My 2013 GLK 350 hs the pre-wiring for the MAP PILOT. Three questions?
(1) Can I simply plug a unit in or does it have to be done by the dealership?
(2) What is the charge for periodic map updates?
(3) Would you buy yours again knowing what you now know about it?

I have had three cars with factory installed GPS. None were good but the one in the 2010 E350 was the worst of the litter. Except that my wife, who will be the principal driver, doesn't like the W/S mount of portables, I think that most $150 to $200 hang on units are far better values. My newest, a Nuvi even has free periodic updates.

Thanks.

 

I saw a video that the Navigation Modules installs in the glove compartment. It looked like a black box about 4" by 4" by 1" and you just plug in it and you have navigation.

 

Thanks. I saw that too. What I don't know is whether or not the car's computer must be programed by a dealership for the MAP PILOT to work, whether it is as good as $200 hang on units, etc.

 

I have a 2013 C250 with the pre-wiring also. I picked up the Becker unit at my local MB Dealer yesterday. All I had to do was plug it in and it worked. I've only had a day to play with it but so far it seems OK. The TomTom is probably a better value like you said but the trade off is that it's integrated with the existing screen and sound.

 

Thank you very much. That it is plug and play tells me that I might as well look for the lowest price. Ideas anyone?

 

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Now I am really curious. What's the secret?

 

I talked with a parts manager at a dealership today. He told me that the Becker is about equally user friendly as the 'Command' navigation system. I asked how it compares with Garmin Nuvis and he said that if I don't like the Command unit and do like the Nuvis, he doesn't think I would like the Becker.

 

Mis-read the OP. The map pilot can be ordered from anyone but there is such a small margin in the option that you may see only a $20 variance from dealer to dealer when it comes to the part to plug in. The system is actually pretty good and if it were not for a need for a backup camera, my wifes next GLK would just get the audio 20+map pilot.

 

I don't have the command system, Can I have this install on my standard entertainment unit ?

 

e-Bay in the UK has several offerings of the Becker GPS at very attractive prices. Any idea when/if prices will begin to break for models loaded with US mapping, etc.?

Thanks.

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/BECKER-MAP-P...0078a1&vxp=mtr

I might have snatched this one up for $250 but the 'no returns' frightens me.

 

I just made a $250 bet that the e-Bay deal on the Becker GPS is legitimate. Wish me luck, please.

 

You're welcome!

And good luck! Let us know, please.

There are two more and I would love to get my hands on one if it works!

 

The offer has either expired or will do so in minutes,though I expect it will be renewed, perhaps at a slightly different price.

IMO, the unit is fairly priced at $250. A better Garmin can be had for less. My wife just thinks tha an in dash unit "looks better." Go figure. <bbg>

 

Yes, I feel the same way about the fixable gps units out there. Even our salesman felt that $600 was not a reasonable value considering the options out there.

It is the neat freak side of me that wants the Becker.

 

Update us when you get it, Ben. The seller still has one remaining, but I do not feel like taking a gamble.

 

Life is a gamble. <grin>

I ordered the MP on Friday last as I recall and received it yesterday via government Priority Mail. I did not expect it before Friday. I will ry it out today but see no reason to think it might not be fine.

I had one question for the seller and he answered promptly and completely v. email. He has an excellent rating on eBay which seems to be well deserved.

 

Is there any way to retrofit a 2011 GLK Audio 20/6CD to adapt a Becker???

 

If you want to learn more about the Harmon Becker Map Pilot visit their site here: https://www.beckermappilot.com/shop/login/

We just leased a new C250 coupe and it had the pre-wire so we picked up the module to add nav. It's a very simple, and reasonable cost unit that works really well.

The radio screen is slightly smaller than the standard nav screen, but it works just fine and is easy to use.

It's my wife's car, she likes the 3D map display and I like the flat or 2D. She wins of course. It has voice recognition, and a host of features most expect from a built in nav system.

A lot of the dealers are ordering the pre-wire, which you have to have, and no you can't retrofit an older model car. The cost is insignificant and push back for the puck at $600 is a LOT less than a two thousand dollar nav system.

Frankly, with our smart phones it's kind of moot these days, but having one built in is handy and it is a clean setup as mentioned.

Another interesting thing is that the manufacturer is BECKER. Gee, I have a Becker Corona AM/FM radio in my 1979 240D. Wow.

You can look up the subscription and what it entails, and the updates, but IIRC it's like $100 and gives you unlimited map updates. The unit connects to your PC with a usb cable and can be updated. Drop it back into the car.

We really like it, and we love the car.

 

Most anything is possible but my guess is the cost would be prohibitive. You can buy a much more user friendly full featured Garmin for windscreen mounting for $=/-$200. I have both...

 

Becker has been around for a while. I had a Becker AM-FM radio in a 1868 and a 1973 BMW 2002, both real 02s with round taillights. <G> Back then the radios were installed at the port of entry to the US.

 

The seller was super to deal with and the unit is exactly as described. I would definitely do business with the company again.

That said, I like my ZUMO and NUVIs much better. As with the more expensive M-B factory installed NAV, the Chermans made this one too complex and less effective than many of the aftermarket units.

 

Great to hear!

Just bought myself a Becker Map Pilot from this seller. Looks like he reduced the final price to $200 to get rid of the last one. At that price, it is a reasonable price difference to the IMO superior removable units. $600 IMHO is absolutely ridiculous, even for an integrated option. Surely, soon they will have GPS that can be connected to a screen via bluetooth or aux input?

Update: The seller has been very prompt with answering inquiries. If they are open tomorrow I should be receiving my package my Wednesday/Thursday.

 

Gah. I have not been on the board in a while and missed this deal. Looking forward to knowing how the unit works out.