Head Unit Swap for 2003 E500 Sport
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 1
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From: Atlanta
2003 E500 Sport
Head Unit Swap for 2003 E500 Sport
I have a 2003 E500 Sport with the Harmon Kardon sound system. I am interested in upgrading to the head unit with navigation. I don't know if it is a plug and play type of deal or if I need to buy any specific adapters. I will most likely buy the oem HU, but I have no problem with an aftermarket if that works too and is cheaper. I don't know much about how this type of thing works so any help is greatly appreciated!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,225
Likes: 1,798
From: V E G A S
1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
When it comes to real navigation, it is hard to beat $150 Tom-Tom or alike.
The MB navigation sucks.
2003 GPS is sending us around the city instead going straight home.
I am using GPS for long years and know the logic you can sometimes reset, but usually going farther way on freeway, than shorter on highway.
The 2008 GPS looks much better so far, but I don't own it long enough.
Still remember GPS on 2000 model, who coming down from wooded park would regularly show our position on the center of the lake near by.
If you reall want to spend your hard earned money on MB gadget - buy newer GPS with updates. But those are chip-based, when earlier were DVD based.
Don't ask me about electronic details, but that sounds like big project to me.
The MB navigation sucks.
2003 GPS is sending us around the city instead going straight home.
I am using GPS for long years and know the logic you can sometimes reset, but usually going farther way on freeway, than shorter on highway.
The 2008 GPS looks much better so far, but I don't own it long enough.
Still remember GPS on 2000 model, who coming down from wooded park would regularly show our position on the center of the lake near by.
If you reall want to spend your hard earned money on MB gadget - buy newer GPS with updates. But those are chip-based, when earlier were DVD based.
Don't ask me about electronic details, but that sounds like big project to me.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
2004 Mercedes-Benz E 320
Its hard to beat Google Maps on your average smartphone and its practically free. Turn by turn voice navigation, etc... Of course in 2003 navigation was limited to Tom-Toms and the like.
Since you asked however, its likely you would have to purchase a number of ancillary bits (antenna, cables, hardware) to go with the option. I imagine you would end up spending a rump load of cash for a fairly deprecated option at this point.
I have navigation in my 2004 E 320 (it was there when I bought it used in March); I searched about on the forums and found an update to my 2006 dvd and firmware update to the head unit. Now it has 2016 maps and mp3 capability, but its more of a novelty than anything else.
Since you asked however, its likely you would have to purchase a number of ancillary bits (antenna, cables, hardware) to go with the option. I imagine you would end up spending a rump load of cash for a fairly deprecated option at this point.
I have navigation in my 2004 E 320 (it was there when I bought it used in March); I searched about on the forums and found an update to my 2006 dvd and firmware update to the head unit. Now it has 2016 maps and mp3 capability, but its more of a novelty than anything else.
Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 162
Likes: 8
From: Rochester NY
07 E550 4M - 11 Audi TT - 99 Expedition EB
I've gone with the Android based headunit in 2 of my other cars. I'm debating doing it in my E550 as well. There is a thread on this site regarding the install of that unit and what all is required.
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-pics-txt.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...-pics-txt.html
