randyman

the install was pretty straight-forward. very easy. the only problem that i came across was unplugging the darn connectors/harnesses for the center console, transfer case module, and the like -- i wanted to make sure that i didn't break anything. if i did it again, i'm pretty confident that i could do it way way faster.

anyhoo....

DVD map version 1.00.03


Start-up




Day mode


Night mode

after the install and start-up, i didn't have to wait for 2-5 minutes to locate the satellites. the green satellite icon came up instantly!

i went to the dealership to version code it today. the SA didn't even bring anything with him. he looked at my MCS, played with it, came back to me and told me "It's working now!".

now i have voice prompt! YAAAAY! was the SA supposed to hook it up to a laptop or something to get the voice prompt to work?

in sum, i'm really happy with this mod. i'm so happy it's making my nuts tingle.

bzl763

did you install the CD or DVD version? what is the year of your ML?

I'm about to attempt to install it but have to get the antenna, splitter/amp, and cable parts first.

bzl763

Also, what directions did you follow to do the install.

thx! and congrats on the install, sounds pretty exciting.

- steve

randyman

here's the link for the instructions: http://imageevent.com/benza/dvdnavigationretrofit

the navigation unit is a brand new DVD nav and map (1.00.03). i installed this unit in my 98 ML.

let me know if u have any more ???s.

bzl763

Yeah, a few...

1) Approx. how long did it take you?

2) What directions/instructions did you use to complete it?

3) Where did you buy your parts (i.e. splitter/amp, cable, and attenna)

I'm about to do it in my 2000 ML 320 mercedes.

bzl763

Nevermind my Question #2...I see you already answered that question...I read too fast.

bzl763

oh yeah, did MB dealer charge you for doing the 5 minute "version coding" job to get the voice activiation?

thx.

- steve

randyman

1. it took me almost an hour. since i'm not too familiar with mercedes parts, i took my time to make sure that i didn't break anything. if i do it the 2nd time around, i'm pretty sure that i could do it in less than 30 mins.

2. u already know...

3. i got the antenna, splitter/amp, cable on EBAY.

MB didn't charge me anything to version code the truck. the SA actually just played around with the settings. i later found out (thru the nice folks at BENZWORLD) that version coding is not needed. i could've done it myself! just put the voice prompt to MAX, set the destination, drive, and that's it.

hth.

bzl763

Where did you purchase the 3 MB Euro Parts that are needed (according to the web site instructions you refer to)?

I got the 3 American parts (cable, splitter/amp, & antenna) but don't have the 3 Euro parts.

thx.

- Steve

89CE

Very Nice. Im going to do the same in my 99. What was the total cost for everything?
Thanks,
Clint

randyman

check ur mail.

randyman

MCS unit = 200
DVD nav & map = 1200
GPS antenna, etc. = 100
3 Euro parts = 250



hth.

89CE

I called my local MB wrecker and he said he'll probably be getting a 2000 ML in a week or two. Couldnt I get all the parts necessary for a conversion on my 99 from that 2000?
Thanks.

Benza

What's up people
I never thought of looking at a wrecked 2000 ML for all the parts needed for the retrofit. I know you could get the MCS unit, splitter, cable and antenna if your lucky you might be able to buy the CD NAV but most likely not DVD NAV since that didn't come out until 2002, and I'm not sure about the 3 Euro parts. For some reason I am thinking that the 2000 ML's in the US have a different wire harness than the EURO ML's but it couldn't hurt to check it out.
I would love to know the outcome when you find out!
You will definatly need the 3 Euro parts if you want the NAV to recognize where you are and how fast you are traveling (dead recogning) The voice prompts won't work and neither will your AM radio until the Euro parts get installed.
Here is the detailed version of my DVD NAV Retrofit if you need it:

DVD NAV RETROFIT IN TO A 98 OR 99 ML
Benza

jrhone

I have a 99 and really want to do this, but not sure I am capable. Will the dealer do this if I provide the parts? Or can someone recommend a place in the SF Bay Area that I can take it to have done?

Any help would be much appreciated!

bzl763

The dealer's per hour labor charge may be way high. You might want to go to a local European auto mechanic and give him the print out of Benza's instructions. I'm sure they'll do it for MUCH less.

I did it myself on my 2000 ML 320 and it took me a total of 20 minutes (minus the trouble I had with a dud antenna). I imagine it would take another 40 min or so for the VSS install required on 1998 and 1999 MLs.

- Steve

randyman

it's REALLY easy! as long as u have all the parts it's all plug and play. if i come down to san fran, i'll even do it for u...just buy me lunch or something.

bzl763

If you come over to Chicago, I can do it for you too...just buy me lunch or something. (ha ha ha)

jrhone

randyman -- where are you located? Are you in California? This is worth me driving to you if you are and I will still buy you lunch!

Also, where can I get the Euro parts?

jrhone

The guy at Clairparts didn't have a clue what I was talking about when I called about the DVD Nav Drive Kit -- says they are discontinued -- say it isn't so!

jrhone

Randyman or anyone else -- question?

I can get the MCS unit the NAV/CD already installed -- assuming that I can get the Euro parts, can I bypass the DVD Nav Drive and DVD Map and just go with the CD version?

bzl763

For the Euro parts contact germanparts@***.net. He's been able to get any parts I needed for the DVD Nav install.

- Steve

Benza

I just checked Clairparts web site and it is still showing up. Check it out here: DVD NAV KIT

You can use either CD or DVD NAV. You don't have to bypass anything. You just install the 1 you want.

jrhone

Thanks Steve -- he is giving me a price quote tomorrow.

bzl763

Not a problem. Good luck and let us know how it turns out.

- Steve