I'm sorry but the Harmon Kardon sound quality (SQ) is sub par. Additionally, the factory iPod connector SQ is even worse.

Anyone know of any options on upgrading the SQ without replacing the factory head unit or making any modifications to the car? At most, I'd have no problem with replacing all the factory speakers and the factory amplifier as long as it doesn't require any significant modifications to the vehicle itself.

 

Would love some info on this too.. Was thinking of replacing a few speakers and maybe sub, but dont want to replace any amps or anything like that..

Can anyone help?

 

Convert the comand to NTG 2.5 from a 2009 car

HUGE improvement, now it sounds like it should

 

That's like $4k or something, right?

 

I'm looking at retaining the OEM stereo and running it into an Alpine PxA. I don't want to mess with with the bus systems and integration into the car. :/

Looking to replace all the speakers with Focal speakers and run them with some oldschool soundstream amps I have.

 

Depends on what you do and if you resell your old components. Don't' forget that to rip out the existing Comand, amps CD Changer, nav, sat radio and speakers and replace them with aftermarket is going to cost a helluva lot more than $4K

At Minimum you need the Comand NTG 2.5 Headunit which includes bluetooth support for the phone, linguatronic, a 6 disc CD/DCD Changer, SD card reader for MP3 files and a MUCH Better navigation system. The Harmon Kardon Amp and subwoofer amp. You will also need a conversion wiring harness.

If you want to go all out and do it totally right you will want to add the Sat radio receiver which also get's you live traffic updates and HD FM and AM radio, and The UCI iPod interface and the Media Interface Plus (Streaming music via bluetooth off the iPhone so you never take the phone out of your pocket and Pandora Support) and an Antenna amp (There is some additional wiring that has to be done mainly an antenna lead has to be added and routed.)

In the end you remove the Old Comand, 6 disk changer, Audio Gateway, any bluetooth puck, iPod interface, sat radio receiver, cell phone/onstar/sos box, Nav processor and old antenna amp. All of that has to come out since those components are not compatible with the NTG 2.5 system. The speakers are very very good and they stay (Including the sub) as does all their wiring and crossovers. You will be able to resell everything but the CTEL and Antenna amp for just under $2K to offset the purchase price of everything else needed.

There is some star coding that needs to be done and that get's tricky (The amp needs to be told that it's in an e-class for the proper EQ Curve to be applied)

is it worth it? Hell yes

 

Dang, I'd like to have that done. Unless there's one helluva DIY guide, I'd have to have help.

 

Well it would take me less than 6 hours to do the install, then we just need a star mod friendly dealer to do the coding and updates which takes about 2 hours.

I'm in burbank....

 

Well, I just might have to make my way on up there for this. You think this is a 6 pack or 12 pack job?

 

LOL, we can talk. I know all the tricks having done this to my car, I can also build you a shopping list if you're serious

 

I should be finished with the go-fast goodies pretty soon, so I might focus on this part next. If it's as good as you say it is and worth the coin, I'm down for doing it.

 

Before you do it you're welcome to have a listen to my system

 

Any pics with the new COMAND unit?

 

Interesting. If there were to ever be a sticky thread with pics, this should be it.

 

Well, If I do another conversion then I'll shoot some photos, I didn't when I did mine

 

Oh and I left out one other cool mod you can do, you can add a backup camera to the NTG 2.5. It's a really nice addition.

 

Any Pics of the new system?

 

On eBay you can get the command for around $1k to $1200.

 

Doing the conversion to NTG 2.5 take replacing everything on the MOST Fiber ring. Most importantly the amps, it also requires some rewiring/sub-harnessing to be done.

It is FAR from just replacing the head unit

 

Carefull!!!
I just got my car back from respected audio shop and now my keyless start doesn't work. I had amps and focal speakers installed.
The dash says " key not recognized"
I've tried everything to fix

 

So Im wondering if anyone has just replaced the factory speaker with aftermarket and run them off the factory amp? Or is that even possible? I know to get the best sound I would need to replace the amps, but I don't want to spend a lot Andy hack up the factory system. Thanks for any help

 

There is no advantage in doing that. The speakers that are there in the car already are damn good, they are just let down by a bad amp and EQ curve

 

I want the full monty with the backup camera and all.

 

How do you navigate the new COMAND since the W211 doesn't have the control wheel/toggle in the center console area? I'm sure you can navigate it but just curious how.

Thanks!

 

A Mobridge ipod and Bluetooth system is a pretty good starting point if you want to retain factory head unit, and it allows for the use of the factory steering wheel buttons, integrates with MOST, etc. Then I bought a JL audio 500/5 amp which has 100x2 for the front, 25x2 for the rear, and 250x1 for the sub, used new front speakers, and left the fatory rear speakers and sub. Oh, and an Audsion Bit Ten EQ-type-thing that allows for the removal of the factory settings. It actually sounds pretty good, is a clean design and cost $2800 installed with Dynamat in the doors, etc.