Thread: COMAND NTG 2.5 Upgrade in 2008 ML with Harman Kardon sound system

Hi,

I'm looking to upgrade my 2008/03 ML fitted with Audio 20 and Harman Kardon sound system. I'm discovering this isn't too simple. New HK amp(s) are needed which cost an arm and a leg. However, I'm committed to doing the upgrade so looking for some advice:

1. Do I need to change the wiring to suit the new HK amp? I'm assuming take out old and fit in new.
2. Is a subwoofer amp also required (I assumed the HK unit would do this)
3. The retorfit kit included a single wire to redirect the FM antenna amp feed. How is this done in the HK configuration. The harness into the Audio 20 has very few cables so I assume what little there is goes to the HK. But where does the FM antenna power come from? Is that part of the existing HK sound syetm so will work with the new amp.
4. Where is the HK amp located. I read it was below the drivers seat but I can only see th battery there. There doesn't appear to be anything under the passenger seat unless its under the carpet.
5. Does anyone have a wiring diagram for this configuration with pin outs?

Any help appreciated.

Mark

a) The amp only controls sounds. IT does not control radio such as W211 E-Class. That is totally different.

b) If you intend to do an upgrade then you will need to install the parts which conform to the upgrade requirements. Some people have been very lucky and not needed any kind of upgrade.

c) The power to the radio antenna on the older cars comes from the radio. On the newer cars the power comes from the rear fuse box. The rear fuse box in those cars is different.

d) When you change over to NTG 2.5 you must take power from the armrest cradle allocation and divert that power to the radio amp. This means that you must move one pin or purchase an adaptor.

e) The amp is in the rear of the car behind the felt lining under the windows.

f) The diagrams for wiring are in WIS which may be purchased in 1 hour to 1 year service agreements in USA or EU. In WIS you may investigate new and old wiring diagrams but you will find that the wires go in different directions for power in some cases.

Reading wiring diagrams is not difficult but needs some interpretation when doing hybrid setups such as you are proposing.

g) The connectors are not the same. This is one of the problems.

All sounds a bit too hard. May just swap the unit and go for an NTG 2.0 unit that will work instead. If it was just a straight swap of the amps and a little rewiring that would be okay but it sounds like I need to buy complete new wiring harnesses. Does anyone sell adaptors for the amp?

Mark

Originally Posted by markf955

All sounds a bit too hard. May just swap the unit and go for an NTG 2.0 unit that will work instead. If it was just a straight swap of the amps and a little rewiring that would be okay but it sounds like I need to buy complete new wiring harnesses. Does anyone sell adaptors for the amp?

Mark

A professional can convert the old harness to the new one using the proper crimping tool and dismantle tool.