I am thinking about getting a s-class command unit and put it in the center console of my 98 e430, does anyone know if it would fit and work properly?

---WILL

I doubt this is feasible...

You would have to buy the command unit, fiber optic backbone and a new dash console.
My guess is $7,000 to $10,000.
It would be cheaper to buy a new car.

Why not consider a Blaupunkt or Alpine radio/CD/GPS system?

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

Bill:

does 98 e-class already have the setup for the navigation system? I already got the command unit for around $900, would the fiber optic backbone and the new center console cost more than $8000? Do you know where I can get them for cheap? Thanks

---WILL

I doubt your car will be wired for the new sensors for speed / position / bearing etc. In fact, you WONT have those sensors... I dont think you can do this upgrade for under $15K with a new console.

Seriously, whilst I encourage all manner of tweakery and DIY, this is not a job you can do without shelling out an awful lot of cash. Sell the E-class, and buy a 2000 S Class, it'll probably be cheaper!

Bri

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Brian Drought
1991 300CE http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

[This message has been edited by bdrought (edited 03-28-2000).]

I have to admit, you got a good deal on the Command unit. We had an inquiry in PartsShop recently for a Euro Command unit. Our COST to source this from MB in Germany was going to be $5,700.

Bottom line, the 1998 E430 is totally different than the 2000 S Class. The E430 has copper wire and the 2000 S Class has fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cables control more than just the GPS system. The '98 E430 doesn't have the console cutout to accept the Command unit. If you modify the console it will cost big bucks in new materials AND in trade-in when you try to sell the car. It may even impact your warranty.

I still say that you have 2 reasonable choices:
1) Sell the car
or
2) Install an aftermarket GPS system that will fit properly.

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Bill Wood - Webmaster
MercedesShop.com, LLC

May I ask where you were able to get such a great deal on the COMAND. I'd love to know too since I was contemplating getting a COMAND system put in aftermarket. But even if I can't do it I'm still curious as to where you got such a good deal.

Taison,
I got that deal from a close friend of mine, I can ask him if he is still willing to sell a new one for that price, but he sells me the Command unit for a very "generous" price(about $4500 discount). tell me if you are interested.

---WILL

I'm not sure of the capability and functions of the Command system, but check out the Technohead message in the Car Audio group, it could offer an alternative.

WILL,

Yes, please do check for me if you can.

Just send me e-mail.

Taison

What are you looking for the S-Class Command unit to do for you? If you attempt to install it in the center console, as it is located in the S-Class, you will have to loose your ACC control unit and there is no interface available permitting the Command unit to communicate with the W210 climate control. The same situation applies for the radio: no interface available to permit the Command unit communication with or control of your factory audio system. None of the steering wheel Command Center control functions will be available. This basically leaves you with a grossly (!!) overpriced GPS system, with no factory warranty, for which you will have to gut the vehicle's interior to install.

If you want factory GPS, purchase a MY 2000 E430 with the $1995 Command Navigation center option. The Command unit won't offer all the bells and whistles found on the S-Class but you'll get a warranted, functional GPS, audio system control buttons on the steering wheel and a W210 chassis that has had numerous improvments since MY '98.

[This message has been edited by jgl1 (edited 04-04-2000).]

Sure I want the "MY 2000 E430 with the Command system and the steering wheel buttons", but who's going to pay for the extra $15000? Plus, for $900, it sure is cheaper than $2000 when purchasing from either alpine, or spend another $5500 to buy the 2000 E-class command unit. Anyways, if I figure something out to get my GPS system working, I would let you guys know how I did it...I hope...

---WILL

Taison, what's your email address?

---WILL

Just click the info icon.

But I'll give it here also:

taisont@alumni.caltech.edu

Thanks.