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Hey all, figured I'd release some helpful info about the digital cluster retrofit, as I've seen many threads about it but nothing comprehensive enough. I successfully did this with a used cluster off eBay, so there is no need to buy a brand new one from MB.
NOTE: You should not attempt this without familiarity of Xentry and DTS Monaco. Both are very important for the install to make sure everything is successful.
Firstly, this only applies to facelift (2019+) w205 models, as NTG5.5 is required. Also, there is no specific part number for the cluster itself, as there are many variations that are each given a part number. The general display looks like this:
Front Back
To start, you need to remove the original analog cluster. This is fairly simple and the video here shows how. You just need to unscrew 2 T20 screws and it pulls out.
Now all would be fine and dandy if the connectors were the same, but unfortunately they are not. The digital display has a very different connector to the analog one
Analog cluster connector
Digital cluster connector
Likewise, the connection plugs are also very very different.
Digital connector plug
Analog connector plug
Fortunately, enough aftermarket demand created some off-the-shelf connector adapters, which I got off of eBay as well. It looks like this: Connector Adapter
Because the connections to the cluster are the same between each cluster, it is simple a matter of connecting the right pins through each connector. The adapter itself costed me $30. Well worth it over going through WIS to find specific part numbers and wire it accordingly...
One important thing to note is you need the new trim binnacle for the digital display, as the analog vs digital binnacles are not compatible.
Digital cluster binnacle
This is Part# 205-540-41-37 and can be bought at a dealer parts counter.
Now that I had all the necessary parts, I installed it into the car. Note that the binnacle cannot be connected to the digital display when installing. You must first place the cluster in, followed by the binnacle.
That ends up looking like this: Cluster installed
Following the installation of the binnacle, the proper coding can be carried out. To make this simple, you can copy the coding from the original analog cluster, and import it into the digital one.
The hardest part of this procedure is correcting the odometer. Installing a used cluster will yield ------ on the odometer. To fix this, you must "virginize" the cluster to reset the odometer data, and allow the cluster to be taught in to the vehicle. I used MB-link alongside an OpenPort 2.0 clone to achieve this, but there are a few other tools on the market.
Finally, the install was done:
Out with the old and in with the new. Classic Screen Sport Screen Progressive Screen
Needless to say, this looks 100% better than the stock analog display, and way better than the trashy Chinese knockoffs you can get on AliExpress.
If there are any questions, don't hesitate to ask! Happy retrofitting.
Unfortunately no AMG for me, just a regular w205. I can still add the AMG menu, but it's irrelevant to me personally. On the flip side, because it's a relatively basic spec, the car is like a playground for me to modify and customize as I see fit.
What specifically do you want to know more about? The main 2 ways people pair the cluster to their car is either via Xentry (Mercedes's official diagnostic software) or a program called DTS Monaco, which I used. Xentry requires an online account with valid hardware to perform SCN coding, whereas DTS Monaco does not
Can you please make a video of how to code with DTS Monaco? It would be very usefull for all of us here, we all have the same problem we don't know how to code.
And thanks for there information above, apriciate it!!
The yellow connection is for a link between the cluster and COMAND headunit, for navigation maps showing within the cluster. The black connector is a link between the cluster and the HUD. I have neither on my C300
Yes, the display turns on and is functional without coding. However, certain options like parktronic, distronic, etc need to be coded if you have them, alongside the VIN so that the mileage is updated correctly
So i just installed the virginzed cluster and everything works but now just need to code the miles and change km. What options did you choose on mbtools or mblink?
If cluster was virginized there is no need to code the miles, it will pick them up from the EZS within a few minutes of being connected. I used mblink for virginization and pairing
The first screen I bought on eBay did, and eventually turned fully black. The second one I bought did not. I suspect there was a hardware issue. Where did you source your display?
Hi was thinking of doing the digital dash change have both software MB and DTS can anyone post a video or screen shot of the programming steps and which software they used many thanks.
I've followed this thread for quite some time and in August I drove to MB House to have the digital dash retrofit done on my 2020 AMG C43. They did a great job and it was a pleasure to do business with them. One thing I noticed is that I don't have the navigation map as a display option in the retrofit cluster, just a globe, is this due to a cable not being connected from COMMAND module to the cluster, or was my car not capable of this to begin with even with? As far as I can tell everything works as it should on the dash but the missing map display.
The middle portion of the cluster still displays correct NAV information as the original analogue dash.
Just to confirm - You have an NTG 5.5 COMAND unit? not NTG 5.5 Audio 20? As in you can have navigation on the center screen without an SD card plugged in?
If so, then yes it is possible they did not connect the FAKRA coax cable between the infotainment unit (called headunit) and the digital display.
Just to confirm - You have an NTG 5.5 COMAND unit? not NTG 5.5 Audio 20? As in you can have navigation on the center screen without an SD card plugged in?
If so, then yes it is possible they did not connect the FAKRA coax cable between the infotainment unit (called headunit) and the digital display.
Yes, that is correct, the car is NTG 5.5 COMMAND unit equipped. Thank you for the reply! I don't think I'll be driving back to have them hook that up as it's about 3.5 hours away LOL. Still, the digital dash is really nice.
@Waw642 hello there, I've just read the thread and you've done an amazing job. Tomorrow I'll receive my C300d and I cant wait. It's the premium version and first thing I wanna upgrade is the retro dashboard to the digital and I was wondering if you could advise/help me ordering the right parts and even help me to fit it. I have no tools or diagnostic tool to update the miles etc etc...
1 question, is the digital dashboard going to be like 100% functional or do i have to update something?
Yes, the display turns on and is functional without coding. However, certain options like parktronic, distronic, etc need to be coded if you have them, alongside the VIN so that the mileage is updated correctly
Thank you for your guide - it is inspiring me to make this conversion in my C160. I do have Parktronic so would like to know what exactly is needed beyond ensuring that the odometer setting is correctly picked up? I plan to use MBTools as you mention.
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