is TomTom better than COMAND?

[horsesuitedfool]

Comand not only gives you satellite Navigation it offers a far superior head unit for audio too. It also gives a much better interface to your factory fitted phone system and can be controlled by voice if linguatronic is also fitted. Its not just a satellite navigation device.

Admittedly the seven digit postcode issue has been a major bugbear for many. However, this has now been addressed in the newer comand units.

Unlike TomTom it actually increases the value and saleability of the vehicle too.

Some dont mind trailing wires and like the flexibility of moving a navigation device around. Others prefer the OEM route.

I have comand's coming out of my ears as you can imagine However, for when I travel abroad in a hire car I have Tom Tom on my iphone.

Nice post thanks! Actually i cant wait to have it fitted as i love the OEM systems even if they have some drawbacks, ultimately i think if you have a merc, BMW, Audi etc then it should really have the OEM nav and comms systems etc, just my opinion though....I had a 535d with media pack etc and the nav had its faults but the tmc and phone system were better than any aftermarket solution....

 

[crockers]

Mercedes is an expensive premium brand and as such we must expect things to priced accordingly.

Not sure I completely agree with this.... a premium brand with a PREMIUM PRODUCT - then yes I would agree.

I too have COMAND - and wouldn't want to be without it - but I can see some of the drawbacks too over TOM TOM etc. and some of the bonuses - as outlined by Alfie.

 

[thefair1973]

is the TV button just there for show on the W163 COMAND? If not, what do you need to get it set up, and is it expensive (ballpark)? Sorry for all the questions, just trying to justify purchasing it

 

[verytalldave]

I am fairly sure that TV does not come as part of the standard COMAND installation.
It needs to have additional extra cost bits added and for the unit to be coded for it to work as a TV and DVD.
I believe freeview is now an option provided you are in a good digital reception area.
One thing to bear in mind is that the TV will only work when the car is stationary.
This can be bypassed but its illegal and therefore not an official option.