Folks, why pay the high $$$$ for a MB navigation system? I was contemplating whether to order the MB Navigation for my 2005 C230 Sport sedan and pay the >2K for the unit... I am so glad I didn't. A few months ago I purchased the new Garmin C550 unit and ordered a custom mounting bracket for the C230 from "bracketron", which neatly attaches behind the dash panel using the existing stereo head unit screws. The Navigation unit mounts securely to the bracket via a small adaptor. The best part is you can always detach the unit and use it in a different car. The Garmin C550 is an excellent unit and any software updates can be easily made at no charge via a USB port from the Garmin web site. I have some pictures of the install if anyone is interested to see this.

 

What's up fshams??

Would you mind posting some pics. I would like to see this nav. system. I thinking about adding one to mine...thanks!!

 

Thanks for sharing the info. Photos would be nice.

 

I'll have the pictures posted in the next couple of days....

 

yeah i wana see some pics too. Word up for being persian ;-)

 

Here are the pictures on the new Garmin C550 navigation setup, using the custom dash mount bracket from Bracketron and adaptor from RAM Mounts. The adaptor allows for quick mount as well as ability to adjust the angle on the navigation unit. Let me know what you think.

Cheers.

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Wow, thet looks really cool. How is that gps powered?

Thanks for putting that up, totally thinking about doing that now.

 

The Garmin C550 has a lithium-ion battery that lasts up to 8 hours. It also has a power adaptor cable which incorporates a FM traffic receiver that neatly plugs in to the cigarette lighter jack. I shopped around for a very long time before deciding on the C550... It is very accurate, fast and very easy to use. It looks good and I highly recommend it. Let me know if you need any information on the mounting parts.

 

How much did you it cost all together in the end? Also is it hard to install all of this by yourself?

Thanks

 

The Garmin C550 Navigation was the top end unit I purchased for $799 with all the bells and whistles, including Bluetooth, text to speech, MP3 player and traffic alerts. I noticed the price for this unit has already dropped by about a $100 at some places online. There are other less expensive units like C330, C340, C510, C530 etc..., without all the features but just as good. Check out Garmin's site: http://www.garmin.com/automotive/pro...tml#automotive

The Bracket (Part# MEC-100-01) which mounts behind the silver bezel, cost around $20, and the RAM adaptor to mount the navigation to this bracket cost $4.95. The bracket install took just under a half hour, but not difficult at all.

You can see the different applications and where to buy the bracket at this site: http://www.bracketron.com/xmain/cbm_updates_popup.php and install instruction at: http://www.bracketron.com/xmain/manuals/MEC-100-01.pdf

The GPS mount to attach the unit to this bracket can be purchased online at: http://www.expressmounts.com/item-ra...ramholga22.htm

Let me know if you need any other information.