suggestions for navigation in sl500 please - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dsimonl · #1 05-06-2003, 09:39 PM

My '99 SL500 is pretty well loaded, but I want to bring it into the 21st Century by adding a navigation system. I would like it to be integrated, not portable. Has anybody done an installation?
Thanks.

spinedoc · #2 05-07-2003, 08:28 AM

I would be super interested in how to put a navi system in my 96 sl500 also. I was considering custom making a screen/navi depending on whether the factory navi was available separately and how much it cost.

G-Benz · #3 05-07-2003, 10:38 AM

I'm not sure, but when I inquired about doing such a retrofit on my ML, I was told that there was a crucial fiber-optic wiring harness absent on my model that exists on those equipped with the NAV system...

jjrodger · #4 05-07-2003, 12:11 PM

As far as I am aware it can be retrofitted. The R129 was not available with COMAND-style full screen Navi, but with the AutoPilot system. There were several varieties including Audio 30 with APS and APS4. Audio 30 + APS was a Becker-manufactured DIN-sized head unit; APS4 was Blaupunkt made. Both hooked up to a small antenna mounted in the centre of the boot lid and a navi-computer/disc drive in the trunk. A Becker navi system is also available which is the same under the skin as the MB-branded system.

Here is a link to a German e-bay Navi set (APS4):

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2413746808&category=21646

Here is a link to a German Audio30 APS:

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2413742308&category=38777

This is a picture of the APS4:

jjrodger · #5 05-07-2003, 12:12 PM

And here is the Audio30 APS (this is the newer and better product):

spinedoc · #6 05-07-2003, 10:44 PM

Thanx JJ, any US or English sources? Im really thinking about custom fitting a pocketPC device with GPS module in the ashtray compartment. Would serve as a MP3 player as well!!!

jjrodger · #7 05-08-2003, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by spinedoc
any US or English sources?

The dealer (you're looking at four figures here though). Or E-Bay. Do a search in the automotice section under "Mercedes". A lot of the German e-bayers ship to the US; the Babelfish translator at altvista.com works well for translating the pages and most of the sellers speak better English than us.

spinedoc · #8 05-08-2003, 08:50 AM

Thanx JJ will keep my eyes peeled. Sounds like Im better off retrofitting a Pocket PC into the ashtray compartment, hooking it up to car power and adding a wifi card and GPS unit to it. It also saves me the trouble of replacing the stock stereo, which I am very happy with. Now I just have to find a place for my remote laser detector/jammer which resides in the ashtray compartment.

dsimonl · #9 05-08-2003, 11:18 AM

JJ: Thanks for the info. I started researching the APS30, and it looks great. I haven't been able to confirm whether or not cds are available for North America. I also can't find the wiring requirements/modifications needed to retrofit it into an R129, or whether the factory 6-CD changer will work with it.

DR.DIESEL · #10 05-08-2003, 06:54 PM

Pop out navi units from Kenwood, Alpine, Pioneer ect ect have been a popular and very affordable retrofit. Plus the newer navi
units will play dvd's too.
I saw a Becker auto-pilot installed in a CLK and it to be honest was a $3000 clunker. Lousy controls and hard to read display.
Just my 2 cents
DR.D

spinedoc · #11 05-09-2003, 02:26 PM

Ive been looking at a lot of single DIN aftermarket nav systems and must say it looks like factory is Not the way to go. You can get a very decent single DIN navi system for $1500 or so with included radio, cd, and for a bit more money dvd.

Ive also been looking at the old Clarion AutoPC, fascinating device.