Mercedes-Benz COMAND 2.0 Retrofit for a MY2001 C-Cla
ss
A guide to installing COMAND in your W203 C-Cl
ass
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)
