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Anybody rocking a aftermarket radio or android radio? I was gonna include this in my low end thread but this is sort of a different topic. There are 2 different android radio's. I heard the radio that has the buttons like the factory radio is trash, but then I came across this one with the wide screen...
I never seen these up top before, but this radio below I've been told to stay away from it....
I did find the double din kit for the CLS w219… Very surprised crutch field don't carry them. I'm not sure about the harnesses for steering wheel controls but the kit looks solid
Mercedes CLS Class 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Double DIN Stereo Harness Radio Install Dash Kit
But this Smarty Trend one looks bigger and better.
The one at Amazon is Android 10 and you can include installation for $98 and they have a great return policy.
Not sure which to try.
Thanks for posting this. I saw your other post about low end audio and was about to ask about head units.
I've been thinking about this one at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QG5N2BG/.
But this Smarty Trend one looks bigger and better.
The one at Amazon is Android 10 and you can include installation for $98 and they have a great return policy.
Not sure which to try.
Well the fact they'll install it means there shouldn't be any issues, but I heard mostly negitive feed back on that radio your looking at. They might have updated it, but it's still the older model because it works only with 06-08 CLS w219. My car is a 2011 so I'm not sure about that radio in my car, but if your buying from Amazon, who installs it? And are they resposible for any issues that may come up?
Yea, I have a 2008. I just want to know which one works and if any functionality is lost. I'm still in the research stage like you. I haven't seen anyone that's done it. It looks like Amazon has a contract with a local installer. If anything goes wrong I'm sure Amazon will work to make it right. Keep us posted here if you pull the trigger.
It's always funny when they say "high resolution" but don't mention resolution.
PS: I like the idea of wide screen.
I have 2006 CLS and since I got it I've been dreaming to upgrade radio unit. The only thing I don't want to buy radio with ****ty laggy low res screen. If its touch response is slower than my phone I will always hate that aftermarket radio unit.
It's very hard to get any info on these radios. It seems nobody has any info. Of corse if you ask the people that's selling the radio, they will tell you whatever you want to hear in order to get a sale. You would think if this was a great upgrade, everybody would have them. Gotta be careful, I may just get the double din kit and slap a Alpine or A PIONEER and call it a day...
It's very hard to get any info on these radios. It seems nobody has any info. Of corse if you ask the people that's selling the radio, they will tell you whatever you want to hear in order to get a sale. You would think if this was a great upgrade, everybody would have them. Gotta be careful, I may just get the double din kit and slap a Alpine or A PIONEER and call it a day...
I'm curious:
1) Which options/settings won't be available anymore after you install a regular double din system like alpine, jvc, kenwood, pioneer, sony? Can you still set that manual clock or not?
2) What as about steering wheel buttons? How to make them work when installing any double din system?
1) Which options/settings won't be available anymore after you install a regular double din system like alpine, jvc, kenwood, pioneer, sony? Can you still set that manual clock or not?
2) What as about steering wheel buttons? How to make them work when installing any double din system?
They are suppose to have modules and harnesses for all that, but I haven't been able to locate them yet. Normally for any other car I've had, I'd just go to crutchfield and get whatever I need in the "what fits my car" section. They list nothing for Mercedes Benz for those items. Not even the dash kit, and they give that for free with the purchase of a new radio. I found that dash kit by googling "radio accessories / W219 CLS"
I hope everything including setting clock and steering wheel controls will work if I install one of those major brands double din radios.
I did quick research and checked about 10 different 2020 double din units. I like Kenwood out of all other stuff because of resolution and capacitive touch screen. But still its resolution is far from today's phones and tablets. I'm also not sure about response lag. I watched few videos and it seems phones are faster when you touch shortcuts and launch apps. And unfortunately that Kenwood alone costs $1000 like a new iPhone 11 which is 10 times better and faster.
I hope everything including setting clock and steering wheel controls will work if I install one of those major brands double din radios.
I did quick research and checked about 10 different 2020 double din units. I like Kenwood out of all other stuff because of resolution and capacitive touch screen. But still its resolution is far from today's phones and tablets. I'm also not sure about response lag. I watched few videos and it seems phones are faster when you touch shortcuts and launch apps. And unfortunately that Kenwood alone costs $1000 like a new iPhone 11 which is 10 times better and faster.
Yeah I'm not sure if they have that technology yet, or if they do, you'll pay for it... Some of the CLS owners that's gone aftermarket says the voice control is all you lose, but that's only 2-3 people saying that. You would think a million people over the world has done this, but the info is hard to gain. That makes me not want to touch anything. Benz does have it's share of electrical problems. I've seen it. I don't want to open a can of worms...lol If my radio went out, then I'd be forced to make a move. But now it's more "want" then "need"...
$307 for the kit and then you need to buy a radio + pay for installation. Idk I'd wait for 2021 units. They who make it should understand new cars will have much better systems. You probably won't be able to replace 2021 S-Class system with your typical aftermarket radio. I think this market is shrinking and eventually radio makers won't be able to compete with OEM systems. I'd say every mercedes OEM system released after 2015+ is more or less decent. If I purchased 2016 CLS I'd never touch it's radio. I'd like to replace my 2006 OEM radio with something fast and high res screen and very responsive touch screen. I just don't see such unit among 2020 top aftermarket radios... I'll wait. Don't want to settle for an average system which is average compared to my 2-3 year old phone...
$307 for the kit and then you need to buy a radio + pay for installation. Idk I'd wait for 2021 units. They who make it should understand new cars will have much better systems. You probably won't be able to replace 2021 S-Class system with your typical aftermarket radio. I think this market is shrinking and eventually radio makers won't be able to compete with OEM systems. I'd say every mercedes OEM system released after 2015+ is more or less decent. If I purchased 2016 CLS I'd never touch it's radio. I'd like to replace my 2006 OEM radio with something fast and high res screen and very responsive touch screen. I just don't see such unit among 2020 top aftermarket radios... I'll wait. Don't want to settle for an average system which is average compared to my 2-3 year old phone...
I don't have a S class, I have a w219 2011 CLS... This forum is for w219 c219... And the system sucks. Harmon Kardon should be embarrassed... I can't speak on the newer models...
I don't have a S class, I have a w219 2011 CLS... This forum is for w219 c219... And the system sucks. Harmon Kardon should be embarrassed... I can't speak on the newer models...
S-Class is an example of what technology can be bought in 2020-2021. I agree 2011 radio sucks in 2020. I guess when it was released in 2003 it was fine. Idk but I think HK is about sound system (speakers, etc), but not multimedia device. The total cost of install exceeds $1000 for top Android units. I see many 2011 non-AMG CLS cost less than 15 grand. I'd think twice before spending 10% of the car cost on upgrading radio unit. Anyway to each their own. I'm glad you found a decent mounting kit. All I want now is a great android radio. If it costs $1000 is should be up to date with fresh Android/Apple tablets in terms of performance, screen res and response lag. It seems they are trying to sell us at least a 10 years old hardware. Sometimes CPU or screen resolution are not even mentioned in radio specs. Why? Because it's a shame to sell such dated hardware for such money. It seems they don't compete as hard as Samsumg competes with Apple etc. I really hope 2021 radio models will be better. Or I'll wait again. But it's just me. Everyone is different.
S-Class is an example of what technology can be bought in 2020-2021. I agree 2011 radio sucks in 2020. I guess when it was released in 2003 it was fine. Idk but I think HK is about sound system (speakers, etc), but not multimedia device. The total cost of install exceeds $1000 for top Android units. I see many 2011 non-AMG CLS cost less than 15 grand. I'd think twice before spending 10% of the car cost on upgrading radio unit. Anyway to each their own. I'm glad you found a decent mounting kit. All I want now is a great android radio. If it costs $1000 is should be up to date with fresh Android/Apple tablets in terms of performance, screen res and response lag. It seems they are trying to sell us at least a 10 years old hardware. Sometimes CPU or screen resolution are not even mentioned in radio specs. Why? Because it's a shame to sell such dated hardware for such money. It seems they don't compete as hard as Samsumg competes with Apple etc. I really hope 2021 radio models will be better. Or I'll wait again. But it's just me. Everyone is different.
Well I was thinking of replacing the radio, not only because the radio sucks, but the sound system sucks to. So why hook a amp or subs or whatever your gonna add to such a bum radio. The only thing I like about mine is you can load 6 disk, or sd card. But the sound sucks. That was almost a deal breaker back when I bought this car years ago. I'm looking at the 2016 or 2017 S550 coupe. But I refuse to spend that kind of money again for a car that has such a **** sound system. BMW, Audi, Acura, all superior sound systems... I shouldn't have to worry about that in luxury cars that cost 90K + when brand new... Just my opinion. It's a lot of guys in this thread that's looking for the same thing. I'm not sure how much longer I'm gonna keep the car, but I will be on the look out next time around if I do decide to move on the S 550 Coupe...
Gotcha! Funny thing I don't listen to music in my CLS55 for two reasons - radio unit sucks and doesn't allow me to comfortably stream my music and because Meisterchaft exhaust is louder than stock. But the first reason is the true one. I have a cable which I need to insert in my phone but it reminds me about dinosaur era. So Idk if my HK speaks a good or not.
Gotcha! Funny thing I don't listen to music in my CLS55 for two reasons - radio unit sucks and doesn't allow me to comfortably stream my music and because Meisterchaft exhaust is louder than stock. But the first reason is the true one. I have a cable which I need to insert in my phone but it reminds me about dinosaur era. So Idk if my HK speaks a good or not.
See that's my thing, I don't know if the sound systems have gotten better over the last few years or not. But with Mercedes, they are held to the highest standard, and to have such a **** system is embarrassing. I didn't want to really put amps and boxes in the trunk just because I feel like I'm devaluing the car. I've seen plenty that have, but I've done that years back. I'm getting old...lol But I don't want thunder, just clean hitting highs, mids, lows... I rented a Audi truck, and the system was awesome...
I understand your point. I wonder what's the average total cost of installation (parts and labor) of new good audio components like speakers, amps and sub? Not hi-end but decent ones which provide clear highs, mids and lows. I think if trunk space is shrinked it may devalue the car because most people don't need that.
I understand your point. I wonder what's the average total cost of installation (parts and labor) of new good audio components like speakers, amps and sub? Not hi-end but decent ones which provide clear highs, mids and lows. I think if trunk space is shrinked it may devalue the car because most people don't need that.
The sad part is that it has a built-in sub in the rear deck that serves no purpose at all. I thought it was just my car, but everybody that owns a w219 says the same thing...
06-17-2020, 01:29 PM
