retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
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From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
After having retrofitted a DVD comand into an 08/03 eurospec E220CDI (which was no fun at all - as can be seen here), I have retrofitted a factory eurospec DVD comand with DVD navigation drive and original mercedes TV tuner in my friend' s US spec 2003 E55 AMG this week.
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Lahore | Manama | Seattle
Re: retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
Wow--nice job. I wonder how much all this is costing your friend. Isn't this the same guy, you installed the auto-folding mirrors for?
How does the dealer deal with these installations? They aren't supposed to touch 2003s as they were told retrofits were impossible for COMAND. There's a good chance all this is unsupported at your friendly local MB dealer. Certainly my Evil (TM) dealership would never support these features.
How does the dealer deal with these installations? They aren't supposed to touch 2003s as they were told retrofits were impossible for COMAND. There's a good chance all this is unsupported at your friendly local MB dealer. Certainly my Evil (TM) dealership would never support these features.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 625
Likes: 82
From: Germantown, MD
'07 GL450
DVD Nav and original TV Tuner?! I want that!
Does the factory DVD Nav come w/TV capabilities? Does it play DVDs on the Nav screen? What needs to be done to enable these features?
Nice work!
Does the factory DVD Nav come w/TV capabilities? Does it play DVDs on the Nav screen? What needs to be done to enable these features?
Nice work!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
Steve,
You stated you were stuck with some reults on the display that lead me to believe there is a problem??? Is there??? If not, you have just teased me to the point that I cannot wait for your E-Mail that your are coming to Disney World!!!!!
Randy
You stated you were stuck with some reults on the display that lead me to believe there is a problem??? Is there??? If not, you have just teased me to the point that I cannot wait for your E-Mail that your are coming to Disney World!!!!!
Randy
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: South Florida
MY12 W212 E350
I'm in Miami, and definitely interested as well...if you or other guys get together for a setup let me know..
BTW, I have an 03 E320 (October 2002 build), hopefully it will work with mine as well.
-alf
BTW, I have an 03 E320 (October 2002 build), hopefully it will work with mine as well.
-alf
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
Likes: 1
From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
Not to be a killjoy, but using a video screen to display entertainment content visible to the driver while the car is moving is illegal in California, and probably other states. Having such a display in your car is OK so long as the entertainment function is locked out while the car is moving. See California Vehicle Code § 27602.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/di...le=27600-27607
That being said, the chances of being caught seem low because of the location of the W211 display. Unlike, say, the recent case of some doofus in New York state who was busted for watching a skin flick while driving. The cops saw it on the visor and seatback displays of the, ahem, 1994 Mercedes he was driving.
http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/cgi-bin/di...le=27600-27607
That being said, the chances of being caught seem low because of the location of the W211 display. Unlike, say, the recent case of some doofus in New York state who was busted for watching a skin flick while driving. The cops saw it on the visor and seatback displays of the, ahem, 1994 Mercedes he was driving.
Last edited by DWP; Apr 16, 2004 at 11:49 AM.
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
Ha, your state probably would not allow it based on the gamma ray pollution from TV signals and weird co-efficient that effects yellow ants during mating season. Florida law is no TV that is visbible to the driver, others are allowed to watch while in motion. Would be kind of arguementative down here in a court room. Besides, some people get tickets and others don't really depends on how much you ask for it most times.
Randy
Randy
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,586
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The comparable Florida statute is generally similar to the California statute, but (characteristically) shorter, less comprehensive, and more open to interpretation (e.g., does "television-type receiving equipment" include a DVD player?)
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/ind...>Section%20303
Nothing about gamma ray pollution or yellow ants mating in either statute.
http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/ind...>Section%20303
Nothing about gamma ray pollution or yellow ants mating in either statute.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 536
Likes: 4
From: Orlando, Florida
**SOLD***2003 E500
316.303 Television receivers.--
(1) No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat.
(2) This section does not prohibit the use of television-type receiving equipment used exclusively for safety or law enforcement purposes, provided such use is approved by the department.
(3) This section does not prohibit the use of an electronic display used in conjunction with a vehicle navigation system.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
(1) No motor vehicle operated on the highways of this state shall be equipped with television-type receiving equipment so located that the viewer or screen is visible from the driver's seat.
(2) This section does not prohibit the use of television-type receiving equipment used exclusively for safety or law enforcement purposes, provided such use is approved by the department.
(3) This section does not prohibit the use of an electronic display used in conjunction with a vehicle navigation system.
(4) A violation of this section is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a nonmoving violation as provided in chapter 318.
As seen in (1) Viewable from the driver, (3)Nav unit not prohibited. Not something that is as clear cut as California Fruit law.
Randy
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Re: retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
Steve
When are you gona be in California ? Are you going to be around Mark area (Huntington Beach) ??
Thanks, zam.
When are you gona be in California ? Are you going to be around Mark area (Huntington Beach) ??
Thanks, zam.
Originally posted by MBenzNL
After having retrofitted a DVD comand into an 08/03 eurospec E220CDI (which was no fun at all - as can be seen here), I have retrofitted a factory eurospec DVD comand with DVD navigation drive and original mercedes TV tuner in my friend' s US spec 2003 E55 AMG this week.
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
After having retrofitted a DVD comand into an 08/03 eurospec E220CDI (which was no fun at all - as can be seen here), I have retrofitted a factory eurospec DVD comand with DVD navigation drive and original mercedes TV tuner in my friend' s US spec 2003 E55 AMG this week.
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 3
From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
randy - no problems at all...what we got stuck with were possitive results...
DWP - I have heard that speeding is illegal to...nevertheless it doesn't seem to stop people from doing that either...
zam2000 - I am in Cali right now and will be at Mark's somewhen soon...
monakh - not only is his dealer cool with these modifications...they also want us to do some installs for them...
greetingz,
DWP - I have heard that speeding is illegal to...nevertheless it doesn't seem to stop people from doing that either...
zam2000 - I am in Cali right now and will be at Mark's somewhen soon...
monakh - not only is his dealer cool with these modifications...they also want us to do some installs for them...
greetingz,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 21
From: San Diego
2004 E320
I highly doubt any cop will see the videos on the NAV screen since the location of it is pretty low on the dash. In any case, if I do get pulled over...I could simply hit the MAP button and just say it was my navigation system that the cop saw. If I have to schedule an appt. for the installation of a TV tuner, who shall I contact?
Almost a Member!
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: So. Cal.
Re: retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
Originally posted by MBenzNL
After having retrofitted a DVD comand into an 08/03 eurospec E220CDI (which was no fun at all - as can be seen here), I have retrofitted a factory eurospec DVD comand with DVD navigation drive and original mercedes TV tuner in my friend' s US spec 2003 E55 AMG this week.
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
After having retrofitted a DVD comand into an 08/03 eurospec E220CDI (which was no fun at all - as can be seen here), I have retrofitted a factory eurospec DVD comand with DVD navigation drive and original mercedes TV tuner in my friend' s US spec 2003 E55 AMG this week.
The comand with navigation is fully functional as it is suposed to be from factory. The navigation menu in the instrument cluster has been activated to get the navigation help displayed in there. As we ran out of time - we didn't get to install the TV antenna yet - but besides that we got most of the possible comand related features covered.
With the help of (my own) stardiagnose we changed the regioncode (DVD purpose) of the headunit, we enabled view while in motion, we activated the RDS feature in the audio gateway, updated the comand software to get CD text displayed and got stuck with the following results that can be seen on the following linked pictures.
1) before; the car with the headunit as it was delivered from factory.
2) The trunkmounted DVD navigation drive and TV tuner.
3) after; The DVD comand with the map displayed and the navigation screen in the instrument cluster.
4) close up of the comand navigation screen in split-mode
5) close up of the navigation screen in the instrument cluster
6) a scene of james bond on the comand screen...the sound with the HK suround feature is amazing...
...while we were at it we also swapped the standard airbag for a leather stitched airbag: link
...and changed the black grill for an original mercedes silver colored grill: link
...the power folding mirrors with auto folding feature when locked were already installed during my last US trip: link
Next up; a set of active cornering lights and whatever else can be found...
greetingz,
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 3
From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Re: Re: retrofitted comand in 2003 W211
Originally posted by Lakerholic
Steve -- simple question: how much and when can I get this?!?
Steve -- simple question: how much and when can I get this?!?
greetingz,
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
People can interpret the law anyway they want, and try to find ways to get away with breaking it, but it comes down to this: you shouldn't be watching TV while driving. If you need to watch a movie, stay home and watch it. Don't put other people's lives at risk.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
E500 SPORT
help
i have 2003 e500 and was offered command system when purchased. Never had it because of retro problem. I really want to get nav and never imagined a $60K car without it. if not even a bigger screen. Steve, can you advise? anyone? I live in Northern Virginia.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 4,011
Likes: 3
From: global traveller
some slow@$$diesels
Originally posted by W211 Ryda
I'm also interested in turning my 2004 NAV screen into a TV tuner & DVD player. What parts would I need?
I'm also interested in turning my 2004 NAV screen into a TV tuner & DVD player. What parts would I need?
greetingz,
