Just bought a low miles 2003 ML500 yesterday and so far have been impressed. My question concerns the Navigation DVD system. Is it possible to purchase a more updated DVD disc as the version which came with the vehicle seems to lack specific streets for small towns such as I reside in. I assume my version is the one which orignially came with the vehicle. Also wondering if the side steps or mud flaps are a good idea. Thanks and this forum looks llike a great asset to MB owners.

 

Yes...MB (or its supplier) issues an updated disk every year.

 

Don't expect too much. I am using Delorme software for my laptop GPS, what comes with annual updates.
So far have experienced, that 2005 version covers developments completed before 1998.
I am driving on 5-line freeway in California, that is 6 years old and the mapping software is showing me on the swamps and badlands.
Had to turn voice command off, because it wanted me to turn around every few seconds.

 

Sounds like a Polack is programming for DeLorme. That doesn't mean all other GPS software is Polack-tainted.

 

I have a new 2006 C350 and the DVD that came with the Navi is a 2005 edition...I have lived in my new construction home for 3 years and according the the Navi I live in the middle of an empty grassy lot...don't buy the 2005 version yet it is not worth it.

 

Mercedes navigation for city streets sucks unless you live in NYC or LA. I just got off the phone with our MB dealership and he said for my area of Arkansas there has not been an update since the 01 discs were made, and said he was told that we were not going to be updated anytime soon. So I guess my 2001 ML will just have to continue to wait like it has for 4 years now. My Lexus knows every street, alley, and dirt road in every county I have ever driven in across the USA - even rural Arkansas - roads that I didn't even know had names. Prior to the Lexus I had the Toyota Camry Nav system in my Tundra with a 2002 disc that knew everything that my current Lexus does. C'mon MB, get with the program. The dealer said today that they don't even have Little Rock Arkansas in the latest 2005 release. Can't believe they let Toyota beat them again!

 

THats good to know because I am thinking about whether to buy a separate NAV or a in dash one. Can you use your navigation while listening to CD's. (I just posted this question)

 

Hmm. Not sure since I have the cd changer in back and have never even thought to see what would happen if I replaced the NAV cd with an audio one. I do know it is supposed to play audio cd's. Of course I can listen to the cd changer while nav is on, but I don't know the answer to your question if you are talking about using the NAV cd slot.

 

2003 W163 M-classes have D2B fiber optic. The W164 M-classes (2006+) have MOST fiber optic wiring. The W164s have DVD navigation; the W163s don't.

Then there is a difference between MCS units (USA / Canada) and comand (rest of the world)... There are some MCS units that do have a DVD navigation drive, even though the unit fits in a car with D2B wiring.

So in short: if you have a 2003 US spec M-class, you have an MCS unit in dash that you may be able to upgrade with the DVD nav.drive. Otherwise it is just a nav.CD you can use.

If you have a 2003 RoW spec M-class with nav. you have a CD-rom based nav.unit in dash (APS or comand) - in which case you can't use a navigation DVD at all.

greetingz,

BigSis