1999 ML 430 Navi. available?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
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1999 ML 430 Navi. available?
I just talked to a Mercedes dealership service manager and their electrical genius guy, and I was told that I would not be able to install an original mercedes navigation system (used - e-bay from another ml owner). They said the dashboard's shape was changed slightly for 2000+. I was wondering if it was true, since it seems like many people are doing that these days. Also, if it is available, what should I look for/watch out for in doing so? How would I be able to install it myself?
Thanks
Thanks
Member
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: On an island in Washington State
1999 Mercedes Benz SL500 & 2009 E350 4Matic Wagon
Nav System Installation
I think the MB Stealer guy may be pulling one on you, that is very sad? Talk to Sammy at mbdoctor.com he will give you the MB factory installation instructions and also has very good prices on the Nav units plus all the factory MB parts you might need for the job -- he's also a good guy, and was very helpful with the installation of a Nav system in our 2001 ML 320. 
Senior Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 263
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W163 W164 R230
What a load of rubbish! The dash changed slightly 
The dash in all W163 are exactly the same. The only issue you have with 98/99 models are :-
1. GPS only came out as of 2000 models , so the speed signal is not factory pre-fitted. This means that you need to do a small speed signal VSS retrofit for pre MY2000 vehicles.
2. The roof antenna was changed some time in end 2001 (I forgot exactly when). Initially a single coax cable runs from the roof near the rear hatch to the front behind the A/C controls. Mercedes devised a methos of sharing the same coax line & antenna for the telephone and the GPS unit. Later in 2002 they ran 2 coax lines to the front, and made a dual connector antenna
To mount a roof antenna for these models 98,99,2000,2001 you need to get the following OEM ML parts:-
1. A single (combined phone+GPS) antenna, a splitter (also functions as an amplifier), and a small cable from the splitter to the MCS or Comand Headunit.
Nav retrofits have been done numerous times by many members of various forums , and documented to great detail on ML 98/99 models.
PS: Wolfgang is a good example of the ML99 retrofit! He has a good website with details on the Speed signal retrofit you need , as well as information on the roof antenna.
PS: I have done a Comand 2.0 + Roof Antenna retrofit on a 2000 model.
Spped Signal:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/vss.html
Roof Antenna:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/gps_antenna.html
DVD Nav upgrade in 98/99 ML:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/mcsdvd.html
My Comand retrofit: (I currently only have ftp running):
ftp://guest:w163@www.mercedes-world..../Comand%202.0/
The dash in all W163 are exactly the same. The only issue you have with 98/99 models are :-
1. GPS only came out as of 2000 models , so the speed signal is not factory pre-fitted. This means that you need to do a small speed signal VSS retrofit for pre MY2000 vehicles.
2. The roof antenna was changed some time in end 2001 (I forgot exactly when). Initially a single coax cable runs from the roof near the rear hatch to the front behind the A/C controls. Mercedes devised a methos of sharing the same coax line & antenna for the telephone and the GPS unit. Later in 2002 they ran 2 coax lines to the front, and made a dual connector antenna
To mount a roof antenna for these models 98,99,2000,2001 you need to get the following OEM ML parts:-
1. A single (combined phone+GPS) antenna, a splitter (also functions as an amplifier), and a small cable from the splitter to the MCS or Comand Headunit.
Nav retrofits have been done numerous times by many members of various forums , and documented to great detail on ML 98/99 models.
PS: Wolfgang is a good example of the ML99 retrofit! He has a good website with details on the Speed signal retrofit you need , as well as information on the roof antenna.
PS: I have done a Comand 2.0 + Roof Antenna retrofit on a 2000 model.
Spped Signal:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/vss.html
Roof Antenna:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/gps_antenna.html
DVD Nav upgrade in 98/99 ML:
http://www.whnet.com/4x4/mcsdvd.html
My Comand retrofit: (I currently only have ftp running):
ftp://guest:w163@www.mercedes-world..../Comand%202.0/
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5
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OK, OK,
Mercedes dealer changed his statement to:
"The 1999 had an extremely different Wiring than 2000-2002, and then again it was changed for 2003 and on (I believe). It is very hard to put a navi on 1999."
Now, I'm wondering, what kinds of navi's (CD, DVD) and what year (2000-2005) would I be able to put in my car, and How would I be able to take the Dash/radio out, and install a navi (and antenna)? Also, what parts/instruments do I need? Is it really easy for a guy who passionately LOVES his beautiful Mercedes to install it, or is it better to find someone to do it for me? (Who can I find in Chicago?)
Thanks for all the quick responds and help, You guys ROCK. No wonder you drive a mercedes - you deserve it!
Bobby
Mercedes dealer changed his statement to:
"The 1999 had an extremely different Wiring than 2000-2002, and then again it was changed for 2003 and on (I believe). It is very hard to put a navi on 1999."
Now, I'm wondering, what kinds of navi's (CD, DVD) and what year (2000-2005) would I be able to put in my car, and How would I be able to take the Dash/radio out, and install a navi (and antenna)? Also, what parts/instruments do I need? Is it really easy for a guy who passionately LOVES his beautiful Mercedes to install it, or is it better to find someone to do it for me? (Who can I find in Chicago?)
Thanks for all the quick responds and help, You guys ROCK. No wonder you drive a mercedes - you deserve it!
Bobby
Last edited by vooroojack; Jan 21, 2006 at 07:08 PM.
