COMAND - How can I integrate a phone with the COMAND sytem?

[pianoman]

Hi

I'm just about to take delivery of an imported E320 CDI (not the latest new one) which is fitted with a COMAND sat nav.

I believe that COMAND will integrate with the optional factory fitted phone so you can drive the phone from the COMAND unit and the steering wheel.  Unfortunately my car does not have the factory fitted optional phone.

Does anyone know if it is possible to retro fit an integrated phone and who to talk to about it?

 

[rpalmeida]

COMAND

If the car is a car built for US market, the wiring is already there, and then its relatively easy.

However, if not, you have to install 1-2 wiring loom(s) that runs from the front of the car to the back of the car, and up to the roof, which means removing lots of panels on the car - including centre console etc - which is substantial work - but not impossible.

If your in Europe, you can connect Nokia 51xx/61xx/62xx/63xx-i phones as long as they have the an appopriately new versionn of software version on them. In US you need a MB supplied phone (special versions of motorola phones) which are expensive

 

[Arnie]

COMAND

Hi,

I think that if you already have the COMAND, then the telephone unit uses the same antenna as the GPs. Most of the communication is done thru D2B optical bus system and the modules, including Linguatronic are "plug & play". You'll also probably need to change your centre armrest lid to accomodate the phone.

 

[rpalmeida]

COMAND

Theres actually 2 seperate aerials built into the same physical aerial on top of the car. (1*GPS, 1*GSM) with seperate cables coming out of the unit.

On the ML (2002), theres 3, 2*GPS, 1*GSM !

 

[fuzzer]

COMAND

In the factory , for example if only command is ordered , will they only fit in the gps antenna?

 

[Arnie]

COMAND

The antenna is that small sculptured fin-like thing on top of the roof. It contains the two or three antenna but it's the same unit for everything and it depends on what you have, as to what gets connected.

If you really want to know for sure, then from your VIN, any dealer can tell you exactly what looms are in your car already and what else you may need (and they'll be happy to sell you the parts too!).