Even the original system can be retained

 

@bejoy Any feedback since installation on this unit? Likewise looking for 10" version... how is the linux performing as compared to Android?

 

hello @snapshotgt, like all offerings in this category, the linux OS device supports both android auto and carplay. the installation is the same as similar android/carplay devices. i used these two videos. between the two videos, i was able to figure out the installation. it helps that i previously installed android OS device in the other mercedes.

1. You Tube
2. You Tube

the only challenge that i encountered was mounting the screen on the dash. the kit included a mounting bracket that i couldn't figure out how to use. it turns out the g wagon does not require the bracket. also, i deliberated probably more than necessary over a couple wiring harness connections.

i have android OS version in ml63 and linux OS version in g550. i wanted to try the linux version because the android version wasn't always reliable and i often had to reboot. overall, linux version seems more reliable. the main issue that i've encountered with linux version is that it doesn't occasionally always startup when i start the truck. i solve issue by disabling/reenabling bluetooth on the phone. any issues that i've encountered seems solved by turning off/on bluetooth on the phone. not sure where issue issue lies: phone or linux device or perhaps bt connection to mb stereo? hmmm... maybe i'll try unpairing the mb stereo.

if i had to choose one device for both vehicles, i would choose the linux device because, to use android device, i have disabled auto connection. which means that i manually connect android OS device to phone each time that start vehicle. with auto connect enabled on android OS device, too often there was no sound until i rebooted android OS device.

also, since installing, i've been in g wagons with 12" screens and i still prefer the 10" screen. 12" screen seems a bit much for cabin. that's strictly personal taste.

i recommend drilling holes with a step bit and not hole saw. with step bit, it's much easier and one can test fit in steps.

 

Hey, thank you for posting all this info. We just bought a 2018 G63 and while the dial input is fine when you're used to using a bmw since 2008 with similar input method, this screen looks like an awesome solution.

Can you verify why on that amazon link there are 3 choices and the one your link goes to for "GLC" is the one to get instead of the one for "C class". Also, is anything else needed.

Lastly, the same looking item, is it the actual same item, on https://www.accessoryinternational.c...-MERCEDES.html. is massively more $, any reason why, like anything else included or just pricing differences?

Thanks !

 

i want to update my comments about linux vs android based units. after enough frustration, i decided to replace the android unit in the ml63 with a linux based unit. the android unit that i have in ml63 has proven too unreliable and now, it won't wirelessly connect to android auto or carplay.linux unit in the g550 has been quite reliable. given the choice, i would not buy an android based unit again. perhaps, i just purchased a poor android unit and i recommend linux based units vs android based units.

 

@jwestpro , i've purchased of these units for various vehicles. i purchased all from chinese sellers on ebay and aliexpress. i suspect that when you purchase from accessories international, you will get support with installation and issues. perhaps, you may also receive updates. not sure.

 

For what its worth, I have an android auto unit in my 2013 G63. It has proven to be very reliable and stays connected with my android phones (Pixels and Samsung) over 10-12 hour road trips.

 

These look to be on sale right now for $215, thats a deal if they work as well as you say.

.

 

Does anyone have a photo of the 10" screen installed in the cabin for comparison to the 12" screen?

 

There looks to be some in this thread ..........

https://mbworld.org/forums/g-class-w...13-2018-a.html


.

 

here are photos. i'm installing new speakers, hence the mess. i have 12" screen in ml63 and, i like 12" because fonts are bigger and so, easier to read. 10" and 12" have same screen resolution. so, letters on 10" look smaller. i like size of 10" in smaller cabin of g wagon. if you see in photo, i think 12" would be taller and block the parking indication lights. that said, i think both 10" and 12" work in g wagon.

 

Really appreciate it, @KarlC and @bejoy ! I ended up buying the Linux-based 12" one from Amazon, I am hoping at my height it doesn't block the indicator light but I don't really pay attention to it anyways. Figured it can't hurt to have slightly more screen real estate.

 

thank you guys, I ended up installing the linux version 12.3" and love it. The display blocks the parking indication lights but I am ok with that so far no issues

Linux 12.3" Display

 

That looks great, what one did you buy? Do you have a link to it ?

How long did the install take, do you have any pointers for the install ?

Thx Karl

 

I followed the instruction by @bejoy by purchasing it from https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568...yAdapt=glo2usa and used 2 youtube instructions posted by @bejoy I messaged the support about changing the boot logo from Acura NSX to Mercedes Logo but you can change it to anything you want as long as the resolution is 1920 x 720. Get NTG4.5 for 2016 and earlier models and NTG5.0 for 2017 & 2018 models. I initially got NTG5.0 thinking that I am going to install the latest and the greatest but I ended up returning it

 

I have the 12" screen. It is massive. I would do the 10" if I were doing it again.

 

I installed the https://amzn.to/4bw49VH 12.3 Linux based screen as per this thread, and used the viedos in this thread as a guild line, it was a pain but it all worked out.

Now I just have have to get it to work right with the stock MB systems and my phone, thats a whole nother set of issues the install instructions and viedos dont talk about.

Im sure it will all be worth the time, and I think the larger 12.3" size updates my 2014 G63 by 10 years so Im glad I did it.

.

 

Interesting, the bezels are significantly thinner than the photos for the listing and everyone else's units that were posted which are most likely the Amazon 12.3" Linux one? Makes me think I should return my Amazon one for the 12.3" AliExpress one.

Is this NTG 4.5 or 5.0?

 

This is NTG 4.5

 

Thanks — I am going to order this one as well, the bezels are much more modern than the others.

 

The AliExpress 12.3" Linux screen arrived and I installed it last week, wanted to share some thoughts/notes in case it may be helpful to anyone else reading. This is for a 2013 G550, NTG 4.5.

- The 12.3" size and this specific unit looks fantastic. The bezels are thinner and it looks very premium, it is slightly out of place with the old number pad right below but the interior is much better with it. It does not block the front parking indicators at all for me but I am quite tall so YMMV. The resolution is also fine for the screen size, I was worried it might look soft, it isn't extremely high res but you wouldn't think twice about it

- Installation was a breeze, I followed the videos posted previously for instructions on how to take apart the center console and where to put the connectors but besides that it is pretty self explanatory. I have done two other Android installations and this was the easiest. Just take your time and follow the videos

- NO DRILLING! I saw some mentions about drilling in the thread and also in the instructional videos, for the Linux units with Bluetooth audio, you do not need to drill! The purpose of drilling is for units that feed audio through AUX and to get the cable into the center console to plug into the MMI port. You need to connect to the car Bluetooth with your phone and then connect to the screen via Bluetooth as well and enable Bluetooth Audio in the screen's settings. As for the USB ports, I ran it through the dashboard to the passenger side and zip tied them next to the fuse box in the passenger side next to the glovebox. I won't need to access these at all but will be handy in case I want to change the boot logo again

- Only other setting I had to change to get it to work is select the right resolution for the car's original system, believe it was 800x400

- Boot up is extremely quick and the only bug that has happened is the resolution of Android Auto was screwed up once on startup but opening and closing it solved it instantly. Backup camera shows instantly and Android Auto starts instantly for me

For $200 and a few hours of working on your G, this is one of the best modifications you can do.

 

Nice job. Did you NOT have to remove the transmission tunnel trim area and center console (like below)? ALL your work was done up near the screen?

 

That's right – I just removed the screen, the square trim around the radio, the top air vents, and then pulled out the radio. I did not even fully disconnect the radio, I just slid it out to make the connections in the back and feed the cables for the screen up to the top. I removed the glovebox to feed the USB ports through the back of it for it to reach the fuse box panel to the right of the dash which comes off easily. Did not have to take off the climate controls, shifter, or glovebox. There was plenty of room for the new cables behind the radio as well so it fit without an issue. The relative ease of installing and lack of drilling, as well as using the OEM Bluetooth audio to retain sound quality was a huge reason why I decided to go for it. In my M5, the sound quality definitely does not sound as great with the AUX connection to the Android screen.

 

Wow that's very good info for folks reading this thread. The hardest part of my install was removing transmission tunnel and center console. IF you are saying you don't have to do that AND the head unit is much much cheaper (I paid $550), this is a no brainer.

 

Same here, I didn't remove anything in the middle, nor did I drill anything to get the cable routed to the AUX connection.