mobinakhtar

Hi Folks,

I see Trip computers popup ance i a while on ebay. Are they a plug and play solution? Is there a harness in the upper console for these things? My ML320 did not come with one. It does not seem to have the dimming mirror either. However, it does have a MCS.

Has anyone done this install? I could not find info n the web about it. Even on Wolfgangs page

mobinakhtar

Apparently this trip computer module is a "can-bus" appliance that replaces the tow/truck module in the over head. I found cousins@kc.rr.com that sells them at $95.00 shipped. Its a bit tricky DIY that involved cutting the black trip piece in the overhead as well. He was instant in response time. Answered all of my questions, and I have paypalled him the money.

Hope to see the parts soon. I will insert pics of install here.

mobinakhtar

I am amazed! The part actually arrived - brand new in mercedez packaging. It is BRAND NEW. Now the real test will be to install it. I will take some pics today and post them here as well. The seller (cousins) also included a drill bit for cutting out the window for the lcd.

350insp

Hi, I would very much like to see your install and pictures. Thanks.

mobinakhtar

I finally printed the instructions pdf. I wish there was a way to post the pdf here. A lot of users can benefit from it because it is really an overhead console dis-assembly documentation.

Seems like a straight forward install though. The only difficulty is cutting the window in the black plastic thingie for the LCD to show. I will practice on some dummy plastic before tempering with the real thing. Looking forward to this weekend.

One thing that kinda concerns me is that the documentation states that install is valid from 98-2005 MY but the docuimentation pics are from a 2003 ML350. I am really scared that I will disassemble the overhead just to find out that my MY2000 harness is different (fingers are crossed).

Also I am told that Tow Secure feature (replaced by the trip computer) is now in the Trip computer itself (YET TO BE SEEN). So I AM sceptical! but money is already spent and I am excited to see this thing work.

OttoBon100

Moby. I hope it works for you! Can't wait to see some pics. I'd like to do the same for my '03 ML320. $95.00 works for me! I would definitely be a tad nervous about cutting the plastic too. I wonder if you could buy that plastic piece from the dealer already cut? Probably have to purchase the whole assembly knowing Mercedes! I did just install a DVD NAV system I purchased on Ebay and love it. Just looked at a couple other Forums and apparently you can not just buy that little piece of plastic. Cut it yourself or junk yard are the only options.

mobinakhtar

I keep looking at the part - sitting atop my kitchen counter everyday thinking I will install it this weekend and it never happens. HOWEVER - This coming weekend I will do something about it.

I also bought a reverse sensor system so it can beep ( I have small kids and ML is not great when it comes to rear visibility).

We'll see how this one goes.

For the comments about that plastic piece, It is NOT available and I guess that has been my biggest concern so far and the biggest reason this mod is not done so far.

I imagine though, one could cut anpther piece of plastic the same dimensions and experiment while saving the original trim for reverting.

I have had this thing for a while now, and I am wondering if it doesnt work, I am ***** up the creek!

pleubner

Don't be scared .. you're too young to die!

pleubner

.

AC_ML

I installed a trip computer and a compass module on my former 2001 ML 320.

If you want the compass to work, you need to buy and install the compass module at the rear of your ML. It is easy to install if your ML has the compass harness. You have a compass harness if your ML model year is above 2000 or 2001. I can't remember when the compass module was introduced.. I know 2001 had it, though I don't know about 2000.. Anybody..?

In order for the compass module to work, they have to enable the use of it by the trip computer at the dealer.. I guess is like compass module present..

Else besides cutting the square for the display and once you figure out how to remove the old dummy module, it is a snap and works fine, too. Make sure you spend the time cutting the square/rectangle correctly since you'll have to live with the quality of job you results you achieved.

Though, I hope you have the right revision of the trip computer module since there are various versions and the early ones had some issues which prompted MB to release new versions/updates...

By the way, great installation notes pleubner.. Back in 2001/2002, it would have come pretty handy to have those nice detailed instructions and images...

AC

pleubner

Don't thank me , thank S4toML! He really did a good job!


PS: I see the dome housing with the trip computer cuttout every now and then here on ebay.de for around 30 Euros!. This is the price the MB inhouse recycling "mbgtc" sells them for.!

pleubner

Here is one on ebay (the dome housing, with the trip computer cutout)

http://cgi.ebay.de/MERCEDES-BENZ-INN...QQcmdZViewItem

mobinakhtar

Ah.... All I see is gray ones. I have the beige interior. I called the local merc dealer (Greenway mercedes - Houston, TX) and talked to the "friendly" parts guy. He said something was available and gave me a part number:

163 825 0030

I hope this is the C-shaped part he is mentioning. Also the European garage door flap is very different from the US spec (three buttons vs 1)

I could not find anything on that part number.

mobinakhtar

and had to be ordered based on your VIN (I guess for color match)

pleubner

Just a quick word on the garage door opener! The 3 button one is a complete intergrated unit and needs to be programmed to a particular garage door!.

The other one (large black button) is in fact nothing other than a compartment to place your normal remote into. The black button is pressed onto the remote's button. There is a piece of velcro (both sides) in the compartment that you can stick onto your remote!.

.... so it's not a Euro/US thing , but rather a "use your remote that comes with the garage door" , or "use the intergrated door opener module" thing.

kiwi163

I never understood what the large black button was for...It now makes perfect sense...many thanks

OttoBon100

That's exactly how they have done it in the Ford Escape for years! I just noticed on the W164s that the rear seats now fold exactly like the Ford Escape - VERY easy and you don't have to remove the headrests! No more "pull on this lever and now pull on this lever and now... Is Benz finally realizing that simple is cost effective AND easy on us!!!

YuCrew

EXCELLENT post, pics and details by pleubner. In the interest of being helpful (NOT CRITICAL), in step 7, figures 7 and 8,you need only one screwdriver to pry the tab on each side. I'd like to say I figured this out myself but I read it from the manufacturer's instruction sheet AR82.20-P-1100GH here:

http://ww2.justanswer.com/uploads/eu...head_panel.pdf

Thanks again pleubner. Your post was very helpful.

stargate56

Thank you to "pleubner" whose instructions (below in the Thread) with pictures were invaluable. It took me 45 minutes + a trip to get a T-10.
Now I will find out if the random alarms will stop. The old trip computer would not hold the date after setting. The date set did not hold once the car was turned off. It always changed to Aug 2000 so it was not working correctly. Now I will replace the alarm horn fuse and see if I wake the neighbours at 3 am! Again! Hopefully peace in the valley.