ml3504me

Hello all, I am new to this forum I think? Actually I owned 2 C32's back about 3 years ago and I was on one forum, can't remember if this was the one!

My wife and I just purchased a 2008 ML350 in black, upgrading from a 2002 BMW X5. I am glad she made the change I really like the new ML.

I used the search feature and found some great info about upgrading to the factory nav. The car we bought was a demo with 5200 miles on it, and it does not have Sirius or NAV, both of which the wife wants.

On the searches I see many posts about dealers doing the install, and members doing their own for much less cash. I have done these changes in my SRT 300C and other car. From what I read, the dealer is somewhere from $1500-3000 depending where you go. I also heard of some people simply buying a "Mercedes DVD Drive" from ebay and adding it to the current radio for less than $800 somehow.

If anyone has good input for me I would appreciate it very much. Unfortunately my wife will not let me use a after market unit like I would rather do.

Anyway glad to be here, and I hope to get some pics up soon, for not its just stock...

Future mods

1. NAV
2. Sirius
3. 22" wheels (not chrome)
4. Lowering possibly...
5. Grille changes

sosh

From what I understand but do not know from experience Its quite simple to add the nav and difficult to add the Radio. With the nav just a nav drive is required to be installed in the command, a software change or upgrade may be required, not certain. I have always purchased cars with all the items I wanted installed and never retrofitted any. By the way EBay is not a credible source for MB parts. Many items there are used defective and/or stolen. Have read many horrer stories. Buy a new unit from the dealer to be installed in your new ML. Don't know why you did not negotiate these items at the same time as your car purchase as you would have done better.

paulybagadonuts

Sosh is right, best time to get things done is while you're negotiating but that ship has sailed.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with your ML. I've ownwed mine for around 18 months and simply Love It!

I had the NAV installed by the dealer after purchase for just under $2k. Ouch, but can't see owning a car of this caliper without it.

I also tried getting Sat radio installed but was told it was too expensive and too difficult so I let it go.

I would still be willing to do it if I hear different but haven't so far.

Good luck, I'll be watching your post to see if anything new comes up but I'm not getting my hopes up.

Other than that, I think the ML is a superb vehicle. My first MB and by far the nicest car I've ever owned. Hope you and your wife enjoy it as much as I and mine have.

ml3504me

I got the quote. they want $500 to install if I get them the new unit, or they will sell me the unit and install it for $1850.00

I would really like the Sirius as well, but if its crazy price wise I will also forget it...

Have to remember when I was negotiating this car had 5K miles (08 never titled) gave it to me with 100K warranty for $36,900

I think I got a pretty good deal so there was not an option for me to afford a new one with nav...

am_beagle

there is a lot of MLs shipped to Europe and they can not use their American Navigation head and softwares, hence the auction on eBay. I bought mine few months ago at $600+ (model year 2006 Comand unit with DVD drive for my 2008 ML). Just plug-and-play, plus an TeleAid antenna splitter under the rear left cushion seat ($35 at dealer) and then a dealer Star-diagnosis resetting fro Navi. Voila. All under $750 versus $ 3000+ installed by dealer.
Search this forum under audio and telematics for the topic.
Good luck and welcome on board.

ml3504me

OK I just wanted to hear someone say they did this... This was exactly what I wanted to hear...

How hard to remove the deck thats in there now?

am_beagle

I know at least 3 others did this. Search for philport, xj9 posts and you'll see how they do that. Good luck and enjoy your new ride (with wife, of course) He, he....