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MBenzNL
07-30-2003, 01:04 PM
It is about time to post some pictures of a 1999 C43 that has been modified a bit...the comand related mosification isn't completed yet, but we are getting close.

Starting with a blurry before picture:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TQCKBXQWOVquDrYliT5uttueXihEPKl!4sk0JCTKoq65U4lFW NO3hNQqRW56dDxKBwbjHrmwyg56cblSMz*2gSBbsxJxWUkm4Hy CdND4H9!aW2Url1xI6g/202com2-dean01.jpg.JPG?dc=4675401368459003203

This car has been updated with:
* MF W210 steering wheel and leather airbag (to be swapped for a fully AMG wheel/bag during my next trip)
* 2000 W208 instrument cluster (the face of the speedometer is soon to be swapped for an ///AMG one)
* W210 canbus comand (with extended front)
* OEM MB carkit for a Nokia 6310i
* OEM MB TV tuner
* OEM MB 12 CD changer
* OEM MB GPS roofantenna

Overview of the almost finished result:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAD5Ai8SKTK2LPt*K5doMB4ij5t4cmWwTwhuxtlrbG8Tt1d60 Uwa!69wlGW!QuFUgCETNajNCSdqOmNXCEri6P0EYV844HTzzoz 5AgBweSg/SOS00.JPG?dc=4675432016048929110

The comand with extended front:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAAAADYSvzO!oTaZJ51hhtPPYGRRDkKQJ1ZMfYdj2vcdoHdnE 3JYkBmHbx2Mb!*kJoXld7TreUOzmIgk56d3jf656TUPrHV9AAA AAAAAAAA/SOS07.JPG?dc=4675432015538448386

Scrolling through the phonebook from the steering wheel:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADRAjgSMzSlr4zC*VfLiLMeofQYQGYIp5W*XHlWBX*ewwNU* vqh8Q8dLGfD135mTFUjxcinwIgLL3hmvX4IuwTjRrSeQc6uzoz RAgBwpRk/SOS09.JPG?dc=4675432015547722334

Reading, writing and sending SMS messages per comand:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAD5AjMSETMhSHYyT*hx*cLx7Zu2qoXFXCiY8BJT9ZoEBMt*V jPKL24lFybrw4TG21cuRuJV5Rw63UAKX1wcHaE*v2RBvWx5zoz 5AgBwWSk/SOS04.JPG?dc=4675432016075101368

No need to look down to the comand screen to get the navigation details:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QABvAzASZDLdm*E!5AP2PcRU0KcJO3Fvu5aLailRg!JCQutLK rtaWJGwuf7Se76*1EzRsHZcMabPJy66dyckZxCb9hMdwttezox vAwBwKSk/SOS10.JPG?dc=4675432015552219324

Currently playing: CD 10, track 6:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADVAjMSEjMMoulYr2D1pvFlPwcQI3Bk5Y97UMu6lTn1P8wZU feaRpHuqrhWUG*!nv*9Yqc69gHOu6fyuq4JXNY7DI3O6Ln0zoz VAgBw1Bg/SOS13.JPG?dc=4675432016087281577

Watching TV on comand...the home shopping channel and average mexican ;) channels are pretty clear:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RQB0cMsUJdoZ5sKgrt8qa5JSd7Nsb50NjiEtgAF3oMq7u49ic KovSNJadlWQvtzfdBwDNvWldhk15BpY5EHnni5vRx6YhMNCH6P 8oMFsYUA/scorchTV05.jpg?dc=4675432337379027802

The 2000 MF W208 instrument cluster works perfectly in a W202...every single pop up screen comes up:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAAZAzIS2DJnFCM6BRjcThrNB4yYiG96zTQKV1Tr834BUV6Hw kg0egylgDBBur5qboNjR01xbZgSFfTz!7p29PN0XYjXVHqmzow ZAwBw6Sk/SOS12.JPG?dc=4675432015565145585

...and NO MALFUNCTIONs:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADYAjESnjIeGyaV9a4E2lpri0WlklyoRoHJtJgGW2k7*1OhF cBOgtzZrZIcB8YKgPYOku*2Rp9O6YX76yBipfY7QnHbx4kLzoz YAgBwFRg/SOS11.JPG?dc=4675432015557462365

With special thanks to Scorchie for letting me use his C43 for trying out these kind of things!

I am currently working on a dutch 1998 220CDI station...it already got the GPS roofantenna, a (6) CD changer, TV tuner, 2001 W208 instrument cluster (digital speed display), multifunctional steering wheel today and will finish the comand and phonekit (Nokia 6310i) tomorow.
The 2000+ instrument clusters come up with a display error message in these older cars (shude has a picture of that malfunction screen when we tried the 208 IC in his C230k)...I will try to get that reprogrammed/recoded...IF that is possible...otherwise onky the late 1999 and early 2000 MF ICs will be suiteable for these kind of upgrades...

greetingz,

FreeStyler
07-30-2003, 02:41 PM
Looks simply amazing.

I have a few questions. First, can I swap out my wood panels for the carbon fiber look? Also, how much does a W208 cluster with installation cost?

MBenzNL
07-30-2003, 03:03 PM
Originally posted by FreeStyler
I have a few questions. First, can I swap out my wood panels for the carbon fiber look?
If you have the model updated (97+) W202...yes...I have several sets of those (it was already changed in that C43 a long time ago).

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQDVAiAWCzThNsNmLiJ8QFcGAbka8Pl9QVEI*ROgvQyODaLd9 GkBkNEXr4KcB8VgHrUydZ6hiB*pSJy9PZV8fuT3qk2Gd3kZ8FQ k2voP5ZMdeX54llis2w/202-sporttrim2.jpg?dc=4675401369130592922

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQD5AiMWuTThNsNmLiJ8QPjxYXqv!stTS61uvIFksD1PUf5gG 9WdwePVb7QQkoKEDQ6FqyND77JOIs5nupjA5RAk3E3oyT3!ROs wO8a2kyav8ou!uLPDdg/202-sporttrim5.jpg?dc=4675401369138646781

greetingz,

Brabus
07-30-2003, 03:41 PM
Nice Steve! That's pretty clean Main!

FreeStyler
07-30-2003, 05:07 PM
How much are you willing to let tha carbon set go for? I'm very interested. Also, it seems like its easy to install, is it?

Eurosport
07-30-2003, 11:19 PM
nice work Steve
looks really clean

how is mileage in the cluster stored, does dealer have to reprogram it or it's saved on car not cluster?

tyty

MBenzNL
08-03-2003, 03:51 AM
This one isn't completely finsihed yet...but is getting close. A dutch 1998 C220CDI station with some comand related changes. I added the comand, MF steering wheel and cluster, CD changer, Nokia 6310i kit, roofmounted combined GPS/cellphone antenna and TV tuner.

Here is a before picture:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADLAqYTdI0v2ivGrIeEVN*yIWw6!qVdj9XKjRqTb813ffJq5 MknwkxVz5II1auL4*XGChu6zhj5udXDTCJdz0afDEYaKpZOSr* aym!5n48/202-mvb01.jpg?dc=4675432978310677419
For those whow onder what trim this is...it is an european esprit.

Some "during" pictures...who doesn't recognise pictures like these...
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RAAlGqkTIo4v2ivGrIeEVFH8s9*9IwKOpweAjKq2!QObzmiq0 CL9N*FbeWGbno4ditmK3b0y2q*8x7Qba7CuHjG1ea7v6h4xq9G XKNvh7hE/202-mvb04.jpg?dc=4675432978519338065

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RACEA6wT0I4v2ivGrIeEVPULTgEJF7d3KR0W3uXlWilEkKpzw 4olrDdovGBO5Zc6*xSBaVhRFTi9F9BZItcmxIxt7SHSlSm9ytB U4cuigwg/202-mvb07.jpg?dc=4675432978525351019

Testing the first add-ons...
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADoAq0TCo8v2ivGrIeEVC3Wlfoz5*zANBpsDacyF937OHcXf My685RN7u5VwnDB9Jv6v8GTDxpxrUFLEXk7xupr!azt*8NpdRb SXteqbA4/202-mvb08.jpg?dc=4675432978532038443

The TV tuner went into the back of the car...I figured this was a suiteable spot...along the window you can still see a part of the 4way diversity antenna...
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADLAqYTdY0v2ivGrIeEVNwxHd!YCRbOeaA*l7I04DNRVER2W p29u6fUY4VMg1aODxngWZ2kJBXbdtjkFPcrKm5En43r98MN7ph Q1KOWL4M/202-mvb10.jpg?dc=4675432978539397153

Another picture of the antenna...it sits completely behind the panels and is out of side totally.
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADUAqcTr40v2ivGrIeEVI!2*8e1m!mlDryC3drp1jWsy6Cav 3Lf03bFc8MLYAPcd8f5N633uBCGRGgbBi*6pOhKfssL1PQ2DX6 oZ7*RbIY/202-mvb11.jpg?dc=4675432978547425561

Accessing the TV tuner to connect a DVD player is easy:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADLAqgT6Y0v2ivGrIeEVCWkdb6Ggy!Fvi7*jXpPct0O5bzjm p5XCHYPRSau4OvEA*iURLzPUqAVUA3c8trkNOHAvv3Xig9p!JK QiUtaDeE/202-mvb12.jpg?dc=4675432978555177181

The lower panel around the comand still has to be finished (was on order)...the rest looks pretty good (I think)...
The instrument cluster housing (front) still has to be changed as well.
This cluster is a 2000+ cluster with the digital speeddisplay which comes up with a malfunction as soon as the car is started (display defective) but besides that it works perfectly.
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADPAqwT0Y4v2ivGrIeEVKcq2MG544RlauS*NGGFKNlH1wDZe ac9FLmmAeNz67pcFyw41WWJfWgF56zuD5TCkBN7kdjx42RKElF KZfrvmHo/202-mvb16.jpg?dc=4675432979129791311


...with TV...
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADLAq0TC48v2ivGrIeEVP6pbR6UXTEUAHxxPvxxgWegkTdwI Y2ldBbKFYQtS!IiitIC3dQlsEYWG*1oniKv1StgUimGpWXdGN! wcvUpmiw/202-mvb17.jpg?dc=4675432979135729501

greetingz,

nokia8860
08-03-2003, 07:57 AM
I notice its the MB TV tuner you are using. Whatever happened to those RGB boxes? Are they not good for adding TV inputs to the comand?

MBenzNL
08-04-2003, 12:38 PM
Originally posted by nokia8860
I notice its the MB TV tuner you are using. Whatever happened to those RGB boxes? Are they not good for adding TV inputs to the comand?
OEM MB TV Tuners are PAL/NTSC compateable and have 2 AUX inputs for DVD/video...the RGB adapters that are used in europe use a scart connector which is not used in the US...another option, the multimedia adapter, is not NTSC compateable...soon I will receive the first (specially ordered) RGB adapter with RCA connectors (don't tell anyone yet).

greetingz,

nokia8860
08-04-2003, 12:49 PM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
soon I will receive the first (specially ordered) RGB adapter with RCA connectors (don't tell anyone yet).

greetingz,

HAHAHA I didnt you did!!!!

Btw, thanks for the nfo on RGB didnt know about that. No wonder there was no more talk about this box.

Dr. ///AMG
08-04-2003, 10:54 PM
Yo STeve, how much to get comand, steering wheel and cluster for a '99 C280 Sport. Also how much just for comand alone.
:D

Got the CF inside btw.

MBenzNL
08-04-2003, 11:53 PM
Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
Also how much just for comand alone.
approx 1400USD for just the comand and another approx 1000USD for the steering wheel upgrade (with which you need to get your own instrument cluster)...but after that you certainly have something ;) .

greetingz,

Brabus
08-05-2003, 11:08 AM
Steve... what's the easiest way to add a DVD player to a COMAND in an w220 S-Class?

nokia8860
08-05-2003, 11:25 AM
Originally posted by Brabus
Steve... what's the easiest way to add a DVD player to a COMAND in an w220 S-Class?


Originally posted by MBenzNL
OEM MB TV Tuners are PAL/NTSC compateable and have 2 AUX inputs for DVD/video...the RGB adapters that are used in europe use a scart connector which is not used in the US...another option, the multimedia adapter, is not NTSC compateable...soon I will receive the first (specially ordered) RGB adapter with RCA connectors (don't tell anyone yet).

greetingz,

Answer: OEM MB TV Tuner.

MBenzNL
08-05-2003, 04:02 PM
Originally posted by Brabus
Steve... what's the easiest way to add a DVD player to a COMAND in an w220 S-Class?
getting a new non region DVD player from europe that has been modified and has an integrated RGB adaptor so it can be directly connected to comand and will display wwhile in motion...

Note: expensive (compared to US DVD player prices) and the blank TV button has to be activated by MB first...

greetingz,

SLK Boy
08-06-2003, 06:16 AM
Another quality install by the legendary MBenz. Now, what's new with YOUR car? :)

MBenzNL
08-07-2003, 02:37 AM
Originally posted by SLK Boy
Now, what's new with YOUR car? :)
TIRES ;) ...and that is about all...I still have the damaged C36 front bumper without towhook covers (already sold), I still have a cracked windshield and C36 bumperlights and I still have a standard black colored rear bumper...and the well-known I-don't-waste-time-washing-my-car-too-often look.
I simply have no time swapping bumpers (that I already have for approx 2 months), renewing my windshield (I have the replacement windshield for almost a year) an adding ventitlated seats (have those for at least 6 months as well)...

time...I need time...

greetingz,

mike c200
08-07-2003, 11:39 AM
cracked windshield me to steve almost one year now ;) :(


mike

c230kompresssed
09-07-2003, 12:16 AM
so how much for the carbon fiber interior? the whole set how many peices is it?

MBenzNL
09-07-2003, 11:49 PM
Originally posted by c230kompresssed
so how much for the carbon fiber interior? the whole set how many peices is it?
220USD incl. shipping per regular post...all pieces (4 doors, dash bow, upper and lower dashpanels, cupholder door and ashtray).

greetingz,

Dr. ///AMG
09-07-2003, 11:56 PM
wow hold up a second: You said ventilated seats? As in "my ass is hot, so I need to cool it down, so I'll just turn on the ventilated seats?"

98_Benzo
10-02-2003, 11:13 AM
Hey MBenzNL,

Where do you get the dash peices that surround the COMMAND system? I see most of the COMMAND systems that you put in are all done with carbon fiber dashes. Is it possible to put a COMMAND system in a car that has wood and not carbon fiber? Could I just go to the dealership and order the surrounding peice to the COMMAND system from another model mercedes (like the E class or something)?

nokia8860
10-02-2003, 11:22 AM
98: It can work with wood or dash. It's just most of the cars pictured have the sport trim thats all.

Also you cant buy a comand console for a 202 as the car was never intended to have comand. You will have to make an extension yourself using another console or extend the face of your comand.

Check out the featured article sections on different ways you can mount the comand.

And nope the 210 console does not fit the 202.

98_Benzo
10-02-2003, 11:54 AM
Thanks Nokia!!!

by the way what is "Dash"? :D ;) :laugh:


It can work with wood or dash

nokia8860
10-02-2003, 11:58 AM
hahah i dont know let me ask marry :p

98_Benzo
10-03-2003, 08:43 AM
hahah i dont know let me ask marry

HAHAHAHAHA......You still remember that!!!:) :D :laugh:

MBenzNL
10-03-2003, 10:00 AM
Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
wow hold up a second: You said ventilated seats? As in "my ass is hot, so I need to cool it down, so I'll just turn on the ventilated seats?"
yes...one of the basic necessities in life...

greetingz,

OdBut
10-14-2003, 08:16 AM
Hi Everyone,

just a quick question will the command system part number: A 210 820 49 89 fit into my, March 98 w202 ? and how can i tell if my car has fibre optics?

Kind Regards,
James

MBenzNL
10-14-2003, 09:44 AM
All comands have fiber optic...all 210 numbered comands will fit...the 49 89 is not a euro spec unit so I don't know how it is configured...

greetingz,

la_lakra
10-14-2003, 10:01 PM
I have a 00 c230k, and want to know if I can exchange all the area where the climate control and radio are, for the one on the 00 c280 so I can fit the command as the one shown in the first pic


Regards,

G Padilla

MBenzNL
10-14-2003, 11:12 PM
Originally posted by la_lakra
I have a 00 c230k, and want to know if I can exchange all the area where the climate control and radio are, for the one on the 00 c280 so I can fit the command as the one shown in the first pic

No you can't - you need to go this way:

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RADLAp8TSY0v2ivGrIeEVKcq2MG544RlauS*NGGFKNlH1wDZe ac9FEe2H3NUT36TNdSpwyywBLRd9q5yJXXYUN9qbaFZEO8qocQ tq1whNbU/202-mvb16.jpg?dc=4675432979129791311
The bottomhalf of the panel wasn't added here yet...but is nowadays.

greetingz,

la_lakra
10-15-2003, 11:00 PM
Originally posted by MBenzNL

The bottomhalf of the panel wasn't added here yet...but is nowadays.

greetingz, [/B]


got any pics?

regards,

Ashkan's C280
12-21-2004, 12:19 AM
can all this be done to a 1997? I mean anything is possible with you, so could it still be done if it can't easily be done?

MBenzNL
12-21-2004, 03:28 AM
Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
can all this be done to a 1997? I mean anything is possible with you, so could it still be done if it can't easily be done?
everything can be done...it is just a matter of spending money and or time...

greetingz,

714guy
12-21-2004, 06:16 AM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
everything can be done...it is just a matter of spending money and or time...

greetingz,

i concur i've seen Steve's work and its so so amazing, i think he even threw a command in a 190 too, so your 97 is no problem.


Merry Christmas Steve!!!!!!!!!!!

Brabus
12-21-2004, 08:52 AM
Steve is A+ installer :p

Ashkan's C280
12-21-2004, 09:48 AM
so OEM mb phone kis can go into 97?

Renn 208
12-21-2004, 11:01 AM
Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
so OEM mb phone kis can go into 97?



Originally posted by MBenzNL
everything can be done...it is just a matter of spending money and or time...

greetingz,

kgreen
12-21-2004, 11:17 PM
Steve is the #1 installer, very professional.
I have to say I am very pleased with his workmanship.
I got a Euro Comand and a CD changer installed by Steve.
I have nothing but good things to say about his job.
Thanks a million and..........Merry Christmas Steve.

Carlos.:cool:

SLAMMED_C
12-22-2004, 08:02 PM
Hey Steve..
Do you have any MB tv tuners yet?? and how much?
also what is the part number on the GPS roof antenna?.. will it work on my Euro comand any better than the W209 antenna (mounted under dash pad) I got with my comand when I bought it off you?
thanks man..

MBenzNL
12-23-2004, 10:22 AM
thanks for the thumbs up!!! and merry christmas to all of you as well

Ashkan: MB phones can always be installed in MBs...I installed a MB UHI phonesystem (used by MB since a year now) in a 1996 W210 last week and am installing another UHI system right now in a mercedes van (Vito).

slammed: nope...sorry...no TV tuners yet...

Carlos: post some pictures man!

greetingz,

MBenzNL
12-23-2004, 10:25 AM
Originally posted by MBenzNL Carlos: post some pictures man!
...or let me do that for you:

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TAAbA78WpGquDrYliT5utgoRUr2GIYGpZLgixyhMORubIBS73 4*EYysnfjQO4*yLq*y!IBJEq*wlKx0en84TNGGd0UmxoPCJxCw pZpLR8fAvc6pZKIWZlw/202comand-carlos2.JPG?dc=4675501304084670840

http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TAAaA8AW3mquDrYliT5utgoRUr2GIYGpN0GWv8uw3B*V0J3vY m*Qeidm2L5Q0*rsBYs6xW*!JJT!seKTE6noC2jznkQWqffJB04 PQS7X*YQsmC!BNOCxiQ/202comand-carlos3.JPG?dc=4675501304171365550

greetingz,

Ashkan's C280
12-23-2004, 10:49 AM
well my reasoning was that I had emailed you guys before and someone said that it was only for 99-00 models, and in mbworld you had posted that the new oem mb phone system for w202 was onyl 99-00, but thats good to hear....

!!!!!NJ Drive
12-23-2004, 01:01 PM
I want a comand so bad....

Denlasoul
12-24-2004, 10:37 AM
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAAAADYSvzO!oTaZJ51hhtPPYGRRDkKQJ1ZMfYdj2vcdoHdnE 3JYkBmHbx2Mb!*kJoXld7TreUOzmIgk56d3jf656TUPrHV9AAA AAAAAAAA/SOS07.JPG?dc=4675432015538448386
Approximately, how big is this screen (dimensionswise)?

Ashkan's C280
12-24-2004, 01:51 PM
what is the button on the right hand side in the middle, the one that says off, what does it do, and same with esp what is that really?

SLAMMED_C
12-24-2004, 09:44 PM
thats for when the car needs to be towed.. hit the switch to shut off the alarm while its being towed I believe.

MBenzNL
12-25-2004, 01:57 AM
Originally posted by Denlasoul
Approximately, how big is this screen (dimensionswise)? [/B]
5 inch something

greetingz,

kgreen
01-05-2005, 11:43 PM
Man, Steve you are simply the best.
Anyone wants to get a Comand out there, Steve is the man!
Thanks for posting the pictures for me.
Hope you had a great holiday season Steve, best wishes and much success for 2005.

Carlos.
:cool:

98c43amg
01-06-2005, 11:42 AM
Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
well my reasoning was that I had emailed you guys before and someone said that it was only for 99-00 models, and in mbworld you had posted that the new oem mb phone system for w202 was onyl 99-00, but thats good to hear....

Steve did a kick ass job on my 98 C43 AMG, doing a COMAND plus changing my analog CD changer to Digital, and changed the analog Motorola phone kit my car came with to a digital system w/Nokia 6310i phone (only choice still I believe).

I came to understand a few things. I was the first '98 he did...if my car was a '99 or newer, it would have been a lot easier. Some of the things he thought would be there & be digital, weren't. MB was in process of changing over to all digital in those years. '98 & of course your '97 is 100% analog. So Steve must re-run any existing wiring already there for CD and phone in your car with the digital equivalent. That, plus lots'o little and big things in the dash and in the trunk makes it a pretty involved job.

I don't believe any other man on earth can do these particular customizations on MBs -- of retrofitting COMAND + phone kit [plus much much more] in an earlier model MB and make it look and act like it came stock in the car -- like him.

And he frigg'n travels around the world to do it.... that's just plain kewl :cool: ...and very very lucky for us!

MBenzNL
01-08-2005, 11:40 AM
Originally posted by 98c43amg And he frigg'n travels around the world to do it.... that's just plain kewl :cool: ...and very very lucky for us!
hehe...32.000 airmiles during my last 6 week install trip...I LOVE my job!

Anyways, Steve...do you still have your 98 C43? How is life in Eaton's Neck?

greetingz,

98c43amg
01-09-2005, 01:48 PM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
hehe...32.000 airmiles during my last 6 week install trip...I LOVE my job!
Anyways, Steve...do you still have your 98 C43? How is life in Eaton's Neck?


Hey Steve... Great to hear you're still luv'n it. Happy New Year btw. Some things happening on the auto front.

Sure, still got it. Currently, my wife drives it a few miles to the train station four days a week. And I drive it weekend plus every now and then. I'm trying to keep the mileage down. I drive a Jeep as my daily driver [put a =killer= sound system in it ;) ... using Alpine so have the integrated phone kit for the Nokia 6310i phone too!] Since it's a lot "slower" it fits in much better to living around here. :( (only downside of living out here) Might replace it with a Subaru Forester XT as my daily driver this year -- or the Forester STI if it comes to the USA for 2005-2006 -- for both better mileage & performance quicker then the stock C43.

The SLK went back after the lease was up. We were thinking of keeping it. But after driving the new model before my lease was up, and as it's basically better in every respect, we'll be buying an SLK350 or SLK55 [ya!] to replace it this year.

Back to the C43. Since I find I can only get about $15K - $20K for the car, I've decided not to get rid of it and instead, mod it like'a EuroHotRod. The C43's a strong car, which held up to my driving very well. Even though I could get the manual tranni I want in other contenders, don't know if an Audi or Cadi CTS-V or other would hold up. Plus with all the warranty work I had done up until recently, I should be good for the rest of the life of the C43 :ermm: ;) (will have to be happy with the manual in the Jeep and Subaru if I buy it)

I'm 99% sure I'll be getting a complete speedybenz suspension in the near term (I have to decide real soon if I should just get it, or fly out to Cali to test drive his car first); will definitely be adding the Kleemann LSD at the time the suspension is put in; might do a supercharger later this year too.

After going through 4 front Brabus rims, I've junked them all [got $56 whole dollars for 6 rims from the recycler; a full set of Brabus rims plus two add'l AMG rims :( ]. Using Nokian RSIs on OZ Supperleggera for the winter. Trying to decide what to buy for the summer tires.

So what did you pay for the AMG model 171 rims over there in Europe? They look great on your car. They were quite expensive here when I wanted to buy them (though dunno if they were mis-priced on Tire Rack a few months ago, as they were about $200 more expensive then, then they are now). I would have loved to use them for my winter tires. But these OZs are only around 18lbs and cost less then $300.

Anyway, that's pretty much all that's up in the automotive realm with me. (probably "more info then you wanted to know" too)
:D

Best Regards,
Steve

MBenzNL
01-09-2005, 03:39 PM
Originally posted by 98c43amg
So what did you pay for the AMG model 171 rims over there in Europe? They look great on your car.
thanks...the rims were cheaper then the (fairly cheap) tires were...I bought them directly from mercedes Stuttgart before they were suposed to be sold...this set came from a testcar and I had to promise not to sell them and use them for my own car (buying 600+ comands in 1 year has its advantages ;) ).

Good to hear that you are doing well and still have the C43...give my regards to your wife and have a good 2005!

See you around & greetingz,

98c43amg
01-23-2005, 07:36 PM
Originally posted by Dr. ///AMG
wow hold up a second: You said ventilated seats? As in "my ass is hot, so I need to cool it down, so I'll just turn on the ventilated seats?"
Originally posted by MBenzNL
yes...one of the basic necessities in life...

Sorry if I missed this question asked & answered ... so continuing with this above, are the ventilated seats something you can export an install to us here in the USA? Are they the high-bolstered AMG branded ventilated seats? [but I don't want seats with the air bladders since they always fail on me]

???

that would be 2 kewl!

Best Regards,
Steve

tpliquid
01-24-2005, 05:17 PM
how much for C43 body kit?

solodough
01-24-2005, 09:42 PM
so how does one commission steve for the command center work?

98c43amg
01-25-2005, 07:00 AM
Originally posted by solodough
so how does one commission steve for the command center work?

He may respond right here. Else click his profile and leave him a private message. He's also active on many other MB boards too, so you're bound to run into him. Do a search on his handle and jump in on a thread he's actively involved in dealing with an upcoming trip.

(P.S. it took a while for me to realize Steve MBnezNL wasn't mistyping, that it's COMAND w/one 'M' ... He corrected people's use of it enough [including my use] for me to figure it bugs him when you use two 'M's :p )

tpliquid
01-25-2005, 12:52 PM
Originally posted by solodough
so how does one commission steve for the command center work?

www.mbenznl.com

MBenzNL
01-25-2005, 03:12 PM
Originally posted by tpliquid
how much for C43 body kit?
I sold all the kits I had...up to the last used rear bumper...

Originally posted by 98c43amg
are the ventilated seats something you can export an install to us here in the USA?
I planned that modification for my own car but as I don't even want to touch my car eversince modifying benzes has become my daily living, I recently ended up installing the ventilated seats in a W210 from Denmark...

greetingz,

98c43amg
02-01-2005, 06:45 PM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
I sold all the kits I had...up to the last used rear bumper...

I planned that modification for my own car but as I don't even want to touch my car eversince modifying benzes has become my daily living, I recently ended up installing the ventilated seats in a W210 from Denmark...

greetingz,

I see. Did you have some idea regarding how it could be done though, or was this going to be totally custom and you were going to solve the issues as they come?

If I was to secure a set from a recycler here off a wrecked car, do you think you would you be able to integrate it into the W202 and install the electronics necessary for the seat controls? ...and air ducting I guess too?

-steve

MBenzNL
02-01-2005, 11:44 PM
the switches can be made to fit the console panel - but as I have the plastic fake CF panels, it is a lot easier to create the slots for the LEDs as with the wood that comes in the US AMGs....

Wiring is peanuts...and the seats are doable AS LONG AS ONE HAS SEATS IN THE PROPER COLOR...that means that for my car I should have gotten ash colored 210 seats that have the heating and ventilating feature...

The leather is completely perforated...the heated elements underneath are also perforated (which the seats without the ventilating feature don;t have)...underneath that heating pad there is a plastic ventilation duct like maze that comes together with the horse hair padding in which the ventilators are integrated...

So in order to make it easy, I need the proper colored leather seats. For your C43 there is no such thing as the proper ventilated 210 seats so this mod becomes nearly impossible....

greetingz,

98c43amg
02-02-2005, 07:51 AM
Thanx for the detail.


Originally posted by MBenzNL
So in order to make it easy, I need the proper colored leather seats. For your C43 there is no such thing as the proper ventilated 210 seats so this mod becomes nearly impossible....


Oh, I thought I'd sat in an AMG a year or two back that had black leather heated ventilated seats... not the exact same black leather color but I'm OK with that. Though I don't doubt I'm wrong about something.

I once followed a thread on the German/English AMG message board about someone reskinning their leather seats in custom colors ... lots of pictures if I remember correctly and contact info for who did the work. If the seats aren't available in the charcoal, but I get the seats re-skinned the way I want (with similar perforated leather as is original on the seats), then I gather this is possible?

[as my laptop crashed and I lost everything in my profile including all my favorites and links, and I'm pretty sure you have an identity on that AMG board, could you pass me the URL to the board? ...I can't remember its URL.]

...if so, I'll do some research and see what the costs are to get seats from the recycler and re-skin them. Is there a better description [of even model number] I should ask for, or is heated ventilated seats off a W210 enough to get the right thing?

Best Regards,
-steve

98c43amg
02-04-2005, 11:52 AM
Steve,

If I get the heated/ventilated seats and have the color changed by someone like this:

http://www.autoaccessoriesrusfl.com/leather.htm

or this

http://www.leatherseats.com/

...ya think ya can install?
:classic:

Ashkan's C280
02-04-2005, 12:23 PM
so if I understand this correctly, one would have to get 210 seats with heat vent and multi con, if one wants to have vented seats, and already has options such as heat and MC, thus to keep or add options such as heat vent and mc, it would be best to find 210 seats with all of that already?

boesewicht
02-17-2005, 01:07 PM
@MBenzNL

Just read this thread and...I don't understand anything. A guy from Holland, installing comand systems in the usa, flying through the world for installing electronics on Benzos, 600+ comands bought in Sindelfingen, etc etc etc.

Man, what are you doing? Professional international comand installer?

What do I have to pay that you come to the south of Germany installing that comand_clk-gauge_phone_combination? in my 96 C220 (kleine MoPf)?

Greets Alex.

Renn 208
02-17-2005, 01:19 PM
Alex,

send Steve an e-mail, and I'm sure he'd be more than happy to help:


www.mbenznl.com

boesewicht
02-17-2005, 01:22 PM
Thanks Renn.

Is he such an..."fanatic"? :)

MBenzNL
02-17-2005, 03:17 PM
@bosewicht,

The 96 202 is not suiteable for the IC upgrade...has to be manufactured after 02-1997 to be willing to take the updated clusters and airbags...

greetingz,

Ashkan's C280
02-07-2006, 05:53 PM
so 210 seats do fit in 202s? so the memory would also work?

1998K
02-08-2006, 04:53 AM
Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
so 210 seats do fit in 202s? so the memory would also work?

THEY DON'T. As I remember, read somewhere, they are wider.

Hi

Ashkan's C280
02-08-2006, 09:20 AM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
the switches can be made to fit the console panel - but as I have the plastic fake CF panels, it is a lot easier to create the slots for the LEDs as with the wood that comes in the US AMGs....

Wiring is peanuts...and the seats are doable AS LONG AS ONE HAS SEATS IN THE PROPER COLOR...that means that for my car I should have gotten ash colored 210 seats that have the heating and ventilating feature...

The leather is completely perforated...the heated elements underneath are also perforated (which the seats without the ventilating feature don;t have)...underneath that heating pad there is a plastic ventilation duct like maze that comes together with the horse hair padding in which the ventilators are integrated...

So in order to make it easy, I need the proper colored leather seats. For your C43 there is no such thing as the proper ventilated 210 seats so this mod becomes nearly impossible....

greetingz,

from that post it just sounds like getting the right color is the issue...

jstrat85
02-18-2006, 08:20 PM
steve you do one hell of a job! keep up the good work!!!!!!

Rey99C280
09-10-2006, 06:10 AM
Originally posted by MBenzNL
It is about time to post some pictures of a 1999 C43 that has been modified a bit...the comand related mosification isn't completed yet, but we are getting close.

Starting with a blurry before picture:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0TQCKBXQWOVquDrYliT5uttueXihEPKl!4sk0JCTKoq65U4lFW NO3hNQqRW56dDxKBwbjHrmwyg56cblSMz*2gSBbsxJxWUkm4Hy CdND4H9!aW2Url1xI6g/202com2-dean01.jpg.JPG?dc=4675401368459003203

This car has been updated with:
* MF W210 steering wheel and leather airbag (to be swapped for a fully AMG wheel/bag during my next trip)
* 2000 W208 instrument cluster (the face of the speedometer is soon to be swapped for an ///AMG one)
* W210 canbus comand (with extended front)
* OEM MB carkit for a Nokia 6310i
* OEM MB TV tuner
* OEM MB 12 CD changer
* OEM MB GPS roofantenna

Overview of the almost finished result:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAD5Ai8SKTK2LPt*K5doMB4ij5t4cmWwTwhuxtlrbG8Tt1d60 Uwa!69wlGW!QuFUgCETNajNCSdqOmNXCEri6P0EYV844HTzzoz 5AgBweSg/SOS00.JPG?dc=4675432016048929110

The comand with extended front:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAAAADYSvzO!oTaZJ51hhtPPYGRRDkKQJ1ZMfYdj2vcdoHdnE 3JYkBmHbx2Mb!*kJoXld7TreUOzmIgk56d3jf656TUPrHV9AAA AAAAAAAA/SOS07.JPG?dc=4675432015538448386

Scrolling through the phonebook from the steering wheel:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADRAjgSMzSlr4zC*VfLiLMeofQYQGYIp5W*XHlWBX*ewwNU* vqh8Q8dLGfD135mTFUjxcinwIgLL3hmvX4IuwTjRrSeQc6uzoz RAgBwpRk/SOS09.JPG?dc=4675432015547722334

Reading, writing and sending SMS messages per comand:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAD5AjMSETMhSHYyT*hx*cLx7Zu2qoXFXCiY8BJT9ZoEBMt*V jPKL24lFybrw4TG21cuRuJV5Rw63UAKX1wcHaE*v2RBvWx5zoz 5AgBwWSk/SOS04.JPG?dc=4675432016075101368

No need to look down to the comand screen to get the navigation details:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QABvAzASZDLdm*E!5AP2PcRU0KcJO3Fvu5aLailRg!JCQutLK rtaWJGwuf7Se76*1EzRsHZcMabPJy66dyckZxCb9hMdwttezox vAwBwKSk/SOS10.JPG?dc=4675432015552219324

Currently playing: CD 10, track 6:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADVAjMSEjMMoulYr2D1pvFlPwcQI3Bk5Y97UMu6lTn1P8wZU feaRpHuqrhWUG*!nv*9Yqc69gHOu6fyuq4JXNY7DI3O6Ln0zoz VAgBw1Bg/SOS13.JPG?dc=4675432016087281577

Watching TV on comand...the home shopping channel and average mexican ;) channels are pretty clear:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0RQB0cMsUJdoZ5sKgrt8qa5JSd7Nsb50NjiEtgAF3oMq7u49ic KovSNJadlWQvtzfdBwDNvWldhk15BpY5EHnni5vRx6YhMNCH6P 8oMFsYUA/scorchTV05.jpg?dc=4675432337379027802

The 2000 MF W208 instrument cluster works perfectly in a W202...every single pop up screen comes up:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QAAZAzIS2DJnFCM6BRjcThrNB4yYiG96zTQKV1Tr834BUV6Hw kg0egylgDBBur5qboNjR01xbZgSFfTz!7p29PN0XYjXVHqmzow ZAwBw6Sk/SOS12.JPG?dc=4675432015565145585

...and NO MALFUNCTIONs:
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADYAjESnjIeGyaV9a4E2lpri0WlklyoRoHJtJgGW2k7*1OhF cBOgtzZrZIcB8YKgPYOku*2Rp9O6YX76yBipfY7QnHbx4kLzoz YAgBwFRg/SOS11.JPG?dc=4675432015557462365

With special thanks to Scorchie for letting me use his C43 for trying out these kind of things!

I am currently working on a dutch 1998 220CDI station...it already got the GPS roofantenna, a (6) CD changer, TV tuner, 2001 W208 instrument cluster (digital speed display), multifunctional steering wheel today and will finish the comand and phonekit (Nokia 6310i) tomorow.
The 2000+ instrument clusters come up with a display error message in these older cars (shude has a picture of that malfunction screen when we tried the 208 IC in his C230k)...I will try to get that reprogrammed/recoded...IF that is possible...otherwise onky the late 1999 and early 2000 MF ICs will be suiteable for these kind of upgrades...

greetingz,

* * * * *

I would love to have mine done too. Is there anybody in Southern California that can do this upgrade (Cluster, Steering Wheel, Navi.)? Is it hard to do?

mike c200
09-10-2006, 07:29 AM
mbenznl can do the upgrade for you ;)

mike

Renn 208
09-10-2006, 11:03 AM
Originally posted by mike c200
mbenznl can do the upgrade for you ;)

mike

Indeedy...just send him an e-mail, he's in SoCal almost as often as he is in the Bay.

c55m8o
09-10-2006, 11:58 AM
Yep. I think that Scorchie who lives in Cali (not sure if he's here, but he's on other boards) is also available to do these if Steve isn't. (? unless something changed ?)

Ashkan's C280
08-07-2007, 10:58 PM
is it easy to add canbus to a non canbus car like mine? I would assume having canbus would make it much easier to add all kinds of goodies found in latter year 208's and 210's... Would it cost more than a grand?

tpliquid
08-08-2007, 07:35 AM
i think it will cost alot of money plus time. i assume the canbus will require the whole car to be rewired and etc.

Ashkan's C280
08-08-2007, 08:01 AM
if you had canbus and the updated cluster would the car be able to tell you when you needed an oil change? Like the 203's do?

tpliquid
08-08-2007, 08:04 AM
Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
if you had canbus and the updated cluster would the car be able to tell you when you needed an oil change? Like the 203's do?

i dont think so.?

nokia8860
08-08-2007, 12:18 PM
Originally posted by tpliquid
i dont think so.?

It doesnt.