SL/R230: Wiring for new Command system
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sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
Wiring for new Command system
I note that Mercedes is wiring the new E Class for the new (DVD based) Command system so buyers can add the units later when they become available in a few months distant. I
However, for the new SL500 and for the new CLK (2003 models) the cars now coming off the line are still being equipped with the old CD based Command system with the factory likely switching over to the new DVD based units after November.
My question is this - are the SL500's coming off the line now being wired so that one can upgrade (like the E Class buyers will be able to do) when the new DVD based system comes out?
(In fact one would think that Mercedes should actually subsidize the cost of upgrading for those buyers who will otherwise be stuck with an outdated system just a few months after they get delivery of their SL's.)
However, for the new SL500 and for the new CLK (2003 models) the cars now coming off the line are still being equipped with the old CD based Command system with the factory likely switching over to the new DVD based units after November.
My question is this - are the SL500's coming off the line now being wired so that one can upgrade (like the E Class buyers will be able to do) when the new DVD based system comes out?
(In fact one would think that Mercedes should actually subsidize the cost of upgrading for those buyers who will otherwise be stuck with an outdated system just a few months after they get delivery of their SL's.)
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sl and M-class E320 4Matic SLK350
CAn one delete the present Command system?
A month ago I asked the Customer Service people at MBUSA in Montvale if it was possible to order a 2003 SL without a Command System as a delete for credit item. I was told no.
Since then, as noted in above post, I have learned that the new E Class is being wired so customers can add the new DVD Command system when it becomes available. If the factory can do that for the E Class, why not also for the SL and CLK in the event that a customer would just as soon wait to add any type of Command system until the DVD based version becomes available later in the year?
Of course, in Europe one can order an SL without a Command unit so obviously there is no technological problem here, and if the prewiring is all ready to go for the E Class, again there would seem to be no technolgical reason that the SL's couldn't be similarly wired. [Actually, it may well be that the wiring for the new DVD based Command system is the same wiring on the existant CD based Command - anyone know???] If so, Mercedes USA should just as a matter of policy and customer goodwill offer to allow present SL owners to upgrade to the new DVD based Command system without charge, or merely for a nominal cost - particularly since they won't allow customers the option of deleting the CD based Command system.
Any chance of this?
Since then, as noted in above post, I have learned that the new E Class is being wired so customers can add the new DVD Command system when it becomes available. If the factory can do that for the E Class, why not also for the SL and CLK in the event that a customer would just as soon wait to add any type of Command system until the DVD based version becomes available later in the year?
Of course, in Europe one can order an SL without a Command unit so obviously there is no technological problem here, and if the prewiring is all ready to go for the E Class, again there would seem to be no technolgical reason that the SL's couldn't be similarly wired. [Actually, it may well be that the wiring for the new DVD based Command system is the same wiring on the existant CD based Command - anyone know???] If so, Mercedes USA should just as a matter of policy and customer goodwill offer to allow present SL owners to upgrade to the new DVD based Command system without charge, or merely for a nominal cost - particularly since they won't allow customers the option of deleting the CD based Command system.
Any chance of this?
Last edited by northbenz; Jun 7, 2002 at 10:40 PM.
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From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
retrofitting full wiring looms for COMAND is no easy task if you want to do it properly.
The new DVD comand uses MOST bus, (a copper interconnect, not fibre like the new D2B) and thus different CD changer, amplifier (and in fact speakers aswell) are being fitted. Therefore the wiring loom will be totally different for sure.
So, it would mean substantial dismantling of the vehicle
And, if you remember back to the original COMANDs from around 1999, there were many annoying bugs. I have a horrible feeling that the new DVD based system will be far from bug free for the first year or two.
The new DVD comand uses MOST bus, (a copper interconnect, not fibre like the new D2B) and thus different CD changer, amplifier (and in fact speakers aswell) are being fitted. Therefore the wiring loom will be totally different for sure.
So, it would mean substantial dismantling of the vehicle
And, if you remember back to the original COMANDs from around 1999, there were many annoying bugs. I have a horrible feeling that the new DVD based system will be far from bug free for the first year or two.
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
My SL is supposed to be built in Nov or Dec so it may get the DVD. My problem with the CD based system on my 02 CL 500 Sport is that the full set of CD's was not available when I ordered it last summer, as I recall, and one CD is $150 while a whole set is $350. If ordered with the new SL, the full set of navigation CD's is $150. We all know that MB's are expensive and generally worth the price, but the navigation CD situation is insulting to loyal MB customers. Hopefully the DVD system will elliminate this nuisance.
