Aftermarket Radio vs Android Auto Module
03-01-2023, 01:26 AM
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Aftermarket Radio vs Android Auto Module
Trying to bring my facelift C300 into the modern age.
I installed the Road Top wireless CarPlay/Android Auto interface module but I'm not too happy with it. Bluetooth & Wi-Fi constantly fail to reconnect, AA screen constantly goes black and sometimes the system freezes. It also doesn't play nice with the MB Bluetooth system and it's a pain to go back and forth between navigation, radio and calls. Maybe I got a defective module but now I'm thinking I'm better off going aftermarket.
I found a kit that includes the MOST adapter module and dash kit.
Anyone have experience with both and can suggest which is the best path forward?
I installed the Road Top wireless CarPlay/Android Auto interface module but I'm not too happy with it. Bluetooth & Wi-Fi constantly fail to reconnect, AA screen constantly goes black and sometimes the system freezes. It also doesn't play nice with the MB Bluetooth system and it's a pain to go back and forth between navigation, radio and calls. Maybe I got a defective module but now I'm thinking I'm better off going aftermarket.
I found a kit that includes the MOST adapter module and dash kit.
Anyone have experience with both and can suggest which is the best path forward?
03-01-2023, 01:38 PM
#2
I purchased a similar unit to the roadtop from aliexpress. It has worked extremely well with no problems. I have found that a wired connection makes for better reliability and sound quality. all calls are still via the MB bluetooth unit, but will show on android auto screen as well. You may just have a bad unit.
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US
-Gitesh
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...andl_shipto=US
-Gitesh
03-01-2023, 05:57 PM
#3
Super Member
Thread Starter
Thanks. That's my thoughts as well. It seems that when the weather is not cold, the AA screen constantly goes black and although I got the phone to work through the car's BT, I'm constantly losing BT connection to either the car or the AA module when I restart the car. Tech support is slow (from China I presume) so there's a day's delay in responses, and each response is to send additional info which is not helping much.
I have a kit on the way for an aftermarket HU but I think the display will be too low and it seems like a waste to lose the factory display screen.
I have a kit on the way for an aftermarket HU but I think the display will be too low and it seems like a waste to lose the factory display screen.
03-02-2023, 04:22 PM
#4
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2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
My Road Top unit has worked extremely well, though not always perfectly. When the screen goes black, I simply put the phone in airplane mode briefly and that seems to reset everything. I do have an iPhone and use CarPlay. Not sure how Android Auto works. You may have a bad unit, but should be easy enough to replace if under warranty still. By the way, I put my control module in the glove box instead of cramming it behind the radio.
