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Advice retrofitting Android Auto on A207 (2016 E550 Convertible)
Hi all, I'm looking to add Android Auto to my 2016 E550 convertible. I've seen a few kits online that even include a bigger, more modern touchscreen -which I'm very fond of (example here: https://tinyurl.com/2yw3ht35), but I've also noticed the following:
Different specs: some run different Android Auto versions, others don't accept certain steering wheel buttons, most don't change automatically dark/light mode, some have issues with upgraded audio, etc
Problems: some users report the unit malfunctioning once the temperature goes over 30C / 85F, others say their phones stay connected to the unit via BT for a while after the car is off, some units just don't work or stop working after X months, etc
Lack of reviews: I suspect hundreds or thousands of these units have been purchased and installed, but it's really hard to find reviews online
Therefore, I was wondering whether some of you (or people you know) have installed one of these units in either an A207 (mine's NTG 5.0 I believe) or similar MB. If so, what has been your experience and do you have any tips?
I have one installed in my '11 E550. Overall I like it and use the wireless Apple CarPlay. Is it a perfect solution? No, but much better than the stock unit.
There have been times when it wouldn't switch into CarPlay mode and hangs but rarely. You have to run in Aux mode on the stock system for CarPlay which isn't a big deal as it will autoswitch. But if you're in CarPlay and using FM from the stock unit, you can't switch back to Aux unless you exit Carplay and back to the stock system to select Aux. Making phone calls the Android screen wants to use an external speaker in some modes. I have the speak mounted behind the screen and can't really hear it and manually switch to Benz Bluetooth for calls.
Overall it's good, not great. I mainly use the stock system with SXM on daily commutes but use CarPlay for longer drives or when I need Google Maps.
...I mainly use the stock system with SXM on daily commutes but use CarPlay for longer drives or when I need Google Maps.
LOL, I'm the opposite. On my 2015 E400 Cab, the stock SXM audio is so bad for music, I never use it. I have a third-party Joyeauto wireless CarPlay/Android Auto unit, and It's almost always in CarPlay mode.
With the MBrace functionality going away, I have almost no reason to use the COMAND interface anymore. I discovered long ago, SXM on the Joyeauto has much better audio quality and with 5G, i just use internet radio instead of FM via COMAND.
No issues with temperature since I installed it 4 years ago.
iOS updates have not caused any issues so far, and I've flashed the Joyeauto firmware a few times without issue. Probably should check to see if there are any updates...
LOL, I'm the opposite. On my 2015 E400 Cab, the stock SXM audio is so bad for music, I never use it. I have a third-party Joyeauto wireless CarPlay/Android Auto unit, and It's almost always in CarPlay mode.
With the MBrace functionality going away, I have almost no reason to use the COMAND interface anymore. I discovered long ago, SXM on the Joyeauto has much better audio quality and with 5G, i just use internet radio instead of FM via COMAND.
No issues with temperature since I installed it 4 years ago.
iOS updates have not caused any issues so far, and I've flashed the Joyeauto firmware a few times without issue. Probably should check to see if there are any updates...
This is super helpful, thank you @pl626! If I'm not mistaken, Joyeauto's solution doesn't include the android screen, right? May I ask why you chose that instead of the larger, touchscreen displays? I'm fond of not getting a big screen, but I use the touchscreen functionality A LOT on my other car's Android Auto display. I'm not even sure how I'd type in an address in Google maps with the knob.
Along the same lines, do all the steering wheel buttons work for you? I really like being able to change songs using the arrows on the left.
This is super helpful, thank you @pl626! If I'm not mistaken, Joyeauto's solution doesn't include the android screen, right? May I ask why you chose that instead of the larger, touchscreen displays? I'm fond of not getting a big screen, but I use the touchscreen functionality A LOT on my other car's Android Auto display. I'm not even sure how I'd type in an address in Google maps with the knob.
Along the same lines, do all the steering wheel buttons work for you? I really like being able to change songs using the arrows on the left.
Thank you!!
I didn't want a big appendage on the dash, so I stayed away from the Android screens. I don't care about the touch screens, so the stock screen was fine. I use the stock scroll wheel on the console mostly, but I do use the volume controls on the wheel. I mostly have Waze displayed on the screen and I listen to internet radio, so I don't change the station much. For text entry, I rely on VR or I just use my phone, but only when I'm parked.
I'm in the process of trading my 08 GL320 in for a 2015 E350 Cab and I put an Erisin Android carplay unit in my GL and loved it after using the original Comand HU for a few weeks so I'm now looking to buy and install one for the E350 but it's proving difficult to find one suitable on AliExpress with the poor descriptions and Erisin don't appear to sell a unit for a RHD E350 so I'll be watching this thread with interest to see what you end up with @seb_rv .
The beauty of the Joyeauto(and similar) unit is that the box itself is hidden. It retains a completely stock appearance. IMHO, the Android screens are just too bulky.
The beauty of the Joyeauto(and similar) unit is that the box itself is hidden. It retains a completely stock appearance. IMHO, the Android screens are just too bulky.
Yes I can see what you mean about keeping it all stock looking, is your module wireless carplay?
I removed my old COMAND fitted a 10" touchscreen in my X164 GL320 and loved it, I don't think the android head units look too bad and I'd probably prefer to have the touch screen option as well as the dial to access the menus, but I wouldn't go as big as the 12" units too big IMO
I drive my E550 two or three times a week and my commute is about 20 minutes. Not much time in the car and normally leave on Classic Rewind or ESPN radio. The stock unit SXM does suck because it takes forever for the channels to change.
The "appendage" mainly looks like the newer cars that don't have the screen integrated into the dash. Our GLE 350 was just like this.
If I recall, using the Joyeauto and the like meant you had to use either/or and not unable to use anything from the Command while using their unit.
...If I recall, using the Joyeauto and the like meant you had to use either/or and not unable to use anything from the Command while using their unit...
Very true, but I've found I have no reason to go to the COMAND menu now, especially since MBrace is being sunsetted due to third-party 3G sunset. Also, audio quality on Sirius is much better via the Joyeauto. The COMAND Sirius audio was horrible for music and the UI is laggy.
Yup. I've loved the fact that I have wireless CarPlay in my '15, while the OEM functionality has lagged. However, I usually have it plugged in to keep the phone battery topped off. I'm not concerned about adding wireless charging.
11-15-2022, 05:40 PM
