Just Upgraded My Comand NTG1 to Kenwood DNN991HD Aftermarket Headunit
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
I can say that I am 100% satisfied and glad I finally took the leap. Very happy with the Kenwood. The features are amazing as I have mentioned. Everything went fine with install, and everything works great, so basically if you are nervous, I can tell you to stop trippin' it all worked out! I wish I had done it sooner, as after you have this type of setup, the NTG1 would never be an option ever again. Like I said above, upgrading is like going from a Honda Accord (NTG1) to a Ferrari Spider (Aftermarket H/U) or since we are in the MB forums, its like going from a C-class to an S-class. Keep me updated if you decide to do the swap as well.
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 225
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From: NY
Escalade ESV Platinum (Blue Chip), 2004 E55 (SOLD) , 2001 Brabus CL600 (SOLD), 1997 E420 (SOLD)
i have been considering a complete sound upgrade because the sound i get from the factory speakers is weak and doesnt sound so crisp. this was shocking considering its an HK with over 10 speakers....Sometimes i even wonder if all the speakers/tweeters/sub is even working because it sounds so weak...my 2012 jetta with the fender sound system blows the benz away stock for stock.and that car only has 6 speakers 1 sub including the tweeters.lol
Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: NY
Escalade ESV Platinum (Blue Chip), 2004 E55 (SOLD) , 2001 Brabus CL600 (SOLD), 1997 E420 (SOLD)
if upgrading just the HU is an answer for this problem, then i may just pull the trigger on this and see if it meets my needs. i want loud and clear sound....and from what people are saying, these speakers are not to be underestimated. When they are properly powered and processed, they may really surprise people.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
i have been considering a complete sound upgrade because the sound i get from the factory speakers is weak and doesnt sound so crisp. this was shocking considering its an HK with over 10 speakers....Sometimes i even wonder if all the speakers/tweeters/sub is even working because it sounds so weak...my 2012 jetta with the fender sound system blows the benz away stock for stock.and that car only has 6 speakers 1 sub including the tweeters.lol
It sounds like I have some 10s back there now. I miss having box and subs but this is the closet thing to having that. I feel like the system I used to have in my C-class which was logic 7 HK with NTG4 pop up nav unit sounded better than the w211 stock system.
I read a ton of reviews on the forum about the stock system sounding good after an H/U upgrade so I decided to go with the MOST adapter option. Just dropped money on this H/U upgrade, and a eurocharged ecu tune so wasn't trying to spend money on an amp, and speakers even though I guess the MOST adapter was 550.
Looking at aftermarket amps the good ones like JL were atleast $500-$700. Then the cost of speakers, and subs +box, wasn't ready to do all that. I am very happy with the stock system now, and I dont really think I will do anything further audio wise.
When I have money again, I am going to do headers, and quaifie lsd and call it good. Probably won't be doing that for atleast a year, but I can't wait for the headers!!
But yes man, you need some bump in the trunk, MB dropped the ball on the audio in the w211. But it can be fixed with some money.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,242
Likes: 7
From: Canada
2004 E55 AMG
if upgrading just the HU is an answer for this problem, then i may just pull the trigger on this and see if it meets my needs. i want loud and clear sound....and from what people are saying, these speakers are not to be underestimated. When they are properly powered and processed, they may really surprise people.
My friends who sat in my car after this upgrade kept thinking that I got an aftermarket subwoofer and other goodies.
You'd really hear all the speakers once you do this install.
I have everything stock other than HU.
The 13 speakers really are enough for this car if coupled with a proper Headunit.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 62
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
Prius plug in
I think you just pushed me over the edge too - my satalite radio is locked out due to the xm Channel update currently and I have been debating.
Question: do the navigation commands still route into the gauge cluster ?
Question: do the navigation commands still route into the gauge cluster ?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 24
Mercedes
It will not. I did NTG2.5 retrofit just to keep everything integrated, and it looks slick too.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1
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From: Fair Oaks, California
'06 E350
COMAND from Hong Kong for '06 E350
I recently purchased the car and the COMAND says phone not installed. It seems to get it working is a little of a mystery and I am thinking of replacing the entire HU. I see the ones from wowcosmos.com on EBAY http://www.ebay.com/itm/200968316515 for $625 and comes with all the harnesses and wiring needed. I like that it preserves the buttons on the side of the HU plus it has a touch screen and closely mimics the original look and feel. My only concern is that I can seem to find a User Manaual to browse to look at all the features and the User Inteface. Im not sure about the OS and if the software would be solid or buggy and if the user inferace is cheesy looking or non intuitive. The price is decent, and I can install it myself so, just wondering if anyone on the formum know about these HU and if I should stay clear or take a chance?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 698
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From: Germany
C215 CL55 AMG, W124 500E, W210 E430, W124 300E
I dont know... it killes the stock look. No chromelined buttons, no nothing. The cover around it is just ugly IMHO. Looks so "aftermarket". Same functions with stock Look - amazing! Otherwise a big no no for me.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
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From: Seattle
07 E63 AMG, 08 C300 Sport (sold)
My interior is wrapped with 3M all around, so it definately is not noticeable in my car.
It really isn't as bad you say.
I don't have wood grain trim anymore, but I think a passenger/drive would be more focused on the touch screen, then the trim piece. In my opinion, a touch screen far out weighs a NTG1.
If I had the money to spend on a NTG2.5, and I didn't have headers, I would get the headers no question, but thats me.
If anything the huge major improvement in sound would be enough, the stock system bumps, just needed different HU to bring it out.
Last edited by DBENZOSEATWN; Sep 15, 2014 at 10:37 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 240
Likes: 13
From: Wilmington NC
M3
It's a year old thread but a years time can bring new things.
I'm considering the aftermarket HU route but my question is:
Is that the only place to get the MOST adapter (NavTV)? And at that price? Honestly $350 for the adapter then another $200 for a dash kit is up there.
Already $550 in before purchasing a $500-900 HU hurts haha.
Just checking before I make the purchase!
Thanks.
I'm considering the aftermarket HU route but my question is:
Is that the only place to get the MOST adapter (NavTV)? And at that price? Honestly $350 for the adapter then another $200 for a dash kit is up there.
Already $550 in before purchasing a $500-900 HU hurts haha.
Just checking before I make the purchase!
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 105
Likes: 3
From: Tampa, FL
E55/GL550
I'm reading through old threads as well... has anyone tried an 8" unit like this Alpine?
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X008...8049425&awdv=c
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500X008...8049425&awdv=c
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,066
Likes: 37
From: Folsom, CA
2005 E55 AMG
It's a year old thread but a years time can bring new things.
I'm considering the aftermarket HU route but my question is:
Is that the only place to get the MOST adapter (NavTV)? And at that price? Honestly $350 for the adapter then another $200 for a dash kit is up there.
Already $550 in before purchasing a $500-900 HU hurts haha.
Just checking before I make the purchase!
Thanks.
I'm considering the aftermarket HU route but my question is:
Is that the only place to get the MOST adapter (NavTV)? And at that price? Honestly $350 for the adapter then another $200 for a dash kit is up there.
Already $550 in before purchasing a $500-900 HU hurts haha.
Just checking before I make the purchase!
Thanks.
1) Kenwood DNN991HD Headunit $799
2) NAV-TV Head Unit Replacement Interface Opti-1 $559
3) CARAV Dash Kit $43
4) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface $47
so we're talking $1,448 just in parts...
While I really want Bluetooth integration in my car that's ~$800 at the dealer for the puck integration...
I guess if you compare to a whole new NTG MB headunit this is a frugal buy
Last edited by Toadster; Jan 18, 2016 at 12:12 PM.
Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 240
Likes: 13
From: Wilmington NC
M3
checking prices on this stuff - the dash kits are pretty universal now - much cheaper at $43 below
1) Kenwood DNN991HD Headunit $799
2) NAV-TV Head Unit Replacement Interface Opti-1 $559
3) CARAV Dash Kit $43
4) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface $47
so we're talking $1,448 just in parts...
While I really want Bluetooth integration in my car that's ~$800 at the dealer for the puck integration...
I guess if you compare to a whole new NTG MB headunit this is a frugal buy
1) Kenwood DNN991HD Headunit $799
2) NAV-TV Head Unit Replacement Interface Opti-1 $559
3) CARAV Dash Kit $43
4) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface $47
so we're talking $1,448 just in parts...
While I really want Bluetooth integration in my car that's ~$800 at the dealer for the puck integration...
I guess if you compare to a whole new NTG MB headunit this is a frugal buy
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
W211 E55 AMG
checking prices on this stuff - the dash kits are pretty universal now - much cheaper at $43 below
1) Kenwood DNN991HD Headunit $799
2) NAV-TV Head Unit Replacement Interface Opti-1 $559
3) CARAV Dash Kit $43
4) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface $47
so we're talking $1,448 just in parts...
While I really want Bluetooth integration in my car that's ~$800 at the dealer for the puck integration...
I guess if you compare to a whole new NTG MB headunit this is a frugal buy
1) Kenwood DNN991HD Headunit $799
2) NAV-TV Head Unit Replacement Interface Opti-1 $559
3) CARAV Dash Kit $43
4) Metra Axxess ASWC-1 Universal Steering Wheel Control Interface $47
so we're talking $1,448 just in parts...
While I really want Bluetooth integration in my car that's ~$800 at the dealer for the puck integration...
I guess if you compare to a whole new NTG MB headunit this is a frugal buy
If you have the stock phone wiring in place why not get a viseoo? Same as merc puck but cheaper?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4,066
Likes: 37
From: Folsom, CA
2005 E55 AMG
