What sat/nav for W163 ML320 build date Dec 2000
 

I have a W163 built in December 2000. It has fitted a Audio 10 radio-cassette with 6-stack CD player fitted on back.

1. I am told I cannot retrofit a sat/nav in my W163. Is this correct ?
2. I am told I cannot fit a sat/nav from another Merc 'cause it wont fit? Is this correct?
3. I am told I can only buy an aftermarket kit (eg Blaupunkt) made for Australia ? Is this correct? (I live in Melbourne, Australia).
4. I am told I would upset the electrics of the car if I install another unit. Is this correct?

I will be travelling in the Australian Outback and a sat/nav system is essential so any advice will be extremely grateful.

See http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w163-m-class/1281567-avic-z1-installed.html?highlight=Pioneer+AVIC+Z1

I believe the stock MCS Navigation unit for the ML is for use in the US and Canada only. The answers to your questions are, no, yes, no and no. I believe they make a Command unit for your ML that will work in Australia. My 2 cents. Good luck.

I have a 99 ML430. It came with the smaller radio and cubby. I took a 2005 nav system and plugged it right in. I just had to pop on the antenna. I bought the parts at the Benz dealership with no hassle and haven't had any issues since.
Dave

Sounds promising with what you have done.
Someone told me the sat/nav infrastructure here down under differs to what you have in the US? of A.

Also, installing an after market unit may cause inaccuracies in distance determination due to lack of full integration that ordinarily comes with an original unit.

the vehicle is pre-wired for the nav unit. It may be a different setup for where you are, but like I said, I've had no problems and have done a few on my customers cars without fail.
Dave