http://www.kijiji.ca/v-car-audio-gps...ationFlag=true

has anyone ever done this is this legit plug and play? seems worth it for less than 800$ when the dealer charges 3500$ not sure if its legit but wanted to see if anyone has seen or done this

 

Interesting, I'm not sure what that is. They are showing guide lines on the backup camera also. That alone would be worth the price.

The map doesn't appear to be OEM. That could be a plus. They seem to indicate all the GPS systems, like tomtom. So perhaps that is separate? I wonder if it works with the dash display in navigation mode. Also, it's a touch screen too.

I know on VWs the Chinese would retrofit the OEM hardware with new systems. They usually did more and cost less. Basically, car manufacturer are always behind the times technology wise, so others come in with some tech upgrades.

The dealer charges that for a map upgrade, lol. This could even be an interesting addition to people that already have navigation and Comand.

I'd be interested to know how it worked with the speedometer display, AC controls and how to switch between stock and this system.

It would be a plus if it could read CAN data and access additional car info.

It's already got touch so make the screen a little bigger, 1080P, add 4G or WiFi and I'm sold!

 

this is what the person sent to me :

Thanks very much for your interests. We do carry the model for 2012 C300. We import directly from an OEM stereo manufacturer which specialized in the German car. Hence, this system is fully compatible with the steering control and original system of your vehicle, you can switch between the new Mercedes software and the old software as well.

This is the premium model which comes with the newest Mercedes software interface (UI) and newest map for US and Canada. It also supports the original steering wheel control and stock sound system as well. Other than that, this navigation system comes with GPS (US & Canada), DVD Movie Playback, Bluetooth (Phone Call, Phone Book, Music), USB Media Supported, IPOD Ready, Steering wheel Control......etc. During the promotion period, we do also offer the licence of life-time update of the map for free. Here is the price breakdown for this Navigation DVD system: I have also attached some pictures of the premium model in the email just for your reference.


1) Premium Ver. GPS system: $ 749

2) Installation GPS (Included Licence of Life time Update): $120


We also carry another cheaper version which is $50 lower than the premium model. This model doesn't come with the Mercedes software interface. The processor is slower and the audio quality will be different than the premium model (Lack of DSP Audio Processor).

This system is very stable, it doesn't change any of original feature of your vehicle. It just add the new features on top. Also, this one change the whole screen which has the top quality of display panel. We even distributed to Mercedes dealership on their off-lease vehicle.


and i did send him an email in regards to the above post I'm interested to learn more about the product, but the site is not working on any of my computers so ill just wait and see. it about 2 hours from my house and i go to that area often so i may stop by and check it out.

 

I'd be interested to know if there is an option for people with the 7" Comand systems already in place. I guess it would still be a full switch as it's a touch screen.

As far as new "Mercedes software" are they talking about OEM software or a 3rd party OEM software?

I'd be curious to know if it works with the display in the speedometer. Like, what happens if you switch to Nav on the speedo and you have the new navigation system up. For people without factory nav it wouldn't matter so much.

How does one switch between old and new?

It's an interesting area as I'd like to see less OEM reliance on car info systems. Once a manufacture design is made, which then takes years to hit the market, little is ever changed or updated. We get stuck with outdated software and technology on just about any new car purchase unless you go with something like a Tesla car. Heck, with Tesla you can get an update and then the car starts driving itself. Smartphones have made consumers smarter and more demanding about their technology.

Automotive companies just don't know how to do software, user interface design or even understand SDLC. Well, on some levels they aim to make it easy and stable but are overly cautions at the same time.

 

Also, it doesn't look like there is any mention of HD FM radio reception or Sirius radio. Although, those would be on the original software.

 

how it works with the speedometer display, AC controls and how to switch between stock and this system?

ANS: It will also be able to display the temperature info at the bottom of the screen. Also, you can always switch between the old software and the new software.

does it read CAN data and access additional car info?

ANS: You can switch to the old software to display all the car information.

and does it work with the knob by the arm rest that is currently in use?

ANS: You can still use the knob to control the screen on the "Original" software as normal, however, after you have switched to the new software, you will need to use the touch screen to control it.

whats the screen quality is there built in 4g or wifi? is it a touch screen?

ANS: The screen resolution is 800x600.

 

Oh thanks, wasn't actually expecting you to ask those questions. It sounds like they are giving you somewhat canned, runaround answers.

Sounds like a nice system but probably not the full OEM experience. Some things are better but it sounds mostly isolated from the car, with perhaps exception of the volume controls.

It does remind me of the Chinese VW navigation units. They would retrofit new screens and processors into the factory head. They'd cost less but actually did more.

This looks like it could be a nice upgrade for anyone without 7" Comand or Navigation.