W211_350WagoN

I'm gonna pm you my #

cij911

Why not just do a custom install with an aftermarket headunit, great amps, and great speakers ?

Enigma94

I'm wondering the same thing... 5 grand just for a newer version seems insane to me...then you have to do all the work, just doesn't seem worth it at all to me. Use that money and buy a 09 or sped 1/2 on a killer aftermarket set up.

cdd

Because some people think aftermarket head units look like crap and value OEM look. I know I do.

I've gathered the 2.5 head unit, 2 amps and radio module. Will get around to picking up the rest of the stuff soon.

Just like vioilio, I would be very grateful for DIY instructions with pics.

Thanks!

W211_350WagoN

DEFINITELY OEM OVER AFTERMARKET, It's really just like the difference between cutting factory wires to install a aftermarket head unit or getting a clean install with a adapter. Just to me really clean and I think the Harman Kardon system is a lot more advanced then any aftermarket stuff in this price range. Bottom line is it will be a big accomplishment to have installed something in my car the will reflect in my factory data card as if it came straight from the factory.
I will do my best to take pics and video's of this complete install as it has been quite hard adding a camera/iphone in less complicated task in the passed lol. But this one is a must for all you guys on this forum for the simple fact I've gotten so much help. Time to repay back the Community...lol

Enigma94

Definitely not knocking the effort and time to do the swap, the money you have to pay to do it just seems a little outrageous is all. I'm all for having a clean install, I'm sure there are some aftermarket head units that will work with adaptor harnesses so there's no cutting involved. Either way, props to you guys who've done this and were willing to fork out the dough to get it done.

W211_350WagoN

Ok guys I did the install yesterday and everything is up and running. I need to reassemble everything in my wagon. I will photo everything as best as I can during this and document my best instructions for this install step by step.
Only one thing left to figure out and this is the mic connection and all will be done minus the power antenna upgrade and cable for this as I'm having trouble finding part #'s for a wagon.

A BIG THANKS TO EVERONE ON HERE & sales@comandonline.co.uk !!!

I will try and figure out how to start a new tread for this retrofit as I've yet to start a tread on here myself.

vioilio

Great news! Now Once I print your DIY I will start working on mine.

W211_350WagoN

Ok I will start will parts I have and and photos of them.


Ok stand by guys, putting this together will take some time

das eighty

Subscribed!

johnnay

how's the write up coming?

JoeNobody

You will also need DAS with developer mode, AND it must be a release that's 2010 or older (although up to mid 2011 might also work).
The reason is because the NTG2.5 developer menus were removed in newer editions of DAS, and without that there is no way to configure the head unit.

If you watch ebay closely, you can pick up NTG2.5 parts for modest prices.

Looking forward to seeing the UCI installed, as I'm thinking of adding it to my NTG2.5 conversion.

turbo97se

There's really not a whole lot to write up on this .. I will add some pics as I find them. I did not take all that many pictures.
1. Remove head unit and CD changer.
2. Run cable down left side of car to trunk and existing CD changer and nav drive
3. Remove nav drive and CD changer in trunk (rear left)
4. Unplug existing Amp (tucked up in trunk)
5. Repin optical harness and plug into new Amp
6. Plug in Sub Amp
7. Run rear power harness to fuse block in spare wheel well (close to battery) Find empty slot and plug in. Pic below:


8. Remove panel next to drivers side vent (between dash and door)
9. Run front power harness to the exposed fuse box, find empty slot and plug in
10. Unpin front optic fiber leading to CD changer and join the ends
11. If you have other items on the MOST bus you need to remove them and join ends. Here is connector to trunk DVD/NAV

step a.


step b. There are locking spring tabs that release the most fiber:



step c. Use opto-coupler or vacuum hose to join the ends as below(this pic was not for the nav drive but for the satellite radio part) but they are the same color and concept:



12. Connect the grounds (front under the front driver's side carpet (there are two grounds available), rear is up close to amp (bunch of wires already there)
13. Plug in all the connectors.

The part I got stuck with was no sound .. that was because I did not close off the MOST bus and did not remove the satellite radio. Thanks to Mert93 for his help on that one!

Coding was straight forward with DAS you just need to use a valid VIN to code it. It is finicky on the power though. I noticed sometimes if you turn the ignition on when it asks it'll not be able to communicate, then you need to start the whole process over again. So that was annoying.

I managed to update all the firmware/software using DAS and discs I made. JoeNobody encouraged me to do this .. I was hesitant since some sites say not to do this.

I added UCI, it's no big deal really .. The interface is not the greatest in terms of how it integrates with the NTG 2.5. I wish they would upgrade the firmware to allow SMS texting by with voice control. That'd be cool!

It was worth adding the video in motion stuff for me .. it's expensive but the one I got also allowed the electric door to work where the original front CD changer used to sit. I think joenobody told me about that one (Thanks!)

I added the rear camera which is also useful .. first time I have ever installed one. it was a bit of a pain .. but so nice to have

The NTG 2.5 with the voice control and additional functionality is hugely better than the NTG1. I am glad I did it for sure! Hit me up if you have questions .. the board has a lot of helpful guys who are also willing to help out.


Hehe .. after writing all of this .. maybe there is more than not much to write

vioilio

what is the part number for that opto-coupler (adapter joint) to connect the two optic cables together? Link?
Thanks.

Devilsfan72

000-545-44-84 part number for most connector

vioilio

Thank you!

W211_350WagoN

Hey sorry guys didn't get to finish up the write.
Thanks turbo!!
I had run into some issues. Rear bags needed changing and then CGW got water in it over time and needed changing and coding.
That is a great write up again!!

W211_350WagoN

Could you send a link on where you got the VIM that also allows the cd door to open again.
Thanks

turbo97se

I bought from Kabeldaviko. Although to be honest, I was seriously unimpressed with his support. You might want to contact commandonline.uk to see if they have something similar. In any case, his site is down again ... it was when I ordered a while ago too.

WCM-DVD module for NTG 2.5 part number 164-727

The pics I took were limited mostly to taking pictures of connectors that I might want to change back to the original configuration if the install went south. I did not really take them with the thought of doing a DIY. Once you are into it, you'll see what I mean.

W211_350WagoN

I did the install already. Just need a VIM for reverse camera and VIM. I seen you had posted that part that does both (VIM & open the door)
Yes I checked his site and it's down. Wondering when it will be back up and if I can get that part elsewhere. ?
Thanks buddy

W211_350WagoN

Ok so the sites back up and running.
How do I order it all in German and also any directions on how to install it?
Thanks

JoeNobody

I was having problems with the audio cutting out, and then I remembered I still had the old telaid junk installed on the fiber loop.

I ripped out the telaid components (under trunk carpet, near back of the trunk),
closed the fiber loops (no extra parts needed, as there's already fiber splicers there),
used DAS to remove telaid option

And now the audio cut-out problem is fixed!

JoeNobody

after removing tel-aid, be sure to go into DAS and change airbag settings and disable "emergency call"

turbo97se

I never get email notifications any more from this site .. not sure why. Just happened to see this. The site is in English and German. The module comes with instructions. The instructions from this guy are awful in general on all his products and he is no help in terms of technical support. He seems to build and sell. I am ok with mine although every time you restart the car you need to re-do the steps to enable VIM.

ImportLabSRT

Sorry to bring a 4 year old thread back to life bit I just did this retrofit and everything works except no radio reception. I purchased the conversation harness from CommandOnline with the adapter from dual fakra at the command to single and plugged into the black fakra where the AGW was.