Im just wondering since alot of people on this forum get their bix, command, etc retrofitted after they buy the car, does it turn out cheaper doing it this way or is it more expensive? I've been impatiently waiting until the warmer months so i can really start debating whether or not to start retrofitting on my car.

 

It's definitely cheaper to get the lighting package option with the car originally ($700 and change compared to $1200ish), but it's cheaper to retrofit the Comand ($2,100 compared to $1,500). As always, there are aftermarket deals to be found (especially used parts in perfect working order), so retrofitting can end up being much cheaper. I just wish I would have ordered my car with a few different options to begin with, mainly bi-x.

 

COMAND is cheaper to retrofit. BIX is not. the BIX C4 package cost me $750 for lights, washers and autoleveling from the factory. COMAND would have been $2100 from the factory and cost me $1500 to retrofit.

 

a lot of retrofitted BIX don't usually install the auto-leveling and washers either ...at least none that i've seen, has anyone seen or done retrofitted BIX with these?

 

washers and autoleveling are not worht the cost to retrofit IMO. best bet is factory if you can.

 

Never seen it done, wouldn't do it !
I added the washer covers when I upgraded to front AMG bumper, but like
CitronC230K_03 said, the cost to fully retrofit auto-levelers and washer system is cost prohibitive. The Bi-X retrofit alone was already almost twice the original factory cost, had they been fitted; and you still loose out on not having the washers & auto-levelers.

Carlos

Saprissa@aol.com

 

Is this true even in the '05's? I thought the new COMAND was more expensive to retrofit.

 

I spoke to a guy that sells new OEM comand systems and he has 2005 sets for $1,500. It's plug and play but you need to do some modifications with the onboard computer. The modification is done so that you can see the directions on your speedometer. Steve from mbenznl can also do the install for you, from my understanding, he said that he can retrofit 2005 comand systems. I didn't get the comand system myself for my car but I'm thinking of doing it since it is pretty reliable to have.

 

yup, the washer thing is useless and the autoleveling is pain in the a$$ when they don't work right. last time my xenon was pointing to the ground and I could only see things 10 feet away from me.

 

I have seen it done...I even did it...on my own R129 SL...xenons plus headlight washers plus autolevelling...and on my W202 C-class...xenons plus headlight washers plus vacuum levelling...

greetingz,

 

that's cus you're DA Man !!!

is there anything Steve can't do ???

 

As far as I know Steve is def. the man. Hopefully I can make it to his spring Chicago trip so i can get bix and comand installed.

 

One more question, when the COMAND is installed, do you get the navigation features, or must you go to the dealer and subscribe for whatever navigation things it needs?

 

you dont need to subscribe for navigation, all you need is the discs which you can either get from your dealer or off of ebay if you can find them