mitviet

My '06 SL500 COMMAND display is fading so I am thinking about ditching it and install the Alpine W927 ... the installer seems to have lots of confidence w/ this model and I saw his works on couple other high end cars (but not MB). He did install aftermarket on the '01 S430 which he said also has Optic wiring but I thought optic wiring is not in the MB models until '04 or '05. So does anyone has any opinion on Alpine or other audio manufacturers ? He also told me that this Alpine unit does not have lifetime GPS map upgrade but he's said that Alpine is considering that option in their next model... . Beside all the bells/whistles that this Alpine model offers, I would certainly prefer having lifetime map update as well, considering it costs 1,200.00 just for the part. Also I am thinking doing carbon fiber for the face around the unit border as I think it would make it so unique/contrast w/the woodgrain below. Please share your thought. Thanks guys.

RaFFi ///AMG

You might have to change the amplifier to go along with it.

mitviet

The local shop priced it today ..about 3K for this mod. See what you guys think.

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The specs:
- Alpine 927HD : $1100
- Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface: $74.95
- Fukara Antena : $50.00
- CT Kits: $125.95
- Dipping (Fiber Carbon): $125
- Sirux XM Receiver: $70
- Backup Camera: $100
- License Plate Mount: $50
- CEA-2006 Power Rating: 60W x 4 + 250W x 1 (4 0hm@14.4V =
0.10%THD+N), 90W x 4 + 350W x 1 (2 0hm@14.4V) S/N 86dBA
(Ref. 1W into 4Ohm) $400

- 4 Channel Interconnect 5.0 Meter $39.95
- 2 Channel 5.0 Meter $29.95
- 4 Guage Amp Kit $49.95
- General Labor $80 Per Hour $600.00

Mikedealer

Just a maybe silly question, why add a backup camera in such a small car. I mean i know the hu has the capability but i always found backup cameras to be hard to use/gauge. Also 150 seems sorta high when you can get a plate and camera in chrome for like 50 on eBay shipped.

mitviet

I am w/ you there ... I have already Parktronic system so I don't think I will do the camera.. beside I does not look very good from what I see when it is installed thru the license plate frame. But $3K is a bit more than what I was thinking... I think I will use that money for my Extend Warranty instead.. for now anyway.

Mikedealer

The prices as a whole seem a bit high and you could probably get a cheaper head unit with same features and a better amp with good speakers to save money. Most of those prices seem to be on high retail side.

I know these local shops need to make money but if they overprice the hardware then they lose the whole job and get nothing.

Last 2 cars i had i bought all stuff on eBay and was all high quality brand name stuff, hired a installer off eBay who charged me a 250 dollar day rate, and did everything in my driveway and was done in 4-5 hours. Was very happy.

I know people will disagree with this somewhat, but i feel speakers are probably the most important thing to spend more money on to get something good, followed by an amp and then head unit. As long as amp and HU are decent you will have nice sound for sure.

trimix

Can you post a picture? I'd love see how it came out on your SL.

Trimix

bobandkathy

I have a 2007 SL550 and want to upgrade the COMMAND system with better NAV, Radio, etc. Is there a software upgrade that will change it to the newer MB systems? - if so, where can I get it and how much should I expect to pay. Or, are there other systems that can be installed that are completely compatible with the car and do not require a mortgage on the home. I expect to keep the car for quite a few years. Thanks for your input.

mitviet

If you see my earlier post in this thread, it's about 3K to put in the Alpine.. could be a bit less elsewhere. I decided to put it off since that 3K would do much good toward the cost of my extended warranty. I am sure we will loose some controls via the steering wheel control...but not sure what won't be compatible via steering wheel controls.

As to what is a better COMMAND unit to replace with, my MB dealer said they can only install the COMMAND model that MB factory call for the model year of your car (due to style and fit more than software control/upgrade) . My '06 is the last year they are using the same part number so I will have the same part number. I do not know if the '07 COMMAND would look any different from the '06.

bobandkathy

The 2007 COMMAND unit is not any better. And, my local MB dealer says there is no software update to the system. The latest (and last) NAV Cd for these is dated 2011. My local dealer says he has seen several people replace their units for a MUCH better system than the COMMAND. He personnally has only seen Pioneer systems - and they look great. A local car audio shop has advised me that Kenwood has a system that completely integrates with the MB SL's and their fiber optic system. - there is a module available that removes the requirement of changing the cars existing audio system. He said that a complete system installed with all the needed parts and etc. would be about $2k. There are more expensive and cheaper options, but he was recommending KenWood. Apparently this cost is half of what it was a year ago because of the new modules that integrate with MB systems.

bobandkathy

I got a quote today for a 2007 SL COMMAND change out. Using the latest and most expensive Kenwood - model DNX990HD it will be $2,129 plus tax - out the door. That includes a 2yr warranty on parts and labor. For the Kenwood model DNX6190HD - which is just as good, you can subtract about $300 from the price.

patrickmcc56

Have the Alpine after market installed on the SL 500 I just purchased in November. System is unbelievable, and so much better than the COMMAND on my wife's E class. The only probIem I have is resetting digital clock from MB. Alpine clock is correct, digital isnt, and without COMMAND havent a clue. Friend suggested I wait until12:00, disconnect the battery the reconnect, but seems silly. Any advice would be appreciated.

bobandkathy

I replaced my COMMAND with a new Kenwood system. I reset the clock like before using the steering wheel function controls. However, if your Alpine installer did NOT include the adapter to make the steering wheel functions work - you probably will be unable to set the clock.

SL4Life

If I may add my two cents; here is the route I am taking, although after the unit is test fitted I am having the wood trim and radio bezel removed and molded together then wrapped in cf and reinstalled with matching steering wheel & shift knob from dtc motorsports.

Upgrades will included:

- JL XD700/5 5 Channel amp
- Module from 'Mr. Canbus' to fully integrate most system; (steering wheel control, speed sensors for nav etc etc)

Install (custom including cf wrapping) is around $1,200
8" Alpine is app $1,000 on Amazon
JL 5 channel amp around $500

*As far as the speakers, the existing Bose speakers are just fine with me.