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Sep 1, 2007 | 12:40 PM

#51

2H S5

Member

Joined: Apr 2004

Posts: 188

Likes: 3

From: Orange County

2011 Sienna SE, 01 S500, 05 LS430 UL

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlovescar

What if he goes and buys an Alpine, Pioneer, or Kenwood Nav System. Wouldn't this be much more easy (I don't know. I have never done this)? Are those 3 items above even comparable or workable with MB S-Class?

The upgrade is basically just to keep the oem look with the steering wheel interface and without changing the speakers also.

MB nav isn't the greatest. I'd rather go with an aftermarket, maybe even the eclipse unit for touchscreen capability.

Sep 1, 2007 | 01:16 PM

#52

whoover

MBWorld Fanatic!

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 4,278

Likes: 378

From: San Jose area

'19 E63S sedan

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnlovescar

Pre-2004, MB used a proprietary fiber network (D2B). That's why all those components need to be changed to upgrade to the 2004 system that uses the industry standard MOST network. Aftermarket D2B components are not generally available, so such an upgrade will not integrate with any remaining audio-based components. So yes, you can use a third-party head unit, but existing integration between NAV, radio, CD changer, phone and Teleaid will break. Depending on how you do it, the breakage can be more or less annoying and obvious.

The MOST upgrade in 2004 was a big deal. It enables a lot of flexibility that is lacking in the D2B system. If this is important to you, consider trading the car in for a 2004 at some point.