Anyone remove the stock GPS antenna? I took off what trim i could to see if I could get at it and it doesn't look easy.

I want to eBay my stock navigation system. It seems not including the antenna will hurt its value.

 

is the navigation actually gps based? i was under the impression that is a cd/dvd based system like most mercedes, therefore there is not an antenna, and i think that is just the radio antenna.

 

Scott,
The system uses the CD/DVD to provide map images and database-related information such as hotels/restaurants. It uses GPS to provide the actual position data. Some systems (I don't know if the D/C system does this or not) also have accelerometers so the system can navigate using dead reckoning when the satellite data is not available.

 

A couple of months ago I installed the factory navigation radio in my crossfire. Just under the dash in the center of the dash on top of the a/c vent tube is where the instructions tell you to install the gps antenna. If this is the same place where it is installed from the factory its not that hard to access. Once you remove all the trim and can access the vent tube just pull down on the top of the vent tube, the flat part of the top will bend down very easy and you can access just above the vent where the antenna is located. My instructions show to install with velcro but I don't know about factory installation. If the factory installation is the same as the after market installation you will find it there.

 

Ahh thanks Iamfink2... I'll give it a try.

 

I'm contemplating removing the factory nav system as well. Did you ever find the location of the factory nav antenna?

 

In the manuals, the ability to do dead reckoning is definitely mentioned (maybe not using those words). The accelerometers must be in there somewhere.

 

What's the going rate for the GPS? I may be interested.

 

I don't know what they are used but a new one is $2,077 from a dealer.

 

Ouch! But having said that I confess I did exactly that when I bought my (Chrysler mfg'd) Jeep Commander. And I was disappointed.

For about $500 you can get multi-purpose hand-helds (e.g. Garmin GPSMap 76CSx) that will put the OEM units to shame and come much less expensive. Granted mounting challenges, smaller screen (maybe...), but in terms of performance, well worth it and even for less money, several times better.

 

I Use A Nuvi 350 By Garmin In The Crossfire. I Have Also Used It In Italy And This Summer In Greece. It Only Costs Under $400 Dollars And It Blows The Competition Away.