[jbhorizonblueS430]

I have a 2000 ML320. Recently the head unit stopped working. I just got hold of a command head unit out of a wrecked 2006 ML350. Along with all the wiring harnesses. I was told that if I relocate the two buttons on the side of my head unit and wire the harnesses up to the wires coming from the car for my old command, it'll work. My question is can it be done and is what I was told true? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks

 

[jbhorizonblueS430]

Come on guys! I can't get no advice from nobody???

 

[clearchris]

Any reason you want to keep stock? There are much nicer double din units available and at reasonable cost.

Hope you got the radio code too, or you will be in for a surprise when you get it wired up.

 

[DrX]

You already have the 2006 headunit, so if you can get it to work, you'll be the first to know. Isn't it the wrong shape?

 

[RJV]

If, as you say, its from a 2006 model then its from a W164 and it will not fit your W163. That's obvious just by looking at the size and shape.

 

[jbhorizonblueS430]

I am aware that its larger than my original factory unit. But I believe modifications can be made to make it fit. Like relocating the ESP and fog light buttons and of course widening the hole for which it will be mounted in. I got the unit free from a wrecked 06 ML350. Eventhough the truck was damaged badly. Once I pressed the power button on the command it did come on and work perfectly. I also have the vin from the wrecked ML so I think the command code can be acquired from the dealership. The only problem I believe I will run into is, this unit has two fiber optic wires that I believe runs to the factory amp, my car and amp only has one fiber optic wire. Thanks guys.

 

[jbhorizonblueS430]

I forgot to mention. I am not sure if the ML350 comes equipped with different command units. But the one I have has two slots behind the screen. One for cds and and one for dvds

 

[RJV]

I am aware that its larger than my original factory unit. But I believe modifications can be made to make it fit. Like relocating the ESP and fog light buttons and of course widening the hole for which it will be mounted in. I got the unit free from a wrecked 06 ML350. Eventhough the truck was damaged badly. Once I pressed the power button on the command it did come on and work perfectly. I also have the vin from the wrecked ML so I think the command code can be acquired from the dealership. The only problem I believe I will run into is, this unit has two fiber optic wires that I believe runs to the factory amp, my car and amp only has one fiber optic wire. Thanks guys.

I won't comment on the merits of hacking holes in the dashboard of a W163 to accommodate a free head unit from a W164. Each one to their own.

What you need to do though is not think of fiber optics as "wires" because wires traditionally run from one master component or hub to other components in a web like fashion.

The fiber optic cables in the W163 are in fact a "ring". Each component in the ring - for example the head unit, the amp, the CD changer, the telephone interface - are located on a continuous ring made up of several fiber optic cables. So each component has a fiber optic cable coming into it, and another fiber optic cable exiting from it.

Put another way, each component has two fiber optic cables connected to it.

This enables coded signals to be passed around the ring through all of the components and then interpreted or used by the component which the signal was intended for - for example, turn the amp on, or eject the CD from the CD changer.

If any single cable is missing, unplugged or damaged (i.e. the ring is not complete) then the coded signal cannot pass all the way around the ring and thus no components, repeat no components, will work. It follows from this that if the coded signal from a W164 head is not compatible with the coded signal requirements of a W163 amp or CD changer then nothing will work. I do not know if there is a compatibility issue, but I am just making the point.

I think you should study the attached two documents and do some testing before you hack into your dashboard. Making the unit fit might be the easy part, making it work may not be so easy.

 

[4wd430]

I'm all for mods but would a headunit from a 2006 w164 ML be really what you want? By today standards it will be quite outdated and might be more cost effective to sell it on ebay and use the money towards a modern double din that will fit more easily and have more features.

 

[Smokiesman]

JMO:I would put the 164 unit on EBay and find a nice after mkt unit to install. I went with the cheap all in one unit for the wifes 163 and it works great! I sold the orig radio and amp on Ebay!

Smokie

 

[Mike's ML]

FYI, The 2000 ML's do not have a fiber optic system. I don't know about the 2006 units.
Mike

 

[jbhorizonblueS430]

Hey thanks guys. I think i am going to sell it and buy a aftermarket one. Hey Mike's ML FYI. Some of the 2000 ML's do come standard with fiber optics and some don't. Mine is one of the ones that does. I am actually looking at a harness right now that has a red and white bulb looking light on the end of the plug. But I believe in 2001 all ML'S had fiber optics from that point on.