mfortis

I own a 2005 CLK320 (W209). I have recently upgrade from the Audio 20 to Navigation. I have also upgraded the 6 disk CD player to one that plays MP3's and added the AUX input. Spent about $700 USD so far and its been worth every penny.

I have read that you can see the navigation (streets, instructions,etc) in the speedometer by taking it into a dealer and having them configure your car. Does anyone know what that would cost? Or about how long it takes to do? Will I also be able to view song info in the speedo? The stealers can charge quite a bit for the most simplest tasks.
Also, I have the 2005 map DVD, but was looking at updating it with the 2009-10 map DVD. Besides the obvious map updates, are there any other benefits to updating the software? Oh and what about that black dot above the number 2 button? Is that for a remote control?
One more nav question? Has anyone tried to connect an external video, dvd or tv? I have come across products from navvideo.com, pac-audio.com catronics.com, but wanted some to get advice/reviews from anyone who actually has any of these products installed.

I am also looking at installing bluetooth, but I am not sure what to buy. I know I have to buy the adapter. But I not sure if I need both the MHI Core Installation Kit and the MHI Vehicle Completer Kit. Well I know I need the completer kit since its not in the center console. So my question is how can I determine if I need the core install kit? After installing all the phone components will I need to visit the dealer for any updates or configuration changes?

Finally, if I wanted to get 'full' iPod intergration, I know I would normally would have to get rid of the the Aux input, but has anyone had any experience with non OEM iPod upgrades? I would like to keep the aux input and get all the advantages of speedo and navigation display and steering wheel control.

Thanks in advance for reading and replying.
Mike

dynomite05

This is the first I hear about seeing the navi in the speedo. You would have all the features you're looking for by switching to an aftermarket navi.

mfortis

Yes, but I'm trying to keep it as 'OEM' as possible. And after running the numbers I would end up paying about the same.
I picked up the navigation in the speedometer display from the Mercupgrades.com #7 (http://www.mercupgrades.com/COMAND+R...article-1.html). It may not be applicable to w209.

dynomite05

It might not be. I haven't heard of any W209 having this option.

archony

On my 2006, with the left-hand steering wheel button I can scroll through to show the nav information on the speedometer while it is also displayed on the navigation screen. I don't know if it can be displayed on the speedo alone though.

Nealgobert

It (nav in secondary display) is available and is also independent of COMAND display function. If you have a good relationship with the dealership they may enable this function at no cost; otherwise expect to be charged approximately one hour's labor (don't agree to any more than this)

SteveB4

My car already had navi installed when I bought it and I can get navi information on the speedo so I would think dealership could activate that portion somehow. I didn't have bluetooth but I purchased and installed the cartronics itronic.

mfortis

Thanks for confirming what I had read and what Nealgobert and archony stated.
How did the cartonics install go? Looks pretty easy on their videos and they promise full steering wheel/nav functionality. You can even upgrade it to include ipod. I just thought it was kind of steep in price, $799 plus $129 for ipod. I just got a quote from a local dealer for around $300, including both kits and miscellaneous hardware. So for the $500 bucks I save I will stick to OEM. Well only saving $400, since I had to buy the MB bluetooth module on ebay for $100. Maybe I can wait till they have a sale.

SteveB4

Your quote sounds pretty cheap. I thought it would be more expensive for all of that. the itronic was pretty easy to install. You have to remove the cover over the shifter, then remove ashtray to remove the bottom screws of the comand unit. Then remove the control panel above the radio to gain access to the top screws. Pull the comand unit out unhook fiber opitic and run into itronic then from itronic to comand and then used the supplied connector to tap into 12 volt power and its connected. I hid the actual unit in the space below the glove box.

babyman1737

Any advice on the parts needed for the navigation upgrade? I see there is a GPS and antenna cable I have to purchase for around $120 (from commandonline in the UK). Is there an updated list of nav part numbers that will work in a 2005/2006 CLK?

How did your bluetooth install go? Which kit did you decide on?

dynomite05

I could get you a part number for a navi tomorrow, but you might be able to find one on eBay. I'm guessing your looking for the facelift navi, correct?

babyman1737

Yep, facelift nav (2005+). I checked on ebay, nothing up there yet. It might just end up being a little bit of a waiting game on that one.