Improve your R230 SK's head unit

[MDMH757]

Hello everyone,
What do you think about replacing the outdated head unit in our 2003 SL500 with a newer model that has Bluetooth and Carplay?
The existing command unit is the original, with a Nokia cellphone that is hardwired into the center console; regrettably, there is no plug-in module available.

I am thankful.

[torque2me]

A few of months ago, I had Braybrooks expertly install a Pioneer sph-da77dab for £850, and it has been working well ever since.

With options for Standard, Bose, and Harmon Kardon audio, as well as different versions of the command, NTG, and ancillaries (CD changer, phone, satnav, etc.) installed, it may get difficult as to what has to be added, uninstalled, or bypassed. So, you'll need to do a significant amount of study.

You can find all the necessary components at InCar Tec or a similar store if you're handy; however, any 6.8-inch double-din head unit would serve as a suitable substitute for the pioneer (at least in my opinion; I must admit, I'm not that knowledgeable about vehicle audio, which is why I opted for Braybrooks).

In addition to being more accessible than Braybrooks, the command staff online are well regarded. It would be wise to enquire about their capabilities in installing aftermarket head units.

[torque2me]

https://www.commandonline.co.uk/

[torque2me]

To find out which unit you have set up, go this page.

[torque2me]

https://incartec.co.uk/Mercedes/SL-Class-R230/Stereo-Upgrade-Double-Din/Pioneer-Double-din

[torque2me]

https://braybrooks.co.uk/product/retrofit-pioneer-head-unit-to-mercedes-sl-230/

[bl52krz]

Although Comand does offer aftermarket unit supply and installation, they will only work with specific brands like Pioneer and will not work with customer-supplied or Chinese devices. Just give Richard or Mark a call, and they'll give you some good advice on what might work and how much it would cost. They are located in Lightwater, Surrey, not far from J3 of the M3.

[MDMH757]

I appreciate the feedback, but I've decided to put off the upgrade for the time being in order to address certain "deferred maintenance" issues that have arisen.

[Needsnewtyres2]

Coming in after the celebration had already begun. An inexpensive short-term fix might be to hook up a powered bluetooth interface to the radio's audio input. If you have an iPhone, you can use Siri to control the music, podcasts, and phone calls. For little more than 10 pounds.

Even without the SatNav's video display, it will still direct you and help you avoid traffic.

[Needsnewtyres2]

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/236512595484?_skw=bluetooth+car+transmitter+3.5+aux+belkin&itmmeta=01KQWHMHYXZPJWMR7ZNYCX5Y13&hash=item37113fce1c:g:lKwAAeSwrs5pNYXf&itmprp=enc:AQALAAABAGfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xBMGd4toOCse1R6Dfhd1SAAikflShuTmgNi8aV8Pd/tNq02xJYe6z+XUhS9lStLsFhJqKgOH88t1fzDQSYXj4qBeTeLgJxM7E7NsX0jdtYr5rq0aodoqNmpWlG9dWpWyeqWzaZbq3sE0ZFU7o+CzF6g4iI0xFRJ/p0iMfVkaWGk7Giegbku3WAv27Nm/ToamIg/dYOHdPGBCRFvTGMJv17zdnGEbEiX+Z7XV244sQJZi2TKJIN2kOSVpdRbaz39Zcoazg0h17yvpgXFXYNizYRsVZRcifMKs036ZJ75OWO+SdnUwSD3GjfhaU4FpaTskk0=|tkp:Bk9SR-Kf0pG_Zw&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5338181125&toolid=10001&customid=2518X1570512Xd969094b3e06b894356035bf8c410da7&subId2=15

[DreamCatcher88]

It may be costly, isn't it? An Alpine unit for my Bose-equipped 500 was quoted at £1799 by my local Bristol station, WesternCareRadio. Retrofitting these things is a huge pain, I don't mean to imply it's a rip-off. Now that I have the NGT1, I'm confused on what to do next. Not easy.