Mercedes-Benz MY2001 C-Class COMAND 2.0 User Manual

Mercedes-Benz COMAND 2.0 Retrofit for a MY2001 C-Class
A guide to installing COMAND in your W203 C-Class
The following are some basic instructions on how to retrofit a COMAND 2.0 head unit into a 2001 C-320.
These instructions should be similar for all of the new W203 series (although I am not responsible if they
aren’t). These instructions will not be the same for the new face lifted 2004/5 models as those use an
entirely different COMAND head unit. Use this pub only for advice if you are installing on anything but a
MY2001 “C” or other model Mercedes.
The obvious disclaimers … don’t do this unless you are comfortable working on your vehicle. My W203 is
an early 2001 US version with a VIN number under 800. I take no responsibility for the accuracy or
compatibility of this document with your vehicle. You can make a huge and costly mess of your vehicle if
you don’t have the proper tools or experience. If you are unsure of anything it is probably better left for
someone with more experience to do it for you. Steve Krabbenborg at http://www.mbenznl.com
does this
all the time and is way more experienced & knowledgeable than I will ever be. Contact him if you want it
done right … as opposed to your local MB dealership that will probably do it wrong, if at all!
The retrofit is pretty straightforward on a new “C”. It should only take about three hours max, if you are
good (like Steve), under two. For reference, my “C” has the Bose audio option, CD changer, and integrated
V60i cell phone. I created a PDF copy of the Mercedes WIS (Workshop Integrated System) and Service
Bulletins I used for the retrofit specific to the W203 that is available on my information website at
http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/
. Just click on the COMAND 2.0 Install link and download or
print the file from there. There are two additional links on that web page with a lot of good information I
used for my retrofit. Read (and understand) all the information completely before starting the retrofit. I
refer to connectors and such in this publication that you won’t understand until you read the WIS and other
information from the linked webpages.
Tools required:
Torx T20 bit/driver
Wire cutters/strippers
Molex (or whatever else you want to use) crimping tool
Screwdrivers and a ratchet with assorted metric sockets … a powered screwdriver will save time
Some hard plastic/nylon wedges and picks for removing snap in panels/covers (shown in the WIS)

Mercedes-Benz MY2001 C-Class COMAND 2.0 Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Type	COMAND 2.0
Year	2001
Compatibility	Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203)
Display Type	LCD
Audio System	Integrated
CD Player	Yes
Voice Control	No
Bluetooth	No
Touchscreen	No
Audio System Integration	Yes
Map Updates	Via CD
Radio	Yes
Remote Control	Yes

Summary

COMAND 2.0 Retrofit Introduction and Preparation

Basic Installation Instructions and Disclaimer

Provides basic instructions for retrofitting COMAND 2.0, including disclaimers and advice.

Essential Tools and Preparation

Lists essential tools like Torx bits, wire cutters, screwdrivers, and plastic wedges for installation.

Required Parts and Components

COMAND 2.0 Unit and Adapter Harness

Details the specific COMAND 2.0 unit part number and the necessary adapter harness for installation.

Auxiliary Input and GPS Antenna Accessories

Covers the AUX input harness and GPS antenna accessories needed for installation.

Interior Disassembly and Vent Removal

Interior Trim and Console Removal

Step-by-step guide for removing interior trim, console, and related parts.

Center Air Vent Removal Technique

Specific instructions and tips for safely removing the center air vent assembly.

Connector Identification and Wiring

Original vs. COMAND Connectors

Compares rear connectors of the original unit and the COMAND unit for clarity.

C Connector Modification and Wiring

Details the modification and wiring of the 'C' connector to COMAND connectors.

GPS Antenna Installation and Routing

Adapter Harness Modification and GPS Prep

Shows the modified adapter harness and outlines trim removal for GPS coax routing.

GPS Splitter and Antenna Coax Installation

Guides on installing the GPS splitter and connecting the antenna coax on the C-pillar.

GPS Cable Routing Through Interior Panels

Instructions for routing the GPS antenna coax through door sills and the A-pillar.

Final Installation, Testing, and Configuration

AUX Port Installation and Cable Routing

Details AUX port installation in the glove box and routing AUX/GPS cables.

Final Connections, Testing, and Reassembly

Covers making all connections, testing functionality, and reassembling the interior.

System Configuration and Dealership Steps

Explains system configuration, testing, and dealership-required version coding.