When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I looked through several threads but couldn't find a current, 2024 opinion on the best option to integrate CarPlay into 2016 G63 w/ factory Harmon system.
I ended up going with the GTA CarPlay module. Managed to get everything connected and appears to function well. Pulling the head unit and connecting everything took about 20min.
However, I had to remove it after about a couple hours of trying to find a
place for the module and the additional wiring harness. Just not enough space behind the head unit. Going to try again next weekend…may remove the glove box and see if a can tuck it there.
In cae anyone else is interested. I just did the DMP 12.3". It's a great unit. I've installed a few of the retrofit units in other vehicles and this is by far the best. I think you can get it directly from DMP or places like Accerories International in Miami.
I found a good spot behind the glove box to tuck the GTA CarPlay module whic gave me enough room to tuck the quad lock harness to the head unit underneath.
install went great and everything works smoothly. A simple press of the “back” toggles between the OEM screen/functions and CarPlay.
The 12.3" DMP screen is touchscreen correct? I assume its touch screen till you get to the stock NTG menu and then you use the scroll wheel like always? Sorry to harp on this again and again since @skymast already answered once. I have an android auto unit in one of my other cars and it takes a bit to boot up. I worry most about having to wait for the unit to boot up till rear view camera functions because I park nose in and need the truck to be ready to go as soon as I start up.
The 12.3" DMP screen is touchscreen correct? I assume its touch screen till you get to the stock NTG menu and then you use the scroll wheel like always? Sorry to harp on this again and again since @skymast already answered once. I have an android auto unit in one of my other cars and it takes a bit to boot up. I worry most about having to wait for the unit to boot up till rear view camera functions because I park nose in and need the truck to be ready to go as soon as I start up.
The reverse screen is available immediately. It takes 10 - 15 seconds to boot to carplay but that's about what it is on native systems as well. The Mercedes units are fantastic compared to the ones I have put in Land Cruisers and Range Rovers.
This one is Linux based (instead of Android based), which has 3 key benefits:
1) It boots up super fast and gets you into CarPlay in less than 10 seconds. The other Android based ones take nearly a minute or longer to boot, go through 3rd party launcher apps (like Zlink) and then get into CarPlay after an interminable wait.
2) All audio goes through the regular Mercedes Bluetooth audio connection so it always works and is bulletproof. With the Android based units, it does not do that and uses an aux-usb connection that resulted in audio not working for me at least 50% of the time which is super maddening and frustrating. This was the single biggest reason I let searching and was unhappy with the Android based screens. The Linux based one I posted uses my native OEM Mercedes built in Bluetooth for playing music and making calls, all while still using CarPlay and it’s never been anything but great and ultra reliable.
3) it’s about half the price of the Android units. Only downside, if you can call it that - is that it just does CarPlay. It doesn’t support any other Android apps running on the head unit itself, which I’m fine with as all I care about is CarPlay, fast boot time and rock solid audio always working.
Otherwise there is no compromise with the quality and responsiveness of the screen. I’ve had them all and this is the best.
This one is Linux based (instead of Android based), which has 3 key benefits:
1) It boots up super fast and gets you into CarPlay in less than 10 seconds. The other Android based ones take nearly a minute or longer to boot, go through 3rd party launcher apps (like Zlink) and then get into CarPlay after an interminable wait.
2) All audio goes through the regular Mercedes Bluetooth audio connection so it always works and is bulletproof. With the Android based units, it does not do that and uses an aux-usb connection that resulted in audio not working for me at least 50% of the time which is super maddening and frustrating. This was the single biggest reason I let searching and was unhappy with the Android based screens. The Linux based one I posted uses my native OEM Mercedes built in Bluetooth for playing music and making calls, all while still using CarPlay and it’s never been anything but great and ultra reliable.
3) it’s about half the price of the Android units. Only downside, if you can call it that - is that it just does CarPlay. It doesn’t support any other Android apps running on the head unit itself, which I’m fine with as all I care about is CarPlay, fast boot time and rock solid audio always working.
Otherwise there is no compromise with the quality and responsiveness of the screen. I’ve had them all and this is the best.
This one is Linux based (instead of Android based), which has 3 key benefits:
1) It boots up super fast and gets you into CarPlay in less than 10 seconds. The other Android based ones take nearly a minute or longer to boot, go through 3rd party launcher apps (like Zlink) and then get into CarPlay after an interminable wait.
2) All audio goes through the regular Mercedes Bluetooth audio connection so it always works and is bulletproof. With the Android based units, it does not do that and uses an aux-usb connection that resulted in audio not working for me at least 50% of the time which is super maddening and frustrating. This was the single biggest reason I let searching and was unhappy with the Android based screens. The Linux based one I posted uses my native OEM Mercedes built in Bluetooth for playing music and making calls, all while still using CarPlay and it’s never been anything but great and ultra reliable.
3) it’s about half the price of the Android units. Only downside, if you can call it that - is that it just does CarPlay. It doesn’t support any other Android apps running on the head unit itself, which I’m fine with as all I care about is CarPlay, fast boot time and rock solid audio always working.
Otherwise there is no compromise with the quality and responsiveness of the screen. I’ve had them all and this is the best.
I have also installed this and it works great! Much more reliable Carplay than the Android system I installed in my Audi. Calls just work.
Support so far has been excellent with timely and responsive email support before anbd after purchase - one tip, you can easily customize the start up screen - a 1920x720 png file named updatelogo.png and a thumb drive into the usb connector #2 is all you need to do then after uploaded, remove the usb drive and reboot.
@riozilla , also, please share photos from further back, perhaps from backseat, to show the scale of screen in relation to the vehicle's cabin. thank you.
Sound quality, per my post - is 100% OEM as audio goes from my phone through the MB Bluetooth audio stock connection method. So it’s the same as if I did not have the screen and car was unmodified. It sounds great and uses the same amp, DSP and audio pipeline as it came with new.
Sound quality, per my post - is 100% OEM as audio goes from my phone through the MB Bluetooth audio stock connection method. So it’s the same as if I did not have the screen and car was unmodified. It sounds great and uses the same amp, DSP and audio pipeline as it came with new.
perfect. thank you. it's a sizeable screen. ideally, i think i would prefer a little smaller screen. it doesn't appear that they offer smaller screen for linux version. all good. i'll try. it should arrive tomorrow and i may install this weekend.
thanks a bunch for sharing this option and your experience.
I originally had similar concern, and I wanted the 10” screen and not this 12” screen but now that I have it, it’s totally fine and I don’t think about it and it does not bother me at all.
I originally had similar concern, and I wanted the 10” screen and not this 12” screen but now that I have it, it’s totally fine and I don’t think about it and it does not bother me at all.
i found a 10" inch linux screen on aliexpress and ordered it. i plan to return the 12" screen that i ordered on amazon. it's made by roadtop, major player in carplay screens. they probably all use same underlying operation system and ui.
2) All audio goes through the regular Mercedes Bluetooth audio connection so it always works and is bulletproof. With the Android based units, it does not do that and uses an aux-usb connection that resulted in audio not working for me at least 50% of the time which is super maddening and frustrating. This was the single biggest reason I let searching and was unhappy with the Android based screens. The Linux based one I posted uses my native OEM Mercedes built in Bluetooth for playing music and making calls, all while still using CarPlay and it’s never been anything but great and ultra reliable.
Quick question on the install; it sounds like it doesnt need you to drill through the console to attach to the USB Aux; essentially everything is just plug & play; is that accurate?
Sharing my point of view on this topic:
2) All audio goes through the regular Mercedes Bluetooth audio connection so it always works and is bulletproof. With the Android based units, it does not do that and uses an aux-usb connection that resulted in audio not working for me at least 50% of the time which is super maddening and frustrating. This was the single biggest reason I let searching and was unhappy with the Android based screens. The Linux based one I posted uses my native OEM Mercedes built in Bluetooth for playing music and making calls, all while still using CarPlay and it’s never been anything but great and ultra reliable.
for anyone having issue with android based carplay units seeming to lose connection and have no sound, try disabling auto connection when car starts. i.e., manually start the link app on the carplay screen. I used to have issue with android auto losing sound which required me to reboot carplay device to regain sound. in my situation, it appears to be some kind of conflict with car play unit and OEM radio trying to establish audio connection at the save time after starting car. it seemed mostly likely to happen when I put vehicle in reverse shortly after starting vehicle. disabling car play from auto connecting when I start vehicle appears to have resolved issue.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
