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Looking to update my 2012 tan/brown instrument cluster and comand to the 2013/14 black/red version. I believe for the comand it is NTG4 to NTG4.5 conversion. Anyone have any experience with this, or know who might? I am not interested in NTG5.1 with CarPlay or the android screen installation.
Looking to update my 2012 tan/brown instrument cluster and comand to the 2013/14 black/red version. I believe for the comand it is NTG4 to NTG4.5 conversion. Anyone have any experience with this, or know who might? I am not interested in NTG5.1 with CarPlay or the android screen installation.
Some input is better than none. From what Ive read too on the W204 side of things, its just a matter of updating the hardware, and then actually coding it via vediamo. Just wasn't sure if that was for our cars though since we are already updated for the most part. The W204 had like old NTG3-4 hardware.
Maybe someone else has more experience. Chris The Swede seems to be quite busy these days so I didn't want to bug him.
Some input is better than none. From what Ive read too on the W204 side of things, its just a matter of updating the hardware, and then actually coding it via vediamo. Just wasn't sure if that was for our cars though since we are already updated for the most part. The W204 had like old NTG3-4 hardware.
Maybe someone else has more experience. Chris The Swede seems to be quite busy these days so I didn't want to bug him.
It's specific to the hardware you have, you cannot update it. Experience has nothing to do with it.
It'ss specific to the hardware you have, you cannot update it.
That I understand. I am also asking what would be necessary to purchase (hardware whise) to achieve the update. And if new parts are required or if you can code used, whether that is just the comand headunit, the cluster and/or anything else (screen, modules, coding, etc).
That I understand. I am also asking what would be necessary to purchase (hardware whise) to achieve the update. And if new parts are required or if you can code used. Whether that is just the command headunit and the cluster themselves, or anything additional (screen, modules, coding, etc).
Again, more specifics would be great. Model numbers, coding requirements. New or used. Lets continue with those questions, thanks for your input of course too!
Again, more specifics would be great. Model numbers, coding requirements. New or used. Lets continue with those questions, thanks for your input of course too!
Call the dealer or find a totaled car with the color you want. no coding just replace and install screen, and cluster, thats it. If we could just update to get the newer colors we would all have done it.
Call the dealer or find a totaled car with the color you want. no coding just replace and install screen, and cluster, thats it. If we could just update to get the newer colors we would all have done it.
I would assume 2013 would be better than 2014, but if 2014 is identical than that would be great to know. Also part number compatibility based on options, etc (night vision, premium B&O sound, etc)
My two concerns with used parts:
1. Coding mileage in cluster as well as VIN. Can it be done with regular STAR or is vediamo or custom coding required to convert.
2. Is the Comand Headunit and/or just the screen required? And, unlock code required? Vin conversion here too or not required?
And with new parts, same thing really. Does anything need to be coded or is it truly just plug and play and it'll automatically code to the car? This could obviously be a question for the dealer themselves, but the last mercedes dealer I worked for, they wouldn't do installations or know these things on OEM hardware conversions.
Was told by another member that has done this numerous times to his 2012 W212 that you can flash 2013 firmware to the existing 2012 hardware via STAR, telematic disc and vediamo for both the Comand screen and the instrument cluster to achieve the red/black theme without having to purchase any new hardware. Will update this as I get this done within the next couple weeks.
Cluster is 100% upgrade-able with software only. If you have a late model 2012 with the sd card slot then you have ntg4.5, also completely upgrade-able to black/red with software only. Ntg4 is too old and does not get the black/red color scheme. With this info, know that this is not easy and requires lots of research that is available online on other forums that specialize in vehicle diagnostics. There is no step by step guides and its very much hours of learning but its possible to piece all the information together and figure it out only using the forums. Replacing clusters and head units that will still require coding is not the best choice, you are better off investing in a star diagnosis, donating/purchasing needed software in those forums that will benefit you in the long run especially if you are a Mercedes enthusiast. Learning how the system works may not be the best investment of your time so in that case the bare minimum would be to purchase a star diag and pay for someone to perform all the needed steps. Note that there is always a risk flashing software and you can potentially brick the components.
There are dealerships out there that are capable and have knowledge that wont think your crazy when you ask for these special requests but don't count on it.
Cluster is 100% upgrade-able with software only. If you have a late model 2012 with the sd card slot then you have ntg4.5, also completely upgrade-able to black/red with software only. Ntg4 is too old and does not get the black/red color scheme. With this info, know that this is not easy and requires lots of research that is available online on other forums that specialize in vehicle diagnostics. There is no step by step guides and its very much hours of learning but its possible to piece all the information together and figure it out only using the forums. Replacing clusters and head units that will still require coding is not the best choice, you are better off investing in a star diagnosis, donating/purchasing needed software in those forums that will benefit you in the long run especially if you are a Mercedes enthusiast. Learning how the system works may not be the best investment of your time so in that case the bare minimum would be to purchase a star diag and pay for someone to perform all the needed steps. Note that there is always a risk flashing software and you can potentially brick the components.
Mike, great info. I am now finding all of this out. It actually looks quite straight forward. Another W212 forum member who has done this dozens of times (thank you zeemob - check his thread above) is going to walk me through this on teamviewer as I have STAR, a telematic disc, vediamo and my car luckily has the NTG4.5 with the globe access in the top right corner. My car is a 02/12 build too. I will update this once we have completed this update on both the comand and the cluster so we can document this for others. I have been wanting to do this since I purchased my car in 2017!
Mike, great info. I am now finding all of this out. It actually looks quite straight forward. Another W212 forum member who has done this dozens of times (thank you zeemob - check his thread above) is going to walk me through this on teamviewer as I have STAR, a telematic disc, vediamo and my car luckily has the NTG4.5 with the globe access in the top right corner. My car is a 02/12 build too. I will update this once we have completed this update on both the comand and the cluster so we can document this for others. I have been wanting to do this since I purchased my car in 2017!
Nicee!!! Always great when people are willing to learn and others helping out those that put in the effort. You will come out with some good knowledge and learn a few other tricks along the way that can make your car extra special.
Nicee!!! Always great when people are willing to learn and others helping out those that put in the effort. You will come out with some good knowledge and learn a few other tricks along the way that can make your car extra special.
Exactly. I used to have VAGCOM back in my Audi days and knew that very well. BMW diagnostic was pretty lame. But this vediamo thing has me excited. I also want to see if I can disable ECO mode as well. I am not sure if these things are code only or if its as simple as going in and changing listed settings or what. I'll keep everyone posted here.
Looking to update my 2012 tan/brown instrument cluster and comand to the 2013/14 black/red version. I believe for the comand it is NTG4 to NTG4.5 conversion. Anyone have any experience with this, or know who might? I am not interested in NTG5.1 with CarPlay or the android screen installation.
Thanks for any and all input in advance!
Hello,
Any specific reason why you want to replace a whole instrument cluster instead of getting the benefits of say the android screen?
Hello,
Any specific reason why you want to replace a whole instrument cluster instead of getting the benefits of say the android screen?
I appreciate the amount of time and energy that has gone into the aftermarket screens and the progress that has come with it, its just not something I personally like. I also want to keep everything original.
And for $0.00 I can update the firmware on my existing hardware
Last edited by 6speeddave; May 21, 2019 at 05:43 PM.
Wanted to update this! With the amazing guidance from user zeemob, I was able to update both my COMAND and Cluster via Vediamo to the 2013 graphics, and I couldn't be happier. Its like a new car!
Some after shots for you guys. This is by far the cleanest modification Ive done to any car I've owned, however, I don't suggest trying this without the proper software and guidance as it took a little bit of tweaking to get right. *******.com is a great resource for this and other modifications via Vediamo.
$0.00 but my cousin has a STAR system that I was able to use. This actually doesn't cost anything to do assuming you have the correct software for Xentry / Vediamo
Last edited by 6speeddave; Jun 18, 2019 at 07:50 PM.
Great job! Did you get information about VIN change in the NTG 4.5? I have changed my Comand, entered long pin by Vediamo, everything works except maps, because different VIN, I have just deleted them from HD. Do I need change VIN in the Comand to install new maps? Thanks
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2012 Comand & Cluster Update?
