BlueChip

First time posting here.
I own a highly modified 2002 Audi TT and have followed the AudiWorld Forum for a number of years, BUT I just bought a 2006 ML500 (with only 10K miles) for my wife and it didn't come with Navigation or Satellite. I would like to add these features to it since she (my wife) has been spoiled by these excesses on previous autos. I bought it from CarMax without these options because the car was like new and I couldn't pass it up (paid $29.9K for it).

My questions are then:
1 - What is the best way to add these options without incurring prohibitive costs from a dealer. Or is the dealer my only option if I want OEM parts.

2 - What kind of antenna(s) will the system(s) require. Or are they already in place since the COMAND face plate is the same whether or not these options are installed (this reallly burns me up . It shows NAV, SAT, PHONE and none of these are installed).

3 - Are the wiring harnesses for these options in place even though the options are not.

Thank you in advance for your help and patience (in case this has already been posted and answered in the past).

BlueChip

dgiturbo

I remember some where in the forum someone had this done. Search around the M- Class W164 posts. If I recall, it was pricey. In the thousands for OEM and harness. (5K comes to mind)
Best bet would be to use aftermarket stuff, as the factory unit leaves a bitter taste in your mouth till you get used to it, and the store brands are very user friendly for the couple hundred they cost.
Enjoy the new ride.

BlueChip

I will not get it done for anywhere close to $5K. I'll dig through the forum and call the dealer tomorrow. Aftermarket is sounding better & better.

BlueCHip

sosh

My ML500 has the nav and phone. I ordered both when I ordered the vehicle. I may be mistaken but I believe that the nav harness and antenna are installed on all ML's at the factory. All you will need as I understand it is the actual nav unit (DVD Player) that installs in your command unit, the current DVD and to have the dealer update the software to recognize the Nav unit. From what I understand at a dealers this will be maybe 2 grand perhaps a little less. Some guys have purchased used nav units and installed themselves.

paulybagadonuts

I had the Nav installed after purchase at the dealer. Cost a bit high $2k but had to have it. Also tried getting the SAT installed but was told by the dealer it was cost prohibitive. There are plenty of prior threads on this. Good Luck and welcome to MB

BlueChip

I just ordered the NAV unit, and GPS antenna splitter from MBDoctor for just under $600 (including shipping). I plan on doing the job myself.
The dealer also told me that the SAT install would be prohibitive as well. I can't understand why.

If anyone out there has installed an OEM SAT please let me know.

BC

sosh

Re SAT install.... Unlike the Nav there is no antenna or harness in place. In addition to do it correctly I understand that the rear portion of the roof must be removed to install the antenna and lots of upholstry must be removed to correctly install the harness. I am not certain about what if anything must be installed in the Command itself.

BlueChip

Without the harness or antenna it's too much work for what you get. The wifey will have to do without the SAT in this vehicle. I read somewhere that beginning with the 2007 model year, that the SAT harness/antenna where included even though the vehicle didn't have the SAT option.

BC

sosh

That could be possible but I do not know. I do know that it was not included in my 06 ML500. You could go aftermarket for the SAT.

rob13572468

We manufacture a DIY sat retrofit kit for your ML. Price is around $1000 and it includes the sat module and all the necessary antennas, cabling and optical fiber. You can see pics of it on our website or call our offices at 312.421.1114 if you have any questions...