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Sorry to post another thread about the audio system, but I am a bit confused with all I read!
I am used to an SLK350 (2007) which used NTG1 with MOST to audio gateway in passenger footwell and Navi Processor in boot..
I now have SL500 (2005, not facelift) and everything suggest that this is NTG2 (looking at pictures of head unit on websites).
BUT
My Headunit is COMAND premium audio, with aux CD changer, and BOSE speakers.
I know NTG2 has built in Navi processor, but my car has processor in the boot, which suggests it is NTG1.
So upgrade, though involved, is a straight forward copy of what I did in my SLK.
Great so far
But I now read about D2B Never heard about it untill now!
How will I know if I have D2B or MOST system? Can I spot the differences by looking at it, and if so how?
I look on my favourate audio site (Connects2) and they do not do a kit for R230 with external amplifier (though I can but individual components to make one up if MOST) only for NTG2 system.
Only had the car 1 day so dont want to start stripping it down unnecessarily looking.
Hoping to install my Pioneer head unit using MOST converter.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Someone will chime in on this but I can tell you that my '05 has MOST on board. From what read on US, UK and German forums, a Seicane unit with buy-separate add ons seems the only way to modernize and keeping amp, speakers and sub woofer (in the pass footwell) stock. The Seicane unit looks similar to the stock unit but service and support is frequently said to be hopelessly lacking. So, 'going modern' entails a total system swap. Communication to the audio gateway, behind the seats, is via optical cable and the speakers have their own amps.
Oh and the two tiny fill in speakers in the rear wall (a torch held against the board will reveal them) are wired mono. Somewhat noticeable in surround, which surprisingly comes with CD play only. Avoiding embarrassment to those fill ins, MB wisely provided no fader option.
Last edited by Frederick NL; Jan 17, 2024 at 09:25 AM.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
There's been heated discussion about replacing the stock audio with new equipment. Apart from it lacking versatility, NTG1 to me seems robust but in no way very impressive. It just does the job reliably and I guess the clientele at the time wasn't looking for an automotive ghettoblaster. The head unit to me looks the deal for the stylish dash, unlike the glass options I've come across on the forums
Navigation: while the dealers vehemently deny anything after 2015 (or was it earlier?) will work, I dropped in a 2019 dvd Western Europe (green stripe label) and it just works, with the VERY occasional stall upon start up. I installed a micro switch (break) in the storage bin between the seats, which interrupts power to the nav drive. So much easier than pulling its fuse (of course after that the unit never failed).
Last edited by Frederick NL; Jan 17, 2024 at 09:25 AM.
2009 SL550 Roadster Diamond White, 2008 CLK550 Coupe Obsidian Black
The 05-08 SL's have NTG1, like the 04-06 CL and S. The 03-04 SL, along with 00-03 CL and S, have the older Comand 2.0 and 2.5 respectively, which did not have DVD nav maps, but CDs instead.
I have everything I need to replace an NTG1 system that I removed from my SLK, and install a Pioneer head unit to the existing amp, other than the facia adapter, so that seems the way to go.
Here is my head unit
A lot of websites describe this as NTG2, hence confusion.
It is different to a lot of sites advertising Android replacement head units though, as it fills the whole space in the top of the console like below
I have DVD Navi Processor in the boot, so can not be NTG2.
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
The wood (or other) trim that wraps around the head unit is up to model year 2004. MB then enlarged the screen and sacrified the wrap around. Different system (d2b) and different facia. The other thing to decide, when modernizing, is loosing your cup holders or not.
Meanwhile, Big Brother is spying on you (just for the fun of it): are you in or next to Sovereign Car dealers..?
Last edited by Frederick NL; Nov 17, 2021 at 03:02 PM.
I want to install Android Auto in my US model 2004 SL500 R230. Has anyone found an Android v10, 10.1, or v11 unit that will fit my car? I have Command (probably v2.5) Do I have optical cables?
This is what my unit looks like 2004 R230 COMMAND system
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Originally Posted by g0rsq
So are you saying my system IS D2B???? Or is the older system D2B and mine MOST? Sovereighn Car center no longer has that car in its showroom .. It is sitting on my drive....
I hope you are not about to tell me something I dont want to know
You've got MOST. I can tell by the 'big' Comand unit, no wrap around trim.
No, I've got no bad messages for you, just for the fun of it I tracked where the car was when that Comand nav screen photo was taken...
2005 R 230 SL350 (M112 3.7). Sold the 1966 W113 230SL recently
Originally Posted by 2old2stop
I want to install Android Auto in my US model 2004 SL500 R230. Has anyone found an Android v10, 10.1, or v11 unit that will fit my car? I have Command (probably v2.5) Do I have optical cables?
This is what my unit looks like 2004 R230 COMMAND system
You can check the forum(s) for the Seicane brand (mixed reactions) for a somewhat similar looking unit or replace the entire system with a touch screen unit with all the needed extra's. I am not an expert, you'll have to start digging. Here's a recent start:
You've got MOST. I can tell by the 'big' Comand unit, no wrap around trim.
No, I've got no bad messages for you, just for the fun of it I tracked where the car was when that Comand nav screen photo was taken...
Many thanks for clarifiing MOST. Just need the facia adapter and I am sorted.
No problem on "spying" on me
Was afraid you knew some dodgy history on the car and dealer
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
Never heard about it untill now!
Sovereighn Car center no longer has that car in its showroom 
.. It is sitting on my drive....
