Is the COMMAND Nav worth shelling out the dough for?

[Guest fuhyong]

Just got my second hand CLS350. Been my dream car for a long time.

My last car was a Cefiro and I had enjoyed the easy availability of the build in GPS navigation system. It does look kinda primitive compared with the likes of Tomtom or Garmin but it serves me (moderately) well while I had it so I am sorta pining for some NAV since my W219 comes with only the usual Audio 20.

I have looked at the threads for retrofitting the COMMAND unit to the 2.5 but the screen shots of the NAV looks sort of primitive still. Is it worth the trouble (and expense)? I know it comes with bluetooth telephony and AV stuff but these I can live without. Should I just get myself a Garmin and those arm on a suction cup thingy?

Off topic, noticed some things also: Driver's side headlight dimmer then passenger side despite "levelling" the dipping function. Not normal right?

Also a left drift in the steering, ie. on the straight, the car veers to the left unless you put a finger to the wheel to stop it. time to realign the wheels?

Thanks bros out there. First post here....

[Guest kepiting1sg]

A warm :welcome: to the forum and hope U join us @ our mthly gtg which is held on the last Sun of each mth @ Kallang Stadium Car Park F from 4.30 pm.

Get your lights & wheel alignment check.

IMHO COMAND NTG 2.5 is still lacking cos U dun have touchscreen or selector knob like the NTG 4.

To me this is a must have! I've traded in my W212 E Class and had the NTG 4 uninstalled.

The new ride which comes with the usual Audio 20 will be retrofitted with a NTG 2.5.

I call it fortunate!

CnC do not do retrofit!

Less than a year ago, for the last dunno donkey years no one locally can retrofit COMAND!

I m glad now we have 2 installers!

[Guest jtang]

fuhyong wrote:

Just got my second hand CLS350. Been my dream car for a long time.

My last car was a Cefiro and I had enjoyed the easy availability of the build in GPS navigation system. It does look kinda primitive compared with the likes of Tomtom or Garmin but it serves me (moderately) well while I had it so I am sorta pining for some NAV since my W219 comes with only the usual Audio 20.

I have looked at the threads for retrofitting the COMMAND unit to the 2.5 but the screen shots of the NAV looks sort of primitive still. Is it worth the trouble (and expense)? I know it comes with bluetooth telephony and AV stuff but these I can live without. Should I just get myself a Garmin and those arm on a suction cup thingy?

Off topic, noticed some things also: Driver's side headlight dimmer then passenger side despite "levelling" the dipping function. Not normal right?

Also a left drift in the steering, ie. on the straight, the car veers to the left unless you put a finger to the wheel to stop it. time to realign the wheels?

Thanks bros out there. First post here....

Hi, I have just fitted my comand unit not long ago & I was using the Garmin set before that. Graphically, the comand unit loose to Garmin, but it is equally accurate. Finding certain addresses may be a bit troublesome eg non existent blk number or house number...unlike the Garmin. However, despite the poorer graphics (doesn't really bother me) the directional display on the instrument cluster with voice direction is more than sufficient to make it up. Its pretty cool & accurate in nav instruction In fact, I prefer not to display the nav, saving it for my radio or memory card music display. Is it worth the dough? DEFINITELY!

[Guest terence_ngtw]

Hi,

IMHO, go for it!

I just installed the ntg2.5 a month ago on my 2nd hand w211 with help of one of the bros here and I think it worth every penny. I used to drive a estima which was installed with garmin gps and reverse camera. I was so used to the back camera when I reverse park and found that I feel very insecure with the beep beep sensor. I was lucky to chance upon this forum and the rest are just history. The main reason for installing was the reverse camera but the gps that comes with it was equally helpful. Like what some of the bro mentioned, the interface is still lacking but the way direction is given is on par with the competition.

Just my thoughts.

Cheers,

Terence Ng

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Hahaha! From the horses mouth!

The NTG 2.5 is going into my new ride immediately once I get it!

Missing my NTG 4!

[Guest skoder]

Fixed mine about 3 months ago. Loving it EVERYDAY. Get the comand unit, anything else is an insult to the badge.... Once u got it, u will not turn back.

[Guest NewC180]

I dunno what is NTG 2.5 or NTG 4 etc, but I rented the W204FL 2 months ago in Germany and it comes with Comand. For Navigation, only 1 word comes to my mind ----> SOLID. To be a truly good navi system, the most important thing IMHO is that the instructions must be so precise such that you can just listen to it instead of looking at the screen, which I think it does it with perfection. Read the following thread that I've posted if you're interested:

http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=19491

.

[Guest klooless]

Was considering retrofitting NTG2.5 on my W211, but held back because I heard that the latest map available is the 2010 version, is that correct? If that's true, then it's possible that MB do not plan to update the maps for NTG2.5 anymore?

[Guest fuhyong]

Thanks for the opinions and strong recommendations. Seems like I will have to put it "change to COMMAND" down on my to-do-list, right after I get lights and wheels sorted out. And tinting windows too...

Cheers bro!

[Guest bbwannabe]

The lighting is normal.

For RHD cars, the right side is dipped slightly to reduce glare for oncoming traffic.

It is reversed for LHD cars.

[Guest kepiting1sg]

klooless wrote:

Was considering retrofitting NTG2.5 on my W211, but held back because I heard that the latest map available is the 2010 version, is that correct? If that's true, then it's possible that MB do not plan to update the maps for NTG2.5 anymore?

Latest 2011 SEA Maps are out for Comand NTG 2.5!

Comand NTG 2.5 is still currently an option on B, M, G, R Class

[Guest Luci Ride]

fuhyong wrote:

Thanks for the opinions and strong recommendations. Seems like I will have to put it "change to COMMAND" down on my to-do-list, right after I get lights and wheels sorted out. And tinting windows too...

Cheers bro!

Yo Fuhyong,

You'll regret, Icommand GPS is crap :censored: with the "C" ! There's no 2011 map- if anybody tell you so, make sure when loading programm - check year :becky:

There's many roads unlisted in sgp plus even more in Malaysia- needn't drive too far, go bukit indah & drive around & you'll understand what i mean.

Save your $, install a kick arse hifi then use germin- Most Trusted, period~

[Guest jtang]

Luci Ride wrote:

Yo Fuhyong,

You'll regret, Icommand GPS is crap :censored: with the "C" ! There's no 2011 map- if anybody tell you so, make sure when loading programm - check year :becky:

There's many roads unlisted in sgp plus even more in Malaysia- needn't drive too far, go bukit indah & drive around & you'll understand what i mean.

Save your $, install a kick arse hifi then use germin- Most Trusted, period~

2011 map is already out. Check with Camber53.

[Guest Luci Ride]

jtang wrote:

2011 map is already out. Check with Camber53.

Hahahaha :censored: Btw, is the above 'member' paid 'supporter' of this forum? I believe only 'paid supporter' can solicit for business? Machiam some mod on this forum also swear by this member/ vendor? Forum rules http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=59374#post59374

Luci Ride wrote:

My Car came with Icommand but it's the 07' version map, purchased (S$350)from a forrumer here for a 2010 map but found it out while being (map) loaded that it's a 08' version & was told by the 'vendor' that it's 08' but generally known as the "2010" version :faint:

Best part, approx after 2 months from 'purchase', 'new' version came into being :jaw: Asked for new version but am told that i need to 'pay'(S$350)! Wow, amazing, purchased a OLD Version when it was obvious that it was 'mis-representation' & asked to pay some more for 09' update :Cry:

Best part, tried to use the GPS to get to Jalan/Bukit Indah in JB but it's not listed. Found my way there & guess what? Screen shows that am in NO Man's land (plantation)! :censored:

All i've to say is NB

FUHYONG Reading in Copy, if you wanna see how crappy ICommand GPS is then pls drop me a PM & ill glady drive you around with the Icommand GPS & pls do bring passport along, we'll go Malaysia Bukit Indah (near can liao, needn't go too far to show how useless & crappy it is) & will show you places where houses are old but Icommand GPS will show you're driving in 'Plantation'! :Cry: (however seafood lunch on you- swee bo? :becky:)

Best part, while driving in Sgp, there'll be lots of defunct / closed down fuel station or station that have changed names that still exist.

Mind you, if you read carefully, the 'Updated' map i paid for machiam looks like when police still wearing bermudas if you get my drift & you'll need to pay S$250-300 yearly for updates? now you know why i said Garmin is best?

Then again all forums will have their super duper 'Supportive' supporters, better to get those 'supporters' to proof to you how darn good the Icommand GPS is - that's the only way to see how loud they'll talk after the shit hits the wall in that what i've stated above holds water :becky:

[Guest kepiting1sg]

I had Comand NTG4 in my ride and I luv it very much!

I had also after mkt MMI with Garmin on the same ride side by side with the Comand.

I have been able to use my Comand NTG 4 around singapore quite well without resorting to use the integrated Garmin GVN53.

I have been using Garmin since 2003 a good eight years.

Garmin units that I have owned or still owned has been Nuvi 360, Nuvi 670, Nuvi 1460, GVN53 &

Garmin GPS60CSx

The GPS60Csx with external antennae I used to log >1000+km tracks in Pleasure Island and send the data to the Mappers in Jakarta Navigasi.net to update their Indonesia maps as a map contributor.

The Garmin based maps for Pleasure Island has since improved and I no longer track the unnamed roads.

I sold my Garmin GPS60CSx to one of the MalSingMap mapper to map Sabah.

I have always said that your GPS is only as good as your maps.

Blame the maps - dun blame the GPS.

GPS Navigation is only 1 feature of the Comand and if U find your GPS map is lacking or U are unhappy with your Comand Nav just too bad!! That's your own expectation.

IIRC Your are probably more fortunate than most of us to have a better ride that your Comand came with your ride!

Ours we retrofitted and till today I've yet to hear frome someone who retrofitted the comand & regreted parting their money!

I had always the latest Garmin Maps on my Garmin GVN 53 from Jerome Wee and also MalFreeMaps and at times I used MalSingMaps. Yet I still use the Comand for my Nav in Singapore.

Sorry I dun use it in MY!

I had the 2011 SEA Maps for my NTG 4 - no doubts the maps are not as good as the Garmin which has maps updates almost weekly to fortnightly. I luv the Comand feature and the integration with the rest of the MB system i.e the steering controls and instrument cluster.

The POIs on the Comand I have to admit is not as good as garmin maps and also the HDB Blocks are not complete.

One thing that Garmin do not have is the navigation information on the instrument cluster which I like very much!

The NTG 2.5 is even more "ancient" compare to the Comand NTG 4 becos it doesn't have the rotary knob to move around the menu.

I will still be retrofitting my new ride this month with Comand NTG 2.5 cos the Audio 20 come with it is worse and car with NTG 2.5 cannot retrofit with after market MMI.

Likewise when I had the Comand NTG 4 on my W212, I did show it to many forum members during the GTG and some members were convinced and went for the retrofit and many are happy that they do without regrets.

We know you have a map update issue with the guy who "sold U the map".

Again I reiterate that your GPS Navigation is only as good as your map!

Blame the maps! Dun blame the GPS!

I guess your expectations are different from others but many of us luv our Comand retrofit! We are also happy becos we do not have to pay CnC >$10,000 for that "ancient pc" of HU.

Most of us luv the Comand not just becos of the Nav but the other features that came with it i.e the Linguatronic Voice Control, DVD, SD Card, Music Register Hard Disc, The Gracenotes database, bigger & higher resolution LCD screen, etc.

[Guest jtang]

Luci Ride wrote:

Hahahaha :censored: Btw, is the above 'member' paid 'supporter' of this forum? I believe only 'paid supporter' can solicit for business? Machiam some mod on this forum also swear by this member/ vendor? Forum rules http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=59374#post59374

FUHYONG Reading in Copy, if you wanna see how crappy ICommand GPS is then pls drop me a PM & ill glady drive you around with the Icommand GPS & pls do bring passport along, we'll go Malaysia Bukit Indah (near can liao, needn't go too far to show how useless & crappy it is) & will show you places where houses are old but Icommand GPS will show you're driving in 'Plantation'! :Cry: (however seafood lunch on you- swee bo? :becky:)

Best part, while driving in Sgp, there'll be lots of defunct / closed down fuel station or station that have changed names that still exist.

Mind you, if you read carefully, the 'Updated' map i paid for machiam looks like when police still wearing bermudas if you get my drift & you'll need to pay S$250-300 yearly for updates? now you know why i said Garmin is best?

Then again all forums will have their super duper 'Supportive' supporters, better to get those 'supporters' to proof to you how darn good the Icommand GPS is - that's the only way to see how loud they'll talk after the shit hits the wall in that what i've stated above holds water :becky:

KNS!

I categorically state here that i'm not a paid supporter of Camber53! If you are so unhappy with your experience, pls start your own thread to throw your shit around.

[Guest Luci Ride]

jtang wrote:

KNS!

I categorically state here that i'm not a paid supporter of Camber53! If you are so unhappy with your experience, pls start your own thread to throw your shit around.

If my command of England is bad, i unreservedly apologize to you Jtang :becky:

However am curious regarding the following:-

(1) Did i ever insinuate that you're a 'Paid Supporter of Camber 53'?

(2) Again, please forgive me if i've read FUHYONG thread wrongly, he's asking if it's worth it to shell out monies for the Icommand for GPS- no?

Question, you mean that i have an obligation to sing wonderful praises of the Icommand for GPS Usage? Failing which i have no rights to post any other views?

Your innuendos & getting so 'work up' speaks .............

(3) Yes Camber was the 1 who sold me the update which was 'misrepresented' & he admited it (Gatecrasher got all the communication proofs of Camber own admission)

Question, anything wrong in highlighting that 2011 isn't 2011 map per say?

(4) Am asking a General question pertaining to Camber if he's a paid member- anything wrong with that? Attached link fm this very forum on point 3, please assist me to to interpret will you?

If Camber isn't a Paid Supporter & he solicit for buusiness here in this forum, wouldn't this be a gross injustice to the countless wonderful paid supporters? If you read carefully, it was a question directed in general to the Admins & Mods- however must pre-qualify.

Lastly, am a Sec 3 drop out with highest standard pass obtained is only Sec 2 hence my understanding & command may not be up to par with yours hence if i've stated anything which leads you to misconstrued my intentions, i apologize yet again :becky:

[Guest jtang]

Luci Ride wrote:

If my command of England is bad, i unreservedly apologize to you Jtang :becky:

However am curious regarding the following:-

(1) Did i ever insinuate that you're a 'Paid Supporter of Camber 53'?

(2) Again, please forgive me if i've read FUHYONG thread wrongly, he's asking if it's worth it to shell out monies for the Icommand for GPS- no?

Question, you mean that i have an obligation to sing wonderful praises of the Icommand for GPS Usage? Failing which i have no rights to post any other views?

Your innuendos & getting so 'work up' speaks .............

(3) Yes Camber was the 1 who sold me the update which was 'misrepresented' & he admited it (Gatecrasher got all the communication proofs of Camber own admission)

Question, anything wrong in highlighting that 2011 isn't 2011 map per say?

(4) Am asking a General question pertaining to Camber if he's a paid member- anything wrong with that? Attached link fm this very forum on point 3, please assist me to to interpret will you?

If Camber isn't a Paid Supporter & he solicit for buusiness here in this forum, wouldn't this be a gross injustice to the countless wonderful paid supporters? If you read carefully, it was a question directed in general to the Admins & Mods- however must pre-qualify.

Lastly, am a Sec 3 drop out with highest standard pass obtained is only Sec 2 hence my understanding & command may not be up to par with yours hence if i've stated anything which leads you to misconstrued my intentions, i apologize yet again :becky:

Apology accepted. Let's move on as I have wasted 2 min of my life reading your post. Btw, interesting line up of cars...

[Guest camber53]

bro please cool down bro , if you think you are not happy with my service you can always come back to me i will refund you the money if you think the amount is so big to you ...my door is always open ....

thank you ...

[Guest Luci Ride]

jtang wrote:

Apology accepted. Let's move on as I have wasted 2 min of my life reading your post. Btw, interesting line up of cars...

'

:amen: for you for i didn't know your life so short :focus:

[Guest Luci Ride]

camber53 wrote:

bro please cool down bro , if you think you are not happy with my service you can always come back to me i will refund you the money if you think the amount is so big to you ...my door is always open ....

thank you ...

(1) You are darn right that i am not happy, Firstly you mis-represented a 08' map for 2010.

(2) It's not abt money here mate, it's the way how you sold me an 2010 update when it's a 2008 & barely a few months later, you wanna FLEECE me for another update?

If money is paramount, i would have accepted your 'free update' or refund when i 1st expose your tactic & mis-representation.

Would u honestly think that it's over a few hundred of dollars?

To those who are interested in Camber & my exchanges (full monty without editing) so that you'll have clearer picture, pls PM me & i'll gladly furnished you what i've replied Camber (copying his PM to me & then i reply + BCC Gatecrasher & Kentucky so that they will know PM correspondence wasn't 'Molested' )

[Guest camber53]

please go to C&C and update your firmware so that you know what version is your map no point make a big huh har here and i did offer you a update again to proof that the map is up to date but your are thre one who said "no need "

and now you said i wanna FLEECE you for another update ?

[Guest fuhyong]

woh... chill bros! Let's unite under the three-pronged star emblem!

and Thanks for all the feedback! Will now mull over and make a decision. Wifey nagging for GPS, even if it's on the iphone. maybe get a papago to tampa until later. :becky: Cheers!

[Guest kepiting1sg]

Please read!

Comand Retrofit Installers & some FAQ

Part of it!

So guys! End of the day

"caveat emptor" Buyers beware - U go with your eyes open

Just like any site sponsor on this forum!

So if anything goes wrong, pls dun come back here and KPKB!

[Guest Luci Ride]

fuhyong wrote:

and Thanks for all the feedback! Will now mull over and make a decision. Wifey nagging for GPS, even if it's on the iphone. maybe get a papago to tampa until later. :becky: Cheers!

Hi there Fuhyong :becky:

Pleasure are all mine to savor & yes, whatever decision you make, best investigate & test ALL things.

As for Chilling, am iced cool for if you read slowly & carefully to my replies, i've taken great lengths to construct them very meticulous & methodical without mincing my words nor intentions in which am trying to convey but sad that there's pre-schoolers whom obviously 'speed read' or have been weigh/ measured & found severely lacking hence outburst :whistle: However am sure it's not fm me :whistle:

Humm Isn't it ironic & to some extent it's super comical that you've stated the following:-

kepiting1sg wrote:

Please read!

Then have the intelligence (or lack of it) to state:-

kepiting1sg wrote:

So if anything goes wrong, pls dun come back here and KPKB!

Of which i believe this was addressed in a few posts before:-

Luci Ride wrote:

(2) Again, please forgive me if i've read FUHYONG thread wrongly, he's asking if it's worth it to shell out monies for the Icommand for GPS- no?

Question, you mean that i have an obligation to sing wonderful praises of the Icommand for GPS Usage? Failing which i have no rights to post any other views?

Your innuendos & getting so 'work up' speaks .............

If the above isn't enough, there's another bewildering impass which i hope you'll address úncle mod' :becky:

kepiting1sg wrote:

Just like any site sponsor on this forum!

Very good statement of yours :thumb: However i also believe that my earlier question have yet to be addressed?

Luci Ride wrote:

Hahahaha :censored: Btw, is the above 'member' paid 'supporter' of this forum? I believe only 'paid supporter' can solicit for business? Machiam some mod on this forum also swear by this member/ vendor? Forum rules http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=59374#post59374

However i believe yoou must have missed it or conveniently overlook it hence reiterate yet again in:-

Luci Ride wrote:

(4) Am asking a General question pertaining to Camber if he's a paid member- anything wrong with that? Attached link fm this very forum on point 3, please assist me to to interpret will you?

If Camber isn't a Paid Supporter & he solicit for buusiness here in this forum, wouldn't this be a gross injustice to the countless wonderful paid supporters? If you read carefully, it was a question directed in general to the Admins & Mods- however must pre-qualify.

Then again i believe i've missed out point 4 :becky: For every member convenience sake, am refering to:-

3. Private Advertisements are NOT ALLOWED.

4. Business promotional threads are NOT ALLOWED.

Above taken fm http://www.sgmerc.com/forums/showthread.php?p=59374#post59374

Mr. Kepi, am sure you being a MOD should be an excellent expositor of Forum rules- no?

By constantly allowing camber to solicit for business here by not subscribing himeself to be a paid member contravene 1 of the cardinal rules of this wonderful 'Level Paying Field' & transparent forum -no?

If that is not enough, you of all people being a MOD whom have assisted/ abetted camber by advertising on his behalf on not so few occassion?

Humm, general readers, shall leave you to come to your own conclusion what to make of this :becky: