Interesting radio and navigation systems

New Telematics Generation NTG 2.5 debuts
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, for example in the M-Class, R-Class and GL-Class starting this fall. This includes 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

harman/kardon introduces the Guide+Play® GPS-500
It's a sleek portable all-in one GPS NAV and digital audio and video player similar to the new Traffic Assist Pro and Traffic Assist Highspeed from Becker. The GPS-500 can be dash- or windshield mounted and plugged into the cigarette lighter. English, French or Spanish are supported.
Apr 29, 2007

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

Dash Express net connected NAV debuts
Works with Inrix Smart Dust Network and Yahoo local and is to be released in California in the first quarter, and nationwide in the fall. It just plugs into the cigarette lighter. Dash is signing up 2000 testers now (April 8, 2007).
Dash Navigation
telematics page
Jan 2, 2007

Mercedes introduces StreetPilot II navigation retrofit
Mercedes Accessories GmbH introduces retrofitable navigation systems intended for the A-, B- and C-Class. Made by "Yes, it really is that simple" Garmin, the StreetPilot II features a 3.5 inch color screen, real time traffic receiver, Bluetooth pairing with compatible phones for handsfree operation, crash compatible mounting on the dash, integration with the automobile's audio system and costs EU517 preloaded with a database for Germany including a DVD for Europe, plus installation. The StreetPilot II Plus for EU690 is preloaded with a European database. Besides precise and clear voice announcement in several languages, they also play MP3s and also have one touch "home" buttons. It's not yet clear if they will be offered in North America. In the meantime the non-integrated StreetPilot c550 offers somewhat similar functionality on these shores. Garmin announced the VIB 10 vehicle integration kit.
10/29/2006

2006 M-Class & R-Class Rear Headrest Monitors on sale at Park Place
Not suitable for 2007 with Neckpro active head restraints.
9/18/2006

New M-Class, R-Class, GL-Class with infrared reflecting windshield
reflect radiation so toll collection devices like EZ-Pass or Fastrak won't work unless they are located in one of the three infrared transparent zones. One can see those zones as they look brownish from the outside and cross hatched from the inside according to samhmbz. Some McDonald's restaurants in Santa Ana reportedly let you pay with Fastrak in the drive-thru lane.
9/1/2006

Continental announces Telematics plans
Continental put out a press release announcing their plans for the Motorola Telematics business they purchased in April. They say "Continental is on the cutting edge of telematics technology -- telematics technology adds to consumers' enjoyment of life by keeping drivers connected to the outside world, offering a wireless lifeline that increases convenience, mobility and safety."
telematics page
7/31/2006

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


Volkswagen of America is working with Google and nVidia
on a prototype with more real looking three dimensional navigation. It's based on google earth with Keyhole technology and an nVidia graphics chip. The VW electronics research lab is in Palo Alto, California.
2/4/2006

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 98 - 00 MLs: 2000 ML (no fiberoptic) Ipod install

For 06+ ML, R, 07+ GLs:
Apple iPod integration MBUSA iPod connector Mercedes iPod webspecial
Remember the kit disables the iPod interface with the click wheel.

For 98 - 05 MLs with cassette:
Hard-wired AUX-IN like in W203 C-Class radios
SmartDeck: Cassette Adapter with a Brain
Monster® iCarPlay™ Cassette Adapter

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.
dension ice> Link: Plus Rodney's ice> Link install

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 July 2007 release note

Mercedes M-Class NAV DVDs North America (Alpine COMAND MCS 2 model year 06+)
06+ M, R, 07+ G, GL, 05+ C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2004.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0204)
06+ M, R, 07+ G, GL, 05+ C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2005.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0213)
06+ M, R, 07+ G, GL, 05+ C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2006.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0220)
06+ M, R, 07+ G, GL, 05+ C, CLK COMAND MCS 2 DVD version 2007.1 (MB part# Q6-46-0226) release note

Mercedes E, S-Class NAV DVD North America (Harman Becker COMAND NTG 1 model year 04+)
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+ E, 04-06 S, CL, 04+ SL, 05+ SLK, 06+ CLS COMAND NTG-1 DVD version 2008 (MB part# Q6-46-0232) note

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

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

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) 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 (Blaupunkt 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 02-05 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 02-05 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

Pharos and Tele Atlas Unveil Turn-By-Turn Map Data with Real-Time Traffic Solution for the U.S.
January 9, 2004

real time LA traffic

Stoic conservative
is often fastest in traffic.

NAVTEQ and Tele Atlas Collaborate to Develop Standard Traffic Codes for Digital Maps of the United States
March 31, 2004

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

MCS 1 (CD NAV, CC, 00-02 ML North America)
MCS 1 (DVD NAV, CC, 03-05 ML North America)
MCS 2, Modular COMAND System 2 (DVD NAV, CD, 06+ ML/R, 07+ G/GL, 05+ C/CLK North America)
MB Audio 30 APS (CD, 02-05 ML Europe); harman kardon 4773 (North America)
COMAND 2.0 (CD NAV, 02-05 ML outside North America, 02-05 G)
MB Audio 50 APS (CD NAV, NTG-1, 03+ E etc outside North America)
MB Audio 50 APS (CD NAV, NTG-2, 06+ ML, etc outside North America)
COMAND (DVD NAV, NTG-2, 06+ ML, R outside North America)
COMAND APS (DVD, MP3, NTG-1, 03+ E-Class)
2003 COMAND APS (CD NAV, 03 S-Class)
2004-06 COMAND APS (DVD NAV, MP3, CC, NTG-1, 04-06 S-Class, CL)
voice control for phone, radio, CD-changer, navigation
CD/CD-changer installation

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

COMAND in S-Class in Japan   COMAND in E-Class in Japan   COMAND in CLK-Class in Japan
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.

TravelPilot RNS150 TravelPilot RNS150 screen
Blaupunkt 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.
Detailed TravelPilot RNS150 installation in a Mercedes W126 S-Class
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 CD-changer Install

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. And the Blaupunkt from 1926.


Mercedes-Benz integrated phones

Head Up Display
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 Blaupunkt DX-V.


The S-Class COMAND system, COMAND 2.5, by Blaupunkt 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/Blaupunkt: from APS 1 to COMAND 2.5
Blaupunkt'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

RTNA demo
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


1998-1999 M-Class navigation system supplied by Siemens

Another M-Class first: first navigation system offered by MBUSA
It was introduced in 1997 for the 1998 and 1999 model year M-Class and produced by Siemens VDO Automotive. The latest map software version is 2001.1, previous versions were 1999.1 and 1998.1. The map database software is supplied by NavTeq.

2000 Alpine MCS 2000-2005 M-Class MCS system supplied by Alpine

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.
some more info is on this page

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®

M-Class with the Mercedes 
Entertainment System
Mercedes video entertainment system (VES)

M

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