boldstep

Hi everyone,

This is my first post. I am looking at options for replacing my Audio 50 unit in my E500 2003. I want to get more features in it; at the very least, I would like to be able to hook up my iPhone as a music source.

So I've been doing some digging and I've found these options:

1- Chinese manufactured head unit which seem to have compatibility issues
2- Newer command unit with a aux in audio jack
3- Retrofitting a Cartronics unit to add bluetooth, etc.

I tried the Cartronics option and found it clumsy with the Audio 50. The second option of swapping out the Command unit for a newer unit seems expensive and elaborate when all I would get is AUX in.

Are there any other options I should consider? What about reputable drop in replacement units like the Kenwood I've seen for other Mercedes? Does something like that exist for a 2003 E500?

Thank you in advance for any suggestions you can provide!

Cartronics

We have the COMAND PRO, which is a good option if you do not have the Harmon Kardon sound upgrade.
Putting in a refurb original COMAND is a great option to keep the factory look and tight integration for a much lower price than putting in an aftermarket, like a Kenwood. That way you keep the value of the car up (aftermarket head units lower the car value by about 15-20% according to NADA and CARS.com, this applies to Mercedes, maybe not other car makes)

boldstep

The Command plus looks sweet but $2k is quite expensive. Thanks for the tip.

Cartronics

Honestly, the refurb COMAND (or used) is the best thing all around. Is not too expensive most of the time, and you get the full experience. Plus the Cartronics piece that you have/had would give you a full experience too. The Audio 50 is simply a limited radio function wise, and the COMAND is not.

boldstep

Thanks! What features do the refurb command units have that the Audio 50 don't besides the AUX in?

Cartronics

First off, they are NAV ready. They have what is known in the industry as CD TEXT ability. Meaning they will read out Song and Artist information if provided on the fiber optics. This would come from certain CD's or is provided by our iTronics device. It gives you a larger display, easy music navigation, easy phonebook navigation, see multiple entries of songs and phonebook at a time, etc etc.
They are basically easier and more enjoyable to use. (note: you have mentioned Aux several times - the Aux is a separate kit to the COMAND and no song info is given on the factory Aux kit - just so you know) However, if you had/have an iTronic (as mentioned in the first post), they provide CD TEXT and already have the iPod and Aux.

boldstep

Thanks Cartronics! I'd like to understand the difficulty of swapping out the Audio 50 to a refurb command or the Command Pro. Do you have a write up on your website or can you provide a overview of what is involved? I suppose you have to pull the ash tray and changer out to start with....

Cartronics

Unplug the Audio50 and plug in the COMAND. That is it.

Yes, pull ashtray, pull changer, pull Audio50, unplug. Plug in COMAND, Insert COMAND, put back changer, put back ashtray.

boldstep

How would you connect in the aux audio in? Also would only a puck with a tail be needed to then be iPhone ready? Thanks for your help!

Cartronics

The iTronic would be the least expensive for both, aux in and phone... As the puck and tail won't work in this case and you would also need the aux kit from the dealer.