DBENZOSEATWN

To be honest, I was nervous about the whole thing, replacing the NTG1 with an aftermarket HU, choosing Kenwood over Pioneer, and worried about seriously causing my car problems.

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.

Go~Rilla

Any daytime photos? I'm about to lose patience with the stock unit.

BRABUSCL600

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

BRABUSCL600

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.

DBENZOSEATWN

lol I feel ya. the stock system really isn't bad, its just underpowered. It bumps now, and thats just because of being able to adjust the EQ now and playing around with the bass boost settings, etc.

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.

DBENZOSEATWN

I'll take some daytime pics today, haven't had a chance yet. I'll post them later today.

KMS11

Bump for day time pics please.

viren.89

I went with Avic -Z140BH and to be honest , the system came to life.

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.

DBENZOSEATWN

I still need to get trim piece wrapped at Wu Wraps so it matches rest of my 3M gloss black interior

hank55

man, I gotta do this, the only thing I don't like with my car.

Denroll

It's just so... colorful.

Wish that MOST adapter was cheaper, though.

C_Thru

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 ?

JoeNobody

It will not. I did NTG2.5 retrofit just to keep everything integrated, and it looks slick too.

pgrant1964

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!

Garagisti

What about controlling the clock?

Crissus

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.

Jon2007E63P30

So if you have a lifetime Sirius subscription, you have to get a new one.

And to confirm, this uses the existing GPS antenna in the car.

DBENZOSEATWN

Looks like I need to make some time to finish getting the trim wrapped in 3M gloss black.

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.

M-Theory

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.

e34nication

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

Toadster

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

AMG_Adon

nice setup

M-Theory

You are awesome for this list, prices have definetly come done, think I'll be jumping all over this now. Another great thing is it's all in one place now AMAZON ftw.

Thanks

MaLicE

If you have the stock phone wiring in place why not get a viseoo? Same as merc puck but cheaper?

Toadster

didn't work - have tried several options, none work...