Tirreno

I am considering upgrading the Comand system in my 2005 SL55 AMG for a 2-Din system like the Kenwood DNX-9960. Does anyone know where I can find a 2-Din console to replace the Comand system? The people I talked to can build it, but no one seems to know of any after-market solution.

Does anyone have comments on installing the Kenwood DNX-9960 on its own amp power with new speakers (without external amps)? I'm trying to understand if the difference in sound quality is worth the money...Otherwise, the system I am thinking of is a Zapco (main) and Kenwood (subwoodfer) amps, with its own wiring (without touching any of the stock wires).

My other concern is around the extended warranty: Would they use the excuse of the after-market sound system to avoid covering anything electrical even though the new system would be working on its own wiring (except for power)?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

okbarnett

You need to go to local stereo shops that are capable of installing big custom systems. You need to look at several shops to see everything thats available. Everyone will tell you theyre the best, so look at the jobs they are doing and the equipment they sell.
You have to take the whole factory system out and rewire everything new.So dont be surprised if warrantees complain about related equipment and problems.
You are going to lose the cars steering wheel controls and bluetooth and associated functions.

AMGfan

This is what I did on my SL...you may not want to go all out but it may give you some ideas. I tried to search for a double DIN faceplate that was aftermarket but couldn't find anything so my installer made the initial one out of alcantara and then eventually we went with a carbon fiber version. Good luck but like Olin said please find an installer that you can trust and has reliable references. There are a lot of shady installers out there and unfortunately a good one that does honest and meticulous work is the exception and not the rule.

PS...Clean wiring and what you don't see (i.e. what are behind the panels) is just as important as what you see...

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...de-thread.html

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...-finished.html

Tirreno

Thanks for the comments guys... and AMGfan, damn man, your carbon setup is sick!

Based on the fact that I have an extended warranty that covers the electrical, and the cost of the system and setup that I really want (I don't want to go half way) I decided that for the short term I'll stick with the OEM Comand. However, I am installing a mObridge ABT2010 (iPod + Bluetooth) that will replace the 6 CD-Changer.

I am curious to find out how the iPhone 4 works with the bluetooth, which I believe is a Parrot system.

NEMES1S

I have a warranty and will probably be hosed by it at some point, but I am planning to go the 9960 route at this point. I just can't convince myself that spending 700 for ipod, another bunch for sat, 200 for bluetooth, and an additional 250 for a newer nav map would make any sense compared to getting a 9960 and having all new amps/speakers/subs