Thinking about installing new Mercedes DVD navigation in my 01 ML55; anyone had any experience with changing from CD-Rom navigation to new DVD navigation. Will it work, extra parts needed, cost benefit analysis?

Hi
I installed one in a 2000 model year. Went in real slick, just like the cdrom version.
Not sure of the cost, it's easy for you to do though once the MCS is removed, nothing else to buy except the US disc. That's the main advantage, one disc for US, graphics were a little nicer looking as i recall. If you drive long distances, this is the hot tip for sure. It's a drop-in. One problem is you'd be left with the old one to get rid of, and that's all you'll have is the player, no antenna stuff that an older truck owner would need to make it work.
Maybe you'd find someone with a newer truck with Teleaid who could use it without buying too much extra stuff, maybe even NO extra stuff (I think if you have Teleaid the gps antenna cable is right there behind the MCS ready to go)

Gilly

ps Last I knew the US DVD (map disc) is about $200

Mr. Gilley...Thanks for reply; have a lot of respect for your insight. Guess the only thing I need to ascertain is the cost. Suspect it might be pricey! Is there an aftermarket for this product...where do I look...can a layman install or do I need dealer?

For what you are proposing, I would say you can do it yourself. Only thing you'd need are a pair of the removal "keys" which may be a nice thing to have anyways and are cheap to buy.
Ifh the truck never had Nav, then there is some recoding that needs to be done with the shop computer to make it work correctly, but just swapping a dvd based for a cdrom based shouldn't require this.

As far as actually buying it, can't help you much there, you could email Phil at Fastlane/Parts shop and ask if he can order it, make SURE he knows you want a DVD nav system for MCS, not the cdrom version. Ask him about a US disc as well, it doesn't come with it. I know of no aftermarket supplier for this unit.
Ask Phil if he has the radio removal keys available as well.

Gilly

ATTN: Mr. Gilley
Been getting estimates on DVD nav conversion system for my 01 ML55, i.e. one DVD disc for entire United States. Understand the DVD nav system in question came out by MB in 2003 and can be retro-fitted in earlier models, including my ML55. Anyway, the local MB dealer has told me I need module #Q-6-82-0701 and retro-fit kit #Q-6-82-0700. I have been told by another DVD Nav sales source that the correct module for my vehicle is #Q-6-82-0821 and the retro-fit kit provided by the dealer might be correct. I need to know with certainty which module and retro-fit kit is correct. Can you help?

Gilly, I Have the numbers right here.

On a 2001 ML, you will need Navi Module B-Q-6 82 0821 and retrofit kit B-Q-6 82 0700. These MSRP for $1299 and $102.
There are different retrofit kits for different years all with different numbers.

the Q-6 82 0701 was the last of the CD ROM units which has now been discontinued and superceeds to the 0821 DVD unit.

Dr.D

Dr D
Thanks for help with the PN's
One thing though is that the original poster has an ML55, which has the CDROM based nav unit from the factory.
Shouldn't the DVD based nav require only the new drop-in unit for the MCS? Everything else should already be there and be compatable with the DVD unit.

Gilly

PS And as Mr Kiser mentioned, don't forget the price of the DVD USA Map also, it's at least $200.

Mr. Gilley & Mr. Diesel:
Thanks much for your info on the part numbers; suspect it is rare when a dealer provides questionable parts info!! The numbers will help me shop for the best price on the DVD nav module. One additional question, the dealer tells me the DVD map is included with Navi Module B-Q-6 82 0821 from the factory!! Do you know if this is true?? If not true, where can I get the best price on a DVD map??

Gilley and Mrkiser,
from what I understand of these shananagons is the parts
listings state "When retrofitting DVD in place of CD, retrofit kit Q6820700 is required."
Personaly from expierience, I just pop out the old MCS head and remove the CD drive and then put in the DVD drive. presto.
I have never run accross a rig that needed the retrofit kit unless it never had navi to begin with.
It uses the same antennea, cables, ect...
You do however have to buy the DVD which runs $279.00
The drive does not come with the disc.
I would suggest having the kit just in case. Then you can return it when you don't need it.
Have fun.
Dr.D

Dr D:

Thanks for advise, will separately order DVD map just in case.

Additional question concerning my CD Rom disc system. Notice in looking at my system with door open, just below the CD disc outlet, that I have a cassette system!! Are these two separate units? Or, do i need to replace with a different part that includes DVD nav system and cassette system?

Nope, the CD drive unit is a seperate module like in a computer.
The tape drive is part of the head unit and is non-removable.
When the MCS unit is out, the top comes of with four Torx 15
screws and then the Navi drive module pulls right out.
It is very self explaintory, but if you are nervous I would recommend having the MB shop do it.
Otherwise it should be easy.
There are however, a couple of service updates for the head unit
and navi processor that may need to be done if you still have warranty coverage.
Dr.D