SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: DIY : Command/Head unit/Navigation upgrade
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
DIY : Command/Head unit/Navigation upgrade
this is my first DIY so excuse me if I didn't cover everything, so, I have a 04, and the stock command unit is OUT OF DATE, and that useless motorola V60 is a complete junk and taking up my compartment space. so it's time for a change, so after couple months of searching I finally made my mind on this>http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Car-D...928518336.html OEM look with 2013 OEM graphic, touch screen and MIC. $565 shipped, if you can find a cheaper source please share it.
2 things you need to be aware of when purchasing, 2003-2004 get the short wire set, 2005-2007 get the long wire set. they will message you to see if your car have optic fiber amplifier, well, we all do, but just tell them NO. I said yes and the result is $300 on labor just to hook up the thing with the correct wire and plugs.
before installation, you will need a couple of things:
1. a 5 channel Amplifier for the stock bose speakers and sub
2. a 4 gauge wire kit
3. 3 sets of signal cables ( amp to radio )
4. a 2 channel 3.5mm mini to RCA cable
5. a 1 male to 2 female Y adaptor cable
6. 4 bass blockers/by pass
2 things you need to be aware of when purchasing, 2003-2004 get the short wire set, 2005-2007 get the long wire set. they will message you to see if your car have optic fiber amplifier, well, we all do, but just tell them NO. I said yes and the result is $300 on labor just to hook up the thing with the correct wire and plugs.
before installation, you will need a couple of things:
1. a 5 channel Amplifier for the stock bose speakers and sub
2. a 4 gauge wire kit
3. 3 sets of signal cables ( amp to radio )
4. a 2 channel 3.5mm mini to RCA cable
5. a 1 male to 2 female Y adaptor cable
6. 4 bass blockers/by pass
Last edited by SpiritR230; Oct 4, 2013 at 08:06 AM.
Thread Starter
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
first, take out the center console, http://www.mercupgrades.com/Removing...rticle-68.htmldisconnect all plugs that gets in your way, becareful not to scratch the red leather, cup holder and shift knob, take the old command out, disconnect all the cables and wires.
Last edited by SpiritR230; Oct 4, 2013 at 08:08 AM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Oct 2012
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
Remove the driver side back compartment, top down and remove the side panel and rear panel, again, be extra careful of those red leather. take out the CD changer, once the CD changer is out, you'll see the optic fiber amp, remove it and clear the area to fit the new amp.
Last edited by SpiritR230; Oct 4, 2013 at 08:34 AM.
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a few cars, few bikes,04 SL55
Remove the driver side back compartment, top down and remove the side panel and rear panel, again, be extra careful of those red leather. take out the CD changer, once the CD changer is out, you'll see the optic fiber amp, remove it and clear the area to fit the new amp.
I will be in SF this weekend if you don't mind I like to come by and check out your project. I am looking to upgrade my unit like yours.
Thread Starter
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
now, top up, and connect the trunk battery + with a 2 way 4 gauge fuse block that comes with the amp wire kit and run it from the driver side back compartment. I just let it sit on my spare tire so it's not necessary to follow me on this and be creative.
now connect everything like this video
your amp should be sitting on the bottom of the compartment with everything connected. now in order to fit your compartment you'll need to shave/cut the extended part where the old CD changer used to sit. Be very careful not to scratch the red leather.
now connect everything like this video
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 319
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
to pick up where left off, now you have the amp all hooked up and powered properly, make sure you used those BASS BLOCKERS for the center and rear speakers. the only thing left to do is to hook up all the wire to the unit, you can easily run the wire from either side of the center console to the back, hook up the USB Ipod and AUX the kit provided, and I run all 3 thru the old AUX jack in the glove box. and I also run the GPS inside the center speaker. Once you have everything ready you can power the unit up and do some testing, and tune your amp to your liking, final step would be putting everything back together, and ENJOY!
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 319
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From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
oh and one last mod I JUST did and has nothing to do with this DIY I just feels like sharing, BIG THANKS to Ivan @ DCT for hooking me up with the module and your info helps A LOT! Got this done in less than 10min. no srs light, everything works! it feels GREAT!
ps : and a night shot to conclude this DIY. Good night everybody!
ps : and a night shot to conclude this DIY. Good night everybody!
Last edited by SpiritR230; Oct 8, 2013 at 04:45 AM.
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C230 Kompressor, 2003; GLC 2018; E400 2018
Excellent work, SpiritR230. If you don't mind, here are a few follow up questions about the new unit.
1. Have you had any problems since installation? Does it seem reliable and well-built?
2. Where do you purchase the navigation data? Has yours been accurate?
3. I see that this unit is advertised as "plug-and-play." If I don't need to change amps, do you think this is a DIY project for a reasonably skilled recovering moterhead?
Motor on,
SJH
1. Have you had any problems since installation? Does it seem reliable and well-built?
2. Where do you purchase the navigation data? Has yours been accurate?
3. I see that this unit is advertised as "plug-and-play." If I don't need to change amps, do you think this is a DIY project for a reasonably skilled recovering moterhead?
Motor on,
SJH
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 319
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco
2015 SL63 AMG
Excellent work, SpiritR230. If you don't mind, here are a few follow up questions about the new unit.
1. Have you had any problems since installation? Does it seem reliable and well-built?
2. Where do you purchase the navigation data? Has yours been accurate?
3. I see that this unit is advertised as "plug-and-play." If I don't need to change amps, do you think this is a DIY project for a reasonably skilled recovering moterhead?
Motor on,
SJH
1. Have you had any problems since installation? Does it seem reliable and well-built?
2. Where do you purchase the navigation data? Has yours been accurate?
3. I see that this unit is advertised as "plug-and-play." If I don't need to change amps, do you think this is a DIY project for a reasonably skilled recovering moterhead?
Motor on,
SJH
2. you dont have to purchase any navigation data, it came with a micro SD, it's been very accurate to be honest, it's more accurate than apple's map
3. it is NOT plug and play, you have to change the amp, if you have experience with car stereo this project is easy.
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From: Seattle
1992 911 C4, 2008 P2 E63 AMG (gone but not forgotten), 2007 SL65 Renntech
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,187
Likes: 239
From: Santa Clara, Ca
2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32
I was planning on putting the details in an original thread one day ....
but to answer your question briefly, here is a little more detail on my head unit
https://mbworld.org/forums/sl55-amg-...ml#post6444680
Cheers,
Chris
