Retro fitting tv + phone to existing 03 ML 270 command

[Vince]

Have a 03 ML 270 cdi. Spec'd with command sat nav, but did not spec for tv or phone. Unwilling to pay dealer costs for retro fit of additional capabilities but would be grateful if anyone had info re ease of diy retro fit of these features and what components would be required plus any likley sources.

 

[02 A160 AG]

Have a 03 ML 270 cdi. Spec'd with command sat nav, but did not spec for tv or phone. Unwilling to pay dealer costs for retro fit of additional capabilities but would be grateful if anyone had info re ease of diy retro fit of these features and what components would be required plus any likley sources.

Have you tried www.nav.tv. I'm still toying with the idea for my 2002 S320, I wish I got the TV tuner. I've just seen it work in a friends new CLK500 and am impressed. The TV tuner is about £600 + fitting, although I guess that's close to the MB cost.

 

[startreck66]

im looking for exactly the same i wont the tv tuner on my command 2.5 but the only dealer ive found is the one mentioned, raver expensive i thought just for a tv, anyone else have any suggestions :idea:

 

[Arnie]

You will need to find a TV tuner module and one good source may be ebay (but note that sometimes bidding goes to crazy prices). The MB command systems, I believe, are made by Bosch. However, be wary that there are already a number of different versions and variations between UK and US, for example.

I think that unless you want to risk a lot of money and effort (or are lucky to find a similar model/year fully spec'ed car up for braeking), the best route will be through your dealer. There are a number of sites on the internet which show various people's attemps at retrofitting these units. Most are successful, but a great deal of knowledge of the different versions and compatabilities is involved.

The latter Command units use CAN-bus communication to link the various modules together and to the rest of the car's systems, and here again there are diffenent versions, for example according to whether you have the steering controls and what type.

It may also be that you will require the new options to be programmed in to the control unit if they do not show automatically.

As an electronics engineer, I would normally attempt most kinds of retrofits on a car, but this one I think is tricky, unless you have all the manuals and data.

Note also that you will need to add the appropriate antennas and route additional wiring through the vehicle, for the TV and for the mobile phone.