CL-Class (W215) 2000-2006: CL 500, CL 600

Head Unit Question

Old Jun 29, 2016 | 03:14 PM
  #26  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Originally Posted by kyosuke
any particular reason you chose the Chinese variant opposed to a real android auto head unit ?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/pioneer-...&skuId=5210800

im trying to decide which way to go android auto,chinese aftermarket head unit, or keep my command system and upgrade the maps and add a aux port some how.
Possibly because it looks exactly like the OEM head unit, whereas the one you show will definitely look after market, and not in a good way. I could be wrong.
Reply
Old Jun 29, 2016 | 03:36 PM
  #27  
niceguyeddie's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 4
CL500
Hi kyosuke,

I've never seen the Pioneer unit working, and mine does look almost identical to the original as Renault12ts says but also...

The Pioneer is $1400 - I paid $450 in total (and $70 of this was for the multi core bypass cable and $65 for DHL shipping to UK). Mine is a pure Android unit - every bit as "real" as the Pioneer. I'm not sure what CPU the Pioneer has or how much RAM, but I doubt it is significantly (if any) better than the RK3188 1.6 GHz Quad core and 1GB DDR3 RAM of my un-branded unit. They both have a 7" capacitive touch screen. The 4 x 45w of the Chinese unit is broadly on a par with the 4 x 50w of the Pioneer. Mine uses Android 5.1 - the Pioneer's version is undeclared from what I can see (but likely to be 5.1 or 4.4)

I've now had my new HU up and running for about 3 weeks and I'm very impressed - and I haven't even had time to install new apps etc. (apart from adding PowerAmp) as of course you can with an Android system. It just works and performs brilliantly. I've noticed the occasional lag within the first 60 secs of a cold start up but otherwise it's been faultless.

Does the Pioneer have an included or optional bypass cable? If your current unit has MOST fibre optics (like my 2005 CL500 did) then you'll need one to install it. Took me 2 days to install everything, but it was all new to me and I went slow...didn't want to damage my ride.

Another good reason to upgrade perhaps? I put the old components (Head unit/ CD changer / Nav unit / and amplifier) on eBay and within 4 days have sold everything but the nav unit for a total of $450! OK, so I've got to take fees off, but it has made the whole process a very cheap upgrade and it's brought my car up to 2016 spec! It would appear that the fibre optic components are sought after replacements for those that want the ease of plug-in replacements for failed ones, but who buys discs anymore? The disc is dead! I have thousands of MP3s on just one of the 2 (32GB) micro-SD cards that my new unit holds.

I took the plunge, replaced everything and no regrets!
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2016 | 11:34 PM
  #28  
BlownV8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 8,882
Likes: 1,212
From: In my garage
E55, GLS450, GL63, GLE350
One thing yours can't do is XM/Sirius radio. To me, that's the deciding factor.
Reply
Old Jul 20, 2016 | 06:41 PM
  #29  
paperchase's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
MB CL600, Audi RS6 and Porsche Cayenne S
niceguyeddie, any updates now that you've had it for a bit? Did you get an aftermarket amp for the subwoofer and, if so, how did it sound?
Reply
Old Jul 22, 2016 | 04:28 PM
  #30  
niceguyeddie's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 12
Likes: 4
CL500
Hi paperchase.

No issues. I'm still very happy with the unit. I've plugged a 1TB portable hard drive into one of the 2 USB sockets, so I now have my whole music collection on board.

I fitted an Alpine MRV-V500 5 Channel 1100W V-power amplifier. Runs all four main speakers and the sub. Sounds great!
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2016 | 04:37 PM
  #31  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Thread revival.

I have just fitted one of these excellent units to my car.

Everything works as it should...even the steering wheel controls (albeit in a limited fashion). A tip I will repeat from niceguyeddie is to set the canbus to "no" and then it will work.

My 5 channel amp goes in after Santa delivers it next Sunday.
Reply
Old Dec 19, 2016 | 04:39 PM
  #32  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Originally Posted by BlownV8
One thing yours can't do is XM/Sirius radio. To me, that's the deciding factor.
I don't even know what that is...but I am blessed with very good FM reception where I am so I don't even feel the need to fit the optional DAB+ kit.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2016 | 12:38 AM
  #33  
tusabes's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Originally Posted by renault12ts
Thread revival.

I have just fitted one of these excellent units to my car.

Everything works as it should...even the steering wheel controls (albeit in a limited fashion). A tip I will repeat from niceguyeddie is to set the canbus to "no" and then it will work.

My 5 channel amp goes in after Santa delivers it next Sunday.
can you link the exact one you bought and any extra parts you needs to buy
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 20, 2016 | 03:45 AM
  #34  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
This is the unit I bought:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-5-...vip=true&rt=nc

Since the connections for the radio antenna and GPS antenna are in the boot (trunk) I also bought cables to run from the unit to the back of the car. I also wanted to use the existing mic so I bought a cable for that too.

I will be adding a 5 channel amp. You can use the speaker connections at line level from the unit (with a suitable converter if needed) using the bypass cable (which is also used to power the unit) or use the RCA connections. I decided on RCA so I ran three pairs of RCA cable...for the 5 channels and one for the reversing camera which I will fit when it arrives.

I laid the bypass loom and all the other cables on the kitchen table, connected them to the back of the unit to get the correct positioning and length and then proceeded to wrap the whole lot in loom tape to make it easier and neater when running the new loom from the front of the car to the back.

Last edited by renault12ts; Dec 20, 2016 at 03:57 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2016 | 07:06 AM
  #35  
tusabes's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Does that seller include the wood frame ? I have an older 2000 model Mercedes with the separate command screen and buttons to the right side

I don't see a color option for the wood from dark walnut or light chestnut
Reply
Old Dec 20, 2016 | 09:30 AM
  #36  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Originally Posted by tusabes
Does that seller include the wood frame ? I have an older 2000 model Mercedes with the separate command screen and buttons to the right side

I don't see a color option for the wood from dark walnut or light chestnut
It includes the wood bits for an S class...but couldn't for the W215 since the wood is rather large. But you should be able to get one from a dismantler.
Reply
Old Dec 29, 2016 | 09:36 PM
  #37  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
Originally Posted by renault12ts
This is the unit I bought:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Android-5-...vip=true&rt=nc

Since the connections for the radio antenna and GPS antenna are in the boot (trunk) I also bought cables to run from the unit to the back of the car. I also wanted to use the existing mic so I bought a cable for that too.

I will be adding a 5 channel amp. You can use the speaker connections at line level from the unit (with a suitable converter if needed) using the bypass cable (which is also used to power the unit) or use the RCA connections. I decided on RCA so I ran three pairs of RCA cable...for the 5 channels and one for the reversing camera which I will fit when it arrives.

I laid the bypass loom and all the other cables on the kitchen table, connected them to the back of the unit to get the correct positioning and length and then proceeded to wrap the whole lot in loom tape to make it easier and neater when running the new loom from the front of the car to the back.
So I'm considering buying this exact same unit for my 2004 MB S430. I've got the MOST system, so that means if I get the Fiber-Optic Decoder Box for an additional $115 USD, this unit should install as an exact replacement so that it will use the BOSE power amp and speakers. I'm not sure about the CD player in the trunk, but I really don't care about that. And, if I get the CAN-BUS Decoder Box for an additional $55 USD, this unit should allow the controls on my steering wheel to work as they are intended.

Do I have a correct understanding of this unit and everything I need to replace my current non-functioning COMAND?

Thanks,
Russ
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2017 | 03:06 PM
  #38  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
Erisin Android Connection?

So I purchased this Erisin Android DVD GPS COMAND replacement from Ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/201605120474?rmvSB=true
The CAN-BUS was included and I paid an additional $115 USD for the Fiber-Optic Decoder Box BS001. With the "Best Offer" option, I got the head unit for $304.00 USD, plus the $115 for the Fiber Optic box, making the total $419.00 USD. I purchased it December 31st and received it January 4th from Honk Kong to the USA in Florida. I still can't believe how quick that was!

The one original connector to the COMAND unit has 5 cables. The 2 fiber optic orange cables are in a smaller connector that snaps out of the larger one and fits nicely into the Fiber-Optic Decoder Box BS001 that I bought with the Erisin unit. The other 3 wires are also in a smaller connector that snaps out of the larger one, but it does not fit the main "Power Port" connector from the Erisin unit.

I left a message with Erisin Support 2 days ago with no response; but I did not send an email yet. I'm thinking they have a direct connector adapter, but for the trouble to get it at this point, I can easily wire it directly.

The brown wire from my Mercedes is ground and will go to the Erisin black wire pin 16. The red/yellow B+ from my Mercedes fuse box will go to the Erisin Yellow pin 15.

My question is: Which wire or pin on the Erisin unit should I connect my Mercedes blue/black "MOST Wakeup" wire to? The Erisin red wire on pin 13, identified as ACC (positive power control by car ignition) goes directly to the Can Bus unit.

The attached images are: 1. the Erisin wiring diagram and 2. Mercedes W220 MOST wiring diagram from the W220 MOST COMAND-APS Encyclopedia

Also I will need to connect a radio antenna and a GPS antenna. As long as I run the wires from the OEM antenna connections in the trunk/boot, will the OEM antennas work?

Thanks in advance; I would appreciate any suggestions you may have.

Russ
Attached Thumbnails Head Unit Question-erisin_4509us_wiring-diagram.jpg   Head Unit Question-mb-04_s430_most-wiring-diagram.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 7, 2017 | 06:41 PM
  #39  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
I'm adding a picture of the exact copper wires in my 2004 MB W220 S-430. (Brown = Ground; Red/Yellow = B+ constant; Blue/Black = MOST Wake-up)
Attached Thumbnails Head Unit Question-mb-04_s430_copper-wires.jpg  
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2017 | 11:03 AM
  #40  
biker349's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,924
Likes: 38
cl600
if it were me i'd e-mail erisin and get they're response and also adapter if they have one.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2017 | 02:01 PM
  #41  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Wire #13, acc.

Yes run wires to the boot (trunk) for GPS, radio antenna and BT mic.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2017 | 07:36 AM
  #42  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
Originally Posted by renault12ts
Wire #13, acc.

Yes run wires to the boot (trunk) for GPS, radio antenna and BT mic.
Thanks for the reply! I thought it'd be OK to use the OEM antennas.

Gut wire 13 already is connected to the CAN-BUS box! I don't think I should either cut that or splice into it.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2017 | 02:49 PM
  #43  
HULKSTRONG's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
mercedes c class w204 c220
DOES ANY1 RATE THE AFTER MARKET SAT NAV FOR C CLAS W204 ? Thanks
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2017 | 05:48 PM
  #44  
renault12ts's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 724
Likes: 41
From: UK
W215 CL500 2005
Originally Posted by HULKSTRONG
DOES ANY1 RATE THE AFTER MARKET SAT NAV FOR C CLAS W204 ? Thanks
I suspect they are the same inside.
Reply
Old Jan 10, 2017 | 03:02 PM
  #45  
HULKSTRONG's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
mercedes c class w204 c220
Originally Posted by renault12ts
I suspect they are the same inside.
What do you mean mate? Because the original sat NAV the reckon you need a retro kit to stop it over heating


Reply
Old Jan 22, 2017 | 04:51 PM
  #46  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
Originally Posted by biker349
if it were me i'd e-mail erisin and get they're response and also adapter if they have one.
Well, I did have a few back and forth exchanges with Erisin with relatively no resolution. In a nutshell, here it is:

"The connector in my Mercedes is not physically compatible with the Erisin Power Connector 11. Please see attached image: MB-04_S430_COMAND-Connector_Erisin-Connector-11_01.jpg

However, I can make an adapter, but I need to know which of my 3 wires go to which wires in the Erisin Power Connector 11.

Mercedes Brown (Ground) to Black in Erisin Power Connector 11.
Mercedes Red/Yellow (12 VDC +Positive Battery) to Yellow in Erisin Power Connector 11. Is this correct?
Mercedes Blue/Black (MOST wakeup) to [I DON"T KNOW} in Erisin Power Connector 11. I NEED to know which wire this connects to!!!
I would think it should go to the Bold Red ACC (positive +power control by car ignition), but that wire goes from pin 13 of the POWER PORT connector to the back of the unit directly to the CAN-BUS box. Please see attached image: ACC-to-CAN-BUS.jpg

I've tried to make my questions very clear and directly to the point. Please be very specific with your answer, addressing my issue."

Erisin response:
"We are sorry to keep you waiting. We had already submitted your problem to our technical department and factory, but we are sorry that as the Chinese Spring Festival is approaching, most of our staff are on holiday now, and your radio's problem are a little complex, sot we could only work out a solution for you after we come back in February. Would you please kindly understand it and wait patiently? Many appreciation for your kind understanding"

Here's the main COMAND connector from my 2004 MB S430:



Here are the sub connectors removed fro the larger connector:



The Fiber-Optic cables fit nicely into the Fiber-Optic Decoder Box BS001, however the mini 12 pin connector with Ground, Battery+, and MOST wakeup wires do not interface at all.



I would initially think the MOST wakeup would connect to the ACC, ignition on, wire on terminal 13 from the Erisin unit, however that wire (red) goes directly to the CAN-BUS box:





So my question is, where do I connect the MOST wakeup (Blue/Black) wire to on the Erisin unit?

Again, thank you all in advance!
Russ
Reply
Old Jan 22, 2017 | 05:18 PM
  #47  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
Blue/Black wire?

Originally Posted by niceguyeddie
Hi Paperchase,

I agree it's confusing, I've just finished replacing the NTG1 unit on my 2005 CL500.

Mercedes(UK) used the VIN and told me that my car did not have fibre optics. It turned out that it did and I bought a 6m bypass cable in order to replace the head unit.

I have found no branding on the speakers from either Harman Kardon or Bose so I still have no idea what speakers I have. There is a factory woofer on rear shelf. The amp in the boot was made by Becker.

The orange "cables" are the clue to fibre optic. They route from the HU to the rear of the car where the amp/cd changer/satnav head unit were situated. The NTG1 head unit only had 5 wires coming out of it, 2 X orange fibre optics, power, ground and a blue amp trigger.

Having taken the plunge and using lots of advice from Xpression in his fantastic Chinese Android unit thread I have replaced my NTG1 with an Android 5.1.1 head unit from China. I am really glad I did. It's great. I had to remove the old amp, cd changer and satnav units as I don't think these are compatible with any after-market unit.

Attached are pics of the front and back of my NTG1. I hope they help!

Are you planning on replacing your unit with an Android one?
Hi Niceguyeddie,

You have the same original COMAND connectors as I have in my 2004 MB S430. I purchased the same Erisin head unit, but got the Fiber-Optic Decoder box. The Fiber-Optic cables connector fits nicely int to the Decoder box, however the the other 12-pin connector with 3 wires do not interface. The Brown wire is chassis ground, the Red/yellow is B+ battery, but what about the Blue/Black? What does that connect to on the Erisin head unit?







If I can get a difinitive answer to that, I will be able to have my unit up and running in no time at all.

Thanks,
Russ
Reply
Old Mar 18, 2017 | 10:48 PM
  #48  
Anonymouse-Oz's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
380SE
Originally Posted by niceguyeddie
Some pics are attached. I haven't installed any apps of my own yet. Everything shown was pre-installed.
Hi.

I'm very curious about the image of the screen with the gauges. Does that head unit have connections to all the necessary sensors on the vehicle?

Can you customise for different gauges? For example, I don't see much point in having speed down there on the screen, unless of course it's GPS speed.
Reply
Old Mar 19, 2017 | 01:45 PM
  #49  
tusabes's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,150
Likes: 533
Mercedes
Originally Posted by Anonymouse-Oz
Hi.

I'm very curious about the image of the screen with the gauges. Does that head unit have connections to all the necessary sensors on the vehicle?

Can you customise for different gauges? For example, I don't see much point in having speed down there on the screen, unless of course it's GPS speed.
the android head units gauges connect via wireless Bluetooth obd2 sensor , so just like any app you can put on your phone for gauges , the radio screen can show the same gauges as a phone app

any gauge that transmits data through the obd2 port can be shown as a gauge - speed , volts , coolant temp , intake air temp , etc.

just look on the popular phone apps for gauges and those are the types of gauges you can show on the radio screen
Reply
Old May 16, 2017 | 09:29 PM
  #50  
Russ Ward's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Orlando, FL
2004 Mercedes Benz s430 (Current) / 1990 300SE / 1984 190D
I'm very disappointed that no one else has apparently done what I am trying to do or could reflect on what they have done in this regard...
Reply

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 12:28 AM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE