mirage15

Vic's write-up is great. I basically followed it through without a problem. I am trying to get the Star Diag done but they have had a little bit of trouble up to this point despite having detailed info from Nuru, Vic, and others. I am getting ready to make another appointment for the shop foreman to look at it.

iatacs19

where is the navigation unit located? trunk?

vic viper

Nope, everything you need is located in the HU.

Mike_2011

Went to my MB Dealer and they told me that there was no way the MM package could be installed. Can I buy the parts from them and install it myself?

Or go to an auto shop and let them install it?

Ron Jr

So total cost of just parts is 8327.50 Now what about maps and operating system? I know the map update costs around 280.00. Now I didn't see upgrades to the HK system in that list (speakers, amp and sub) This is just not worth it.

vic viper

@Mike 2011, of course you can install it yourself but it requires some technical knowlege, you should know your way around a car before attempting something similar.

And to all, remember that the HU part number I provided is a EUROPEAN unit, DO NOT buy this if you live in the US, it will not work, and I also think that the ECE HU is way more expensive than a US unit.

Try ebay, German ebay (www.ebay.de) have a lot of useful stuff regarding comand.

Mike_2011

Can someone provide all parts needed for the US Version???

Ron Jr

Thats the actual head unit. 6,690.00

Mike_2011

how did you get the parts for only 2000?

Ron Jr

I didn't do this my car had the MM installed at the factory.

Mike_2011

So the only way off getting the MM is by paying 8000USD in the US? Is there any cheaper HU without DVD changer? so its not that expensive?

vic viper

The US HU with DVD changer is numbered A204 906 12 02

Mike_2011

If I buy the 7 inch Screen and connect it to the non MM HU will it work?

Also why are all those Air Ducts needed? and new fans is that because of the larger screen and new HU?


Thanks

vic viper

I think itll work but the screen resolution will look all messed up on the 7" screen.

The comand HU gets a lot hotter than the standard Audio 20 unit and requires additional cooling, this external blower is rev controlled from the HU.

Mike_2011

If I take the parts to an Adio shop and they install it for me will I void my warranty?

w204maniac

thanks to vic viper and his special work(for colection the part numbers and posting his write up) i have just finished my comand retrofit.
all works perfect!!i am very happy and satisfied!!
thanks a lot vic !!!
and few pics...

Mike_2011

How much did parts cost?

mirage15

You get get the COMAND and Screen for ~1500 on ebay. To be perfectly honest a lot of the parts listed you can get away with not using.

You can re-wire the existing harness and do not have to put in the new air vent and buttons. I NEVER use mine anyhow. Depending on your location.. you can also get away without the blower.

GPS antenna... get one on ebay for $20. They work great.

EDIT: Be aware that you will almost certain have issues with SCN coding and possibly the MOST ring config (if you get a Euro model).

Mike_2011

Alright but where you able to get the GPS to work in the US if you get and European Model HU? Also does the radio work if you buy European Model?

About the Coding and all that how did you get that to work
Thanks

mirage15

The Euro unit DOES work in the US. The biggest issue I have had is the the MOST ring needs updated for Sirius to be available since Sirius is a US only thing. The radio works fine.

To get the Euro unit to work in the US you need to change the language to English if it isnt already. You can do that under the System menu. Then going into the Engineering menu and switch the DVD format to NTSC instead of PAL. Load up the US Nav DVD and you are on your way (3-4 hours later).

Coding... I still haven't gotten. Nav in the IC really doesn't matter to me at all. I am able to use the nav while in motion without an issue.... I am guessing this is because it is a Euro unit. Read my other post about SCN coding / Most ring update for more info on what I have went through trying to get it updated.

Mike_2011

So everything should work except the Serious Satellite Radio? Also will I void my warranty if I do the retrofit?

mirage15

Correct.. everything but Sirius. You will void anything sound system related.

Mike_2011

I don't know if I should risk it and retrofit the car or get UMI cause I live in the carribean and its always very hot here and installing that fan seems hard. Will MB let me purchase the parts from them I don't feel comfortable buying parts from the UK since there could be a possibility everything wont work how it should. Like If I do purchase the EU Command HU what do I tell my MB dealer so he can re code the car?

mirage15

You can do the UMI setup but it is WAY overpriced IMHO. For what you pay for the UMI setup you can have the normal COMAND from ebay. If you are worried about the fan... install everything and take the fan to the dealer to install. It should only be an hour or two of labor.

You can get all of the parts from the dealer. They have inflated the cost of the COMAND and screen to discourage people from doing this. I just checked ebay and the guy I bought my unit from is still selling them. He was pretty slow communicating but got the unit to me without any issues.

You do not have to have things re-coded for the Nav to work. Coding basically allows the instrument cluster integration. My MOST ring needs updated to include the Sirius module but I am not sure if you will need to worry about that since you are in the Caribbean. If you want the SCN coding done Vic and Nuru have posted the codes and process needed to update everything.

BenTrovato

I just got back from MB.. they won't do the COMAND install, won't even attempt it. UMI installed was just over $2000. This is terrible!