Mercedes-Benz COMAND Radio Replacement
There comes a time when your vehicles radio isn’t cutting it anymore, either it is broken or technology has passed it up and the idea of throwing several thousands of dollars at an antique is not an option.
But what to do, as even a refurbished Mercedes-Benz radio is $4,000.00? In the past the only option was to replace the whole entire system COMAND navigation, amplifier, and speakers. Not true today with the implementation of the OPTI-1. The OPTI-1 allows for the factory radio to be replaced with an aftermarket radio allowing you to retain the integrity of the factory optical system, including the audio gateway (AGW), amplifier, and speakers while adding a modern day navigation system or multimedia radio.
The OPTI-1 utilizes the aftermarket analog signal from the radio’s RCA outputs and converts it to a digital signal that is transmitted to the factory amplifier via the factory optical cables which are already installed in the vehicle. With the OPTI-1 interface, the vehicles audio system overall sound quality will be increased due to utilizing superior electronic components and design of the interface over what the factory system used 10-15 years ago when designing the radio.
Today’s multimedia systems from Alpine and Kenwood offer the user AM, FM, CD, DVD, HD Radio, Sirius XM satellite radio, iPod, Bluetooth, Navigation with traffic flow, front or rear backup cameras, touchscreen control, SIRI voice control, Pandora, internet, and many more features, so inquire which new radio is the right one for you!
What it works for:
• 2005-2008 CLS
• 2003-2008 E
• 2004-2006 S
• 2004-2006 CL
• 2005-2008 SL
• 2005-2008 SLK
The OPTI-1 has come to the market with strict in field testing and validation on many vehicles performed over the years by James Shields, and is currently used by dealers across the nation to replace the aging factory COMAND radio system.
With adding an aftermarket radio, you will need amounting kit for the new radio, antenna adapter, an antenna extension, and if you would like to retain your factory steering wheel controls, you will need an ASWC from Metra Electronics.