Radio / Command Upgrade question
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From: SoCal
S430 2001, Lotus Esprit, Porsche Boxster, Chrysler Aspen, Ducati 848, MV Agusta F41000, CBR 600
Radio / Command Upgrade question
So my Command / Nav / and PSE took a dive. I'm deciding what to do. Stick with OEM or go aftermarket. I took it to a German Radio place, he said don't do it. My MB mechanic/specialist says it's fine to change it up as long as the installers do it correctly, I shouldn't have any issues. Question for those whom have upgraded to aftermarket systems, Did you encounter any issues or have any malfunctions? Got a 2001 W220.
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
COMAND/Nav/PSE/CDC and voice control all take a dive simultaneously usually because of a break in the fiber optic loop, or complete malfunction of one of the components. Before you replace the system, check 1) fuses, and 2) fiber optic connectors at each component. See the phone bulletin for your car at http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsit..._bulletins.htm for information on how to locate them.
Many owners have posted information on 3rd party upgrades. A forum search for Pioneer AVIC, Kenwood (Excelon), and Alpine should turn up info on installations.
Also note that units to provide continued steering wheel control are available for some 3rd party units, but not all.
I don't track 3rd party installs, so have no links to give you.
Many owners have posted information on 3rd party upgrades. A forum search for Pioneer AVIC, Kenwood (Excelon), and Alpine should turn up info on installations.
Also note that units to provide continued steering wheel control are available for some 3rd party units, but not all.
I don't track 3rd party installs, so have no links to give you.
Last edited by Skylaw; Apr 18, 2010 at 11:55 AM.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: SoCal
S430 2001, Lotus Esprit, Porsche Boxster, Chrysler Aspen, Ducati 848, MV Agusta F41000, CBR 600
Thanks Skylaw. We tried different disc in the NAV unit, it's not reading. Fuse and iber op were checked. You help me on another post regarding a Command universal PSE issue, much appreciated!. That is one of the issues along with a NAV disc not reading. I don't want to band-aid up a radio with a used one and a new OEM at the Stealership is $7k. I read many posting on 3rd party unit, and most of it was about how cool it looks or how happy the owners were.
I just wanted to know if anyone encounter issues.
I just wanted to know if anyone encounter issues.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
tusabes may be right. Try disconnecting the negative battery cable for up to about 15 minutes, then reconnect it (alternatively, pull the fuses for all of the components on the fiber optics ring) - then reconnect/reset. This will cause the system to re-boot and re-poll. The procedure has fixed many odd problems.
If you disconnect the battery cable, keep https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3682080 available.
If you disconnect the battery cable, keep https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...ml#post3682080 available.
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From: California
2004 S430 (w220), 2008 C350 Sport (w204)
I had an Alpine INA-W900 installed couple weeks ago in my 04' S430. Haven't had any problems and actually prefer it over the OEM Unit. Some aftermarket units can be compatible with the steering wheel buttons, but you have to pay a little more (I think $100). I got an aftermarket unit so I could connect my ipod. I also used a brake bypass kit, so the dvd function would play while the car is in motion. It's all about what you prefer. The downside of aftermarket was the overall OEM interior "look". The interior obviously doesn't look OEM and I lost the wood trim that surrounds the screen.
BTW, I'm selling all the parts I no longer need (Command Unit (screen), Navigation Drive, and 6-disc CD changer). If interested take a look...
https://mbworld.org/forums/interior-...nter-sale.html
I just realized you had a 2001...so it wouldn't be the exactly same parts. For the money and for the product your getting, I would choose aftermarket. In my opinion, the Mercedes OEM Units are not worth the price they charge, but it's all about your preference.
BTW, I'm selling all the parts I no longer need (Command Unit (screen), Navigation Drive, and 6-disc CD changer). If interested take a look...
https://mbworld.org/forums/interior-...nter-sale.html
I just realized you had a 2001...so it wouldn't be the exactly same parts. For the money and for the product your getting, I would choose aftermarket. In my opinion, the Mercedes OEM Units are not worth the price they charge, but it's all about your preference.
Last edited by ohjasony; Apr 25, 2010 at 03:37 PM.
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Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 16
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From: SoCal
S430 2001, Lotus Esprit, Porsche Boxster, Chrysler Aspen, Ducati 848, MV Agusta F41000, CBR 600
THANK YOU all for your replies. Well, After taking all of the suggestion and reseting the system, it still didn't work. Good news is I did end up putting in an after market system. In fact, I went beyond that. Upgraded the AMP and put in a flip down 10" dvd for the kids in the back. I was going to put in behind the seat, but decided not to since the head rest always rises when the seats slide back. I'm VERY happy with it. I did get the steering control. Just lost the Clock, but I have it on the new head unit. Ended up with:
Alpine head unit (NAV/ IPOD/ BLUE TOOTH)
JL Audio 6 Channel Amp
Alpine 10" Flip down with 3 Headphones.
Suede panel, will probably get the wood grain on Ebay.
Alpine head unit (NAV/ IPOD/ BLUE TOOTH)
JL Audio 6 Channel Amp
Alpine 10" Flip down with 3 Headphones.
Suede panel, will probably get the wood grain on Ebay.
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S500
THANK YOU all for your replies. Well, After taking all of the suggestion and reseting the system, it still didn't work. Good news is I did end up putting in an after market system. In fact, I went beyond that. Upgraded the AMP and put in a flip down 10" dvd for the kids in the back. I was going to put in behind the seat, but decided not to since the head rest always rises when the seats slide back. I'm VERY happy with it. I did get the steering control. Just lost the Clock, but I have it on the new head unit. Ended up with:
Alpine head unit (NAV/ IPOD/ BLUE TOOTH)
JL Audio 6 Channel Amp
Alpine 10" Flip down with 3 Headphones.
Suede panel, will probably get the wood grain on Ebay.
Alpine head unit (NAV/ IPOD/ BLUE TOOTH)
JL Audio 6 Channel Amp
Alpine 10" Flip down with 3 Headphones.
Suede panel, will probably get the wood grain on Ebay.
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