Android Auto Module vs Aftermarket Head Unit?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 799
Likes: 190
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
Android Auto Module vs Aftermarket Head Unit?
I installed a Road Top Android Auto module on my 2013 facelift C300 4Matic that does the job for navigation but find it a little annoying due to:
- activation process: hold the back button, navigate to AA, wait for it to load.
- Have to repeat process every time I restart car or disconnect the phone.
- have to choose between factory COMAND audio or AA audio, can't have both.
- when someone else uses the car, it's very confusing for them to understand how to use the navigation.
I'm thinking of going with an aftermarket head unit and already have all necessary components but I hesitate because:
- don't want to lose factory COMAND features and display.
- screen would be much lower and presumably harder to see while driving
- love the factory display location, would hate to lose it.
Which did you go with and what is your experience?
Can anyone suggest an option that better harmonizes an aftermarket option with COMAND or the factory display?
- activation process: hold the back button, navigate to AA, wait for it to load.
- Have to repeat process every time I restart car or disconnect the phone.
- have to choose between factory COMAND audio or AA audio, can't have both.
- when someone else uses the car, it's very confusing for them to understand how to use the navigation.
I'm thinking of going with an aftermarket head unit and already have all necessary components but I hesitate because:
- don't want to lose factory COMAND features and display.
- screen would be much lower and presumably harder to see while driving
- love the factory display location, would hate to lose it.
Which did you go with and what is your experience?
Can anyone suggest an option that better harmonizes an aftermarket option with COMAND or the factory display?
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
I have none of those problems with my Road Top using CarPlay. Are you sure you have installed the unit correctly (meaning dip switch settings and grounding)? I would also reach out to the Road Top company (RoadTopDirect@outlook.com) and explain your problem.
I would NOT go with an aftermarket head unit, but I have never looked into it because these cars are so temperamental with electronics.
I would NOT go with an aftermarket head unit, but I have never looked into it because these cars are so temperamental with electronics.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 799
Likes: 190
From: San Diego, CA
2016 E350 Sport; Mom Wrecked the 2008 E350; sold the 2002 C320
It is installed correctly. What procedure do you follow to toggle back and forth between the factory menu and the Road Top menu?
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 7,847
Likes: 3,499
From: Maryland
2015 SL400 (M276 Turbo), 2014 C350 Sport (M276 NA), 2004 SL500 (M113), 2004 Audi TT225 (BEA)
