W463 comand fits W203?

[thejack]

Hi, as many of you have probably heard about similarity in between the two devices, I'd like to know if a w463 Comand (G Class) might fit a w203 with no differences in functionality.
From what I know, the only difference is the Gyroscope that is placed in a different angle due to the housing in the dash.
Can this difference jeopardize the right function's device giving wrong info or may the difference be overtaken in some way?
Sorry for my poor Enghlish, I apologize for that.
Any hint will be welcome.
Thanks in advance

MArco

 

[Alfie]

Hi, as many of you have probably heard about similarity in between the two devices, I'd like to know if a w463 Comand (G Class) might fit a w203 with no differences in functionality.
From what I know, the only difference is the Gyroscope that is placed in a different angle due to the housing in the dash.
Can this difference jeopardize the right function's device giving wrong info or may the difference be overtaken in some way?
Sorry for my poor Enghlish, I apologize for that.
Any hint will be welcome.
Thanks in advance

MArco

Hi,

Its not just the gyroscope thats different. The A203 units have their speed pulse over the CANBUS whereas the A463 units require a separate speed pulse feed. It is possible to convert an A463 unit but you really are best off getting a proper A203 unit for your car.

 

[thejack]

Thanks for the reply.
But I'd like to go deeper into this issue. So, from what I've understood, it's needed to take the speed signal wire from the abs unit control and plug it into the comand socket ( dont remember what it is) to get the unit operating properly. Is the gyroscope a minor issue or also that is causing operating problems?
Thanks again for your kind reply.
Marco

 

[miro]

Thanks for the reply.
But I'd like to go deeper into this issue. So, from what I've understood, it's needed to take the speed signal wire from the abs unit control and plug it into the comand socket ( dont remember what it is) to get the unit operating properly. Is the gyroscope a minor issue or also that is causing operating problems?
Thanks again for your kind reply.
Marco

1/ Change the angle of the gyroscope on the COMAND from 15 degrees to 25 degrees. (Grey to Yellow clip) - can be done manually with protractor.

2/ Remove front SAM (3 screws) (wipers at top of wiping motion). Requires a mini ratchet tool with 90 degrees head and T20 bit. Carefully removed foam stuffing in thin plastic bag -> leads to ****pit

3/ Remove drivers side fuse box cover.

4/ Remove instrument cluster (needs to be done for GPS antenna anyway).

=========================================

- Run cable from SAM to area where COMAND will be installed. Side dashboard fuse area is a good place to catch the cable feed.

- clip wire into front SAM in position 24 at pin 3. This position (24) is reserved for auto levelling circuit so if you have Xenon from factory then it might require some extra work to get the extra wire in.

The underside of the SAM is clearly labelled as are the pin positions.

Housing = A 038 545 48 28
MCP Pin = A 013 545 76 26

- on the COMAND side you crimp a MQS pin (well known here) and insert this wire into PIN 6 of C2.

This information is from WIS and I have tested it on my car and it works.

 

[thejack]

Hi Miro,
I did just few days ago what you've said about the speed signal from SAM.
It worked well on the car and I'd like to thank you for this useful hint.
But, just for your information, I have changed the gyro angle just turning manually the gyro and fixing it with a screw where is the angle slot, then I brought the car to the dealer ( where I found a very smart guy ) and he turned the 463 comand into a 203 just reprogramming it by the star system so, it's been fully updated to a w 203 model wich operate via can. Did so, I've been able to disconnect the speed pulse wire from the sam.
This sounded very surprising for me 'cause quite every dealer told me that this was impossible to do.
Best regards

 

[miro]

Hi Miro,
I did just few days ago what you've said about the speed signal from SAM.
It worked well on the car and I'd like to thank you for this useful hint.
But, just for your information, I have changed the gyro angle just turning manually the gyro and fixing it with a screw where is the angle slot, then I brought the car to the dealer ( where I found a very smart guy ) and he turned the 463 comand into a 203 just reprogramming it by the star system so, it's been fully updated to a w 203 model wich operate via can. Did so, I've been able to disconnect the speed pulse wire from the sam.
This sounded very surprising for me 'cause quite every dealer told me that this was impossible to do.
Best regards

Some versions of the 463 COMAND can be software configured. Same applies to 210 and 208 COMANDs which may be able to act as 163 COMAND.

Version coding in some instances is very useful and makes the hardware adaptable to several situations.

The gyro wheel is nothing but a plastic clip. I just turn it by hand and make it stay with friction alone.

 

[Alfie]

Some versions of the 463 COMAND can be software configured. Same applies to 210 and 208 COMANDs which may be able to act as 163 COMAND.

Version coding in some instances is very useful and makes the hardware adaptable to several situations.

The gyro wheel is nothing but a plastic clip. I just turn it by hand and make it stay with friction alone.

In my experience the gyro angle has very little (if any) affect on the navigation at all.