When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
So I am in the middle of an 12.3 android unit installation and the unit I bought had a GPS antenna splitter so that I can reuse the OEM GPS antenna vs the aftermarket antenna. I hit a snag as upon removing the GPS cable behind the command system the bluetooth cable is married to it. Not sure what kind of fakra cable I need to source to be able to extend it to the command system. I want to be able to keep the original bluetooth function of the command system + on the android unit as I still want to use the command to make phone calls and use the keypad. Any idea what cable this is called (right side of the picture)
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Dec 16, 2023 at 09:18 PM.
Have you Googled "Mercedes GPS antenna connector"? When i search for that then click on "Images" theres a lot of connectors that show. Im just not sure what you need exactly.
I just went ahead and used the 3rd party GPS antenna. Reception is good. This thing just made the interior of the vehicle look like new. I highly recommend doing this if you have a pre-facelift W204.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Dec 17, 2023 at 06:31 PM.
I am curious how difficult the install for this was. I am looking to do a similar retrofit to a facelift W204. Was it plug and play? Other than the issue you mentioned, any other issues with cabling, connections, trim pieces, etc? Did you need to run an AUX cable to the center console? Any insight would be appreciated.
That's very cool. How is the performance of the unit - is it responsive? Do you have freezing issues or anything?
It is VERY responsive. The one I got has 8 gig ram and 128 gig capacity. No issues what so-ever so far. The wireless android auto is really good. So basically on this setup you have 2 ways to use the unit. If you want to use the main interface completely without limitation you connect to a wifi hotspot (on your phone) or plug-in a 4g sim card at the back that has data then you literally have an android tablet in your vehicle. The second way is to use android auto or apply carplay. When it connects it just behaves like such but you do get the huge screen and touchscreen capability.
I am curious how difficult the install for this was. I am looking to do a similar retrofit to a facelift W204. Was it plug and play? Other than the issue you mentioned, any other issues with cabling, connections, trim pieces, etc? Did you need to run an AUX cable to the center console? Any insight would be appreciated.
If you have a pre-facelift it will be easier as you do not need to remove a lot of panels, just the screen, vent, and radio. You do however need to remove the glove box compartment to run the wires properly to the side to access the AUX input in the glovebox. If you have a facelift W204 and I believe the AUX connection is in the center console then more panel removal is needed. You need to connect to the AUX to get sound.
It is truly a plug and play. The hardest part is putting back the command unit with the extra cables at the back. One trick I learned is to make sure to push down all the cable as low as you can (even zip tie it) then you put back the command unit. The idea is to have the cables stay "below" the command unit because if you don't push it down it will go behind the unit and it won't let you get the command to go in.
You do not need to run the GPS and WIFI antenna near the roof. Just stick em inside the original screen cavity as there are lots of space there and the reception is very good.
I have 2007 W204 C200 Kompressor, the pop out command display unit, months ago. Sometimes off/on, then started dimming and now for months it's totally blacked out. But other functions including radio sound and navigation wheel controls work fine.
I've checked fuse in engine compartment, pulled command unit out and checked fuse at the back and cable connections. Still same. I wonder if screen itself is dead, but I don't know how to confirm if that's the problem.
I'm thinking to buy second hand original screen
and replace.
I have 2007 W204 C200 Kompressor, the pop out command display unit, months ago. Sometimes off/on, then started dimming and now for months it's totally blacked out. But other functions including radio sound and navigation wheel controls work fine.
I've checked fuse in engine compartment, pulled command unit out and checked fuse at the back and cable connections. Still same. I wonder if screen itself is dead, but I don't know how to confirm if that's the problem.
I'm thinking to buy second hand original screen
and replace.
any advice or if you plan to sell yours?
Most likely your screen reached the end of it's life. Why dont you just buy a android screen? It will update your interior and give you android auto or carplay. More reason for you to do the updated screen vs sticking in a used screen which youbwont know how long it will last.
i can sell you mine but the cost of the shipping plus whatever you will pay for the screen will not make sense compared to just buying a brand new android screen.
Always go with the latest android. Mine is android 13, 12.3 inches, 8 gig ram and 128gig memory. I bought mine at 4x4shop.com since they are in Canada and if something goes wrong I will have no problem returning the unit or talking to somebody. If you will buy there get the USB extensions, touch screen protector and leave out the GPS splitter cable and external microphone as you dont need those. Make sure to get the screen protector as I cannot find a screen protector for the unit else where (they give you 2). Before you use the screen protector make a stencil of it and keep it somewhere safe so that if you need to replace it you have a pattern to use for the cut-out.
The wireless android auto and carplay + touchscreen and endless map updates since you are using google maps or waze should be a no brainer decision for anyone who has an MB without android auto.
if you want to get full capability of the android unit turn on your wifi hotspot on your phone or stick a 4g sim card on it and you will use the android interface of the unit and literally using a tablet for everything.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Jan 5, 2024 at 02:54 PM.
shotgun_banjo how happy are you with the unit and day to use?
Which model did you buy? I'm looking at 4x4shop.com and only see Android 11, there's no Android 13.
Also, how can you tell which version you have 4.0, 4.X or 5.X ?
This is my link after adding my car My C250
shotgun_banjo how happy are you with the unit and day to use?
Which model did you buy? I'm looking at 4x4shop.com and only see Android 11, there's no Android 13.
Also, how can you tell which version you have 4.0, 4.X or 5.X ?
This is my link after adding my car My C250
I am happy with it. I already bought a unit for my GLE 43 to replace the non-touch screen android auto capable unit of MB. If you want to go with 12.3", android 13 and go gangho on ram and memory, go with this: https://4x4shop.ca/product/2011-2014...sb-multimedia/ . No matter what you do get the biggest RAM to future proof the unit.
Only thing is that will not look as clean on the back like the pre-facelift W204 because of the newer dashboard layout (look at the side picture). If you want it to look stock go with this instead but you only get Android 11 and a lower spec unit. https://4x4shop.ca/product/2012-2014...-android-auto/
For some reason even the built-in android unit has not seen any update even if you go to ebay as I think people want the bigger screen and higher specd android. I think just go with the newer android.
You might ask how much difference is a 10.25" to a 12.3" here is your answer. I printed both screen to scale and looked at it at every angle. The 10.25" is okay to be honest but for $75 more you get the bigger screen and it is huge. If you ever used the latest 12.3" MBUX screen you will apprciate the 12.3" android screen.
I get a lot of "where did you get that?" From other MB owners around town. Like seriously after doing the upgrade it makes no sense of buying a newer C-class as the W204 is far sexier, body wise, than the newer models. Not to mention the bullet proof engine of the V6 W204 you really dont need much more power than 228hp for a small sedan.
I am now tempted to buy another W204 (2013-2014). As there is one locally c350 with only 36k kilometers on it for $15k then slap this bad boy on it and keep it forever. For less than $20k you get a +300hp sedan with a solid performing platform and gizmo that will keep-up with newer cars.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Jan 6, 2024 at 12:08 AM.
I recently just did this install on my 2010 W204 C300 4Matic. I originally had the smaller non-navigation screen from the factory but the LCD stopped working so I upgraded. I was wondering if anyone else has had any issues after installation where the car battery has been drained after a few days?
I was fortunate that the car battery drained while I was still in my garage. The seller only advised me to update the tablet software through a ZIP file he sent me and informed me that I should lock my car once parked as the car and device will not fully power off/enter deep sleep mode unless the car is locked? As soon as I remove the key from the ignition, the screen shuts off but I noticed that there is still a red light indicating power still being active in the device even after locking the car via key fob. Then after about 2-3 minutes, the light will shut off. Is this normal for the head unit to still receive power for about 2-3 minutes after shutting off the car? Once I unlock the car via key fob, the red light indicating that the device is receiving power will light up instantaneously. I am still skeptical if locking the vehicle will prevent my battery from draining again but I did put my car on a battery charger last night and had it charged back to full. It starts now with no issues.
My question, is it really that important I need to lock my car after I have parked my car back in my garage? I live in a house and so do not usually lock my car once I am parked inside. I noted that if I do not lock the vehicle after I'm finished driving, the red power light behind the screen will still shut-off after the 2-3 minutes similarly to when I lock the vehicle. However, I understand that anytime I open a car door/trunk, the screen will be fed power again, similar to if I were to unlock my car to open the car door/trunk. The android unit powers on rather quickly and doesn't go through the boot-up animation sometimes which leads me to believe that the device did not fully shut down and was draining the car battery. In comparison, my brother who installed a similar android screen did not have any power drain issues but his screen always takes about 1-2 minutes to start-up and goes through the full boot-up animation.
I was able to go into the factory settings of the device but did not find any settings related to the power of the device or what kind of power mode I want to enable after shutting off the car. I am a little puzzled as to whether I just have a weak battery or if this is a known issue with these android units? From what I've been able to find online, no one has really mentioned this being an issue. The seller said there's nothing else to do apart from what he's already instructed me to do (I.E Update software and lock the vehicle after parking)
I have left my vehicle unlocked for days and it will not kill the battery BUT if I left it for weeks,Yes, it will drain the battery. How old is your battery? If you will need to change your battery make sure to get one that has more capacity than the original MB battery.
Last edited by shotgun_banjo; Jul 10, 2024 at 10:05 AM.
I have left my vehicle unlocked for days and it will not kill the battery BUT if I left it for weeks,Yes, it will drain the battery. How old is your battery? If you will need to change your battery make sure to get one that has more capacity than the original MB battery.
My battery is probably about 2-3 years old. Purchased from Costco. If I end up replacing my battery to see if anything changes, I'll keep that in mind. Thanks.
I just purchased my 2012 C300 today and the first thing I did when I got home was research CarPlay/backup camera options. After owning newer cars with those features for the last several years, I just can't live without them again!
Came across this thread and it convinced me to pull the trigger. Just ordered the smaller 10" unit with the backup camera add-on. I can't wait!
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
