Looking for fiber optic interface to retain speakers
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
2011 E350 (W212)
Looking for fiber optic interface to retain speakers
I'm looking to upgrade my sound / nav system on my 2011 E350 (W212) with built in nav, harman kardon speakers, etc.
My rationale for upgrading is that I am having increasing and chronic problems with bluetooth on the latest iphone and I don't see it getting any better.
Also, I would like to add airplay to my car.
No issues with the sound quality or level of current speakers but just can't live with the choppy audio anymore.
Has anyone had success with this interface? Can you recommend which product you used to integrate with existing amp / speakers and/or steering wheel?
I've done a lot of googling and looking through this forum and have found a lot of options but many of them say they don't work with the W212 audio setup.
My rationale for upgrading is that I am having increasing and chronic problems with bluetooth on the latest iphone and I don't see it getting any better.
Also, I would like to add airplay to my car.
No issues with the sound quality or level of current speakers but just can't live with the choppy audio anymore.
Has anyone had success with this interface? Can you recommend which product you used to integrate with existing amp / speakers and/or steering wheel?
I've done a lot of googling and looking through this forum and have found a lot of options but many of them say they don't work with the W212 audio setup.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,273
Likes: 129
From: Orlando, FL
2015 GL550 4matic
Due to the extensive integration of the entertainment system, I don't see many options. I think the best so far is the 10" Android screen system, which also will give you the Apple CarPlay function. There is a huge thread about it. Or you could just dump the stupid Apple phone. No problems with any Andorid I've ever connected. I've also seen similar complaints about Apple Bluetooth connection dropping on the Murano forums, my wife's car.
Member
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 117
Likes: 25
From: Laguna Hills, CA and Himeji, Japan
2011 W212
I agree with jonUF02. My Galaxy S8 doesn't have any BT problems with the NTG4 that my iPhone 8 does, but if you want Carplay you need the V2 (2GB glossy) or V3 (4GB anti-glare) 10.25" screen which is based on Android 6 with some 8.1 mixed in (including limited split view support). It can accept a USB adapter box for Carplay. Since I upgraded my Version 2 10.25 screen to software version 35 and 36 over the past 2 weeks, I have had carplay problems with choppy audio when trying to use maps like Waze with my "Autobox" brand adapter. There are other 'recommended' adapters that are probably better supported.
Unfortunately, Android Auto on the 10.25 just plain sucks because of how Google half-asses scaling. It can also run play store apps including Waze, Sirius XM, Apple Music, Google Play music, etc right off the unit, but with the scaling issue, 1280x480 makes most play store apps throw up on themselves with modal windows running off screen, buttons and graphics that are too large, etc. Carplay, when it works, looks INFINITELY better in the ultra-wide aspect of the 10.25 screen. Nothing gets squished or runs off screen.
I will mess with my V2 10.25 unit for about another week before rolling back to pre V35 software when carplay worked pretty well but the OS itself was a bit buggy. Android is still 1/2 baked.
Unfortunately, Android Auto on the 10.25 just plain sucks because of how Google half-asses scaling. It can also run play store apps including Waze, Sirius XM, Apple Music, Google Play music, etc right off the unit, but with the scaling issue, 1280x480 makes most play store apps throw up on themselves with modal windows running off screen, buttons and graphics that are too large, etc. Carplay, when it works, looks INFINITELY better in the ultra-wide aspect of the 10.25 screen. Nothing gets squished or runs off screen.
I will mess with my V2 10.25 unit for about another week before rolling back to pre V35 software when carplay worked pretty well but the OS itself was a bit buggy. Android is still 1/2 baked.
Last edited by Skeechan; Mar 5, 2019 at 09:46 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2021
Posts: 278
Likes: 146
From: Canberra ACT
2013 E350 Facelift (Japan Import) 2007 E350 Elegance Wagon, 2014 E350 Wagon facelift model Jap Model
I have installed a 10.25" Android unit in my Jap W212 Wagon, had to replace the NTG with a Euro spec one, spent hours and hours and many $$$ with Aux port issues, found that the Aux port in the Jap cars, after tearing the dash and console out, is connected to another Tolling device hidden in the bulk head behind the glove box!!...long story short, Aux is no good, doesnt go to NTG unit.
Just ordered this thing Fibre Audio to RCA convertor. Reviews say it works, will let you know how it goes.
Just ordered this thing Fibre Audio to RCA convertor. Reviews say it works, will let you know how it goes.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 41
Likes: 6
2016 e350 W212
I installed a 10.25 screen with no issues, I ordered my through 4x4 Shop in Canada and had an Aux problem but they were able to solve the problem quickly. Outstanding support! Love my upgrade, here is a link to their installation page for the W212 https://4x4shop.ca/installation-xigcykh1q/
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