C55 AMG estate incoming

[clk320x]

i have had Cardiac Artery blockages and i have been undergoing tests for over a year or more and at last they gave me stents so perhaps i may feel better and go out driving more in the Merc. I do use the Zaffy (petrol) when i just go around the block.

I wish you all the best pal.

 

[AMGeed]

^+1
Despite our differences, best of luck with your health issues Keith.

 

[timk]

I fitted an OEM look Erisin - detail here - Aftermarket head unit advice please

Audio wise it is on par with the COMAND 2.0 it replaced. An additional amp could improve things if required along with some updated speakers.
Carplay dongles are available for android from as little as £40 now.

Thanks for the link AltonAnt. So something like this might be a slightly cheaper option than the Dynavin then...Not sure I fully understand the spec on it or why I’d need a dongle though. Basically what I want out of the unit is the OEM (or close as possible) appearance, DAB radio, the ability to connect my iPhone for Bluetooth phone and to be able to play my tunes and podcasts via Spotify or similar. Satnav isn’t totally necessary but nice to have. Also need a car audio specialist who is brave enough to dabble with a Japanese import Merc, given the wiring is all different (although don’t ask me how)...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-8-0-Car-GPS-Sat-Nav-DAB-4G-for-Mercedes-Benz-C-CLC-CLK-Class-W203-W209/123151147422?fits=Plat_Gen:W203&epid=16019821264&hash=item1cac61619e:g:UuMAAOSwTghb2UuZ

 

[timk]

Keith, hope you get better soon so you can enjoy your Merc

 

[AltonAnt]

Thanks for the link AltonAnt. So something like this might be a slightly cheaper option than the Dynavin then...Not sure I fully understand the spec on it or why I’d need a dongle though. Basically what I want out of the unit is the OEM (or close as possible) appearance, DAB radio, the ability to connect my iPhone for Bluetooth phone and to be able to play my tunes and podcasts via Spotify or similar. Satnav isn’t totally necessary but nice to have. Also need a car audio specialist who is brave enough to dabble with a Japanese import Merc, given the wiring is all different (although don’t ask me how)...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-8-0-Car-GPS-Sat-Nav-DAB-4G-for-Mercedes-Benz-C-CLC-CLK-Class-W203-W209/123151147422?fits=Plat_Gen:W203&epid=16019821264&hash=item1cac61619e:g:UuMAAOSwTghb2UuZ

I had a quick look at the Dynavin and it appears to be a pretty old spec based on android and appears to run their own build.
These units require minimal wiring tbh. The dongles simply add Apple CarPlay functionality to android units but agree that it isn’t really necessary but is an option if someone is set on having it.

The Dynavin does appear to have a DSP which is apparently better for audio quality but not totally necessary.
If you intend to keep a car for some time I would look at these units as having a limited life like any other consumer IT equipment. They should last around 5 years before becoming next to useless.

I think you’ll need some coding from STAR to remove COMAND so you can set the time etc too.

 

[timk]

I had a quick look at the Dynavin and it appears to be a pretty old spec based on android and appears to run their own build.
These units require minimal wiring tbh. The dongles simply add Apple CarPlay functionality to android units but agree that it isn’t really necessary but is an option if someone is set on having it.

The Dynavin does appear to have a DSP which is apparently better for audio quality but not totally necessary.
If you intend to keep a car for some time I would look at these units as having a limited life like any other consumer IT equipment. They should last around 5 years before becoming next to useless.

I think you’ll need some coding from STAR to remove COMAND so you can set the time etc too.

Thanks again, didn't appreciate there would be some coding involved.
Not fussed about DSP - I've got it in my E39 and it's a gimmicky waste of time (maybe that's standard noughties BMW fare though). Saying that, I had the HK option in my old C55 saloon which did sound brilliant from memory. Suspect if I keep it, I'll have to look at upgrading the speakers or adding an amp, if it can be done discreetly.

 

[AltonAnt]

Thanks again, didn't appreciate there would be some coding involved.
Not fussed about DSP - I've got it in my E39 and it's a gimmicky waste of time (maybe that's standard noughties BMW fare though). Saying that, I had the HK option in my old C55 saloon which did sound brilliant from memory. Suspect if I keep it, I'll have to look at upgrading the speakers or adding an amp, if it can be done discreetly.

I'm happy enough with the sound as I mentioned it is no worse than the COMAND. I will replace the speakers next year though.
If you are able to get a Panasonic COMAND pinout it should be simple enough to connect up. I'm assuming no MOST or D2B optical equipment is fitted?
One thing I do want to do is install a decent DAB aerial at some point.

 

[timk]

I'm happy enough with the sound as I mentioned it is no worse than the COMAND. I will replace the speakers next year though.
If you are able to get a Panasonic COMAND pinout it should be simple enough to connect up. I'm assuming no MOST or D2B optical equipment is fitted?
One thing I do want to do is install a decent DAB aerial at some point.

Unfortunately my tech knowledge is a bit limited so to me that sounds like Klingon. However, I will fire up the Google machine and use the internet to find out.

 

[Will]

Well..... obviously quite a lot of you cannot even read properly as i was only answering Petrol Pete`s post and not the OP`s
So in reality it is all you sarcastic members that have spoiled the newbies thread by answering and slagging me off ......well that is friendly forums for you Ha! Ha!
I am used to it so no worries for me.
There is just one thing tho` i have never said a diesel is better than an AMG it is you you lot that say that by twisting my word`s and also the member who must have looked on the GOV site to check my tax and mot to get my mileage now i think that is very very sneaking and i think he is an absolute $hite of a member.
But then you all think that is ok and respond to his post`s

Well if you want to know why my mileage is so low it is because i have had Cardiac Artery blockages and i have been undergoing tests for over a year or more and at last they gave me stents so perhaps i may feel better and go out driving more in the Merc. I do use the Zaffy (petrol) when i just go around the block.

I can afford what motor i care to desire but do like my economical torquey motor which with it`s 7 gears instead of 5 keeps the torque in the correct rev range for performance ....you know what they say if you haven`t tried it don`t knock it

Keith,

First of all best of wishes with your health. I don’t think anyone on here has been made aware of that until now - so all the best for a speedy recovery

I don’t think you quite understood though - although you might have quoted someone else this thread was a positive thread for the OP’s (Tim) new car...I’ve seen this several times over the years and it’s not nice to have somebody question/put down your choice in vehicle on your own thread.

I’m sure your diesel 320 is a nice car to own/drive but no need to pick on AMG owners and their threads just because they don’t share your views on what they want in a car.

I’ll leave it there

Anyway, get well soon

Will

 

[timk]

Anyone know where the front plate is supposed to screw into the plinth? The four holes visible in the pic have been used to screw the plinth into the bumper itself so I assume it’s a case of either making new holes or using adhesive pads and dispensing with screws altogether? Seems a bit of a silly question but I’m scratching my head and seems odd to need to make new holes in a brand new plinth.

 

[AMGeed]

I have a similar plinth and used sticky pads to attach the plate.
My plate has a slight curve and I used an extra pad on the outside ends to keep the shape.
Don't skimp on the pads either. I put a pair top and bottom on the ends and a single pad top and bottom in the middle.

 

[merc85]

I bought some number plater surround holder's , and screwed them to the plinth.

 

[timk]

I have a similar plinth and used sticky pads to attach the plate.
My plate has a slight curve and I used an extra pad on the outside ends to keep the shape.
Don't skimp on the pads either. I put a pair top and bottom on the ends and a single pad top and bottom in the middle.

Yep I may end up doing that. I’ve bought black surrounds but would need to drill the plinth to fit those so probably not going to bother fitting the front surround and just buy some extra sticky pads...

 

[timk]

Another conundrum. I’m having to replace duff bonnet struts. Have bought MB items but the drivers side strut comes in two pieces, the strut and a plastic sleeve. There’s a thread on the end of the strut where it appears you might be able to screw it into the plastic sleeve, however there’s no obvious way to screw it into there. Anyone done this job and able to advise? Passenger side strut is different and is already attached to the sleeve so is one assembled piece...

 

[timk]

 

[timk]

Decided to get my hands dirty and have a go myself, rather than being a simpleton and asking strangers on the internet. All sorted. Bonnet struts now fixed (and number plate lights replaced)

 

[DavidL]

Tim, do you need a pic of the front for the no plate? (forgot there is one online of my car)

 

[Will]

The plinths would have been screwed into when new, using self tapping screws.

It’s plastic and is covered by the plate hence it won’t show.

I’d either drill the plates as per usual MB new cars or use the Wurth plate holders which still need to be screwed into place but saves the plates themselves from needing to be drilled/screwed hence they look neater and last longer.

Sticky pads are okay but I’ve always preferred the mechanical fixed methods myself - it’s how they came originally anyway

 

[timk]

Just a quick update; it’s finally on the road as of today, following a lengthy wait for the DVLA to accept (after initially rejecting) my V55 application and all the import paperwork.
I’ve realised the custom exhaust will have to be modified as it’s a bit too intrusive. Hoping an exhaust fabricator can put in some silencers!
Drives very well even in today’s inclement weather, partly thanks to the fact it arrived on Bridgestone Blizzak winter tyres..
Edit: I give up with the photo uploader on this site.

 

[Dammit]

Congratulations on getting it registered- they are great cars.

What’s the bill for getting full OEM spec Comand installed? It’s probably painful but I suspect it’d be the best route forward with regards to the future value of the car, and the integration with the dash&wheel is very useful - for e.g. finding someone in your phone book and calling them when your phone is in a jacket pocket on the back seat.