retrofitting components

[zip]

hello all

I've got a 98 w210 and want to fit a few more gadgets in the cabin.
First of all, on p61-64 of my interior manual, there is a gadget called an Auxiliary heater. This heater module, is an electronic device which can be programmed to start the heater in the morning etc. This device is normally found behind the ashtray cover just in front of the shift leaver. Could i pick of one these up and plug and play, or would more severe graft be involved?
Same so for folding mirrors. I want to install the updated blinker jobs and have the fold away switch. Is the wiring in place for me to add the folding blinkers and switch?

Command, a few questions

im looking for a backlit command module for a 98 w210 (non-CAN??). Do i simply ask a breakers yard for a command off a 1998 W210 E? Also, can i run a camera signal & games console through a command? In the future i would like to fit a camera where the boot lock sits now and use this as a parking aid.

Zip

[Shude]

Same so for folding mirrors. I want to install the updated blinker jobs and have the fold away switch. Is the wiring in place for me to add the folding blinkers and switch?
You will need to add the wiring, and you will need to either change the plugs on the mirrors or on the car as they updated them for the facelift! :( It is not such a tricky job to install them though (I had them on my previous car, just waiting to get the right colour covers before I install them on my current car ;) )

im looking for a backlit command module for a 98 w210 (non-CAN??). Do i simply ask a breakers yard for a command off a 1998 W210 E? Also, can i run a camera signal & games console through a command? In the future i would like to fit a camera where the boot lock sits now and use this as a parking aid.

If you never intend to use any of the CANBUS features then you should get a comand unit from an ML, the w210 ones practically all require either CANBUS or an emulator. You can run the camera signal and games console through comand, but you'd either need the TV tuner unit or an AV adapter for it.

[zip]

When i get command, i would like the most versatile version with the most features. for example i would like to run my phone through command like i do with my current sony headunit and also maybe fit a multi function steering wheel.

If my 98 w210 is capabable of firing signals into command which can be translated into CANBUS features (wtf is that lol?) then that would be good.

is there a digital TV reciever for command?

sorry for the questions, but just choosing the correct command unit seems to be rocket science.

zip

[Shude]

When i get command, i would like the most versatile version with the most features. for example i would like to run my phone through command like i do with my current sony headunit and also maybe fit a multi function steering wheel.
both the non-CANBUS and CANBUS versions of comand will talk to the oem nokia phone kit. Other than the CANBUS features all comands of that type are the same AFAIK. If you want to use a multifunction steering wheel (and presumably a new instrument cluster - required!) then you should get a CANBUS version of comand. W208 and W210 comands from 2001 onwards should be fine, there is a list somewhere on this forum for all the various part numbers of the comands, and which is which :) .
If my 98 w210 is capabable of firing signals into command which can be translated into CANBUS features (wtf is that lol?) then that would be good.
Your 98 w210 isn't capable of producing all the CANBUS data, so without the updated instrument cluster and steeringwheel you will need a CANBUS emulator.
is there a digital TV reciever for command?
Not specifically for comand, AFAIK. You can get an AV adapter for comand that will allow you to plug any kind of video device into it though, so if you find an aftermarket digital tuner you could connect that to the AV adapter and use it like that, although you'd have to operate it with a separate remote control etc.

Try searching the forum for comand-related stories, there have been a LOT of discussions about it! :)

[Steve_Perry]

...which can be translated into CANBUS features (wtf is that lol?)...CANBUS is a specific type of fieldbus network, other examples of different types of fieldbus network are Profibus, MODBUS, Devicenet. They are just fancy ways of getting lots of devices (nodes) to talk to each other on a network without requiring huge masses of wires for the signal communications. Of course they are all incompatible with each other. They are mainly used in industrial automation as well as making their way into current car technology.

S.

[zip]

thanks folks

non canbus ML is it then!

[Shude]

non canbus ML is it then!
Are you sure? :)

If you got a CANBUS comand and bought an emulator to go with it, you could upgrade to new steering wheel and instrument cluster later!

I have a new instrument cluster (from a CLK) for my c-class, and with the help of MBenzNL from this forum we are going to upgrade my car sometime soon! Will be nice to have all the updated trip computer, navigation, radio and phone functions through the cluster, along with the nicer steering wheel and the buttons next to my thumbs :)

[steve_bcs]

Hi
Have a look heer for whats involved in fitting comand to a W210. This is a facelift car but the installation work involved is pretty much the same.
retrofit comand (http://users.pandora.be/miata/)

If you intend to add more mods to the car Ie MF steering wheel and Instrument cluster then I would advise you go for the canbus comand and add the canbus adapter till the mods are complete at which point teh adapter becomes redundant. This is cheaper than buying a non canbus comand now and having to replace it later.

I retrofited comand to my 99 W210 and am happy to pass on my experience if you like. I got most of it from this forum about a year ago. Since then I have taken a keen interets in al lthings comand - I blame Shude ;)

I also fitted, TV tuner and MB nokia phone that intergated with comand.

I see no reason why you cant attach a camera to one of the TV tuner inputs but do not know how the picture could be made to come on automatically when you engaged reverse. You could do it manually of course by selecting the TV function on comand and then select your input.

Also, If you have a look at the classifieds I have a canbus comand for sale from the old E class (I just sold it) and also a canbus adapter. Feel free to PM me if you want more info.

[zip]

:crazy:

im currently researching what command model i should be using in my 98, and any attempt at an install is way off in the future.

Thanks steve for the info. I have read your command install page many times in the past, and its been handy

But

The A163 820 XXXX is the best model to buy if your car doesn't have a can bus. All other comands (also the no Can bus comands) do not automatically switch from day to night display with the illumination. Only the A163 does! If you use a Can bus comand in a car without can bus, than the unit will turn off after 30-40mins. They can be converted, but it isn't easy. The conversion instructions can be found here (they can also be found on eDonkey). There are also can bus simulators, but these are rather pricey.


How do you read a non A163 comand when it is dark, if it is not backlit!

If i got a command from a W208 or W210 from 2001 onwards, as shude suggests, then there would be no objections or problems with the install as long as i used a canbus simulator?

The multi function wheel would be sweet, and if i got a canbus command, then sooner or later the mf wheel and cluster would go in. Smells of big wonga though. Dont know about the camera signal either, but i'll worry about when i get the command in and become fluent in its operating procedures


zip

[sym]

How do you read a non A163 comand when it is dark, if it is not backlit!


It is backlit, and the illumination can be triggered manually using the day / night / screen off button on comand.

S.

[Shude]

The multi function wheel would be sweet, and if i got a canbus command, then sooner or later the mf wheel and cluster would go in. Smells of big wonga though. Dont know about the camera signal either, but i'll worry about when i get the command in and become fluent in its operating procedures
The cluster is about £350, wheel is about £400, those are brand new prices, expect to pay about half that for second hand items, maybe less! There is also a pile of wiring to go with them :)

[steve_bcs]

Shudes and I are clearly on the same wavelength here. go for the canbus comand and an adapter.

you wont regret it.

Good luck and do drop us a line when youre ready to install.

[Ian B Walker]

I can only read, drool and admire the expertee that goes with this thread. If only my 124 could have command (pre facelift). Oh well will just have to settle for Garmin Streetpilot and my trusty Road Angel. :( :(

[Shude]

I can only read, drool and admire the expertee that goes with this thread. If only my 124 could have command (pre facelift). Oh well will just have to settle for Garmin Streetpilot and my trusty Road Angel. :( :(
I've already thought about this, the W126 s-class lower console could probably be adapted to fit the w124 dash, it is available in the same colours and trims as the w124 and the buttons/dials are the same shapes :) . There is more than enough room for a comand unit then! :)

[aka$h]

From what i know, the command is a double din unit. I had a w124 a few years ago, i had a stereo in the normal slot, removed the ashtray and installed a full din sized graphic EQ, so if i managed to fit 2 din sized unit, im sure someone with time to messabout could get a command unit in there?

Just my 2p's worth!

[MBenzNL]

Shudes and I are clearly on the same wavelength here. go for the canbus comand and an adapter.

you wont regret it.
I second that

greetingz,

[kbhogalW126]

what would i need to do to get command in a w126 saloon?

costs, suppliers, installers?

thanks

[guydewdney]

The auxillary heater is called an "eberspacher" - technical details on www.eber.com

often used in motorhomes and the like - try a search on ebay.

simple to wire in, and plumbs into the heating / coolant of the engine. My GF's sprinter has one.

[nickmann]

Here's another - http://www.rthursby.co.uk/

I think I'd definitely go for something like that if I had a diesel.