dan1495

I am considering the purchase of a 2003 SL500. Thanks to this forum, I have discovered that the nav system is CD based rather than DVD based. It also appears that the system needs different CDs to cover different geographic areas.

Is this correct, and if so, are updates available and at what cost? How many CDs should be with the car?

Thanks

JohnCL

Updates are available and I just purchased a set from my dealer on Wednesday for $275.00. There are 10 CD's included in the package.

dan1495

Thank you very much for the information.
Does the system work fairly well?

JohnCL

There are alot better NAV systems out there, but this one works just fine for me and has always gotten me where I needed to go. I am a big fan of OEM and I personally don't like the look of aftermarket stuff in a Benz. Everyone is different with their needs obviously so you will have to wait and see what you think. What area are you in?

glennbaz

Chances are quite good you will be very dissappointed with your "updated" CD's. I've updated mine twice, both with very little improvement. I recently started a new thread in the audio and electronics forums on this subject. Instead of buying the updated cd's, I would spend slightly more for a complete and fully informational portable unit like a Garmin. This way when your MB unit fails to find that restaurant, hospital or address you can switch over the portable unit and be assured of your arrival.
Glenn

dan1495

I live in the Houston, Texas area. I bought the car yesterday and it came only with Disc 4 with covers parts of Texas including Houston.
The dealer I bought the car from quoted $275.00 for a complete set of discs as others have mentioned.

JohnCL

CD 4 should cover everything you need in Texas except a very small part right under New Mexico.

Rambler358

Any chance you have a MB part number for the CD set? Also, is that $275 price retail, or did you get a discount from the dealer? I ask because I'm looking to get the 2007 update CDs for my '04 SL500 as well.

Thanks,
Ron

JohnCL

$275.00 Retail. I sold off what I didn't need the same day I purchased them.

Part number:

BQ 6 46 0222

Compatible with the following vehicles:
2005 G
2004 C/CLK, SL, G
2003 S/CL, C/CLK, SL, G
2002 S/CL, C/CLK, E, G
2001 S/CL, C/CLK, E
2000 *S/CL, CLK, E (*Early 2000 models may require C Nav software)

glennbaz

Before you run out and spend your hard earned money head over to Audio and Electronics forum. I started a thread on the lack of updates on the "updated" discs.
Glenn

Rambler358

Yeah, I think I saw that thread. I guess it would really depend on what area in you're in. Most of the map updates seem to be mainly for the larger metropolitan areas. That said, I'm in Southern California and think the 2007 updates would benefit me from the 2004 disc I'm using now. Also, if the dealer can't find me a 2007 #1 CD, they'll split the cost on a new updated set for me. I'm mainly interested in updated POIs, as I've already come across a problem with the 2004 version.