03'55AMG

Recently, I am dying to get my iPod to play through the cars L7 system.. But I don't have command OR an aux port and have decided to switch to command, with a few questions.
1.is it PAP?
2. In order for nav to work Im aware I'll Need a GPS antenna, but will I have to pay for it like paying for the old tele aid system?
3. Not really a question, but if someone could tell me every thing to know about switching from A50 to comand, such as a DIY or details on what I'll need and etc.
Thanks in advance, - John

AMGPilot

Contact Comand Online and they can help you.

Once you have the Nav Processor (I have one for sale) and the NAV DVD (which is still in my nav processor that I have for sale!) there is no other charges.

03'55AMG

So on top of the hu I'll need the trunk processor and cd and that's it? No other cables, proramming, soldering/splicing or any of that?

AMGPilot

Well you need this conversion wiring harness Nav Harness

and this antenna Antenna

You will also have to have the car star coded for "Nav Present"

W109 W211 6.2L

There is a significant sound quality difference between Ipod and CD, just a heads up. I have the factory installed Ipod adapter on my E63 and I convert everything to CD because it sounds sooo much better. Also I have the newest Nano which has the newest sound quality technology.

MJ50

email MBenzNL@gmail.com and they'll send u all the parts u need...

AMGPilot

What input are you using for the iPod? iPod sounds better than cd if you use an interface

Cartronics

1. You can get a fiber optic based input for your car that does not require a head unit swap (we have those units). The sound quality is perfect, as it is all digital. It will work with Audio 20, Audio 50, or COMAND.
2. you can swap the head unit, but will need the trunk based CD NAV system if you want NAV. - no subscription
3. Switching the actual unit is really just a plug in style swap.

W109 W211 6.2L

The OEM Mercedes input (Plugs into bottom of the IPod), it was a factory option on my car. The volume level is not as loud as CD and the clarity is not as good as CD. The reality is it can never be as good as CD just because of the way the data is compressed to save space.

03'55AMG

If I had to ball park a total cost of everything, from headunit all the way to dealer coding for nav, how much would I be looking at for new parts vs used?

W109 W211 6.2L

Judging by the fact you have a 03 E55 and want to to upgrade it. Used is the option cause will be at least 3x as much for new as it is for used. Its a Mercedes! Used Prices roughly, Headunit $600, Cd Changer $300 or so the Navi cdplayer (Trunk) $350 misc Wire, Ipod setup ($300). I would say at the least you are in for $1500 used. Save your money, you will need it when the repair bug hits.

Then you run the risk of if things break and do not fit correctly which will run you extra. Thats my $.02s

Cartronics

You can put music on an iPod in lossless format (W109 W211 6.2L). Which will be the exact same quality as CD. If you use the iTronic Audio iPod (and Aux) interface on the 03 E Class, you will have digital sound all the way.
You do NOT need to change head units to add digital iPod function. Only if you want NAV too.

W109 W211 6.2L - estimates are pretty close. We do this change for clients all the time. Soup to nuts it runs about $1800 - $2000 - Remanufactured and certified units (which is still a form of used), is definitely the way to go.

03'55AMG

Wow! That's not bad at all! I was told a head unti alone was close to two grand from Mercedes. Cartronic, what serums do you sell that allow audio 50 users to utilize iPod input and what are all the parts and price? Feel free to pm the info aswell

03'55AMG

Oops, meant systems, not serums.. Damn auto correct oopsie.. Lol

Cartronics

They COULD be serums...lol

Anyway, since prices and systems do change, and these posts live forever, I will send you a PM. You can also read all about it on our site too.