jhanson25

My 2004 has the old Comand system/AC controls... is it possible thru either modding current trim or buying new to upgrade to the next gen Comand system introduced in the 2005 models. Only info I can find is going from no Comand. Seems the only thing that changed is the trim and perhaps how it bolts in. Any info is much appreciated! Thanks!!

Rudeney

Not just trim change, but the upper control panel and ACC panels use a revised CAN bus communication. You have to change out quite a bit. A guy over on the benzworld W203 forums did this on his C-class.

jhanson25

Found the article... for the trouble and cost it seems a 3rd party Nav unit and touchscreen head would be smarter. Pioneer, Alpine...

merceBENZ

Smarter... But it will never blend in so nicely as OEM one.
Being honest with you, I have OEM and it always off. Why? Too old and slow for nowadays. It takes almost five minutes to set up navigation and get the worst possible route. Why would it drive me through paid turnpike if I could take free route for the same amount of time? Senseless..
The best integration would be... Mini IPad. The hardest to do but the most enjoyable to use. People have done it on Mercedes. Not sure about w209. Couldn't find any pictures.

megacrazy

Yeah just take your pick of any Android headunits out there. Some are made to look like OEM if that's bothering you. Throw in some amps to drive the speakers, run new cables and you're set. A lot of work but it's worth it.