Can anyone share their experiences with one vs the other? iCartizan seems to have more readily available install information, but I'm wondering if there's a reason to go with one vs the other.

For context, it's a 2015 NTG 4.7 unit with OEM Surroundview and my only interest is getting Android Auto and screen mirroring in place while retaining all OEM functionality.

Not heard of iCartizan. If it's not a unichip, then what is it. Link?

edit: OK I found it for you. https://www.icartizan.com/

Looks expensive and needs a disassembled dash to install? Also, site says wholesale only.

I thought Unichip also required disassembly? Unichip sells a NTG 5.x ODB2 unlock I think, but I didn't think there was a solution for 4.5/4.7 without plugging in adapters into the HU

have you bought any? i am also interrested in the topic and can't decide, looks like both cost te same.

If your e250 is 2016 or newer, read this thread, or at least the last half of it... https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...2016-w212.html

No, it's 2013 (C207 facelift)

That’s correct and they both require dash disassembly. The iCartisan has MirrorLink in addition to CarPlay & Android Auto. As far as I know, Unichip does not offer MirrorLink, but the latency between audio & video was terrible in the iCartisan box. Unichip was non responsive to my installer, as well as myself. N A V ****: I wouldn’t even bother, plenty of nightmares on this and other forums.

i ended up getting a Joyeauto wireless CarPlay solution via Aliexpress. I had it shipped via DHL Express and arrived earlier than expected. My installer was so impressed with the unit, he is now in their distribution channel and rubbed in my face that he can get better pricing than me. I’m going to send him an invoice for my referral fee...

Does it work with android auto? in their website they don't mention it

the price is almost similar to other brands (355 euro = 400 $)

Yes, it's CarPlay and Android. I got it for less than $400 USD, and now, my installer can get it for even less than what I paid, but that's because he's now a channel seller for them.

You've been singing the joyauto unit's praises and I'm interested, but I live in an area that's unlikely to have any competent installers. Any idea where the install instructions are? I find a basic wiring diagram but that's about it. I'm interested in what needs to be removed, where I can locate it, where I can stuff the various antennas, microphones, etc.

LOL! Their instructions are a single page. There are plenty of videos showing what needs to be done, but a lot of those are pretty useless. A guy on this forum has a YouTube channel, called 'Average Joe Reviews'. It's pretty thorough, though he's using a Unichip box in a 2015 GL450.
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I don't want to sound like a Joyeauto fanboy, but between the four different brands I looked at, I've had the best experience with this. On top of that, it has Wifi for CarPlay. I just upgraded my iPhone 6S to a XS, so I may have to get a wireless charging pad afterall...