In-dash Sat Nav/CD/Tuner

[Hilton]

My W210 has the basic Tuner/Cassette. I'd obviously like to upgrade to a CD player(single is OK), but I'm very tempted to go for an in-dash Sat Nav/CD/Tuner option. Not too keen on the stick-on units with wires!

I've seen a Becker Traffic Pro High Speed package which I can have fitted locally for £1000 + VAT. They also suggest I need an additional wiring link to ensure my steering wheel controls continue to work.(and extra £150).

Grateful to hear if anyone has had one fitted and if it makes sense. Are there any downsides and any better options eg COMAND retrofit, JVC etc.

 

[wobbly]

Aps 30

I had the same problem a few months ago.

I spoke to the dealership, but little help, and after a bit of digging on the net I chose the Mercedes APS 30.

I chose it because I like to keep things origional. It has a single cd, which once it has calculated a navigation route, it will play cd's.It will also connect to a cd changer via optical lead.

This unit is more common on the continent and I purchased mine from Germany, via ebay for under 300 pounds.

I fitted the unit myself to my ML in less than half a hour, it was plug and play, and then connect the sat nav antenne, very easy.

The navigation operates fine,and the installation looks factory fit.

Mercedes Sat Nav for under 300 pounds its a bargain

 

[wobbly]

Aps 30

Just looked on ebay, there is a APS 30 located in London few days left on auction, current price 300 pounds

 

[Hilton]

Wobbly, thanks for that ; just the sort of experience I was hoping to get. Can I take it that the APS 30 works well and is integrated into speedo display ?

Many thanks.

 

[wobbly]

Speedo display

Hi Hilton

Glad i was some help.

I dont know Adout the speedo display, the ML doesnt have that facility.

The system works very well,I drive a lot in Central London and have never had a problem. It has voice commands and also displays information on the unit, it doesnt have a displayed map like comand.

Wobbly

 

[SOF19]

Don't know if this is quite kosher to post but..

I'm looking to get rid of my APS 30. I live in the US, and on a stroke of luck, I was able to pick one up on e-bay. When I got it, I didnt even know it had navigation capabilities, I just wanted an OEM Mercedes cd player. Now i'm miffed that I have an in dash navi, but I can't use it because navtech never made a map disk for the United States...

So yeah, if there is any interest, let me know [email protected]

I can ship it wherever necessary, be aware however that I dont have a GPS antenna, nor the map disk.

 

[Mozzer]

Does the APS30 have to have the disk in when calculating routes or do you load the routes once and almost never need the disk again ? In guess what I'm trying to ask is does APS upload from the disk like you can for PC software or does it need the disk like a PS2 does in order to use GPS ?

If the latter, does the APS30 have re-route capability or do you have to keep inserting the disk ?

If the former, does the APS30 have re-route capability ?

Cheers

S

 

[Hilton]

I was wondering the same question myself. If the Nav CD needs to be inserted to frequently amend route or choose another destination, a CD changer would surely be essential. Can anyone advise ?

 

[jimmy]

You will need to leave the CD in the unit at all times when using NAV, on some units like the Blaupunkt, it will store the route in memory and you can then put an audio CD in it to listen to until you need to plan a another route. For practical reasons a CD changer is a must.

 

[mrfiepro]

Hi Hilton,

I have a w210 and have changed the single unit for a Comand unit at a total cost of about £600, plus £170 for the wooden bit. As per the APS install you will still need the CDC if you want nav and CD. All the steering control and dash display works well.

If you go comand route you then have the option to add TV tuner and phone at a later date if required. The comand really is excellent, if you are ever over this way feel free to come and have a look.

TA

 

[Mozzer]

CDC from US

OK just bought a CD changer (Part No MC3110) from the States should be here soon - £144 plus shipping seemed OK ?

Now I need to bite the bullet and make the COMAND / APS30 decision.

I don't mind paying for either as they both do the same thing. COMAND is certainly more impressive looking and more adaptable, but I'm being a wuss about cutting my dashboard up (despite Shude's words "Go for COMAND" ringing in my ears ) Seriously Nick, thanks for all the help.

Stuart

 

[mrfiepro]

The dash part is the most difficult part of the comand install, you will also need to buy the new 2 din chassis and new facia.

I have taken mine apart countless times now, if you need any help feel free to come over to Berkshire.

 

[wobbly]

Aps 30

Hilton

The navigation disc,is only needed to enter the destination, once the system has found its route the disc can be removed and cds played. Any deviation from the route and the system will re-route without the navigation disc being needed. I tried this yesterday and it worked fine.
I dont have this problem as I have the cd changer fitted.

Regards Wobbly

 

[Mozzer]

Wobbly just checking, you say it will re-route without the disk being needed ? So you bang in your destination before you leave with the disk in and from then on you can use navigation to get there all sorts of route, but no have to put the nav disk in, music all the way ? Is this for APS30 or COMAND or both ?

Cheers

Stuart