Aftermarket Radio
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2011 E550 Coupe
Aftermarket Radio
Looking to install an aftermarket Pioneer into my 2011 e550 coupe.
Anyone have any words of wisdom? suggestions? Or just wanna share what you did with your audio?
PS: I’m looking to install the Pioneer avh w4400nex to replace the center dash with this kit: scoshe merc kit.
Also, audio shop said I would need to bypass the factory amp... so, if I need to I plan on going with a JL 600x6.
Heres my ride:
Anyone have any words of wisdom? suggestions? Or just wanna share what you did with your audio?
PS: I’m looking to install the Pioneer avh w4400nex to replace the center dash with this kit: scoshe merc kit.
Also, audio shop said I would need to bypass the factory amp... so, if I need to I plan on going with a JL 600x6.
Heres my ride:
Last edited by dmndE550cp; 08-16-2018 at 10:20 PM.
#2
Senior Member
I am going to fit the Android 10.25" system to mine which retains all of the factory features and adds to them. It will have the stuck on tablet look of many of the Mercedes of the time, but for me looks better than going to 2 DIN route and no need to mess about with amps etc.
Used to run the Pioneer App Radio's in my last car. They are fairly restrictive unless you hack the phone and unlock the full mirroring capability. Then it really comes alive, but is not always reliable and you need to be fairly tech savvy to do it. Hence going Android native this time and just running on the HU directly. Will bring a different set of challenges to do everything though, so neither route is perfect, or just live with what it can do out of the box.
Used to run the Pioneer App Radio's in my last car. They are fairly restrictive unless you hack the phone and unlock the full mirroring capability. Then it really comes alive, but is not always reliable and you need to be fairly tech savvy to do it. Hence going Android native this time and just running on the HU directly. Will bring a different set of challenges to do everything though, so neither route is perfect, or just live with what it can do out of the box.
Last edited by 400ixl; 08-17-2018 at 06:26 AM.
#3
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2011 E550 Coupe
I am going to fit the Android 10.25" system to mine which retains all of the factory features and adds to them. It will have the stuck on tablet look of many of the Mercedes of the time, but for me looks better than going to 2 DIN route and no need to mess about with amps etc.
Used to run the Pioneer App Radio's in my last car. They are fairly restrictive unless you hack the phone and unlock the full mirroring capability. Then it really comes alive, but is not always reliable and you need to be fairly tech savvy to do it. Hence going Android native this time and just running on the HU directly. Will bring a different set of challenges to do everything though, so neither route is perfect, or just live with what it can do out of the box.
Used to run the Pioneer App Radio's in my last car. They are fairly restrictive unless you hack the phone and unlock the full mirroring capability. Then it really comes alive, but is not always reliable and you need to be fairly tech savvy to do it. Hence going Android native this time and just running on the HU directly. Will bring a different set of challenges to do everything though, so neither route is perfect, or just live with what it can do out of the box.
#4
Senior Member
The one from Chris at CKM
Link to the 207 platform LHD version is https://tinyurl.com/ybav7qou
You can add the CarPlay adaptor to get that functionality as well I believe, not looked at it as I use Android Auto.
Link to the 207 platform LHD version is https://tinyurl.com/ybav7qou
You can add the CarPlay adaptor to get that functionality as well I believe, not looked at it as I use Android Auto.
#5
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: Charleston, SC
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
2011 E550 Coupe
The one from Chris at CKM
Link to the 207 platform LHD version is https://tinyurl.com/ybav7qou
You can add the CarPlay adaptor to get that functionality as well I believe, not looked at it as I use Android Auto.
Link to the 207 platform LHD version is https://tinyurl.com/ybav7qou
You can add the CarPlay adaptor to get that functionality as well I believe, not looked at it as I use Android Auto.
this looks like a cheaper and better option. I can live without CarPlay. Thanks!
#6
Senior Member
You can add the Carplay dongle apparently. Have a read of the big thread in the W212 section.
Was hoping mine was going to have been shipped yesterday so I could have a play over the weekend, but not shipped yet
Was hoping mine was going to have been shipped yesterday so I could have a play over the weekend, but not shipped yet
#7
Nice car also that big android screen makes this look like a 2018 model. I definitely plan to do that soon to my c207. My only concern about these android head units is sound quality and speed/performance. I know some of the other chinese head units have made specific speakers in your stock system inoperable also because they use android os some of these tend to operate slowly. It's been a while since i've shopped these so maybe they have worked out these kinks.
Trending Topics
#8
Nice car also that big android screen makes this look like a 2018 model. I definitely plan to do that soon to my c207. My only concern about these android head units is sound quality and speed/performance. I know some of the other chinese head units have made specific speakers in your stock system inoperable also because they use android os some of these tend to operate slowly. It's been a while since i've shopped these so maybe they have worked out these kinks.
Sound should be as good if not better than the BT built in. and as it will be connected to the UHI connector it should be uncompressed with the right player like tidal or similar.
Reviews state the sound is good.
I will do a review when I get mine.
The following users liked this post:
Jujigatame (08-20-2018)
#9
Senior Member
My RHD version was ordered on the 10th. Still showing as not shipped. Have enquired twice and been told it would ship the next day, twice.
Will do a review when I get it fitted although not sure when that will be as last weekend was the most free weekend I had
Will do a review when I get it fitted although not sure when that will be as last weekend was the most free weekend I had
The following users liked this post:
Jujigatame (08-20-2018)
#11
#13
#14
#15
Senior Member
You need to remove the screen, the centre vents, the number pad unit to get to the wires.
You also need to get the phono jack into the centre console, not sure yet if that means dismantling that area or whether you can just feed it under and then in through the back.
You also need to get the phono jack into the centre console, not sure yet if that means dismantling that area or whether you can just feed it under and then in through the back.
#16
Senior Member
#17
you can’t get the RHD version anywhere else can you?
#18
Guess the install shouldn't be too hard but more work then I wanted to do lol. They kind of mislead you when you ask about the difficulty of installation. These are on aliexpress for like 480 and they have more ram. I wouldn't mind dealing with the chinese as i'm sure that's where these come from.
#19
Guess the install shouldn't be too hard but more work then I wanted to do lol. They kind of mislead you when you ask about the difficulty of installation. These are on aliexpress for like 480 and they have more ram. I wouldn't mind dealing with the chinese as i'm sure that's where these come from.
CKM got back to me. they are a 1-2 week lead time. I know he gets them from the Disty in China and then sends them on. He has worked on helping to ensure they are developed better.
CKM have not fully updated their site with the details its conflicting. but its meant to be the 7.1.1
As to the install it does not look that bad. couple of hours max
#20
I think when you work out the shipping and stuff its very similar cost isn't it?
CKM got back to me. they are a 1-2 week lead time. I know he gets them from the Disty in China and then sends them on. He has worked on helping to ensure they are developed better.
CKM have not fully updated their site with the details its conflicting. but its meant to be the 7.1.1
As to the install it does not look that bad. couple of hours max
CKM got back to me. they are a 1-2 week lead time. I know he gets them from the Disty in China and then sends them on. He has worked on helping to ensure they are developed better.
CKM have not fully updated their site with the details its conflicting. but its meant to be the 7.1.1
As to the install it does not look that bad. couple of hours max
#21
Senior Member
CKM ones are all 2Gb Ram 7.1.1 now as that is the current model. Sellers on Aliexpress have probably never actually fitted one, that's the risk you take with many of them, there will be little after sales support. Not all of them but many.
Chris at CKM has produced some instructions for installation, I'm not going to post them up as they are his intellectual property. Ask the seller who you are going to use for step by step instructions, should be part of deciding who you buy from.
Not saying buy from Chris, just do your homework as to the service you will get if you have issues with the hardware or installation and ongoing software updates etc. Only you can then decide what is best for you.
Chris at CKM has produced some instructions for installation, I'm not going to post them up as they are his intellectual property. Ask the seller who you are going to use for step by step instructions, should be part of deciding who you buy from.
Not saying buy from Chris, just do your homework as to the service you will get if you have issues with the hardware or installation and ongoing software updates etc. Only you can then decide what is best for you.
#22
CKM ones are all 2Gb Ram 7.1.1 now as that is the current model. Sellers on Aliexpress have probably never actually fitted one, that's the risk you take with many of them, there will be little after sales support. Not all of them but many.
Chris at CKM has produced some instructions for installation, I'm not going to post them up as they are his intellectual property. Ask the seller who you are going to use for step by step instructions, should be part of deciding who you buy from.
Not saying buy from Chris, just do your homework as to the service you will get if you have issues with the hardware or installation and ongoing software updates etc. Only you can then decide what is best for you.
Chris at CKM has produced some instructions for installation, I'm not going to post them up as they are his intellectual property. Ask the seller who you are going to use for step by step instructions, should be part of deciding who you buy from.
Not saying buy from Chris, just do your homework as to the service you will get if you have issues with the hardware or installation and ongoing software updates etc. Only you can then decide what is best for you.
Last edited by Dnasty; 08-21-2018 at 08:25 PM.
#23
Either way it should not be a hard install.
#24
Senior Member
In the CKM installation guide step 1 says dismantle Screen+CD Radio+air Conditioner
Will find out soon when mine arrives and I get to see it in person. Even pulling those components isn't that hard, already have the screen loose and the air vents pulled. Couple of start bolts for the screen and the CD unit and they should come out.
I may well make some more detailed instructions including the WIS instructions for dismantling the various components once I have done it.
Will find out soon when mine arrives and I get to see it in person. Even pulling those components isn't that hard, already have the screen loose and the air vents pulled. Couple of start bolts for the screen and the CD unit and they should come out.
I may well make some more detailed instructions including the WIS instructions for dismantling the various components once I have done it.
#25
Senior Member