W203 Comand ntg2 to ntg2.5 upgrade advice

[ardsar]

Hi guys,

I have been doing some reading and searching and still have some questions!!! I'm thinking of upgrading my comand unit in a w203 (2004 +) to the new ntg2.5 version.

1) From what i can tell there are several versions of the ntg2.5 unit. One thing i have noticed is that some have round while others have square buttons. I read somewhere that partnumbers starting with A should not be used in a w203 as they are not compatibile. If so, what is the correct part number.
2) I have read that the radio reception is not as good due to the ntg2.5 requiring a separate SAM module to power the antenna. Is there a simple fix for this? My concern is that the TMC data is broadcast at a lower signal strength than the audio channel; reception in my area can sometimes by a little dodgy.
3) As i already have a comand unit, is the upgrade fairly simple. I believe i would need to get some loom adapters. Would the car need re-programming?
4) I've read that ntg2.5 now have an antitheft mechinism ie the unit is registered to the VIN number. Does this mean that only brand new units can be installed without having to go to the dealer.
5) Is the voice control an easy option to get working. Currently i do not have this feature installed in my car, and therefore do not have the "stalk".

I have taken the comand unit out in the past for another reason, so fairly confident that i could do this myself..... maybe....... with a little help

Where is the best place to obtain parts?

Thanks,

Andy.

 

[npuk]

Alot of the info you need is at: W203 C

The parts you need can be found at: Comand Online Ltd

There is no NTG2.5 for the C-Class. You need the unit from the CLC. If your cars pre facelft you also need new dash panels due to the different shape.

If you have Harmon Kardon and TV then you need a new HK amp. Not sure if the old tuner works.

Post up exactly what you have in your car and wait for a reply from Alfie or Richard.

Thread by a member is Sweden who did the same upgrade: http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/electronics/79495-my-w203-faclifting-inc-new-comand-ntg-2-5-a.html

 

[npuk]

Also see COMAND APS NTG2.5 FAQ

 

[verytalldave]

Welcome to the forum. Always good to see a new member.............and for what its worth, heres my 2 bobs worth................

Other than being able to do a full postcode search, the SD card slot and "3D" graphics, I don't see any other benefit.
A very expensive upgrade for very little return in my honest opinion.
I would have thought that the money could been better invested in putting it towards a newer car.
But that's just me.

 

[ardsar]

my car is post facelift therefore i wont need new panels. I have the comand aps with no extras (no kardon amp or pre wire phone) so guess this makes it easier.

 

[Alfie]

NTG 2.5 also gives you DVD movie playback, Media interface possibilities and as you dont have phone, it will give you bluetooth phone too.

The upgrade is very straight forward in a car that already has Comand. The FM reception is easily fixed.

There is anti theft protection even on new units. This means that for a lot of these units that coding by the dealer or someone with a decent (genuine supported) STAR system, it can be sorted out.

 

[ardsar]

Thanks guys. So basically, if i do this myself i would need to take it to either Comand Ltd, or Mercedes in order to get it working? From what i can tell there are 2 or 3 variants of the ntg2.5 - however i have never seen a clc variant - which is the correct unit for me, and where is the best place to get them. I'm guessing that the units on ebay from overseas are a no go area.

Agree that £2250 quoted for supply and fit is a little hard to justify, especially as i already have comand, so looking for the best option here.

 

[npuk]

There are two models, one with a single dvd and one with a 6 dvd changer built in. The CLC units seem harder to find only one on ebay. Plenty of memebrs have bought units from ebay. Also check what price Alfie can supply it for.

Mercedes-Benz CLC 203 NTG 2.5 command BD0891 DVD HDD on eBay (end time 17-Mar-10 21:19:55 GMT)

 

[ardsar]

NTG 2.5 also gives you DVD movie playback, Media interface possibilities and as you dont have phone, it will give you bluetooth phone too.

The upgrade is very straight forward in a car that already has Comand. The FM reception is easily fixed.

There is anti theft protection even on new units. This means that for a lot of these units that coding by the dealer or someone with a decent (genuine supported) STAR system, it can be sorted out.

Alfie, i would PM you for a cost breakdown, but i do not have enough posts yet!

 

[npuk]

Email him. sales at comandeurope.com

 

[ardsar]

Hi Alfie,

Thanks for the advice and your excellent service fitting the NTG2.5 into my car. The unit works perfectly - great radio reception etc etc, and i totally agree with your view of the NTG2.5 compared with the older NTG2 units. Bluetooth worked with no problems - not like the old Nokia kit i used to use.

For anyone thinking of installing a comand unit, or upgrading their system with additional features - i can highly recomend Alfie and his team (www.comandeurope.com).