| Interesting radio and navigation systems |
Becker/Harman Kardon® in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, S-Class, SL
May 2009
AccuWeather, Mercedes to partner on next-gen NAV?
April 2009
Freightliner Trucks Launches RunSmart Predictive Cruise for Cascadia
RunSmart Predictive Cruise looks up to one mile ahead of the truck's
location and anticipates road grades by using GPS and 3D digital map
technology (NAVTEQ data). The system adjusts the actual speed of the
truck for maximum fuel efficiency based on the terrain while staying
within 6 percent of the set speed.
March 2009
HD Radio technology
will be added in model year 2010 Benzes: the CL-, CLS-, E-Coupe,
S-, SL-, and SLK. It is already available in model year 2009+ M-, R-,
GL-, G and E-Class automobiles.
March 2009
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Harman Becker to supply next gen Add-On nav system
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Mercedes COMAND Repairs
Midwest Electronics offers factory authorized out of warranty repairs
for
2000 to 2004 Mercedes COMAND systems manufactured by Bosch/Blaupunkt.
January 2009
myCOMAND in the works
Mercedes previews a future myCOMAND at the LA autoshow.
November 2008
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Mercedes introduces StreetPilot III navigation retrofit
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New Telematics Generation NTG 2.5 launches
For model year 2009 the New Telematics Generation NTG 2.5 COMAND
will replace earlier NTG 1 and NTG 2 COMANDS in a number of models
including the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class starting this fall. The
complete list comprises W164, X164, R171, W211, C219, R230 and W251.
This includes an optional new universal media interface and the
optional new whole word Linguatronic speech recognition. The newer
NTG 3 and NTG 4 COMANDS continue unchanged.
April 10, 2008
Mercupgrades.com: IPOD Retrofit in A, B, C, CLK, ML, GL, R Class
Richard
installed an iPod into a new ML (UK), with the usual precise instructions and pictures.
November 12, 2007
Mercupgrades.com: CD Changer Retrofit in ML, GL and R-Class
Richard installed
a CD changer in a new ML (UK), with precise instructions and pictures.
September 14, 2007
Perfectmarket: Your source for the Mercedes Audio 10
They offer
the original equipment Audio 10 In-Dash CD player radio
usually available only in Europe. "Every unit is fully tested and has its
tuning programming changed to North American Standards so it will properly
tune stations. Every unit carries a 90-day warranty against defects."
August 10, 2007
MELCO NAV Systems
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation's Road Traffic Info system on the left
pops out of the dash when needed like in the new C-Class. Their hard disk
DVD navigation system in the center can be integrated into the dash, and
besides navigation, telephony and entertainment can include climate control
as well as other functions and possibly detect vehicles and pedestrians in
the future. They build the NTG 4. And Nuance
makes the Linguatronic.
May 26, 2007
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harman/kardon introduces the Guide+Play® GPS-500
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NAVTEQ launches Map Reporter to facilitate user input
It's a new tool to report map discrepancies by pinpointing the
exact location of the concern for possible updating of the map database.
In the USA they provide map data for Mercedes ML, GL, R, C, CLK among others.
Navteq Map Reporter
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Dash Express net connected NAV debuts
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Mercedes introduces StreetPilot II navigation retrofit
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2006 M-Class & R-Class Rear Headrest Monitors on sale at Park Place
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New M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class with infrared reflecting windshield
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Continental announces Telematics plans
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2007 S-Class COMAND with clickwheel demo
The 2007 S-Class introduced Mercedes New Telematic Generation 3 (NTG 3).
MBUSA
Mercedes AAS Switch (automatic audio selector) for ML, R and GL
(Power harness that directly replaces the ipod power harness)
B6-782-4228 MSRP $70.00 Available soon..........
Vehicles with RSES "RSES and iPod"
Vehicles w/o RSES "iPod and Aux jack"
Only works together with iPod kit.
shipping now 7/26/2006
samhmbz, 6/12/2006
Some Mercedes M-Class and R-Class installation bulletins
DVD Navigation Processor Installation: T-I-82.85/441C
Ipod Kit Installation: T-I-82.60/438
Rear Seat Entertainment System Installation M-Class: T-I-82.60/440A
2004-2005 M-Class Satellite Radio Installation: T-I-82.60/350
Before buying the Sirius kit make sure the ML has the wiring installed not just the SAT button.
1/24/2006
DVB-T in the car: Dietz digital TV with intelligent multimedia control unit (IMU®) 1450
with harnesses for COMAND 2.0 and COMAND 2.5, also Audi and VW NAVI PLUS 4:3 and RNS 16:9
"Retrofitting with IMU® and a DVB-T tuner from Dietz is the future!" - Dietz
Mercedes history: First GPS NAV sold by MBUSA
In September 1997 MBUSA introduced an optional Siemens built "GPS
navigational system" for the M-Class, the first MB NAV in North America.
On the first test drive in 1997 it kept
tracking correctly even when encountering small deadends and parking
lots with frequent tight turns. It's mounted above the dash vents so
drivers don't have to take the eyes off the road.
M-Class MCS plug and play video
An RGB adapter can be plugged into the MCS plug for the NAV module. Model
MLNONAV supports SECAM, NTSC, PAL, RGBs, RGsB, SYNC, inverted sync and has two video inputs, one for a DVD player or TV-tuner, and a second one for
a backup camera. It switches automatically to backup camera when the car is
put in reverse and comes with a 1 year "no questions asked" warranty.
For MLs with navigation system model MLRGB adds a NAV/Video switch
to the above for which it needs to be shipped to the installer in NY,
or for folks who are handy they can mod it themselves.
TVandNAV2GO
NAV-TV
MY2000 MCS pinout
| Mercedes M-Class iPod integration
For 06+ ML, R, 07+ GLs:
For 98 - 05 MLs with cassette:
For all MLs, hardwired FM modulator: Bob Olson's M-Class iPOD installation Daniel's hardwired FM modulator FM Music Transmitter MMR-60
For 00-05 MLs with D2B fiber: The dension ice> Link: Plus connects an iPod to the D2B fiber replacing the CD-changer.
The iPod nano is powered by a VARTA PoLiFlex® battery. |
Mercedes AUX IN audio to D2B fiberoptic
became available for all models with D2B fiber ring, like 2001+
M-Classes and many other MBs from 99 to 04. This allows external audio
input for the Audio 10 CD, Audio 30 APS and others without a factory
AUX input.
Soundgate AUXMB1 converter info
Audio 10 CD pinout by Hans Hehl
harman/kardon Becker TrafficPro 4773 on special in North America
The 4773 was reduced and is now sold out, but Becker support
still has a few units left, if interested. It's a great NAV for
a great price. It's an easy to use NAV, AM/FM tuner with RDS and
in-dash CD-player, all in a compact single slot format and used
to be $1500 or more. 2 CDs cover the USA, split along the Mississippi.
Supported languages are: English US, English GB, Espanol, Francais,
Italiano and Deutsch. It also integrates a phone (mute) and iPod (aux)
or changer and comes with the "Becker sound".
The Mercedes Audio 30 APS is similar but the map CDs are not compatible.
The US 2.0 software updates the radio and navigation system software
but deletes Italian and German.
Map CD version US 1.0 two CD set split West/East covering the USA (2001)
Map CD version US 2.0 two CD set split West/East covering the USA (2004)
TrafficPro support
4773 TrafficPro installed
Mercedes M-Class NAV DVDs North America (Alpine COMAND MCS 1 model year 03-05)
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2002.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0108) released August 2002 (6 GB)
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2004.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0203) released August 2004
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2005.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0212) released August 2005
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2006.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0218) released January 2006
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2006.2 (MB part# Q6-46-0219) released August 2006 (6.75 GB)
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2007.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0228) released August 2007 release note
03-05 ML COMAND MCS 1 DVD version 2008/9 (MB part# Q6-46-0242) released September 2008 release note
Mercedes M-Class NAV DVDs North America (Alpine COMAND MCS 2 / NTG 2 model year 06-08)
06-08 M, R, GL, 07+ G, 05-07 C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2004.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0204)
06-08 M, R, GL, 07+ G, 05-07 C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2005.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0213)
06-08 M, R, GL, 07+ G, 05-07 C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2006.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0220)
06-08 M, R, GL, 07+ G, 05-07 C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2007.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0226) release note
06-08 M, R, GL, 07+ G, 05-07 C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2008/9 (MB part# Q6-46-0241) release note
Mercedes E, S-Class NAV DVD North America (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 1 model year 04-08)
04+ Mercedes-Benz E-Class COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2003.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0135)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2004.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0205)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2004.2 (MB part# Q6-46-0206)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2004.3 (MB part# Q6-46-0209)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2005.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0210)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2006.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0216)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2006.2 (MB part# Q6-46-0223)
04+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2007.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0229) note
04-08 E, 04-06 S+CL, 05-08 SL+SLK, 06-08 CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2008 (MB part# Q6-46-0232) note
04-08 E, 04-06 S+CL, 05-08 SL+SLK, 06-08 CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2009 (MB part# Q6-46-0243) note
Mercedes 09+ ML, R, GL, CLS, E, SL, SLK NAV DVD North America (Alpine COMAND NTG 2.5 MY 09+)
09+ ML, R, GL, CLS, E, SL, SLK NAV DVD North America
Mercedes E, SL, SLK, Maybach, S, CL, CLS NAV DVD Europe (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 1 MY 04+)
Version 3.0 B6 782 3341 A211 827 52 59 - Beginning of 2004
Version 4.0 B6 782 3369 A211 827 67 59 - 2004
Version 4.1 B6 782 3395 A211 827 81 59 -
Version 5.0 B6 782 3489 A211 827 68 59 - Jan 2005 - Includes TMC in the UK
Version 5.1 B6 782 3627 A211 827 93 59 - May 2006
Version 6.0 B6 782 3659 A211 827 95 59 - Jan 2007, TMC for A B CH D DK F GB I NL S, 9 add'l EU country maps
Version 7.0 B6 782 3855 A211 827 10 65 - 2007/2008 - October 2007
Mercedes M-Class NAV DVD EUROPE (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 2 model year 06+)
06+ M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD version 2006.1 (MB part# B6 782 3641) April 2006
06+ M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD version 2006.2 (MB part# B6 782 3674) July 2006
06+ M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD version 2006.3 (MB part# B6 782 3695) Sept 2006
06+ M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD ver 2007 8.0 (MB part# B6 782 3743) March 2007
06+ M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD ver 2007/8 9.0 (MB part# B6 782 3848) October 2007
06-08 M, GL, R, A, B, C, EUROPE with COMAND NTG-2 DVD ver 2008/9 10.0 (MB part# B6 782 3944) Oct 2008
Mercedes COMAND NAV Update DVD North America (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 3 model year 07+)
2007+ S CL COMAND NTG-3 with 20 GB HD DVD version 3.0 (MB part# 221-827-30-59) released 12/2006
2007+ S CL COMAND NTG-3 with 20 GB HD DVD version 4.0 (MB part# Q6-46-0225) released 7/2007
2007+ S CL COMAND NTG-3 with 20 GB HD DVD version 5.0 (MB part# Q6-46-0231) released 10/2007
2007+ S CL COMAND NTG-3 with 20 GB HD DVD version 6.0 (MB part# Q6-46-0233) released 12/2007
2007+ S CL COMAND NTG-3 with 20 GB HD DVD version 7.0 released 11/2008
Mercedes C-Class NAV DVDs North America (MELCO COMAND NTG 4 model year 08+)
08+ C, 09 GLK COMAND NTG 4 DVD version 3.0 release note
Maybach NAV DVD North America (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 1)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD version 2003.1 (MB part # Q6-46-0168)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD version 2004.1 (MB part # Q6-46-0207)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD version 2005.1 (MB part # Q6-46-0211)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD version 2006.1 (MB part # Q6-46-0217)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD NTG-1 version 6.0 (1/07)
Maybach 57 and 62 COMAND APS DVD NTG-1 version 7.0 release note
Mercedes M-Class NAV CDs North America (Alpine MCS 1 model year 2000-2002)
00-02 ML COMAND MCS CD bundle 1999-1 10 CD set incl Canada
00-02 ML COMAND MCS CD bundle 2000-1 10 CD set incl Canada (deletes GPS altitude)
00-02 ML COMAND MCS CD bundle 2001-1 10 CD set incl Canada (since 7/2001)
00-02 ML COMAND MCS CD bundle 2002-1 10 CD set incl Canada (MB release early 2003)
00-02 ML COMAND MCS CD bundle 2004-1 10 CD set incl Canada (MB part# Q6-46-0202) (latest CD version)
Mercedes S CL C CLK E G NAV CDs North America (Bosch COMAND 2.0/2.5 model year 2000-2005)
00 S-Class COMAND 2.5 until 8/99, VIN to A078551: 10 CD set, "C", version 2004-1 (MB part# Q6-46-0191)
00 S-Class COMAND 2.5 from 9/99, VIN A078551 can use the "D" or "DX" CDs listed below:
01-03 S/CL 01-04 C/CLK 00-02 E 02-06 G, 10 CD set, version 2005-2, release 8/05 (MB part# Q6-46-0215)
01-03 S/CL 01-04 C/CLK 00-02 E 02-06 G, 10 CD set, version 2007-1, release 1/07 (MB part# Q6-46-0222)
Radio Data Service (RDS) expands in San Francisco Bay Area
17 FM stations transmit RDS signals now compared to only 6 a year ago.
Most send the station id (PS) and the type of music flag (PTY). The
following stations also send scrolling song titles via RadioTEXT (RT):
KFOG (world class rock), KKSF (smooth jazz), KSJO (rock), KISS-FM,
STAR 101, KMEL, THE BONE (That rocks!) and 94.9FM.
7/2/2004
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Pharos and Tele Atlas Unveil Turn-By-Turn Map Data with Real-Time Traffic Solution for the U.S.
Stoic conservative
NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas Collaborate to Develop Standard Traffic Codes for Digital Maps of the United States
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Mercedes offers MPs to download now
6/21/2004
Bipesauto: Plug and play MP3 adapter for 1998 to 2000 M-Classes
Mercedes DVD COMAND APS can now play MP3 CDs
using a firmware upgrade which just became available for the E-class
COMAND DVD (version 3.0). MY04 S- and CL-class DVD COMANDs supplied by
Siemens can already play MP3s, just try it.
The Magellan RoadMate 760
is a versatile "Turn it on and Go" nav system covering North America and
Europe with data stored on a 20 GB harddisk.
Upgrading 98/99 M-Class to factory CD/DVD Navigation (North America)
Installing GPS cellphone combo antenna in 98/99/00 M-Class
Installing vehicle speed signal VSS in 98/99 M-Class
Some Mercedes Navigation systems
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MCS 1 (CD NAV, CC, 00-02 ML North America)
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Classical KDFC 102.1 premiered HD Radio in the bay area, on
the air since May 1, 2003.
Sounds super on DigiCeiver.
KFOG first bay area station with PS, PTY and TP traffic on the air.
THE_BONE, KCBS, KPFA and KKSF have PS and PTY and KALX-FM broadcasts PS.
Call 511 for current traffic.
"Dual display" and "3D junction view" and "intersection zoom"
were just introduced in Germany and the UK with a software upgrade
for the Alpine DVD NAV. Would be cool to have on M-Class DVD NAVIs,
also made by Alpine. And not to forget an M-Class owners' manual on DVD
like for the new E.
Mercedes Universal Handy Interface (UHI)
Is listed now in the price lists for the CLK coupe and cabrio, G
and M. Europe only. Option code 386.
MBUSA Introduces Fully Integrated SIRIUS Satellite Radios
Will it carry TMC?
TwinCeiver Phased Array Directional Antenna Revolutionizes AM and FM Radio Reception
Mercedes DVD NAVs in Japan
These S, E, CLK COMANDs in Japan integrate DVD navigation for VICS (the Japanese version of the TMC service used for dynamic traffic routing),
audio with cassette and in dash CD, and TV in the LCD display.
They were developed with Siemens VDO (S-Class headunit) and harman Becker
(E-Class headunit) and the DVD NAVs for both with harman Becker. DVD NAVs
were introduced in Japan as early as 1998.
Bosch TravelPilots
are radios and navs in a compact form for easy installs in single
DIN slots. The Fräulein who lives in there talks and sounds the same
as in the COMAND APS since TravelPilots use the technology of
the S-Class COMAND 2.5 just not with the
larger screen. Folks who navigate a lot tend to just follow the voice and
only occasionally glance at the approach bar at closely
spaced turn-offs. The RNS 150 announces directions in
english, deutsch, español, français, italiano and nederlands, just like
the COMAND. Infrared remote/steering wheel controls are optional.
May 2003
MP3s in a Mercedes: Ken Yee's Digisette review
3/2/2003
Real Time traffic info North America
is available in 65 metro areas.
map. All 2001+ Benzes receive real time reports
on their MCS or COMAND screens via Tele Aid Traffic:
start here. But this
cellular phone based data service is not popular and will be discontinued.
M-Class AM/FM antenna, 98/99 radio and Bose
The M-Class antennas are integrated into the rear glass described
here, page 1
and here, page 2. The
M-Class Bose sound system amplifier
is part 163 820 0189 or 163 820 1889 and mounted on the firewall.
The 98/99 M-Class Radio uses the standard DIN-ISO connector pictured
here. Phone MUTE
turns the radio off during calls and displays "PHONE" on the LCD.
These frequencies are supported:
FM: 87.9 to 107.9 MHz
AM: 530 to 1710 kHz
WB: 162.40 to 162.55 MHz (Weatherband Channel 1 through 7)
Bose AudioPilot® sound system with 8 speakers and Acoustimass® subwoofer
Bose 6 channel amplifier on firewall above pedals
Bose amplifier plug
NOAA Weather Radio
M-Class GPS Phone Antenna Install
NAV VSS Speed Signal
on early M-Classes was missing. To install it, here are
the instructions.
Tele Atlas Launches Comprehensive Turn-by-turn Map Database for North America
including real time traffic capability.
10/14/2002
The Philips Auto Mignon record player
was introduced in 1958. John Lennon had it in his Mercedes-Benz 600
pictured above. Next to it a "Motor ola" ad from 1962. Motorola founder
Paul Galvin invented the car radio in 1930.
Mercedes-Benz integrated phones
Foto: Siemens
The head up display reduces driver
distraction. It's driven by a 32 bit microcontroller and
connects via CAN-Bus to the engine control unit,
the transmission controller, the navigation system and the vehicle
dynamics controller. Augmented reality promises to
facilitate driver orientation in complex traffic situations.
A software update for COMAND 2.0 (M, CLK, C, E, G) was released in August 2002, which accelerates the system, and includes an intelligent speller dropping letters not making sense.
Foto: DaimlerChrysler
A second generation of COMAND with a new wider 16:9 color TFT
screen will be presented with the 2003 S- and CL-Class. Navigation
becomes optional for $1500 but is included in the S 600 sedan and coupe.
As in the previous system other options are an integrated
phone, CD-changer and in Europe also a TV tuner. Looks great and friendly
and the CDs are compatible with the previous system. BTW, this is COMAND
2.0 DX CD NAV under a new cover. The after-market version is
the Bosch DX-V.
The S-Class COMAND system, COMAND
2.5, by Bosch was used from 1998 to 2002. COMAND stands for Cockpit
Management and Data System. It's reliable but fairly slow recalculating
routes after missed turns. The map data is often older and not so
complete, but it does include more restaurants and special destinations
than many newers ones I know. The voice quality is superb, and the
voice comands very precise, so one can navigate without having to look
at the screen!
The Dietz 1440 video adapter for COMAND
enables video input into the Mercedes COMAND NAV systems
without a TV-tuner. It costs EU239 and supports PAL and NTSC TV signals
for external video signals like DVD players, videorecorders, cameras etc.
Dietz info site
Mercedes COMAND NAVs by Bosch: from APS 1 to COMAND 2.5
Bosch's first navigation patents were issued in 1978. In 1983
EVA (Elektonischer Verkehrslotse für Autofahrer) was introduced. In
1989 the first production ready CAR NAV worldwide was shown:
the TravelPilot IDS (Identification of Digitized Streets), but expensive
memory and missing digital maps precluded a commercial success.
innovative systems developed maps in the Hamburg area in the early 1990s.
In the mid 90s series production of the first car NAV started. The APS 1
was listed in the sales brochures and pricelists for the 1995 S-Class W140
as Autopilotsystem (APS) Code 351.
pics
The COMAND system is available in MLs outside of North-America. It's the COMAND 2.0, as used in the E-Class, CLK etc, and similar to the S/CL-Class version, which is COMAND 2.5. It has an electronic gyro, clear voice, good accuracy but slow route recalculation of long routes. Options like cell-phones, TV, Linguatronic and dynamic traffic updates are available, some only after-market. A new COMAND 2.0 from the MB dealer costs about $2400 and good used systems start at $1100. There are three different 2.0 versions out, depending on CAN and D2B bus configurations. NavTeq of TeleAtlas supply the map data. Two map data updates per year are provided in Europe, since about 1995 when the first versions of this system appeared in the W140 S-Class sedan and coupe.
European Sprinter radio Mercedes Sound 40 Pro
The Sprinter commercial vans and Vaneo have an Internet Connection
starting in September 2002. Download nav routes from your desktop into
the car using the Sound 40 Pro made by Becker. Works with the
Mercedes-Benz Portal, which discontinues service on 12/1/2004 due to
lack of demand.
6/1/2004 update
4/15/2002
5 cm position accuracy demonstrated
In August 2000 RTNA showed a M-Class with precise
vehicle location to 5 cm on Interstate Highway 280 using
GPS and precise maps technology. The PASS system for
passenger cars is under development.
Most of the navigation systems mentioned here are self-calibrating by continously comparing distances travelled with their map data, and correcting any differences. Some other manufacturers' systems can't do that nor use a manual tire calibration. Buyer beware. Uncalibrated systems are not more accurate than handheld GPS.
DVD vs CD
DVD NAV, e.g from Alpine usually have more map details and faster route
recalculation and 2 more zoom levels and cover North America one DVD.
On the other hand it's easier to back up CDs, and it's a 10 hour drive
to the edge of my CD coverage area. A full set of 11 Nav cd's costs
retail around $285 and less at $140 when ordered before the vehicle
leaves the prep center.
harman Becker introduce the Traffic Pro in the US: model Becker 4773
Fall 2002. The distant Mercedes relative is the MB Audio 30 APS,
which I like using, easy - never read a manual, let's you make any
turns you like without getting confused, and with fast recalculations it
adjusts to the user, instead of having to wait for it. It will be sold
as Harman/Kardon and without CAN interface for the display in the
instrument cluster. The MB Audio 30 APS was developed by innovative
systems and Becker for Mercedes, starting in 1997 and was first
introduced in 1999. The TrafficPro is the after-market version.
"Der ultimative granatenmäßige Oberhammer" and more than 130,000 units
have been sold in Europe (by early 2001). One CD covers most
of Europe and with software version 4.0 dynamic traffic guidance became
available using the radio data system and the TMC message format (free)
or with cell-phone and GSM (charges apply, unpopular), as well as much
more map data. Once this system becomes available in the US ( has been
in beta for a year now) it will use only two CDs, one east of the
Mississippi and one west of it. Another nice feature: It can play
music CDs while it navigates. This does not apply to the later APS 50.
4602 and 4773 installed in a W126
Becker support
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Another M-Class first: first navigation system offered by MBUSA
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Starting with 2000 in North America Alpine supplies the system, shown at left. From 2000 to 2002 the MCS uses a CD
navigation module. Starting in 2003 a DVD navigation module was used.
In 2004 a SVC was added and in model year 2005 it became a SAT button.
The first MCS CD software version is 1999.1. The first MCS DVD software
version 2001.1, both supplied by Navteq.
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2000-2005 M-Class MCS system supplied by Alpine
GPS Risks
DOT Releases Report Assessing Vulnerability Of Transportation
Infrastructure Relying on GPS
US Coast Guard
GPS navigation center
Grounding of
the ROYAL MAJESTY (over-reliance on automated systems)
The Future
Real time inter-vehicle communications prototype
DriveBy InfoFueling Research Car
PASS system with 2 inch position accuracy, demonstrated on I-280
Driver Distraction - Looking Inside the Driver's Head
Galileo navigation satellites to complement GPS
Intelligent Maps, NextMAP, Enhanced Digital Maps (EDMap)
Automated Personalization for Driver Assistance
Automated Acquisition of Annotated High-precision Maps
Adaptive Distributed Guidance and Control
Floating Car Data System
Wireless sensor networks
Eternal bliss.
Mercedes-Benz M-Class Homelink®
Here are
some tips how to program and use the Homelink® buttons in the ML's
overhead console. It works for all garage
door openers, including those with rolling code. It's
compatible with Smart Homes
and ranches, controlling gates, floodlights, sprinklers, pumps to your fire
pool and not to forget your buffalo feeders right from your Mercedes 4x4.
picture of overhead console with Homelink® module flipped down
Jini®
Mercedes video entertainment system (VES)
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