COMAND 2.0 retrofit to MY2002 W163 RHD

[DrX]

Hi all,

I have just been reading merc5*'s saga and I am impressed with the patient responses of all the experts on this panel. That was painful! And it's not over yet! Hang in there merc5*!!

I have done my homework on this, and I would just like a bit of clarification.

My ML320 was built in Feb 2002 for a RHD market, and it's somewhat different from all the descriptions of MY2002 wiring I've read. From Richard's photos, I gather it's the same as his.

Under the RH (driver's seat) are a pair of loose FME (m) and (f) connectors, taped to what I gather is the diagnostic socket.

Behind the dash is WICLIC (=FME(m)?), FM/AM antenna, A/B, C, D2B, mini-UHF and an 8-pin socket of some kind. (photo thanks to Richard)

In the roof is antenna foot A163 820 16 75 but no blue FAKRA connector to be found.

My plan is to mount the GPS/GSM antenna (A163 820 18 75), connect the FME connectors under the seat together, and use the C to C1/C2 convertor loom (A163 540 78 10) to connect to the COMAND head unit. I thought I needed a GPS splitter/amplifier (A163 820 12 89) and an extra cable, but I think I can get away without it.

Will this work?

And where does the other end of that mini-UHF go to?

Thanks for your comments,

Doc

 

[richard]

The mini UHF goes to under the seat, the other from under the seat goes to the roof for the phone

The COMAND antenna (wiclic behind the dash, need the converter loom) is for GPS and goes straight to the roof - it is up there, you have to dig around sometimes to the left and right. You will need to replace/add the antenna with the one with the GPS and GSM aerial in it. (I think they dont make one with just GPS)

Then you buy the MB converter lead that converts the existing C socket (that 8 pin socket you see) into C1/C2 and the Wiclic to the grey comand aerial connector, a bit if plastic cutting to make the double din slot the right size and plug in the COMAND and you are done.

You can ignore the connectors under the seat - they really are just for phone system - i.e that blue connector isnt diagnostic, it goes to the microphone connection, power, D2B wakeup and the voice recognition switch connector

Cheers

Richard

 

[DrX]

Richard, thanks for your prompt response. That really helps clear everything up.

I just had another look in the roof - eureka!

The burgundy/"Bordeaux" FAKRA connector is symmetrically located to the right. I now realise I need antenna A163 820 15 75 after all.

Feel free to use the photo to help future visitors to your comprehensive webpage.

Cheers,

Doc

P.S. Now I'll have to download Firefox.

 

[DrX]

Richard, I've been reading conflicting advice about connecting the speed signal to C2 pin 6.

After researching at some depth what is required to fit a Comand Unit into my Car I came up with a few a pleasant supprises that I would like to share.

1. If your vehicle is MY2000+ You don't require any special harnesses or modifications (e.g VSS speed signal etc...) Your vehicle supplies the speed signal via the normal ISO Plugs. (earlier models need wolfgangs VSS mod)

I received all the parts today and I've plugged in the C to C1/C2 adaptor. Do I need to run an extra wire from the A connector pin 1? Did you do that?

Thanks,

Doc

 

[miro]

Richard, I've been reading conflicting advice about connecting the speed signal to C2 pin 6.



I received all the parts today and I've plugged in the C to C1/C2 adaptor. Do I need to run an extra wire from the A connector pin 1? Did you do that?

Thanks,

Doc

If the part number of the COMAND is A208 or A210 then you need the bridge wire from A1 to C6.

A163 part number COMAND does not need the extra wire.

 

[richard]

Richard, I've been reading conflicting advice about connecting the speed signal to C2 pin 6.

I received all the parts today and I've plugged in the C to C1/C2 adaptor. Do I need to run an extra wire from the A connector pin 1? Did you do that?

Thanks,

Doc

If you have a genuine A163 unit (starts with part number A163) which is 'coded' as for a W163 (most likely) then A pin 1 is fine. If you have a W208 unit thats been coded as a W163 unit, then it needs C2 pin 6. The W210 units seem to vary (and you need a canbus converter for one of those mostly as-well)


Richard

 

[DaveML270]

If you have a genuine A163 unit (starts with part number A163) which is 'coded' as for a W163 (most likely) then A pin 1 is fine. If you have a W208 unit thats been coded as a W163 unit, then it needs C2 pin 6. The W210 units seem to vary (and you need a canbus converter for one of those mostly as-well)


Richard

Hmm ... I have just installed a genuine A163 unit and I did have to add a wire between A1 and C2-6 in order to get the thing working properly!

However, I did not need a C to C1/C2 adapter so that may be the reason!

Hope this helps!

Dave

 

[HughJarse]

Think he may have fixed it by now it was a year ago.