghetti with sausage or something... with a knife and fork!!!