After-mkt Navigation System
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Newbie
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Folsom, CA
2002 C230K Sports Coupe
After-mkt Navigation System
I'm thinking of getting a navigation system for my C230K coupe. The particular model I'm looking into is the Alpine NVE-N862A with the Alpine TME-M790 as the monitor. Has anyone here installed any after market navigation system on their cars? What are the cons of not getting the COMMAND?
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well...the only thing about aftermarker ones, they tend to have more options with them....although mercedes nav is pretty nice...its just a personal preference! if theres anything else i can help you with, just let me know
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Malibu, CA
The fit of the unit into the space in the dash is probably the biggest consideration. Nothing is going to fit quite as perfectly as the Mercedes COMMAND unit. However, you can get a system with more features and if you get a good installer to do it, they can add a trim around the edge so that it looks like it fits better into the dash space.
Same thing goes for ordinary radio/cd/mp3 players.
Also, most places will cut your factory wiring harness to install the radio. The companies here in the states tend not to stock the wiring harness kits. However, companies like Kenwood and Alpine probably make a wiring kit for the European standard of wiring harness that Mercedes uses (as well as Volkswagen/Audi and maybe BMW, I'm not sure). Usually those are only sold with the European versions of the receivers. However, a good shop could probably order it from the parts catalogue.
Same thing goes for ordinary radio/cd/mp3 players.
Also, most places will cut your factory wiring harness to install the radio. The companies here in the states tend not to stock the wiring harness kits. However, companies like Kenwood and Alpine probably make a wiring kit for the European standard of wiring harness that Mercedes uses (as well as Volkswagen/Audi and maybe BMW, I'm not sure). Usually those are only sold with the European versions of the receivers. However, a good shop could probably order it from the parts catalogue.
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well....i beg to differ...i have a panasonic unit and everything thinks it looks bad@ss....i will post some pics of it for ya. I did have a post on here about it, if you search my name you will probably find it....
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Bay area, CA
benzy230 ... can you repost those pics? I pulled up your post from earlier this year, but the pics are gone. I'm looking to purchase a 230, but am wondering if the Command system is worth it (come on ... CDs). Has your install caused any incompatibilities with any Benz systems?
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i will get those pics up tonight or tomorrow The only problem with the aftermarket one was it killed the audio controls, and telephone feature on the steering wheel.....later we were able to dial into the system and get the volume control to work though
over all...i loved it! wouldnt do anything different....and the only stock system that is worth any money is on the lexus....their's even shows backroads that mine wont.....
The only problem with the aftermarket one was it killed the audio controls, and telephone feature on the steering wheel.....later we were able to dial into the system and get the volume control to work though over all...i loved it! wouldnt do anything different....and the only stock system that is worth any money is on the lexus....their's even shows backroads that mine wont.....
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Joined: Apr 2002
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From: Bay area, CA
Great ... thanks for reposting (when you get the chance)!
I don't know how different the Lexus nav is from Toyota's, but my wife has a new 2002 Camry and the nav works pretty well (although it's the first nav I've used so I have no reference to other systems).
I've heard the 2003 may have a DVD based system, but don't know if I can wait to find out.:p
I don't know how different the Lexus nav is from Toyota's, but my wife has a new 2002 Camry and the nav works pretty well (although it's the first nav I've used so I have no reference to other systems).
I've heard the 2003 may have a DVD based system, but don't know if I can wait to find out.:p
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Originally posted by benzy230
no problem man! yeah, the lexus one uses the same satalite as toyota (as so i'm told
no problem man! yeah, the lexus one uses the same satalite as toyota (as so i'm told
Newbie
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From: Bay area, CA
benzy ... No quotes yet. I'm currently in Cali and will be moving to FL sometime this summer. Won't get serious about purchasing until I get to FL. Just browsing the boards for issues that I will end up dealing with at some point in time.
Actually, I should probably look at getting a 230 out here, Bay area in Cali. It sounds like I would get a better deal here than in FL ... more competition ... more of a market. I'm sure the cost of the trailer ride to FL would more than offset any savings though.
Actually, I should probably look at getting a 230 out here, Bay area in Cali. It sounds like I would get a better deal here than in FL ... more competition ... more of a market. I'm sure the cost of the trailer ride to FL would more than offset any savings though.
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From: Bay area, CA
I'm tripping from Bay to Bay ... Tampa Bay area. Most of both my and my wife's family is in central FL.
Don't know if I should ask ... are you a VOL?
... cause I'm a Gator! If you are ... good luck in the SEC this year.
Don't know if I should ask ... are you a VOL?
... cause I'm a Gator! If you are ... good luck in the SEC this year.
Member
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Malibu, CA
As others have pointed out, they all use the GPS satellite system for finding your position on the globe. The differentiation right now is in the software that draws the maps on the screen and what controls the user interface. Also, the map databases used are different for different parts of the world (obviously) and there are several different companies which create the map databases. That is why some map databases will include small side streets and others will not.
There should be a standard for the map database files on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. That would make it so you could buy an updated map CD or DVD from a different company and put the disc into your unit and have it work with the new streets, freeways, etc. However, all the companies probably use different file formats.
There should be a standard for the map database files on CD-ROM or DVD-ROM. That would make it so you could buy an updated map CD or DVD from a different company and put the disc into your unit and have it work with the new streets, freeways, etc. However, all the companies probably use different file formats.
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thanks for the detailed info man! im i a vol....haha...no way dude. ill go to a game or to becuase its close....i really dont have any specific football team....the gators are good though.....
i use to live in destin...thats why i asked...i go down there about 1-2 times every 2 months....
i use to live in destin...thats why i asked...i go down there about 1-2 times every 2 months....
Can't wait to see what the install looks like. Apologies in advance if you did already post and I haven't found them.
