Doing the NTG 1 to NTG 2.5 Conversion but Question?
 

I have an 07' Mercedes E63 with the crappy NTG 1 command. I'am slowly getting everything I need to upgrade to the NTG 2.5 command. Luckily I work for Mercedes-Benz and getting everything brand new, but still it's expensive even at my price.
This is the list I believe I need to get this done:
W211 09' Command NTG 2.5 Headunit
Harmon Kardon Speaker Amplifier (Have It)
Harmon Kardon Main (expensive) Amplifier
KabelDaviko Sound/Navigation NTG 2.5 retro fit cable (On Order)

I want to be able to add mid city engineering's vehicle in motion feature and also get whatever i need to get Mercedes code 518 which is UCI interface and Media plus to use bluetooth audio, text messaging and watch videos directly from my iphone.

Mainly I want to know if anyone has done the additional stuff the UCI and Mid City and what fiber optic cables would I need to make this work.

That is a tough one. I was reading all around the place couple of months back but could not find all the information necessary. This is why i retrofitted NTG1 in to my 2003 Non-Navi E55.
If you are successful, a DIY with part numbers if possible would be awesome.

Good Luck and keep us posted! :y

Did you attempt this yet?

I'm doing the NTG 2.5 upgrade soon myself, I have the command and 2 Amps, need to get the wire harness and whatever else is necessary.

The mid city stuff didn't work when I tried it. The best harness and resource is comand-online.co.uk

Thanks for the reply AMGPilot, I wanted to pm you since you're the man when it comes to the NTG 2.5 upgrade, so I might bother you with a few questions soon.

What's the difference between the Kabel Daviko harness and the comand-online.co.ok ? So an oem harness won't work I guess right?

Also do you have the part # for the SDAR/HD module? Is this the sirius module? And if it is then I won't install it.

And another qustion, once I remove all my modules and amp I have to close the loop on the MOST ring?

The harness from comandonline.co.uk is really expensive, 305 British pounds, here is the link:
http://www.comandonline.co.uk/W211-W...on-NTG2.5.html

And here is the Kabel Daviko, it's only 185 euros :

http://www.kabeldaviko.de/Navigation...-Code810-.html

Actually the Comandonline harness is 254 pounds after you create an account and log in.

Their harness works and is stupid simple to install. I had heard of to many bad experiences with the Kabel Daviko and got stung with their DVD in motion box. Also Comandonline can source all the parts you need EXCEPT for the HD Radio SDAR box.

Hit me up with any questions.

The SDAR/HD module is the sirius module, you need it though because it IS the radio tuner now. if you don't want sirius just don't activate it. yes anything that is not NTG 2.5 needs to be removed from the most ring and closed out

Wow, thanks this is exactly what I wanted to hear, now I have a lot more confidence going into this project, I will order the comandonline harness then. I will contact you once I have all the parts and I'm ready for install.

Did you install a reverse camera?

And what about the media interface UCI?

Yup I did I got a kenwood reverse camera kit and installed it next to the trunk latch trigger (A dremel is your friend)

For the UCI you have to use a NTG2.5 one (EVERYTHING has to be NTG2.5 or the radio will not see it) comand online has what you need right here (http://www.comandonline.co.uk/w211_m...rface_rhd.html) then if you want to be able to stream music via bluetooth you need the "Media interface Plus" ($300) Info here (http://www.comandonline.co.uk/media-interface-plus.html)

Got it, from what you said in a different thread it seems that the hardest part will be removing all the stock modules and harnesses, after that should be pretty much plug and play. Can't wait to get started!

Done it yet?

Yeah, I finished it months ago, are you doing it too?

I'm seriously contemplating this job!! Seen ntg2.5 (6 cdc) unit for 1399 Obo, but wondering if my sat will work,and still need amps and harness. Also not to sure what needs to be done as of install and programming

Nothing and I mean NOTHING from your old NTG 1 will work, except for the speakers. If you leave anything NTG 1 on the fiber ring it will shut you down. Go and find my post, it tells you what you need to know

Where are you located? And do you think it will be different with a wagon?

Could you send me a link to your post? And is there DIY step by step ?

I'm in Los Angeles

You need to remove anything on the most ring that is NOT NTG 2.5 (In other words EVERYTHING that is in the car stock. Radio, Audio Gateway (Amp/tuner unit in the trunk) CTEL module, SDAR module (If installed) Lignuatronic module (If installed), CD Changer, Ipod Interface (If installed) Nav Processor/DVD Drive (If installed) Bluetooth Phone interface (If installed) You replace all that with NTG 2.5 headunit (which has Nav, Linguatronic, Bluetooth and DVD Changer built in), Main Amp, Sub Amp, SDAR/HD Radio module, Media Interface (Ipod interface) and a Conversion wiring harness from Comandonline.co.uk

Install takes me 8 hours and I charge $1000

NTG 2.5 headunit- I'm seeing these on ebay for $1400 I know this guy and his stuff works

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-Mercede...978f05&vxp=mtr

NTG 2.5 conversion wiring harness, Comandonline.co.uk $450

http://www.commandonline.co.uk/W211-...on-NTG2.5.html

Main Amp- $1390 http://www.commandonline.co.uk/harmo...or_ntg2.5.html

Sub Amp- $400 - there is one on ebay now

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2010-20...item58a8978df6

SDAR/HD Radio module- Usually $300

Media Interface (Ipod interface) - $399

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2009-2010-20...item3f2cc38f36

then you should get the media interface Plus (Bluetooth music streaming) $300

Bluetooth antenna, am/fm antenna adapter, Linguatronic stalk, microphone extension cable, backup camera and the updated antenna amp in the drivers c-pillar adds another $750 if you want video in motion thats another $250

Then there is a bit of STAR/DAS programming/updating that has to be done (It also updates the data card so the dealer sees a "Factory" install of a NTG 2.5

Yes it's expensive but the sound quality is MUCH better, infact it's what the car should sound like. there is even decent sub-bass. Integration with dash is there and the car looks bone stock. GPS is now address level and if you choose to subscribe you have live traffic.

charging of an iPhone 5 is via USB cable, same as all previous iPhones.

Let me know if you have any other questions

Wow thanks for all the info.. Thinking about taking a trip out there please pm me your number so we can discuss a date and a few things such as my old sat radio ( if it will still work) and if this install includes everything in this write up 100% and what parts I can get through salvage(amps,etc..) or just email me at davidthinkin@yahoo with your number.
Thank you so much for this information!!

Well I got my hands on a comand, main amp and sat/hd module. Should be any day now I'll be tearing things up in my wagon then going to see mert for programming!!! Hope this all goes smooth.
Thanks again for all the help AMGPilot!! Will update and try and take photos of my install step by step for anyone needing them in the future.

Please do! I also have all the parts ready. Just can't find the time to do it. Please document everything. DIY would be awesome! :):y

WILL DO MY BEST TO DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, Just need the sub amp and the harness. How much was your harness total with shipping and how long did it take to receive( your location?)

I purchased a harness from them about 2 months ago. It was att my house within10 days. I can't help with cost of the harness as I purchased a media interface kit also along with other items.

What does the media interface to exactly and what else did you get and total cost?
Also was shipping cost extra or is it included in total cost listed with there parts.

I purchased the harness, voice control kit, media interface, gps antenna( which I didn't need so don't order). It was 1100£, that is how it shows on my card. The media interface allows you to play iPod,or other media device through the command. I recently finished mine but have yet to get it coded to my vehicle, not sure how to yet. I am located in South Jersey near McGuire AFB. Not sure how you were going to mount the main amp but I needed two brackets to get it to stand in factory location.

Scott