zcct04

Dealer had me in a new C300 loaner for a week. A little less jump than I'm accustomed to but a very nice car. I was very impressed with the voice control. Can this be retrofitted to a C55 with command?

MercedesFTW

The C32s had this as an option too didn't they? Grr...

kjb55

I did it.

crazeazn

share?

spr

kjb what's the deal? does it just have to be version coded? because we tossed the module in it and got the stalk to make a noise but it didn't quite work.

kjb55

I did the mod based on the information from Steve and Wanda with MBenzl. Since I did the MCSII Nav install, I could retrofit the VCS. MB information was quite clear that it could not be done, however, that is not the case.

There is a VCS ECU which installs in the trunk just behind the rear seat backrest. The ECU wiring was straight forward, but the MIC connections were trial and error, but not impossible.

The next find is the PTT stalk for the steering column. There is just a plastic plug insert that you remove. I purchased several before part number Q-6-82-0837 (A 000 545 06 44) turned out to be correct.

Then the version coding was required, but I don't recall where in the MOST ring the VCS was positioned.

Great functionality, the best being that you can input NAV instruction via voice.

spr

Interesting. I'll have to try it again. I have a guy who has quite a few of those modules handy- He just didn't know if version coding was required or what.

jmorris644

I would be interested to hear what you find out. I installed it in my C32 and it was fairly straight forward.

I would like to consider the same for me C55.

Joe

spr

KJB how does does it work exactly, you pull the stalk and does it give you a beep, or prompt or show something?

jmorris644

On my C32 there was an original beep. Then if it could not understand your command it would walk you through voice prompts.

Joe

lkfoster

+1

I'd like to know roughly what the parts cost plus an idea about what's involved in installing it.

kjb55

Pull the stalk to activate, push to cancel.

There is a tone following by "Say a command". The COMAND screen shows available commands based on what screen you are in. Later versions of the VCS ECU contain navigation voice input capability, which is a huge benefit.

There is a long list of commands that the system is capably of, plus you can voice tag items such as phone listings. Additionally, to help with voice recognition, there is a learning mode that take approx. 10 - 15min. to complete. This helps the car understand your speech and voice patterns.

jmorris644

That is awesome. The version for the C32 was not near this functional. After a while it became just a gimick for me. This one sounds like I would actually use it. Especially the navigation capability.

Joe

SteveAustin

I am looking to retrofit the VCS into my 2005 W203. I need to get the part number for the unit that allows voice input for my Nav MCSII. I can't seem to find the correct part and want to be sure this will work.

kjb55

The C55 is in offsite storage, longer than usual as I'm about to start on the F355 major. Next week I could get the part number if you're willing to wait - otherwise you could try EPCnet which is free for NA cars or a nominal fee ($12 I think) for worldwide cars.

http://epc.startekinfo.com/epc/welcome.jsp

lkfoster

I installed mine using a kit that works for the w211 E-class and others. It ran around $175 from a dealer online as I recall and included all the bits though the control stalk was wrong. My '06 was pre-wired with the switch on the steering column and the wiring in the back. The are instructions on the retro-fit in the factory service DVD. I didn't need version coding for it to work though it did show an error on the dealer STAR machine.

It can be fairly stupid in interpreting commands and doesnt work for the nav or satellite. My module apparently wasn't the most recent as I can find from the part number which could explain that.

SteveAustin

Hey, thanks so much but I located the part number...do you still have the installation information? I could really use it and did you need a wiring harness or any cabling? I have the Sat, HK Amp, and Phone all OEM.

malahhaor

Check with a guy on eBay called cellguy. You may be able to get parts for what's needed. He has great customer service and been doing it for years. He will have propped parts and install instructions. I purchased cell and voice control parts from him since my first Benz in 2002. Benznl will also have what you need but may be pricey to ship.

BF_JC230

Can someone post part numbers and install?
I read the steering wheel, clock spring and other parts have to be pulled as well as a wire being tied into the EIS...yet here it is pop a cover, add a lever and install the correct VCM module...quality info and part numbers would be great!

Any need to re-route fibers on the passenger side of the transmission tunnel?

I have a MY2005 c230 with COMAND, CDC, sound, MHI...
Thinking about installing SDARS and might install VCM and deal with fiber loops once...