W164 Replacing NTG 2.0 to NTG 2.5

[Klimfilt]

Hi guys, i'm thinking to change my comand to NTG 2.5, because my ML 06's is with NTG 2.0 US Version and it doesn't work in Europe (navi and some FM stations on radio) I've read a lot and i'm a bit confused of what i need to do/buy to do it right. I will buy NTG 2.5 from someone crashed ML or GL and if it had a anti-thieft code i will know the VIN. But do i need to buy new GPS antena or i can use the old one? And i've read that NTG 2.5 has a built-in a bluetooth so if i don't have a module or cradle and wired cables of the old one, can i connect my phone to the new comand and use it without cradle? My car doesn't have Harman Kardon. Can somebody tell me what i need to do step-by-step because i'm totaly lost.
Here is my car with VIN decoded: View attachment 4JGBB86E96A114940.compressed.pdf

 

[richard]

You need this

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/NTG2-NTG2.5-converter-kit.html

Yes, it has bluetooth built in and that kit will provide a bluetooth antenna and a cable that connects to the microphones (in your rear view mirror). You use your existing GPS antenna.

If your car has Reverse Camera, you need this too as reverse camera wiirng is different on North American vehicles and it needs converting to FAKRA connection for the EU comand.

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/comand-aps-reversing-camera-adapter-north-america.html

And it may need coding depending on what options the car the NTG2.5 came out of had and possibly a PIN code too. Very occasionally ML need a new igniton switch (there was a batch which wouldn't report the VIN to the COMAND for the anti-theft protection) - we've seen 1 like that ever.


Richard

 

[Klimfilt]

Hi,
Many thanks Richard. It's sounds great, but i have a few DIY questions.
1st in this kit it's says that it's for cars with existing phone systems. According to my VIN my car doesn't have any wires and antennas for phone. Or you mean that with this kit I'll have to make wireing with one of this cables and the antenna with the Comand and microphones in rear view mirror? And if I'm right I have to install the Bluetooth antenna in car's trunk next to GPS antenna and then to wire the cable from there to command or to microphone in the mirror? And if it's to the rear view mirror from where I have to pass through the cable? May be by the cars roof? Can you give mi some advice how to do it, because I prefer to do it my own.
In general how to do it from A to Z step by step.
2nd the car has a reverse camera, but it's not OEM camera and it was installed after the car entered in Europe but independent company, not by Benz dealer, so I suppose I don't have to do convertion to FAKRA.
3rd in ours Mercedes community we bought our own Star Diagnosis and I'll have plenty of time to coding. And how I'll know the PIN code? Is it the VIN number of donor's car?

 

[richard]

Hi,
1st in this kit it's says that it's for cars with existing phone systems. According to my VIN my car doesn't have any wires and antennas for phone.

Ok, you should check to see if your mirror has the 6 way mic cable coming out of it. US Cars tended to have pre-wiring in them. Alternatively buy the kit from comandonline for cars without phone and you'll get a microphone with it

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/NTG2.5retrofit-kit-cars-without-phone.html

There is no external phone antenna when using bluetooth - the phone uses it's inbuilt one.

Can you give mi some advice how to do it, because I prefer to do it my own.
In general how to do it from A to Z step by step.

Instructions supplied with the kit. The Bluetooth antenna goes by the head-unit as it wants to be near you and your bluetooth device.

2nd the car has a reverse camera, but it's not OEM camera and it was installed after the car entered in Europe but independent company, not by Benz dealer, so I suppose I don't have to do convertion to FAKRA.

Depends what and how they installed it. European COMAND expects its reverse camera video signal on a green FAKRA connector.

3rd in ours Mercedes community we bought our own Star Diagnosis and I'll have plenty of time to coding. And how I'll know the PIN code? Is it the VIN number of donor's car?

Thats good. Not all units have a PIN code, if it does you'll need to get it from whoever you bought the unit from, and you'll need to enter it into Star Diagnosis in the appropriate setup screen for the COMAND.


Richard

 

[Klimfilt]

Ok, but how to check it? Does i need to disassemble rear view mirror? And where to look for this cable? I think I have it, because my car have TeleAid. If I have microphones there does I have to wire them to new head-unit? I'm asking because I'm not sure how to take a wire from rear view mirror to head-unit in central console.
Yes but the kit comes with Bluetooth antenna so I have to install it somewhere close to head-unit. But OEM Bluetooth antenna is located next to GPS antenna in car's trunk. Can I install it there or it will take a a lot of labor and it's the same if I put it front dash ?
And if I install it in front dash under front window, does it will have a problem with connection because my car has a dimming/ reflective glass?
For the reverse camera I can look it when I took off the older COMAND NTG 2.0. And I will know what to do then.
And I look via VIN, that my current COMAND have an anti-theft system. But if newest COMAND has It how to extract it? I will buy the unit from crashed vehicle and from automorgue. I suppose they won't have this PIN code if the unit has it.
And do you know if Comand Online ships those kits in other EU countries? Because I'm not from UK and if I decide to buy the kit I can't go to UK only for the kit...

 

[richard]

Yes, comandonline ships internationally
If you had NTG2.5 in car, it would have the BT antenna at the front. Ignore the factory location. The BT antenna is used in the car for BT comms with head unit only.
If you can make calls from your phone in the car at the moment (i.e just sat in the car) then it will work fine. If you can't you have a problem
You have to remove the overhead control panel and look at what wires come out of the mirror
The cable runs from there across, down A pillar, under dash, to the back of stereo
The GPS antenna is in the antenna panel which is the back section of the roof (its all plastic)
If you buy a NTG2.5 you have to get the PIN. You may be able to get it from Merc dealer with the car's VIN/Chassis number. There are some COMAND units that are older and have no PIN.

R