Thread: w164 COMAND 2.5 retrofit model/part no. matter?

I have just taken delivery of a preown 2007 320CDI in Canada.
I would like to retrofit a COMAND 2.5
Does the actual part no. of the COMAND 2.5 matter?
Or would any A164 870 xx xx work?

I understand I also need a GPS antenna, a BT/microphone antenna, and a FM antenna connection of sort?
Any comment on OEM parts vs. aftermarket parts for these cables, and where to obtain them?

In terms of iPod integration, what part no. am I looking for? Is there a kit capable of playing iPod video on the COMAND screen?

You must use a North American model or the Navigation system will never load.

You are quite right about the options;

- GPS antenna (thought it may be present through teleaid and only need a connection to the splitter).

- Bluetooth antenna

- Microphone routing cable to head unit

- Possible modifications to tele-aid (if installed).

- Possible AM/FM adapter (either a spliter or twin adapter) - depends on the existing radio connections.

- Routing of antenna power from one location to another.

- Voice control buttons upgrade for steering wheel.

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In terms of iPOD kit, you have the possible application of an old CANBUS model or a more recent UCI technology over fibre optic. The only difference is price and some display features.

If you have an iPhone you may want to use the iPhone charger cable with the CANBUS model.

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The best supplier is the main sponsor of this forum.

Comand Online Ltd

Though you must clarify what is presently your VIN.

You say you have a 2007 320CDI but is this an ML, E class, c class or what type of Mercedes.

Yes the part number does matter as an ML comand wont fit in an E class.

There is an ipod kit that will allow music and video on the NTG 2.5. It is here;

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes iPod solutions :: Mercedes iPod kit with Video support for Model Year 09 cars except current C, S, CL and new E class.

Thank you for your replies.
Sorry, it's a Canadian ML I have.
Now 2 questions of most concerns to me, if any of you or anyone else would help clarify for me:
1. Would ANY North American A164 870 xx xx NTG2.5 work on my 2007 ML CDI?
2. Do I HAVE to have the unit recoded no matter it works or not with hook up? Is it true that after a certain number of "boot-ups" the unit will lock up if not recoded for my particular vehicle? Or is recoding only required for certain features of the unit, e.g. media vs. Aux?

Sounds like from your replies that I do not know for sure what I need in terms of cables and connectors until I open it up... maybe I should open it up and see what's in there now.
I am aware of Comand UK. Any suggestions of a Canadian/US supplier of these accessories?
How about after-market vs. OEM?
Where do people put the GPS/BT/microphone?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by cowfunone

Thank you for your replies.
Sorry, it's a Canadian ML I have.
Now 2 questions of most concerns to me, if any of you or anyone else would help clarify for me:
1. Would ANY North American A164 870 xx xx NTG2.5 work on my 2007 ML CDI?
2. Do I HAVE to have the unit recoded no matter it works or not with hook up? Is it true that after a certain number of "boot-ups" the unit will lock up if not recoded for my particular vehicle? Or is recoding only required for certain features of the unit, e.g. media vs. Aux?

Sounds like from your replies that I do not know for sure what I need in terms of cables and connectors until I open it up... maybe I should open it up and see what's in there now.
I am aware of Comand UK. Any suggestions of a Canadian/US supplier of these accessories?
How about after-market vs. OEM?
Where do people put the GPS/BT/microphone?

Thanks.

I am pretty sure that ANY NTG 2.5 for an ML will work or can be made to work. However, I qualify this in so far as it will be a much much easier (and cheaper) job for you if the maps for your country are already on the comand unit.

Coding depends on the unit itself. If it comes from a car that has Harman Kardon and your car doesnt then yes it will need coding. Also if your car doesnt have comand already the cluster will need coding to show the navigation. You should buy the correct loom adapter kit which will make the job easier and neater. If your car already has HK then you are going to need a few more (expensive) parts to make the retrofit work.

The GPS antenna can be located under the dashboard on top of the instrument cluster so it means popping the cluster out to get it located properly.

Dont know of any suppliers for the parts in the USA/Canada but Comand Online can sell to you and ship to you without the UK VAT of 17.5%!

Hope this helps,

The European COMAND will not accept a USA map unless it is for a W204, W212, W207.

Originally Posted by cowfunone

Sounds like from your replies that I do not know for sure what I need in terms of cables and connectors until I open it up... maybe I should open it up and see what's in there now.
I am aware of Comand UK. Any suggestions of a Canadian/US supplier of these accessories?
How about after-market vs. OEM?
Where do people put the GPS/BT/microphone?

.

Some people use an installer - consider this as an option.

Just talked to MB Doctor. They really are as rude as they were decribed on forums... and they also price thing arbitrarily.

I don't have an SOS button in the car, and I don't know if I have a "wrench" button or not (he asked me if I have that). He said that I don't have a built-in microphone and I CANNOT use Bluetooth as a result.

Is that true or not? I see item like this on ebay, with BT and microphone together:

Mercedes Benz Comand NTG2.5 HDD bluetooth microphone - eBay (item 330423593193 end time May-13-10 06:21:40 PDT)

Would this work?
If this wouold work, that means I just have to find a route for the GPS antenna and the BT/microphone and a place to put them. I can do that. But if the BT is not going to work, I am going to think twice about the COMAND 2.5

Anyone please advise.

You can just connect a mic. But get a really good one such as: -

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes SatNav/COMAND :: COMAND Retrofit parts :: Current W169 A, W245 B, Sprinter, Vito, Viano :: Microphone for Hard Disk COMAND-APS (NTG2.5)

(MB use these microphones in the old SL for instance)

The mic in the eBay link you sent is not the same as that ..

You won't pay UK sales tax if you're in Canada.

Richard

Also, you need the Bluetooth antenna (as you know) and a FM/AM antenna splitter. Buying this retrofit kit will make your life much easier: -

Comand Online Ltd :: Mercedes SatNav/COMAND :: COMAND Retrofit parts :: Current W169 A, W245 B, Sprinter, Vito, Viano :: A/B/CLC/ML/GL/R COMAND NTG2.5 (Hard Disk) retrofit kit - cars without phone.

You just then need a GPS antenna, COMAND NTG2.5 (north american version) and map update.

GPS antenna should go above cluster (under dash). Mic can go on the A pillar or by the overhead light panel. BT antenna just below the COMAND itself.

Richard