I am looking to buy a replacement head unit for my 2003 ML and want one with the nav feature. How do I know if the unit has nav? It does have a CD slot! Part number is A163 820 30 86 and the model is RA4210. Thanks
The NAV units mounted in the top section of the MCS unit are as follows:
CD NAV navigation module is 163 820 0989
DVD NAV navigation module is 163 820 3789 or Q646 0821
There is also a CD music player (non NAV) unit that was also available but rarely installed.
Other threads suggest that adding a navigation drive is plug and play, but you need a gps splitter to add under the passenger seat. The cd drive can be swapped for the nav drive by removing the radio and taking off the top cover. The drive unplugs and lifts out.
Not positive it is plug and play either, actually. I'll retract previous advice, as you may have to have some coding done at the dealer. I'd call the dealer for this reason. They might require the original radio vin or other problems. I would figure that out in advance. If you pull your radio, look for an unconnected grey plug(gps antenna) amongst the harnesses. It's an easy way to tell if you have nav, too. Looking at the back of the radio, the top right of the radio/nav drive should have a small square plug receptacle for the gps antenna.
I can advise that you do remove the top cover of the MCS to see the NAV or cd drive model number. I also believe that MCS units with nav, the model number begins with NV. NV4BN110 is pretty common. I would reccommend acquiring a bill of sale with the original car vin and the radio code.
If you end up needing a Nav disk, I have one for sale in the classifieds for North America & Canada at a fair price.
Thanks.
Clearly this unit doesn't have NAV.
There are a lot of people selling these MCS units "with Nav" on eBay that DON'T have Nav.
Surprise !!
I'll leave well enough alone.
Thanks again Aaron.
You will have to remove the MCS unit and open the top to see the part number on the disc drive to see if it is a CD or DVD drive.
The Disc Drive part number may be visible from the back of the MCS unit without removing the top. Sorry not sure.
CD Music only drive Part Number ??? (sorry I don't know what that is)
CD NAV navigation module is 163 820 0989
DVD NAV navigation module is 163 820 3789 or Q646 0821
Note: both the CD and DVD NAV drives play Music CD's.
From what I remember all the units are Plug and Play however the audio may have to be version coded into the MCS.
I have never heard of needing any splitter when installing a NAV drive.
BTW. If you want to pursue this later just ask seller to confirm MCS # and Disc Drive #.
Stay away from the CD nav drive, they are way obsolete. Only go for a DVD NAV drive.
Also stay away from 2004 an 2005 MCS units. The pin assignments were changed in those years and you will not have any control over the screen brightness. It will be bright all the time, both Day and Night.
When you press the nav/sat button on the unit what does it say?
If you don't have the navigation module it will say "No navigation system installed"
If you do have the navigation module it will say "Please insert navigation CD/DVD."
If it's the later and if your vehicle didn't come with the GPS antenna you are better off getting an aftermarket in dash GPS antenna. The OEM shark fin antenna is STILL atrociously expensive and difficult to find online or at junk yard.
Your cd changer should maintain compatibility if you have one, along with tele-aid and amp if applicable and fiber optic. But you would probably need to get version coding from the dealer, which would be worth a pre-inquiry.
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