What should I do, COMAND or custom carputer?
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
What should I do, COMAND or custom carputer?
Hey all, I have been thinking about this... Should I get a COMAND installed by Steve since he's coming to the midwest? Or should I do a carputer system thing... I could have a custom setup installed... It'd have a 7inch wide TOUCHSCREEN in the center of the console where the radio and the little space is, move the stock HU to the glovebox. Then run wires to the trunk and put in a small computer which has a 200GB hard drive and will be mounted on the top of the trunk so it doesn't take up much space. I can play DVD/movies/MP3's and have GPS, Wi-Fi, and bluetooth... Everything will be controlled by the touchscreen or a wireless device. The whole install will cost about 1000-1100. Or should I get a Euro COMAND?
I guess the pros and cons are listed below for getting the COMAND:
Pro: stock looking, integrated with the car and would display information on the LCD screen on the dash, will increase the value of the car more than the custom setup if I want to sell/trade-in
Con: smaller screen, only does GPS, none of the extra stuff, 400 dollars more, it's stock...
What do you think?!?! Opinions are very welcomed, thanks :-)
I guess the pros and cons are listed below for getting the COMAND:
Pro: stock looking, integrated with the car and would display information on the LCD screen on the dash, will increase the value of the car more than the custom setup if I want to sell/trade-in
Con: smaller screen, only does GPS, none of the extra stuff, 400 dollars more, it's stock...
What do you think?!?! Opinions are very welcomed, thanks :-)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
well a guy at a different forum is selling his used EURO COMAND for 1000!!! Damn this decision just got harder... Same price?!?! I really like the stock look and the integrated information displayed on the LCD... ARGH, and I'm not sure about voice guided on the custom carputer... I'll have to check that out. I really like the voice guided stuff so... But then I know I can't play CD or listen to radio when I have the GPS because it'll probably go through the tape wiring. Whereas the COMAND would do both simultaneously. HELP ME OUT!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 469
Likes: 0
From: Jersey
2004.5 C 230
I really like the voice guided stuff
But then I know I can't play CD or listen to radio when I have the GPS because it'll probably go through the tape wiring.
Jkw
Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 79
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
2004 Audi A4 3.0 Ultra Sport
I'm a more frequent user over at Audiworld, because my MB is my wifes car, but from what I've seen from the guys over there.... A couple people have done really nice carputer setups, but after a couple months the novelty wore off and they became more of a pain in the -ss if you know what I mean. They have ended up tearing them out and trying to sell on eBay.
I could definately see that happening. I personally would go with the Comand system. I like the OEM look of things in the car, and you don't have to mess around with an OS in your car.
I could definately see that happening. I personally would go with the Comand system. I like the OEM look of things in the car, and you don't have to mess around with an OS in your car.
Trending Topics
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
COMAND not only has voice guidance but will display on your MFD the next set of directions. my brother has a touchscreen kendwood which i sreally nice in his GTI. but for me, i wanted a stock look, keep my steering wheel controls so i went with COMAND. i recommend it to anyone.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
Originally posted by HiTEC
I'm a more frequent user over at Audiworld, because my MB is my wifes car, but from what I've seen from the guys over there....
I'm a more frequent user over at Audiworld, because my MB is my wifes car, but from what I've seen from the guys over there....
his friend has an Audi A6 4.2 and he did it in his Audi, then my friend saw it and did it in his 330ci. Now I saw it and kinda want it in my MB but I'm debating between that and the COMAND...
yeah and the MFD thing's what I really want. plus yes, I don't want to mess with an OS... what if it crashes... what about the hard drive and the vibrations from the car... I don't know, I'll have to decide some time and hopefully with all of you guys I can make the decision :-)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i didnt want to loose steering wheel controls and the MFD was the best part of it all. granted its not dvd based but there are those pluses to it. i love mine. 
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 792
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas
2003 C230 K , 2001 ML320
I love my euro Comand installed by Steve. It gets me places faster that I could using maps and guides.
Next I want to add the voice controls. That also works if you have the MB car phone, which would be the next mod after voice control.
Next I want to add the voice controls. That also works if you have the MB car phone, which would be the next mod after voice control.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
thanks guys! I still don't know yet but I'm leaning toward the COMAND now after reading some stuff on audiworld... also, does anyone know that if Nebraska is on the same cd as Kansas City? Maybe there's a reference guide for what the 11 CD's contain? Thanks!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
i looked at my CD set and they go by regions. like ohio valley, southwest. mine done say the states. im sure if you go to the dealer and tell them the state your looking for they will tell you what it all includes. i know the southwest includes, hawaii, california, nevada and i think arizona.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,351
Likes: 22
From: Palm Beach Gardens, FL
Porcelain Bus
Originally posted by Yang1815
thanks guys! I still don't know yet but I'm leaning toward the COMAND now after reading some stuff on audiworld... also, does anyone know that if Nebraska is on the same cd as Kansas City? Maybe there's a reference guide for what the 11 CD's contain? Thanks!
thanks guys! I still don't know yet but I'm leaning toward the COMAND now after reading some stuff on audiworld... also, does anyone know that if Nebraska is on the same cd as Kansas City? Maybe there's a reference guide for what the 11 CD's contain? Thanks!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
Originally posted by Dr Chill
Why the hell do you need COMAND in Nebraska. Just go left after the cornfield and it's just over yonder!
Why the hell do you need COMAND in Nebraska. Just go left after the cornfield and it's just over yonder!
I guess it's too much to expect that everyone here is nice. Why does it matter where I'm at right now? I don't like Nebraska either and I'm not from Nebraska... But why do you have to say something like that? Can I not ask for opinions on which system to get in my car?It's also my money and my car... Why do you care if I get a GPS in Nebraska? Do I come out and say "hey Dr. Chill, you got ripped off paying 100 dollars for a C-Spot Coupon that was given out for free!" No I don't say that because it's YOUR MONEY.
Last edited by Yang1815; Jun 15, 2004 at 08:14 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,737
Likes: 1
From: San Diego, Ca
2003 Citron Green C230KMT
get the COMAND. does anyone really need it whether they are in LA, San Jose, NY, or Nebraska. People survived without, and they will continue too. its a novelty item which people dont need, but want. i use mine from time to time, but all in all its a conversation piece. get it, your money, and you wont regret it.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
My friend has a Euro-spec. VW Navigation on his Passat. It works just like our Comand, probably made by the same manufacture, but he doesn't have the luxury of having Steve to install and have to do a lot of research and find someone who specialized in Audi to try to make it work and he did it.
Keep the story short, he has put a Ti PowerBook 400, his out dated notebook, in the truck right below the rear speaker area. Video input thru Video adapter (PAL only) into Navi screen. Audio input thru from Powerbook's USB (digital out) into a D/A Converter (very nice one) then to CD Changer splitter. Sound Quality is AMAZING.
Control the Powerbook thru his Sony/Erassion bluetooth phone. He can play iTune, DVD, surf internet (thru bluetooth connection from his phone), screen saver and visual on album is playing and photo album displays, etc...
Since he has a laptop in the car, he also add a portable 80GB hard drive which he can download all his favor shows from TiVo and view them in the car.
Everything works really well and everything look stock. The only draw back is the screen is way too small for surfing.
Very cool setup.
Keep the story short, he has put a Ti PowerBook 400, his out dated notebook, in the truck right below the rear speaker area. Video input thru Video adapter (PAL only) into Navi screen. Audio input thru from Powerbook's USB (digital out) into a D/A Converter (very nice one) then to CD Changer splitter. Sound Quality is AMAZING.
Control the Powerbook thru his Sony/Erassion bluetooth phone. He can play iTune, DVD, surf internet (thru bluetooth connection from his phone), screen saver and visual on album is playing and photo album displays, etc...
Since he has a laptop in the car, he also add a portable 80GB hard drive which he can download all his favor shows from TiVo and view them in the car.
Everything works really well and everything look stock. The only draw back is the screen is way too small for surfing.
Very cool setup.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 0
From: McLean, VA
S4
Originally posted by DL_AMG
My friend has a Euro-spec. VW Navigation on his Passat. It works just like our Comand, probably made by the same manufacture, but he doesn't have the luxury of having Steve to install and have to do a lot of research and find someone who specialized in Audi to try to make it work and he did it.
Keep the story short, he has put a Ti PowerBook 400, his out dated notebook, in the truck right below the rear speaker area. Video input thru Video adapter (PAL only) into Navi screen. Audio input thru from Powerbook's USB (digital out) into a D/A Converter (very nice one) then to CD Changer splitter. Sound Quality is AMAZING.
Control the Powerbook thru his Sony/Erassion bluetooth phone. He can play iTune, DVD, surf internet (thru bluetooth connection from his phone), screen saver and visual on album is playing and photo album displays, etc...
Since he has a laptop in the car, he also add a portable 80GB hard drive which he can download all his favor shows from TiVo and view them in the car.
Everything works really well and everything look stock. The only draw back is the screen is way too small for surfing.
Very cool setup.
My friend has a Euro-spec. VW Navigation on his Passat. It works just like our Comand, probably made by the same manufacture, but he doesn't have the luxury of having Steve to install and have to do a lot of research and find someone who specialized in Audi to try to make it work and he did it.
Keep the story short, he has put a Ti PowerBook 400, his out dated notebook, in the truck right below the rear speaker area. Video input thru Video adapter (PAL only) into Navi screen. Audio input thru from Powerbook's USB (digital out) into a D/A Converter (very nice one) then to CD Changer splitter. Sound Quality is AMAZING.
Control the Powerbook thru his Sony/Erassion bluetooth phone. He can play iTune, DVD, surf internet (thru bluetooth connection from his phone), screen saver and visual on album is playing and photo album displays, etc...
Since he has a laptop in the car, he also add a portable 80GB hard drive which he can download all his favor shows from TiVo and view them in the car.
Everything works really well and everything look stock. The only draw back is the screen is way too small for surfing.
Very cool setup.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
The website is a bit old. Pic is before the Navi installed. At the time the carputer is already control by the bluetooth phone thru CD splitter.
Carputer
Here are some file after the intergration. There are more upgrade after the link created....ie HD TiVo TV shows and newer phone, wireless mouse. :P
Some more files
Carputer
Here are some file after the intergration. There are more upgrade after the link created....ie HD TiVo TV shows and newer phone, wireless mouse. :P
Some more files
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 442
Likes: 0
ARRR
That's the kind of setup I'm talking about. A laptop in the trunk hooked up to a screen inside the car... But it'll have everything including GPS... I don't know, I'm still waiting for Steve to respond so I can decide I guess... Thanks guys :-) And yes very good point, people in NY, LA have survived without it, no one needs it...
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 556
Likes: 0
From: SoCal - SaMo & West SFV
2011 C63, 2004 S500, 2013 E350, 2013 Ody Elite
Originally posted by Yang1815
But it'll have everything including GPS... I don't know, I'm still waiting for Steve to respond so I can decide I guess... Thanks guys :-) And yes very good point, people in NY, LA have survived without it, no one needs it...
But it'll have everything including GPS... I don't know, I'm still waiting for Steve to respond so I can decide I guess... Thanks guys :-) And yes very good point, people in NY, LA have survived without it, no one needs it...
Stock VW GPS + All Computer features + DVD/MP3 + Internet surfing. I think total cost him almost $3000 including the laptop and time spend on it.
