S55 AMG, S65 AMG , S63 AMG (W220, W221) 2001 - 2013 (Two Generations)

Which fiber-optic audio connection?

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Old 12-09-2019, 06:27 PM
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Which fiber-optic audio connection?

From what I can find, I think I have the DB2 audio fiber system, for which there is apparently ZERO aftermarket support, i.e. no head unit to swap in and upgrade the COMAND to something with Bluetooth and modern navigation. I'm not interested in replacing everything in the car, I just want Bluetooth. There's no phone in my car, and I can't really tell if there ever was one.

I have a 2003 S55, and from what I've been able to determine, if you have the CD-based navigation in the COMAND, you have DB2 audio fiber, and if you have DVD-based navigation, you have MOST audio fiber. I have CD...
Old 12-29-2019, 12:00 AM
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You can add Bluetooth audio to your system by purchasing a Dension Gateway 500 from Bumper Plugs.com. They cost around $400 and it will replace your factory CD changer located in the trunk. This unit will not give you hands free calling capability, but when streaming music it will automatically pause the audio stream, so you can answer the call. Also, if you are using your phone for navigation the audio prompts will be played through the car speakers. Pretty good unit, but the installation instructions are terrible and removing the CD changer in the trunk is a lot harder than it sounds.
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Old 12-31-2019, 03:06 PM
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Website states clearly that the Dension devices are for MOST fiber system, which is not what I have.
Old 12-31-2019, 03:23 PM
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You need to reach out to Dension or their supplier BumperPlugs.com. If you have a Command head unit they have a Bluetooth solution for your car and some of the earlier vehicles i.e. 2003 have better functionality than later models like my 2006.
Old 01-03-2020, 07:20 PM
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Deleted post.

Last edited by MiguelAngel21; 01-05-2020 at 10:49 PM. Reason: Full deletion
Old 01-05-2020, 08:48 PM
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My question is, given the head unit I have, does it indicate I have DB2 or MOST? If MOST, there is plenty of aftermarket support. If DB2, there is none.

I am not interested in ripping everything out of the car to replace the DB2 system, I just want a better head unit. I can drop in a better head unit if my car has MOST and drive the existing amp and speakers, but if it's DB2, then I'm leaving it as it is. I'm not interested in replacing and wiring the entire system, amps, speakers, and everything. And with Bose, if you dump the amp, you must dump the speakers; Bose speakers are such low impedance that most amps can't drive them, not to mention the Bose built-in EQ curves.

Once again, my question, the information I'm trying to confirm without digging into the car, finding the amp, and actually looking at the fiber connectors, is given that I have the CD-based navigation COMAND (as opposed to DVD-based,) I'm pretty sure that means I have DB2. I'm not looking for suggestions, I already have a plan, but the plan depends on having MOST. So somebody read what I'm actually asking and tell me, do I have DB2 or MOST?

I had thought this place was well-informed...
Old 01-05-2020, 10:47 PM
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Your car is a 2003, which means you have the latest DB2. That's good because you have the "widescreen" head unit instead of the square old one. Having said this, you have an unit that is neither original DB2 or full MOST (2004 and later), and your setup is unique to that year. That may be the reason why you don't find as much information. I am sure that my current head unit supports the BOSE speakers because I kept them, so your info on this subject is not entirely accurate. Related to your statement "I had thought this place was well-informed..." I have to say it comes across as rude, so this is my final post on your thread, as I have nothing of value to offer.
Old 01-06-2020, 09:26 AM
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Thank you! What you just posted is exactly what I was looking to confirm. As for "rude," it was kind of intended to be, as none of the prior responses, including the one you edited as a delete, actually addressed my question, but had unusable suggestions instead.

I thank you for answering the question I originally put.

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