sundial2k

Hello,
I'm a new convert to MB. I went to test drive a ML-350 to rule it out so I could justify a Cayenne S but I never expected it to be as good as it is and ended up driving home on the one they had in the showroom (it does pay to shop on the last day of the year ). I really wanted navi but the dealership didn't have any on the lot with navi along with the other options I wanted. They said they could add it through the parts and service department for almost $3000, which seems a little crazy if the LCD is already there and all they are adding is a navi module, DVD and antenna, doesn't it? Has anyone added navi to an '06 ML? I'd appreciate any input I can get.

Thanks,
John

JohnAMG

Of course when you ask the dealer for the job, they are going to hijack your wallet. I am not familiar with the NAV in the new ML, but I think you either replace the headunit or NAV drive. Often time it can be DIY job and only need the dealer to minor reprogramming after the installation. My advice to you is find a ML with the NAV and the option you want to save you the headache, especially if you aren't handy with electronic. And never short change yourself by buying a striped down Mercedes because you will regret it. I can never understand a lot of dealer stock inventory are not well equipped at all. Their only concern is to keep the price down by decontenting the car. I got the feeling the dealers are trying to keep the ML350 priced around $47-48K to compete withe Lexus RX330.

John

Birger

Hi,

and congratulations on your New Year's gift

Opinions are divided on the NAV unit in the W164 - US and Europe. And $3K is a lot of money, especially if you made a better-than-normal deal on 12/31.

I know it might seem slightly "out-of-place", but have you considered one of the Garmin-type navigation systems?? They're (over here at least) becoming available from a great number of "known" manufacturers, they perform quite well (sometimes better than the factory ones), they're still cheap, and they're becoming rapidly less of a PITA to look at.

I would seriously consider this.

ShoremNJ

Go with an aftermarket Street Pilot from Garmin, easier to operate with touch screen. $599.00

ffejalink

I've heard great things about the units from TomTom. C-net also rated these units a best pick (or whatever term they use). I'm thinking about getting one for my C (the ML already has nav). The main reason I'm considering this over a COMAND unit is that's its portable so I can take it with me when I travel.

GregW / Oregon

Here's an article from Wired last year that rated some units:
http://wired-vig.wired.com/wired/arc...play.html?pg=8

Garmin has a 7" screen model now:
http://www.garmin.com/products/sp7200/

and also the 2730 has XM radio built-in along with traffic alert feature:
http://www.garmin.com/products/sp2730/