C55 Comand Retrofit help
#1
Member
Thread Starter
C55 Comand Retrofit help
Hi All,
Probably going to get flamed for this but (I did search and still am searching)...
I am just looking for clarification on what part number or specifics I would want to look out for to switch my factory Audio 20 head unit to a Comand unit? I think I read probably ten different threads from searching on here and googling and can't find a clear cut answer. I do plan on making a concise review on my YouTube channel on this install and what is required once I figure out for sure if that entices anyone...As I can see from searching this is a recurring and somewhat muddy topic.
From looking on Ebay some of my confusion is the difference between parts numbers ex:
some start with A 203 870
https://www.ebay.com/itm/05-07-Merce...53.m1438.l2649
and some start with A 203 827
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2007-M...53.m1438.l2649
Is one more easily compatible than the other? Is there any modification needed to wiring or components that I am missing or would need for everything to work properly?
ALL HELP GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
-kaixdiego
Probably going to get flamed for this but (I did search and still am searching)...
I am just looking for clarification on what part number or specifics I would want to look out for to switch my factory Audio 20 head unit to a Comand unit? I think I read probably ten different threads from searching on here and googling and can't find a clear cut answer. I do plan on making a concise review on my YouTube channel on this install and what is required once I figure out for sure if that entices anyone...As I can see from searching this is a recurring and somewhat muddy topic.
From looking on Ebay some of my confusion is the difference between parts numbers ex:
some start with A 203 870
https://www.ebay.com/itm/05-07-Merce...53.m1438.l2649
and some start with A 203 827
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2005-2007-M...53.m1438.l2649
Is one more easily compatible than the other? Is there any modification needed to wiring or components that I am missing or would need for everything to work properly?
ALL HELP GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!
-kaixdiego
#2
MBWorld Fanatic!
I honestly don't remember the difference between the two, but I do remember both of those part numbers.
The only other thing I can remember is you will need a GPS antenna (with the blue connector I think). You can buy any aftermarket one that should cost around $20.
$200 is a great deal; these used to go for $800 from the junkyard, albeit a decade ago...
The only other thing I can remember is you will need a GPS antenna (with the blue connector I think). You can buy any aftermarket one that should cost around $20.
$200 is a great deal; these used to go for $800 from the junkyard, albeit a decade ago...
The following users liked this post:
kaixdiego (07-20-2019)
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Chicago
Posts: 1,314
Received 177 Likes
on
128 Posts
2025 AMG E 53 (on order); 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
The A 203 870 picture matches the unit I installed some years ago. As mentioned you need the antenna, plus a new wiring harness. I did my swap with the help of MBenzNL at the time. I do remember him supplying me the unit, wiring harness and antenna. Mine was meant for 2007 models that never ended up coming to North America as C55s, but I believe did as C280s, etc. Unit was referred to as MCSII v2 which included MP3 functionality.
Last edited by kjb55; 07-20-2019 at 11:43 AM.
The following users liked this post:
kaixdiego (07-20-2019)
#4
Member
Thread Starter
Thank you both for the responses!
So it is in fact a different wiring harness? Did you use a plug conversion adapter or rewired?
Would this be the correct GPS antenna:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-ANTENNA...e2c2cb0529f6db
So it is in fact a different wiring harness? Did you use a plug conversion adapter or rewired?
Would this be the correct GPS antenna:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GPS-ANTENNA...e2c2cb0529f6db
#5
MBWorld Fanatic!
Yes, now I remember that the MP3 functionality was the difference (I think).
I did not use a different wiring harness - everything was 100% plug and play for me.
And yes that looks like the correct GPS.
I did not use a different wiring harness - everything was 100% plug and play for me.
And yes that looks like the correct GPS.
#6
Member
Thread Starter
Ok, thats what I thought as far as wiring goes. Thanks for clarifying! I'll be on the lookout for a good one and might scout my local german wrecking yard before going Ebay. Detailed install and review video would follow.
Cheers!
Cheers!
#7
Member
I just bought a head unit with part number: A 203 870 for my 2005 C55
Does anyone have the part number for the wiring harness I will need? I have an Audio20 basic CD player in the dash now.
EDIT: New unit arrived and there was no harness needed.
Does anyone have the part number for the wiring harness I will need? I have an Audio20 basic CD player in the dash now.
EDIT: New unit arrived and there was no harness needed.
Last edited by chicago_fog; 09-17-2019 at 11:17 PM.