RWDlifer

COMAND retrofits have been discussed at length, but the info is all over the place and often conflicting. What works for one guy may not work for another.
That being said, I picked up a comand unit for cheap, its a 2006 build from a C class. Pulled my radio and checked, it fits, so let's not beat that to death. Didn't hook anything up yet coz I got a couple of questions...first off, I know I'm gonna need a gps antenna to go behind the dash. I also know coding is required for directions to show on MFD cluster. I also have the nav DVD.
There is lots of mention of some sort of harness, part # 203 540 0909, and some sort of adapter, part# 67 82 3533.
1.Are these required?
2.Where do they go?
3.What else will I need?

Your brief and to-the-point inputs are appreciated.
Note: I am not looking to set up xm/sirius, just basic radio and cd with navi.
My ride is 05 c230 with HK plus changer

RWDlifer

bump...
come on fellas...many have done this project..my dash is in pieces..

RWDlifer

For the benefit of those wanting to do this on a facelift C...it's completely plug and play. Bought the comand unit for $250 off CL from a guy parting out his car, then got a generic gps antenna from ebay for $10 shipped. That's all I needed.
At first I couldn't get past the MB logo when starting up, so I removed fuse #64 in the front SAM overnight, next day unit powered up and been working perfect ever since. Steering wheel controls also work, and the unit plays mp3s also. Nav database is from 2005 so I'm gonna get a recent one. Prolly gonna get a comand software update too.

ezshift5

............if I have squinted properly at your shift knob, I would be interested in your impression et al of your clutch/manual transmission operation................

(I read car mag MB manual transmission articles that could have been more positive.

All the best, ez

Benzomatic76

Oh man thats sweet looking. If I could find a cheap command unit like that for my C240 I would propably do it in a heart beat. And this was completely plug and play? What about the phone setup?

RWDlifer

Yup...p&p, at leat on the facelifted models, not sure about pre-facelift. I didn't set up the phone, but it will work if you add the necessary equipment.

RWDlifer

I was able to update the maps from 2004 straight to 2011 without any problems...the new database has more features, and gives ETA when navigating. Some folks have had issues skipping years and had to get a service disc or go to the dealer. I got the 2011 maps for 45 bux shipped on ebay, it's current enough for now.
This entire comand upgrade cost me $305.00....paid $250 for the unit, $10 for the gps antenna and $45 for the map dvd.
Highly recommend.

BF_JC230

Well done! Your car looks just like mine now...and I must say...much better than stock - and, honestly how it should have been fitted!

Can you share your COMAND and the 2011 DVD Disc part number? You do NOT have a dimpled (OK) button, so I assume it is an earlier unit. I am asking because I too would like to update the disc (I have the '05 in the drive) but have been reluctant to because of reading some issues not going "disc by disc". I too would like to "skip up" to a more/most recent disc.

Did you do any STAR/Plug in updates?
Did you have the MFD updated to see turn by turn and information? I recommend that!

Sorry I did not chime in earlier...I have posted a TON here and on the ///AMG forum on my update and how to even, if I recall pull out the gauges...which was EASY for the Fakra GPS Antenna...That being said - THIS IS/WAS PLUG AND PLAY for me as well.

Good for you!

(I don't know if you smoke or not - or need/want the ashtray/cig. lighter...but another simple OEM mod is the smoker delete with a cubby and power outlet behind a hinged door...nice and clean!)

RWDlifer

Correct...my unit is an earlier one, 203 827 4342. The map disc part # is BQ 646 0264, ver 8.0
No STAR programming at all, never went to the dealer at all. I don't really need the MFD turn by turn info, voice guidance is sufficient.

VVF

Congrats on a great deal! I had seen one for ~300 but they bumped the price up after I asked them some questions

Does it play mp3 disks in the CD changer?

RWDlifer

Yes...changer plays mp3s. Head unit will not play mp3s, but it will play CDs burned as music CDs rather than data CDs....I'm not exactly sure though. I have AUX in too, that's how I play most of my tunes anyway..

Benzomatic76

Can you explain a little in detail about the cd changer? It plays MP3's? Is it a stock cd changer in your glove box? who makes it, any part numbers? I might be interested.

thanks!

RWDlifer

It's the 6 disc stock changer in the glove box. I've never removed it so I don't know it's part number or manufacturer. I believe the 2005+ glove box changers all play mp3s, even though it takes longer to begin playback.

Benzomatic76

Hey thanks for the reply. Does it say on door of the cd changer mercedes benz or something else on the cover? Thanks man!

RWDlifer

I'll check and post...

RWDlifer

Says mercedes benz on the door

Benzomatic76

Hey thanks man for the info. I have the audio 20 radio with the cd changer cables going into the glove box. but no cd changer. I found a few cd changers on ebay that have the same inputs for those cables. Im wondering though if i buy the cd changer does it need a code from the dealer to work?

drho2004

Hello i did the same exact swap for my 2005 SS. got a cheap command unit off junk yard ($200) got $10 GPS antenna from ebay, got the 2012 update disc. it was plug and play (i already had the MB iPod connector in the glove box)
funny thing is my cd changer will not play mp3's but my command will (my command was built late 2006, came from 2006 W203) it even shows track titles etc on the command screen.
adding phone is a monumental task for our w203, search and you shall see how expensive and problematic it can be. best off with an in-ear BT headset

VVF

Guys, how long does the navi take to initialize?
Mine says "Initializing navigation, please wait". I've waited for something like up to 30 minutes but it's still not done. Also cannot seem to get the DVD to eject. When I try to insert a cd in the dvd slot, it won't take it,so I assume there is a dvd inside.
Other than that, everything else seems to work.
The self test at diagnostic menu (serv, OK+7+Mute) says navi ok...
Thanks!

BF_JC230

Purchased a 2014 DVD...
Does anyone know of any issues going from the ORIGINAL OEM MCSII disc to a OEM 2014 disc?

RWDlifer

I'm using 2014 maps right now...skipped from 2011 to 2014, no issues.
FYI, 2017 will be the final year for official MB map DVDs for MCS II

BF_JC230

RWDlifer,
Thank you for the quick update and sad news that our beloved cars are being phased out...
Can you please supply your PN? My SA wrote back with confirmation that if it (the disc) does not match the unit, it can/will freeze it. Knowing your PN will help me try this disc.

RWDlifer

No prob, I'm driving my beater Taco right now, I'll check the disc later..

RWDlifer

Here ya go...make sure it's a genuine disc, copied discs will act up..
Head unit PN is 203-870-5489

BF_JC230

Thank you RWDlifer!
Yup. All good!