Audio 20 upgrade to command

[Andy1965]

Hi,

I know you have probably had this question a load of times but I have a 2006 C200 with an Audio20 no multi CD changer. I am looking to upgrade it with the Dension Gateway500 but then been reading about the Command. Questions are.
1. What parts do I need to upgrade to the command.
2. Where do I go to get the reporogramming done
3. Can I also fit the Dension Gateway 500 to the command for attaching my iPod.

Probably it for now but sure i'll think of more soon.

Thanks

 

[Herts M]

Hi,

I know you have probably had this question a load of times but I have a 2006 C200 with an Audio20 no multi CD changer. I am looking to upgrade it with the Dension Gateway500 but then been reading about the Command. Questions are.
1. What parts do I need to upgrade to the command.
2. Where do I go to get the reporogramming done
3. Can I also fit the Dension Gateway 500 to the command for attaching my iPod.

Probably it for now but sure i'll think of more soon.

Thanks

Its all possible to carry it out.

You'll need access to a star machine to alter the coding after fitting a COMAND unit. A good independent will be far cheaper than a dealer to do this for you. I personally havent heard about the 'Dension Gateway 500' I take it that its an alternative piece of equipment which replaces the Audio Gateway Unit in a Mercedes. I have completed upgrades from audio systems to COMAND, they are not too bad to do. If you would like instructions I can get them for you. Just let me know.

Phillip.

 

[Andy1965]

Hi thanks for the reply.

The Dension Gateway 500 allows you to control an iPod from the unit apparently its compatible with the command, but is expensive approx £500 also it allow you to use a bluetooth phone and control this from the controls on the steering wheel and command unit.

If you know of better product or originls that would be better please let me know.

Instructions would be most appreciated.

Many Thanks

 

[whitenemesis]

Go OEM for the iPod connection, see here much cheaper than the Denison

 

[Andy1965]

Thanks for the link, any ideas on how I can use the phone part of the command via bluetooth ?

Andy

 

[whitenemesis]

From the same website these are very popular

 

[Andy1965]

Thanks for all your help.

Just to recap.

I have a 2006 C200 with Audio20 no multi CD changer or telephone kit. If i by the following.
Command unit
Ipod kit
bluetooth kit
Reprogram from dealer or elsewhere.

I should then be able to operate the iPod and phone from steering wheel or command unit and have sat Nav is that correct ?

Also does the command unit take video input from a DVD player or from the iPod ?

Thanks again

Andy

 

[whitenemesis]

You are mostly correct.

I don't think you can control the iPod from the COMAND but definately from the steering wheel buttons
Also I believe later C class COMANDs had the video function removed (cost cutting)

You mayalso need a wiring loom to fit the COMAND. and a GPS aerial for the satnav

Give the guys at COMAND a call. They will give you the definative advice.

 

[pos.k]

I have done these upgrades in my 209 (very similar to the 203 apart from the removal of the air vents which is not required on the 209)

1 - get a COMAND unit that will go in a 203 (make sure - because they look very similar but will not fit). It will be a COMAND APS and is DVD based. It will probably not play MP3's discs.
There are various part numbers with different options over the months and years such as video input etc. - the guys at COMAND can advise and supply. you also need an antenna and a map disc. Instructions are available on mercupgrades.com. As you have no phone kit installed I believe you may not have the fibre optic links in place to make it all work, so you may need to add these.
2 - if you go with an MB ipod integration kit, you will not be able to control the ipod - or even see what is going on via the COMAND as it uses the Aux in option. You have to use the display in the dash, and use the telephone buttons and up down arrows to maneuver through the tracks and playlists. This is fiddly but better than having your head in the glovebox at 79mph. I have no experience of the Dension unit, although I have heard that it has far better functionality including some phone capability but this is all anecdotal - search the forum for more info.

3 - the install for both is fairly straightforward once you have made the mental leap of ripping part of the interior out of your 30 grand motor. shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours or so for the whole thing.

Having installed these components you then need to get the car coded to tell it that it has COMAND so that you get the directions in the dash display, and also that the telephone is installed so that the phone buttons work on the wheel and the ipod is controllable. This coding can be done by a number of independents - check the forum again for somebody near you who knows what they're doing.

Good Luck

 

[Andy1965]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice

Andy