My wife has an '04 ML350 that we purchsed used this past July from a Suzuki dealer in Chattanooga, TN. It has buttons on the radio display for Navigation, Sat, Phone, etc. When these buttons are pressed, a message displays "No navigation installed", "No Sat installed", "No phone installed", and so on......

I read somewhere a couple months back that due to a change from analog to digital, some part of this system will no longer work after such & such a date. I can't remember where I read it, or exactly what it said.

Anyway, I have some questions. Here they are, in order of importance to me:

1) What do I have to purchase/install to get the Navigation system up & running? My wife keeps asking me to get this working.

2) What is the "Sat" button for, and how do I activate it?

3) What do I have to do to get the phone working? Is it worth it?

4) Any idea what the analog-to-digital changeover has effected, as it relates to my '04 model?

5) There is an SOS button and a button with a wrench on it, on each side of the front interior roof lights. What are these buttons?

Thanks in advance for your help.

The good news is that you can have all the features you want. The bad news is that it'll cost you a few bucks. If you want the MB factory equipment, you'll have to pay a visit to your local dealer. I can't tell you how much all these goodies' will cost, but I can answer your questions.


1. NAVI is a breeze. Your dealer can simply install a Navigation DVD drive into the existing radio head unit, and program the system. One bit of advice, though. The older MB NAVI systems aren't as good as current after-market products. Mapping issues, graphics, integration, and cost should be considered before you decide which system is right for you.

2. SAT radio is pretty much the same story. Your dealer can install a SAT tuner/antenna, and you'll have a fully integrated SAT system, which is very simple to use. FWIW, I think SAT radio is a great option, especially if you spend a lot of time behind the wheel.

3. You ML is pre-wired for the MB factory phone system. This system only supports the Motorola V60 phone, but there is a Bluetooth adaptor available from MB which allows the use of several different phones. You may already have a phone that will work with the MB system. You can check out this site to find out which phones are compatible with the MB system.
http://www.wireless4mb.com/ Of course, you'll need to have the MB system installed. It's a fully integrated system, which is great, but you'll need to decide if it's worth the money.

4. See #5

5. The SOS, Wrench, and "i" buttons are for the MB Tele-Aid system. MB no longer supports the analog system (which your ML has), but does offer a retro-fit to convert to the newer digital system. Your dealer can give you the details concerning the cost of the retro-fit, as well as subscription costs/options.

Thank you very, very much for all the info. I really appreciate it!