Hi,

I've just become a Mercedes owner for the first time a couple of weeks ago and am interested in upgrading some of the basic spec bits of my car.

I have a 2004 E500 estate, 04 reg.

The car has the Audio 20 CD unit (no cassette) and also a 6 disc changer under the hazard switch button panel. I haven’t checked, but I’m pretty sure I don’t have the HK system. The car is pretty basically specced – almost nothing beyond the standard E500 spec, so I very much doubt it. Don’t know if there’s any easy way to tell without looking in the boot for HK amp, but there are certainly no little signs on speakers saying HK, if that is what might be expected.

I have done extensive reading here that Richard and Alfie have been expertly advising on. I must commend you on the huge wealth of information you've provided and on sharing it so freely. Thank you.

From all I've read, it looks like the best option for me is the NTG2.5 unit.
I’m about to take the plunge and get one on eBay. I should be able to fit it myself. I’ve fitted ICE in all my previous cars myself and so it doesn’t hold any fear for me. I studied electronics in my youth and I’m a dab hand with a soldering iron. I’ve read somewhere that the only real difference between the Audio20CD connector and the NTG2.5 one is one lead position in the connector block being different. I’d rather move this around myself, if possible, than spend out on a rather expensive adapter/loom, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Perhaps you can advise?

The car has a factory fitted phone system with the Nokia 6310 cradle (with curly wire). I had been thinking of getting the Viseeo MB1000 to enable me to use Bluetooth with my Blackberry, but I believe this would be redundant if I install the NTG2.5 which has Bluetooth built in. Is this true? If I install NTG2.5, can/should the cradle be removed?

I understand that the current 6disc changer becomes redundant and inoperative once the NTG2.5 unit is operational. Does this mean that the silver button below the hazard button will no longer lift up the button panel? Is there something else that could usefully be put in this (probably ‘DIN sized’) slot?

Also, I know there are different versions of the NTG2.5 with and without DVD changer. I assume this is all built into the head unit and wonder how I would recognise the difference between the two?

I also know I have to be careful about potential stolen units and PIN numbers. Do I simply ask the seller for the PIN and if he says he doesn’t have it, steer clear?

Looking on eBay, there seem to be a variety of model numbers for the NTG2.5 for the W211/W219. I assume there isn’t much difference between them except perhaps the 6 disc changer and maybe hard disk capacity. I’ve seen 40Gb models – are there other sizes?

Also, is there any good online resource for finding Mercedes part numbers? I’ve heard of the WIS and EPC, but not sure if you need STAR to access these?

And finally, if I get NTG2.5 installed and running, is it then easy to later install the iPod kit/media interface (when funds/the wife allow!) without further STAR reprogramming being required?

Any advice gratefully received!

Thanks,

Clive

Hi Clive

Firstly, the wiring is completely different - even power wiring is different so please do not plug in the new unit into the old wiring!! You will also need a bluetooth antenna, a splitter (to split the one antenna into 2 for the unit) and a lead to connect the microphones (in the rear-view mirror) to the COMAND which has bluetooth built in.

Exisiting CD changer, phone system, HK and TV tuners wont work, and that drawer no longer opens (as it doesnt exist on MY2009 onward E/CLS)

Thus if your car has HK (or TV you want) this is a significant project - I suggest you send your chassis number to sales@comandonline.co.uk

I would unplug the power to the existing phone system (why waste power) which is in the plastic module box under boot carpet at far end of the boot.

If the unit you purchase has been in a car with Harmon Kardon it will need 'coding' by a specialist with Star Diagnosis or you will get no sound. Also, later units have PIN codes and you can get stuffed on those. Get some assurance from the vendor they will replace if there is a PIN code or system was configured for Harmon Kardon.

Star Diagnosis would be needed to add Media Interface (unless the unit came out of a car with Media interface) but adding later is easy enough.

Proper manafacturer refurbished units come with no maps on. I am very very suspicious of units from eBay - I have seen lots that are in fact the front of a unit from one car and the back of the other.

DVD changer units has a picture of a little stack of disks on the eject button whereas single disk has the normal eject sign. Of course I have seen units with the DVD changer front on and no DVD changer inside..

If you talk to Comand Online they can get new units for you of course

Kind Regards

Richard

[edit, all units have 40GB. They revise unit numbers when the firmware supplied on them changes - but they can all be upgraded to new firmware if you have Star Diagnosis and the upgrade disk]

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Of course i'll take it apart.

www.mercupgrades.com
http://www.comandonline.co.uk