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Hi everyone, I have a 2008 C300 (NTG 4.0) and I’ve been researching different ways to add Carplay capabilities to the car. I’ve been thinking about getting the Linux 10.25” screen (not the advanced Android ones—more expensive and I don’t care for the other functions) from the brand RoadTop, as I’d love to slightly modernize the interior while also getting Apple Maps and Spotify compatibility, but have read mixed reviews about it. I’ve also thought about just getting the box to add Carplay to the OEM screen as that’s what I really care about most. Does anyone have experiences/thoughts about this headunit, especially over a longer period of time? Most reviews that I’ve read have only been immediately or just a couple of weeks after installation. I’d hate to go through the trouble of buying and installing it only for it to cause issues down the line. Thanks!
Hi everyone, I have a 2008 C300 (NTG 4.0) and I’ve been researching different ways to add Carplay capabilities to the car. I’ve been thinking about getting the Linux 10.25” screen (not the advanced Android ones—more expensive and I don’t care for the other functions) from the brand RoadTop, as I’d love to slightly modernize the interior while also getting Apple Maps and Spotify compatibility, but have read mixed reviews about it. I’ve also thought about just getting the box to add Carplay to the OEM screen as that’s what I really care about most. Does anyone have experiences/thoughts about this headunit, especially over a longer period of time? Most reviews that I’ve read have only been immediately or just a couple of weeks after installation. I’d hate to go through the trouble of buying and installing it only for it to cause issues down the line. Thanks!
I'd go down the conversion box and OEM screen, but you need to have the Becker nav system to start with, as the wiring harness does not have the required connections if you do not have this option.
There are plenty of options for the pre facelift cars with NTG4.0. Many are sub $300, and available on Amazon, with decent reviews.
I have been looking into this but for NTG4.5, where the only options are "floating iPad" designs that in my eyes ruin the aesthetics and design principles of the car.
I put a Road Top unit in my 2013 with NTG 4.7, mainly to use CarPlay wirelessly without any extra external hardware. Overall, it works great; switching from NTG to Road Top is very easy, as is navigation within the CarPlay UI.
Some immediate drawbacks I've noticed within a month of use:
The backup camera will not appear on screen without switching out of the Road Top unit into COMAND.
After being parked in southern heat for long enough, the Road Top unit will display a black screen until the cabin has cooled down enough.
I haven't found much success in using the AUX connection from the unit to the media interface, requiring the unit to operate in bluetooth mode only.
I put a Road Top unit in my 2013 with NTG 4.7, mainly to use CarPlay wirelessly without any extra external hardware. Overall, it works great; switching from NTG to Road Top is very easy, as is navigation within the CarPlay UI.
Some immediate drawbacks I've noticed within a month of use:
The backup camera will not appear on screen without switching out of the Road Top unit into COMAND.
After being parked in southern heat for long enough, the Road Top unit will display a black screen until the cabin has cooled down enough.
I haven't found much success in using the AUX connection from the unit to the media interface, requiring the unit to operate in bluetooth mode only.
I appreciate this info because I, too, am looking for a CarPlay functionality to add to my '14 with NTG 4.5. I really don't want to have issues with my backup camera, nor heat issues as I live in SoCal and sometimes it can get quite toasty. Though other brands may also experience heat-related issues, I will research further if they, too, have issues using the back-up camera.
On the backup camera, at least on Road Top's BMW F10 version, the common error which resulted in the loss of backup functionality was incorrect placement of the fiber-optic cable. All connections should ride on the piggyback, except the FO cable which still connects directly to the head unit. Not sure if it's the same issue here.
If there's a Carplay conversion for the pre-facelift, multi-media version (flip-up screen) I'd be all over that. Doesn't appear to be, however.
I reached out to Carlifelink and they said when the transmission is in R, their system automatically switches to the OEM rear camera. I'm leaning towards the Carlifelink (Linux as well) due to that one potential issue that is definitely not with their system. Just debating whether to get the 10 or 12" screen. As someone commented earlier, these external screen systems break the clean dash lines aesthetically, which I agree. But I need a big screen for old, failing eyes, otherwise, what's the point of doing an upgrade to the OEM screen if I can't see it clearly?
It's all bolt-in anyways, so it can always be returned to stock.
The 10" is enough, the 12" is nice. That said, the 12" we have are on bigger cars, the 5-series I mentioned and a Land Cruiser. Post some pictures up of the 10 vs 12. And if you can, get it from Amazon for ease or returns.
The 10" is enough, the 12" is nice. That said, the 12" we have are on bigger cars, the 5-series I mentioned and a Land Cruiser. Post some pictures up of the 10 vs 12. And if you can, get it from Amazon for ease or returns.
From their screen images, the differences between the 10 and 12" screen doesn't seem to be significant in the overal aesthetic, and the 12" is only $30 more. So I'll probably get the 12.
I don't see it available on Amazon but yea, I would try to get it through them if I could.
Super jealous. My c-class is my commuter and I'd love to have Carplay as I am in that thing 3 hours a day 5 times a week. Everything is just so antiquated.
Super jealous. My c-class is my commuter and I'd love to have Carplay as I am in that thing 3 hours a day 5 times a week. Everything is just so antiquated.
This is also now my daily driver, which is why I need CarPlay. I'll be performing contract work further north for several months and will need nav!
This might be of interest. I've set up my phone to replicate Android Auto integral car display functionality.
I have fitted a discreet cell phone mag mount to my dash. At a perfect eye friendly level. When I get in the car I clip my phone to the mount in landscape orientation. Then, when I insert my key, an app called "Macrodroid" automatically runs a routine that I wrote as soon as my phone connects to the car's Bluetooth.
This routine automatically launches Spotify and plays the last song listened to, launches Google maps and automatically displays it as a priority, with the screen permanently on.
Other routines set brightness, media volume, override screen sleep etc. Then finally when removing the key, another routine returns all phone settings to normal and turns off the display.
Here is the main routine. Feel free to down load the app, copy these settings and give it a go. It works really well! (Ignore the floating button, that was just for testing)
Oh and don't forget to set your car BT as an "extend unlock" in android settings. These avoids the need to enter screen unlock PIN etc.
With this functionality working automatically, I no longer feel the need to fit a new head unit.
This is a fantastic solution! Though I have an iPhone so not sure if such effort can be duplicated on it. But Props for originality!
BTW, I did spring for the Carlifelink 12.3" screen system.
Still I'm intrigued in your solution and will investigate if I could so something similar on my iPhone
It works really well! It really feels integrated to my car. I think that Apple lock out access like this unfortunately, but I'm not an expert. Let me know!
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