SAT NAV ADVICE

[ColinS]

Just bought a CLK.
Qu1 Should I fit a COMMAND system or buy the latest Alpine Sat Nav?
(IVA D300R The motorised screen one & NVE N099P)
Qu2 I have an Ipod and cannot find a way of wiring into the MB COMMAND unit. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Arnie]

You haven't said what model of CLK. Retrofitting a COMANDis a bit more complicated than a single-DIN-slot Alpine unit. You may need to replace the dash panel for a COMAND 2.5 Din-version from MB which will be about £300. (The COMAND 2.0 may fit existing panel.)

Then you need to get yourself a COMAND unit (ebay?). This unit will integrate better with the Vehicle's systems (steering-wheel buttons and in-dash display, and phone, should you decide to fit one.), than the Alpine unit, which may also seem a bit too "bling" in its syling. However, it's a bit more work to wire up.

What you buy and fit is really up to you. The performance of both units is about the same, although you may get a slightly larger screen with the alpine. However, it may also be more fragile and a bigger target for theft.

The following will give you some ideas:

http://benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=201

http://www.ibex.co.uk/mbstuff/Retrofitting Comand.htm

http://www.whnet.com/4x4/radios.html


See the first link, above, (about half-way down) for information about how to connect an i-pod or similar.

"....I also purchased the AUX input harness that allows you to connect an external audio device to the head unit, like and iPod or cassette player (since the COMAND unit does not have one). The part number for that is A203 540 6107. Below is a picture of it (left) with the shortened mating connector harness (right) ready to put back into C2....."

 

[FELLOW]

ebay does a lead that connects from the ear jack on the ipod to the cd autochanger slot on most radios i found mine on ebay while searching on blankpunt cd autochangers.....the chap who sells them custom makes connection leads..it cost £9
instead of retro fitting sat nav have you considered a pda with 4 GB mem card running music with sat nav and speed detector ...portable and windows based see www.pdamods.com

 

[Scots_Man]

Hi,

It might also be worth considering the TomTom Go. I use the TomTom Go 300 (cost about £340) and it has never let me down. It is extremely accurate, can accept the Safety Camera databases, comes with UK maps, Post Code search, changeable voices, colour schemes, etc, etc.

The pluses are that it is portable, and contains a rechargeable battery and cigarette lighter lead, allowing you to switch it between cars, and I suppose even walk about with it It comes with UK maps, but maps of most European countries can be bought - on SD Card.

Gary

 

[benz girl]

But the tomtom would look tacky in your merc.