2005 639 Vito Streering wheel swop

[John168458]

Hi, Im upgrading my sound system and wanting to know what's involved in swopping my steering wheels for one with radio/stereo controls and possibly phone controls too. I don't imagine it's too difficult for the physical swop but not sure about whether additional wiring for the controls will be resident in the loom or whether I have to add to that and possibly any control modules required. I will have phone controls through the new stereo but not sure how/if that would link to the wheel. Grateful for any advice etc

 

[m80]

The steering buttons connect through the commutator (correct name eludes me), so if your van doesn't have the steering controls you will be short of this and the wiring from it.
Also the cluster needs to be changed as the more simple cluster doesn't allow for can bus comms. The replacement cluster would then need correcting to amtch your van.

All in all not so simple but doable.

Your new HU would also need a canbus decoder to communicate.

 

[Marku]

Its always a problem retro-fitting items to Mercedes as usually if it wasn't an original option then none of the ancillary fittings are in place. That said there have been people who on investigation have some times found them. I have tried swapping items from the Vito but could not get it to work. I was told that the software in both differs as the Viano is classed as a car and not commercial. Don't know how much truth there is in this but as they are made in different factories perhaps it is true.

 

[John168458]

The steering buttons connect through the commutator (correct name eludes me), so if your van doesn't have the steering controls you will be short of this and the wiring from it.
Also the cluster needs to be changed as the more simple cluster doesn't allow for can bus comms. The replacement cluster would then need correcting to amtch your van.

All in all not so simple but doable.

Your new HU would also need a canbus decoder to communicate.

Thanks both very much for taking the time to respond - I think I will find another route

 

[m80]

I've just seen this and thought you might find it useful,

Wireless SUV Car Steering Wheel 10Keys Button Remote Control For Stereo DVD GPS | eBay

 

[John168458]

I had thought of that and seems ideal - thanks again for all input

 

[BIG UN]

Its always a problem retro-fitting items to Mercedes as usually if it wasn't an original option then none of the ancillary fittings are in place. That said there have been people who on investigation have some times found them. I have tried swapping items from the Vito but could not get it to work. I was told that the software in both differs as the Viano is classed as a car and not commercial. Don't know how much truth there is in this but as they are made in different factories perhaps it is true.

You can retro fit a lot of stuff between models.. I know cause I have! I've fitted the multi function wheel in my van but to Command rather than an aftermarket stereo & it work perfectly.