I was at Bestbuy today looking for a system to replace the command in my 03 SL 55. The problem is each system (alpine touch screen,blaupunkt touchscreen and Kenwood touchscreen) didn't have a harness that would cover the space that would be left when the command system is taken out. Has anyone replaced their command with another Nav system? What are other people using?

 

Can you replace it with a 05 or up dvd system?

 

Kenwood made several units with external brains/amps, I have a kvt 915dvd and it had a 20 foot main harness, used a standard style kenwood plug, and it could work for most others I'd assume can be found if you google 915dvd harness, they are 60-70 bucks I think. The cheaper option would likely be buy some wire, heat shrink tubing, and solder and extend whatever harness come from the factory for under 20 dollars and it would be fairly simple.

 

do you have any pics?

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/KENWOOD-WIRE-HAR...item19b7f69ca3

that is an auction for it, standard kenwood 16 pin cable, just really dang long.

 

if you are asking for pics of it installed, it is currently in my 98 eclipse.....I know, what is a d-bag with an eclipse on this board for....:'(

 

My Nave function broke on my command in my 04 SL600. Instead of putting in the same crappy technology I replaced it with a kenwood dnx7140. It is way better. I now can use my ipod through the touch screen. It has better bluetooth then the old Mercedes puck I used, and Garmin Nav is great.

You lose most of the steering wheel button fucntionality. You can move forward or back for a station or ipod track, and the volume works. It won't work for phone, and the clock is an issue.


I had a guy make a custom fiberglass face for the 7" touch screen, so I could keep the cupholders. It looks good.

 

MustGO I was looking at this option today. Could you post so pics of your setup?

 

I don't know how to upload photos. Send me a pm with your email and i will send them to you.

 

Electrically, it is practically impossible.

 

If you take the car to the dealer and ask them to set the command center to NOT look for a Command system you sould be able to set the clock manually through the setting menu.....at least this is true for other MBZ models.

 

didn't amgfan have some way to override the clock?

 

Going to stereo place in my area to see if they can make me a face plate like yours if not what are the chances of that guy making one for me if i either send you or him the payment. Also how much was it? Looks so perfect, like it came from the factory like that.
Thanks
danny

 

can you guys watch DVD movies while the SL500 is moving faster than 50 miles per hour after you replaced your command system?

 

Yes...

 

there is no TV interlock on the after market command system?

 

I can give you the contact information of the guy that built mine if you want it Danny

 

Here are the pictures

 

All the aftermarket HU's I know have a bypass feature that allows viewing while in motion...though most installers will deny that they do it.

I will post my pick of my Kenwood DNX 8120 with the carbon fiber trim piece tomorrow...

I have been very happy with Kenwood HU's...I have the 8120 in my E55 and Cadillac...the combination of utility (Garmin nav, bluetooth, back up camera, fast ipod access, touch screen, DVD) and SQ (high/low pass crossover, subwoofer controller, 3 band parametric EQ, 2V preouts) of the unit make it a winner in my book.

I don't miss the OEM COMAND at all...the nav was counter-intuitive, the SQ was for shiat, and the menus were difficult to manage (vs the touch screen menus of the Kenwood).

PS Once you get used to the menus on the Kenwood, it is very easy to deal with...

 

I'd be interested in that as well...

 

I have the Kenwood 915 DVD and I'm very pleased with it, had it for over 5 years, but I'm def lookin forward to the new model in my next car, I don't have bluetooth, but the nav system is sweet and picture quality is incredible.

 

I will say that the older was almost better in some ways tho, had 5v outputs, a 25watt center channel output, and built in tv tuner(not that I ever used that)

 

How much work was involved to swap in the Kenwood? I have local installers telling me it would require swapping out the factory amps, speakers, etc...big $$$ on top of the cost of the head unit itself.

 

If you are looking to go the least expensive route you need to keep COMAND and upgrade the speakers and add a decent sub...you will need to get a JL cleansweep or Audio control equivalent processor...

I went the other route because I despised the COMAND unit and wanted better SQ and SPL and ability to watch video (DVD and IPOD)...the equipment plus install was just shy $9K...it was worth it for me.

 

Look at AMGFans car when you get a chance, think about if it's not worth going all out like he did, if you have a top of the line car dont put crap in it, do it once do it right and you will be happy.