This is not the minimum configuration change but I interpret that the cluster after all is not compatible with a new MOST HU (I did not claim that, neither would have known it but someone was guessing so). Sunman could tell what would be the bare minimum change, would it include the IC, the CGW. Would the OCP, AC and related need to be changed after the others... Certainly looks like the lowest cost upgrade would be to buy a new car.
If all the OP is trying to do is add iPOd functionality, I'd stick with the DICE or Denison GW500 and be done with it - D2B to MOST is overkill, and like I said, Sunman is the only one who's managed to pull it off.
I'd think it would make more sense to consider an aftermarket HU if you want more functionality than what the D2B COMAND and a DICE or Denison kit would do for you..
I want to preserve the steering wheel controls and cluster functionality, so it looks like taking an Audio 30 from Europe and adding a DICE will get me exactly there. Shouldn't be that expensive, just might involve some waiting to find a unit to use. It seems to use the same trim, connectors, etc and not require any other changes.
If all you the OP is trying to do is add iPOd functionality, I'd stick with the DICE or Denison GW500 and be done with it - D2B to MOST is overkill, and like I said, Sunman is the only one who's managed to pull it off.
I'd think it would make more sense to consider an aftermarket HU if you want more functionality than what the D2B COMAND and a DICE or Denison kit would do for you..
Good to bring the discussion back to basics, the title was about converting to MOST which brings interesting thoughts but the OP's real needs were different.
I'm wondering how important the single CD drive is if an after market iPod/AUX would be added?
Good to bring the discussion back to basics, the title was about converting to MOST which brings interesting thoughts but the OP's real needs were different.
I'm wondering how important the single CD drive is if an after market iPod/AUX would be added?
It's not super-important to me, but it doesn't look like it'll be that expensive to do it. It's just that the tape player is pretty much completely useless. The odd time I buy a CD or have someone bring one makes it nice to have the CD capability. Seems like then I can sell off the changer for what the head unit cost, no?
It's not super-important to me, but it doesn't look like it'll be that expensive to do it. It's just that the tape player is pretty much completely useless. The odd time I buy a CD or have someone bring one makes it nice to have the CD capability. Seems like then I can sell off the changer for what the head unit cost, no?
So I'm on my third MB, and I've managed to fit an iPod kit into each one - new HU in the first, DICE in the second, and a Gateway 500 waiting on me to go stateside for the SLK.
So far, I've not missed the changer at all - and really can't think of a single time I've used the CD in the HU. The biggest challenge I run into is the 'his vs hers' on which iPod gets connected...
With all I managed to retain steering controls. On the HU replacement, I lost MFD functionality, but the replacement HU more than made up for it. The DICE kit works fine with both the MFD and the steering controls, but given that you only see "CD xx Track xx" in the MFD, I didn't find it all that useful.
The Gateway 500 installs I've done work well, and my personal opinion is as follows :
1] COMAND w/text capability -> Use a Gateway 500. (I have no experience with the moBridge or the EuropeanCarPhone boxes) ($449 USD for Denison)
2] HU w/o text capability -> Use the MB OEM kit if MOST, DICE or Denison if D2B. (from $299 to $449 USD)
3] Replacing the HU generally costs more than any of the above, as if you do it like I did (iPod + CANBUS integration), you usually also upgrade speakers, etc. (Sky's the limit - I spent ~ $1200 USD)
4] Retrofit COMAND. This is a hard one, and I really though long and hard over it. For me the cost and warranty issues ruled it out. (I found COMANDS from $599 to $1599 - I'd decided if I was going to do it I'd go with our friends from NL so I'd at least have a concept of warranty and support)
Yeah, there are a few options that just don't make sense - and retrofitting COMAND is one that just doesn't make sense to me. A very nice portable GPS can be had for the $599 price, with money left over.
In the previous MB, I just installed a Blaupunkt MP57. It was plug-and-play, everything worked, and it added Bluetooth functionality, a USB port and an iPod connector. The speed-sensitive volume control even worked well. It has been fantastic. It has a single CD slot, which I have used on a regular but not frequent basis. However, I have looked at the trim kits for the C-class, and am not thrilled with how they look with a non-MB unit, plus you lose the MFD. I'll still have to consider if that's worth it, though right now it looks like the Denison unit is a sensible way to go. Argos Bluetooth seems to do the MFD, which would be very nice as the dialing features on the Blaupunkt were decidedly sub-par.
You have good taste! I went with the Blaupunkt Queens (MP56), adding iPod and can-bus controller - plug and play other than having to switch the power and acc power lines. I found a decent DIN faceplate, can't remember the brand, but it was the second or third one I found. When I sold the car, the buyer wanted me to leave it rather than putting the A10 head back in!
Bluetooth was not a big selling point for me - I usually don't use my phone in the car at all.
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4] Retrofit COMAND. This is a hard one, and I really though long and hard over it. For me the cost and warranty issues ruled it out. (I found COMANDS from $599 to $1599 - I'd decided if I was going to do it I'd go with our friends from NL so I'd at least have a concept of warranty and support)
For MOST systems, Comand HU is a DVD drive, display and keypad. The Audio GateWay ( MOST master, receiver, amplifier, CANBUS interface) is in a separate box. MOST Comand HU has far less functionality within the HU than D2B HUs. So you also need to price out the AGW. MOST Audio20 has the AGW in the HU.
The design intend is modular so that pieces or designs can be reused. But in the field it cost arm and a leg to upgrade. The field service arm has also been instructed to make it difficult to upgrade so new cars can be sold.
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