SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: Mercedes SL R230 Command upgrade. Check out this new bit of kit?
Former Vendor of MBWorld
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 1,199
Likes: 6
From: Atlanta
05 CL65 AMG, 07 Ferrari F430, 03 Range Rover HSE
I don't have the shipping tables (answering on an iPhone from customer site). You can do a trial checkout and see. I see sometimes 1 or 2 $, and sometimes 4 or 5 $. The initial charge is by zip code, then it refines it by address.
And yes, it has a 100% money back. Many people buy them and we never know what for. We only hear about times when it is not compatible. It is pretty rare, but it does happen from time to time - hence the 100% money back!
And yes, it has a 100% money back. Many people buy them and we never know what for. We only hear about times when it is not compatible. It is pretty rare, but it does happen from time to time - hence the 100% money back!
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
I have just installed the unit below and i am happy to report that the unit is performing as advertized. It took a little tweaking (mostly on the installer side) but it is a just as good as the aftermarket one on my other car ( and i have had that one for 2 years). below is the seperate forum discussion
Aklthough manufacturer is in asia (lee), they were very prompt at responding with pictures to our questions even after install
Forum link: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...placement.html
Unit
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Aklthough manufacturer is in asia (lee), they were very prompt at responding with pictures to our questions even after install
Forum link: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...placement.html
Unit
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
I have just installed the unit below and i am happy to report that the unit is performing as advertized. It took a little tweaking (mostly on the installer side) but it is a just as good as the aftermarket one on my other car ( and i have had that one for 2 years). below is the seperate forum discussion
Aklthough manufacturer is in asia (lee), they were very prompt at responding with pictures to our questions even after install
Forum link: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...placement.html
Unit
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Aklthough manufacturer is in asia (lee), they were very prompt at responding with pictures to our questions even after install
Forum link: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...placement.html
Unit
http://www.cargpsnet.com/mercedes-sl...oth-p-507.html
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
update on my project
after determining the Denison for my 2003 will not do much of the functions I wanted (like bluetooth), I decided to go all the way and do the full replacement surgery. There are actually seven speaker connections in this car. front door has mids and tweeters (4), center of dash and rear center (2) and subwoofer under passenger floor. So I bought (2) 4 channel amps, used 6 for regular speakers and bridged the last two for the sub. Ripped out the factory Bose CD changer and amplifier (all under rear compartment behind driver seat). Ran 4 channel audio cable and amp turn on wire through center console. I am using Boss PH2KD.4 amps because they (a) are very small and (b) the have low pass, high pass filters, freq cutoff adjustments, along with treble and bass boost all adjustable per two channels so you can really tweek the power and range getting to each speaker set. Car is totally apart still but the sound so far is awesome. Way more power that factory I believe. Steering controls work! Good news - the couplers they supply do directly connect to the factory harnesses. had to splice one wire (to actuate amplifiers) in harness, but no more.
Right now I am frustrated trying to find a way through the firewall so i can mount the GPS antenna in the air intake at the back of the hood (do not want it stuck to the dash if possible). Any help or ideas appreciated!!
I'll post photos soon.
Right now I am frustrated trying to find a way through the firewall so i can mount the GPS antenna in the air intake at the back of the hood (do not want it stuck to the dash if possible). Any help or ideas appreciated!!
I'll post photos soon.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 1,139
Likes: 0
From: Lincoln, NE
2005 SL600, 2016 ES300h, 2012 Hayabusa
what install kit did you use that had all of the connectors? I wanted to tackle this project myself, already replaced the awful sub and bought a second 4 channel amp to hook it all up. I am thinking of upgrading the front center speaker and the rears and running them from the deck, then using the amp to fire some components in the doors, not to mention upgrade to a useable bluetooth, nav, sat radio, etc.
Did your installer have any issues installing the deck so that all of the controls work with the steering wheel?
Did your installer have any issues installing the deck so that all of the controls work with the steering wheel?
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Acura NSX
There is a low budget way to mount and use the exsisting Bose System with a aftermarket head unit. But you'd have to give up any hope of using the steering wheel controls other than volume. It will take you between 5 to 8 hours of solid work to put it in. If you can live with that (occasionally) managing two volume controls let me know and I'll post the instructions. Also you'll be permanently altering the cd changer storage box ($130 to replace if you decide to convert it back to stock). Never used the space anyway.
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Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: los angeles, CA
2008 s63
Enjoy it , I loved mine. Car is sold, and I still miss that touch screen. Only issue that I saw with it was the inability to retain the amplifier settings, besides that I loved that it brings the antiquated system to the 21st century. You can search under my name and you will find the install pictures/thread. Good luck and enjoy.
QUOTE=0-60Motorsports;5426009]Well Look what just arrived:
[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=0-60Motorsports;5426009]Well Look what just arrived:
[/QUOTE]
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Acura NSX
Good my friend
Two things that I didn’t cover in my installation notes that will insure that the performance of this system is stellar. Be sure to use a noise suppression filter on the unit’s power connection and any item attached (i.e. XM, Garmin GVN 53, etc.) and I would recommend a separate antenna as some have had issues with reception. The reception of the radio is outstanding with just antenna under the dash. I hadn’t noticed any issues until I went out of town and actually tuned the radio to a station at the other end of the band. Keep in mind that the factory radio has a separate tuner connected and this is why people are getting weak reception. In short Noise suppressor and a separate antenna. Good luck and take your time. I can't imagine going back to the old system even with the minor issues of the glare in the screen with the top down and adjusting the amp from time to time. Hands down, if I knew what I was getting into when I first saw this thing I would have ordered it that second. It's not perfect but with the addition of XM radio and Garmin maps (updated maps are about $65 a year verses $275 every 18 months or so) through the GVN 53 life is good. One quick story here; the wife and I went out last weekend to an oyster roast in Virginia Beach. We weren’t familiar with the location but I typed the address into the units built in GPS (Running IGO Primo) and the entire process took about 15 seconds from start to finish (route calculation). My only wish that DYNAVIN would make one for the SL with the Android based OS with Wi-Fi. One can Dream!
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 11
Likes: 1
Acura NSX
I installed it in a 2003. My car has the bezel that comes up from the center console and wraps around the head unit, There is another bezel on the 2008 and up models that stops at the bottom of the cup holder. The unit I installed should include all R230 models from 2001 to 2007.
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 203
Likes: 1
From: S.E. PA
2011 IS350C
I installed it in a 2003. My car has the bezel that comes up from the center console and wraps around the head unit, There is another bezel on the 2008 and up models that stops at the bottom of the cup holder. The unit I installed should include all R230 models from 2001 to 2007.
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
Likes: 4
05 Mercedes SL500
Mercedes SL R230 GPS Navigation DVD with Radio Bluetooth item#: BZH468
What is the final resolution on this R230 upgrade? Thumbs up or down? I have a 2005 SL500 that desperately needs a COMAND repair/upgrade and don't want to pay the extra $ for the MB unit. My 2005 doesn't have an AUX plug which exempts me from Pandora, etc. Anxious to hear an update.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
What is the final resolution on this R230 upgrade? Thumbs up or down? I have a 2005 SL500 that desperately needs a COMAND repair/upgrade and don't want to pay the extra $ for the MB unit. My 2005 doesn't have an AUX plug which exempts me from Pandora, etc. Anxious to hear an update.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 3
08 SL55
BTW, this seller says it fir R230s through 2007???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,065
Likes: 3
08 SL55
Reason I'm asking is, I'm about to spend as much as it costs for one of these units to add a USB/Bletooth connection to the existing unit.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 376
Likes: 12
From: Atlanta, GA
SL550 Designo Crystal & Red Interior - SL55 Silver & Black Interior - E550
Let me start from the top of things I don't like;
I don't like waiting 15 seconds for the unit to start playing music although backup camera does work immediately.
I don't like the keypad when I use the unit to dial a number. Works perfectly but the numbers are not in a keypad format.
I have all my music in albums on the SD card but it seems like it only recognizes a certain amount of folders. I need to try and put them all in one folder but I haven't yet. At the moment, there is no easy way to scroll between albums.
I dont like the fact that full album name is always shown and limits the song title display.
The drag of the menu screen from left to right at the top of the display takes some getting used to.
With regard to install, on earlier models with fiber, you lose the amp and either have to reinstall a new one or wire the speakers directly to the unit which was my option and I have no problem but I'm not a music buff and have been accused of being tone deaf... The younger cars I believe retain the factory amp.
As far as I'm concerned, its a definite upgrade to the car and if I had it to do over, I would do it again. Hope that helps.
I don't like waiting 15 seconds for the unit to start playing music although backup camera does work immediately.
I don't like the keypad when I use the unit to dial a number. Works perfectly but the numbers are not in a keypad format.
I have all my music in albums on the SD card but it seems like it only recognizes a certain amount of folders. I need to try and put them all in one folder but I haven't yet. At the moment, there is no easy way to scroll between albums.
I dont like the fact that full album name is always shown and limits the song title display.
The drag of the menu screen from left to right at the top of the display takes some getting used to.
With regard to install, on earlier models with fiber, you lose the amp and either have to reinstall a new one or wire the speakers directly to the unit which was my option and I have no problem but I'm not a music buff and have been accused of being tone deaf... The younger cars I believe retain the factory amp.
As far as I'm concerned, its a definite upgrade to the car and if I had it to do over, I would do it again. Hope that helps.
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Boston
'03 SL55 AMG RENNtech
Quality, Reliability of Chinese replacement Head Units
New Member. I have been researching replacement Head units for my '03 SL55, frustrated by Comand unit. Some of the Chinese units that I have found in these postings look very interesting. I hate to buy Chinese but aren't most head units made in Taiwan anyway? I recently had the passport 9500ci radar/laser defense system installed and have asked my installer to quote replacing the head unit. I realize this is a Bose system and the speakers and amp will need to be replaced regardless of the head unit installed.
I found this unit today and the features are incredible, Bluetooth, DVD, 6.2 inch HD 1024x600RGB touchscreen, wifi ... and still can use steering wheel controls. Anybody had any experience with this unit or similar ones?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Android-4-4-4-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-Class-R230-Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Navigation-Radio-/191559114100?vxp=mtr&hash=item2c99d01d74
I found this unit today and the features are incredible, Bluetooth, DVD, 6.2 inch HD 1024x600RGB touchscreen, wifi ... and still can use steering wheel controls. Anybody had any experience with this unit or similar ones?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Android-4-4-4-MERCEDES-BENZ-SL-Class-R230-Car-DVD-Player-GPS-Navigation-Radio-/191559114100?vxp=mtr&hash=item2c99d01d74
Newbie
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Boston
'03 SL55 AMG RENNtech
Replacing command system
After much research, we are installing a Pioneer 6200 NEX head unit, amp and Hybrid Audio Technology component speakers. A custom bezel around the head unit. No dash kits for 03 and 04 R230's available. The ones that are available for 05 to 07's require the trim above the cup holders on the 03 and 04 models to be removed. I will post some photos when complete. The Chinese aftermarket head units looked interesting, especially the Bluetooth, WIFI, and the unit was the same shape as the dash opening but long term reliability and service was in question. The NEX has Apple AirPlay, Bluetooth, Nav, etc. if this unit breaks down in 3 years, I will replace with the next generation of a double din head unit.
