Replace COMAND NTG 2.5 in an R350

[Kingpin!]

Hi, forum!

I have an R350 (2009) with factory-fitted NTG 2.5, handsfree microphone, rear camera and Harman Kardon amplifier/speakers. Unit works as it should and the sound is really awesome but I've had this for many years now, updated the expensive maps several times etc. so I was thinking if there are good alternatives these days which will fit?

I would like to replace the COMAND headunit and keep the camera, handsfree, GPS, HK amplifier etc. - does such a unit exist today?

I'm a Android user (no interest in iOS integration) if that matters.

Thanks for any tips/ideas/input on this

 

[Gollom]

Hi, forum!

I have an R350 (2009) with factory-fitted NTG 2.5, handsfree microphone, rear camera and Harman Kardon amplifier/speakers. Unit works as it should and the sound is really awesome but I've had this for many years now, updated the expensive maps several times etc. so I was thinking if there are good alternatives these days which will fit?

I would like to replace the COMAND headunit and keep the camera, handsfree, GPS, HK amplifier etc. - does such a unit exist today?

I'm a Android user (no interest in iOS integration) if that matters.

Thanks for any tips/ideas/input on this

In all honesty, if your only requirement is for better maps, I'd just get a really good fixed phone holder and use your mobile for navigation. Even if you could get a more up to date COMAND, the maps from Mercedes are few and far between plus a minimum £100 each time. And a the cost of a new fitted COMAND will make your eyes water - in fact would probably be cheaper to buy a dedicated TOMTOM or something

 

[Kingpin!]

In all honesty, if your only requirement is for better maps, I'd just get a really good fixed phone holder and use your mobile for navigation. Even if you could get a more up to date COMAND, the maps from Mercedes are few and far between plus a minimum £100 each time. And a the cost of a new fitted COMAND will make your eyes water - in fact would probably be cheaper to buy a dedicated TOMTOM or something

No, it's not only maps, it's being able to stream audio, have maps with speed limits and more of a "2020+" experience rather than 15+ year old technology. But that said, if there isn't any solution that really replaces COMAND "properly" I would not be interested, I know what I've got and it must be an upgrade and not halfway or a unit full of bugs or poor sound etc.

Also, regarding investment, I can see my self spending on this if it's good.

 

[Gollom]

No, it's not only maps, it's being able to stream audio, have maps with speed limits and more of a "2020+" experience rather than 15+ year old technology. But that said, if there isn't any solution that really replaces COMAND "properly" I would not be interested, I know what I've got and it must be an upgrade and not halfway or a unit full of bugs or poor sound etc.

Also, regarding investment, I can see my self spending on this if it's good.

Where are you? COMAND Online (a sponsor of this forum) are pretty much the acknowledged experts in these matters. They are in Lightwater, Surrey. @richard is your man!

 

[Kingpin!]

I'm not close although I've bought parts from them before since I replaced and upgraded to COMAND NTG 2.5 in my other R350.

Installation is not a problem, it's more if people who have R, ML or GL have upgraded with the same scenario as me and are happy/can recommend a specific unit or so since there seems to be a few to choose from.