JesusV

Hey guys, recently purchased a 2012 GL 550 with the HK sound and rear entertainment. I'm having bluetooth problems, I can receive a call and can talk for a few seconds, but then it cuts out. Is this a common problem? Can the bluetooth be dated? I'm using a Samsung s9.

I'm thinking of getting a bluetooth adapter for the iPod plug in the glove box that can play music and can possibly receive calls as well, is there such a product that can do both?

2nd option is to get a head unit. The Avin looks nice even with all the wrinkles, Onyx mentioned an adapter https://www.spiralaudio.com/index.ph...roduct_id=1005 , that he used for the Alpine Halo 9 install (also considering the Halo) wondering if this would help with some of the shortcomings of the Avin. The adapter site says it has the fiber optic connections for the amp, fm antenna and gps. It also says its compatible with Android and aftermarket radios.

Appreciate any help and advice!

rich30769

Radio reception is still horrible AND sometimes trying to turn the wifi on is a royal pain. The wifi symbol stays darkened with a line through it for a good while even after turning the phone's hotspot on and tapping the wifi symbol on the radio. Every now and again it will connect right away but, mostly I've noticed that it has been taking a long time to connect lately. I haven't even tried using the rear monitors. How is yours working?

Jason B

rich30769

The AVIN has 3 USB inputs which you can plug your thumb drive into so, it becomes way more than 7gb of space. I currently have a 64gb thumb drive plugged into 1 of them. There is no satellite at all with the AVIN radio

DrMel

Greetings folks! I've been stalking this thread for about a month now and finally pulled the trigger on upgrading the factory unit in our 2010 GL 450 w/Harmon Kardon.

We were having major issues with the factory unit: Random Bluetooth disconnections (My wife has an iPhone8 and I have a Note 8 - maybe to new for the 8-year old factory receiver), DVD's stuck in the 6-disc changer and random reboots.

We purchased the Kenwood DDX6705S to get Apple Carplay and Android Auto. We also heavily use XM Radio since road trips often leave us without cell service to stream music. I wanted the stability of a big name aftermarket receiver instead of a purely Android-based receiver (I might regret it, but time will tell). I LOVE Androids, but when it comes to a receiver in our vehicles, I prefer consistency.

Now to the meat of the post:

I found several resources to help me with the install, the best being Crutchfield. Their customer service and knowledge are unmatched.

Supplies:

From Crutchfield:

• Kenwood DDX6705S: https://www.crutchfield.com/p_113DDX...-DDX6705S.html - So far, no complaints
• Metra 40-EU10 Antenna Adapter https://www.crutchfield.com/p_12040E...a-Adapter.html -- Works Like a Charm!
• Metra 99-8723B Dash Kit https://www.crutchfield.com/p_120998...tte-Black.html
• Scosche LPMZ25 Wiring Interface https://www.crutchfield.com/p_142LPM...Interface.html - Includes a MOST Fiber interface and retains steering wheel controls
• Crutchfield ReadyHarness™ Service https://www.crutchfield.com/p_264PAS...s-Service.html -- This is a game-changer and probably saved me an hour of a headache

From Amazon:

• 6 inch RG316 RCA Male to Fakra Neutral Male Pigtail Jumper RF coaxial cable 50 ohm Quick USA Shipping: http://a.co/d/0lsW8zx -- To retain factory backup camera functionality. It works perfectly, including the parking grid overlay.
• SiriusXM SXV300v1 Connect Vehicle Tuner Kit for Satellite Radio with Free 3 Months Satellite and Streaming Service: http://a.co/d/j4iKSqn
• 6Pcs Car Trim Removal Tools Kit，Auot Door Panel Upholstery Engine Cover Fender Clips Repair Tools Installer Clip Plier/Fastener Tools: http://a.co/d/h29cNmL
• Maestro HRN-ANT-SAT1 FAKRA to Aftermarket SMB Satellite Radio Antenna Adaptor: http://a.co/d/gWGKdEN -- This didn't work since the factory XM Antenna actually connects to the receiver under the driver-side rear passenger seat. There are several options for Fakra extension cables on Amazon, but I wanted to finish the install today, so I used the antenna that came with the SiriusSM SXV300. To avoid running the new antenna to the outside of the vehicle, I placed it in the front corner of the dash. See the pic below.

Avin:

• Factory Bluetooth Microphone Adapter - Mercedes / VW / Porsche / Audi: https://avinusa.com/factory-bluetoot...sche-audi.html -- This didn't work for me although I see several people saying it does for them. As i mentioned, we had been having issues with the factory bluetooth so its likely that the factory microphone cable is busted. I used the Kenwood microphone and placed it near the driver-side visor.

YouTube Videos:
How to remove the wood trim and factory radio, as well as what colors the fakra cables are:
Things to know:
We have a Harmon Kardon system with the rear entertainment system. One thing to note about an aftermarket receiver is that a dvd played in the front receiver will not display on the rear monitors. The Kenwood receiver has a Video and Audio out jack, but there is nothing behind the dash to connect them to. At this point, I have no idea what adapter could help channel video to the rear monitors. My next project will be to replace the rear monitors anyway. If anyone knows good steps for that, let me know.

The rear DVD player located on the backside of the center console will still play on the rear screens. But like it was stated by Crutchfield, the audio will only play through the headphones. We have three kids + Two Headsets = Arguments and fighting. So, does anyone know if/where we can buy an extra headset that will connect to the monitors?

To watch a dvd on the Kenwood receiver, we have to engage the parking brake -- You read that right. Not only does the truck have to be in Park, but the actual parking brake also has to be engaged as well. Weird, but O Well.

Here are several pics of the work:


Use a T20 driver to remove this first. Watch the YouTube Video for more instructions.



Pry gently to release the lower part of the panel on each side. After that, it slides down and out.



Disconnect these from the back of the factory receiver. Again, watch the YouTube video for specifics.
As you can see, the previous owners left some old parking passes and business cards behind. They are from Cali. We bought the truck in Houston, Tx 3 years ago and we now live in IL. Crazy how these vehicles find their way around the country.


Everything is cleared out and ready for the Kenwood.
The Mustard yellow connector was the factory bluetooth microphone. The Avin adapter didn't work for me, so I used the Kenwood mic instead.
The Blue was likely GPS. I didn't use it since the new receiver has CarPlay/Android Auto.
The Green was the rearview camera. The adapter from Amazon worked like a charm!
The whiteish-beige was the factory antenna for AM/FM Radio. The adapter from Crutchfield works like a charm.
At the top right of the quadlock harness was the fiber connection. It releases from the harness and connects to the MOST adapter.

The Finished Product:


Buttoned-up and clean.


Yikes - time to replace the pedals with AMG's - Who has good instructions??
I love the LED lights (Yorkim 6418 LED Bulb, Canbus Error Free 36mm Festoon LED Bulb 6500K White Super Bright 400 Lumens 12-SMD 4014 Chipsets, 6411 LED Bulb, 6413 Bulb, 6418 Bulb, DE3423 Bulb, C5W LED Bulb, Pack of 4: http://a.co/d/a3Ia3uu) I recently placed throughout the truck, but those pedals are hideous!!


The XM Antenna is now in the top passenger corner. All cables to it are hidden to keep things clean.
Disregard the AUX cable on the floor. We won't be needing that anymore.

I hope this post helps!

-Mel

NOTE: I have no affiliation with any of the vendors, product manufactures or videos listed.

DrMel

We stared having the same problem with our newer phones so replaced the head unit.

-Mel

rich30769

Hi DrMel,

The M.O.S.T adapter that came with the AVIN unit works fine with the fiber optics, it seems as some of us are mainly having issues with radio reception and getting our phones to work through bluetooth. I am not sure what this other adapter would, or wouldn't fix... As for the Halo9, I considered removing this AVIN and purchasing that but, it's crazy that you have to spend $800 for the unit alone and THEN also have to purchase other components to get it ro work with our trucks.

JesusV

It may have been the signal of the two calls that dropped out, both were in the outskirts of KS. Bluetooth is now working, very clear too.

Both options have me on the fence. Now that I've confirmed my bluetooth phone is working properly, the only other reason for an upgrade was the capabilities of playing my personal playlists and/or bluetooth audio.

To fill the music void, I ended up connecting an ipod7 via the Mdi cable and a 30pin to Lightning adapter. I like making my own playlists on itunes and the Command interface works very well for my needs. I may opt to buy the Coolstream Car bluetooth adapter later in the future.

rich30769

FWIW, both Google Maps and Waze work great on the AVIN for navigation. I'm sure that they would work perfectly on any other Android based system also.

Mikchek

yoooooo this looks dope...you put an ipad mini in there...super cool!!!

bluegl350

We are having bluetooth issues with the factory unit as well. A couple of questions about going the Kenwood route.

1. What happens to the analog clock in the dash with removing the unit. Can it still be set?
2. Do you still see the track playing in the dash display?
3. Any luck getting the sound from the rear seat screens to play over the speakers.

Thanks!

DrMel

1. No, we cannot set the analog dash clock anymore. We never used it, so no biggie for us.
2. No, the dash does not say the track that's playojg. We usually keep the dash on the Fuel Range setting anyway. There is supposedly a wiring harness from
3. This isn't possible since there is no physical wire coming from the rear entertainment system into the aftermarket harness. To my knowledge, there is no wiring harness that can do it.

I think there are several limitations to installing any aftermarket receiver. It all depends on what you're willing to give up.

Ukexport

Hi there,

If this is still available, what are you looking to get for it?

Cheers,

Grahame.

Jason B

StephenPage

Hey gents, AT&T was charging me nearly $30 per month for my AirCard so I could have WIFI on the head unit. However, they recently released a cheaper alternative that works great and includes some other features. This device is $20 per month for unlimited data.

https://www.att.com/devices/harman/spark.html?utm_source=Harman+ATT+-+Master+-+Dec+11+2018&utm_campaign=ad8dc26a38-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_12_11_12_05&utm_medium=email&u tm_term=0_94d1ff3184-ad8dc26a38-204815865#sku=sku8900265

JesusV

I believe it does, but sound will only be heard through the headphones.

Jason B

Can you guys tell me if a XM aftermarket antenna will plug into the Mercedes factory XM brain box?


Currently have factory radio and want to bypass the factory antenna for an inside mount.

Rebelbac

Iceytys

Bump....

@PopoySD Did get your cable, and did it work? Can you send a link? I did notice however, even though the AVIN had the double fakra connector, only the bottom one did anything, the top plug seems to be just plastic.

Wonder if you could just get an adapter w/o the 2-1?

Thanks

fuokafor

I need help in making my camera work. I connected the adapter I purchased when I ordered the radio. Everything work except the came gives me a yellow triangle. Am I missing any connections? I picture of how to connect the camera will help.


Blue Antenna power going to PIN 13.

Car quadlock PIN 13 is empty

• Altough you can plug in the dual white FAKRA antenna cable the AVIN conenctor has only one terminal wired. It means one of the antenna cables end no where.

Two antenna cables in the double FAKRA connector. But only one has terminal in AVIN

• Can not set OEM clock: I have found a thread giving you options to set the OEM clock: You can unplug and re-insert the instrument cluster fuse at 12:00 or you can change the instrument cluster configuration to work without NAvigation system. This is the thread I found: https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-...-solution.html
• On my car the OEM microphone does not have a FAKRA connector. The microphone is part of the harness in the Quadlock connector. I made a simple connection between AVIN Quadlock and the MIC in.
• 
  
  Connection between AVIN Quadlock and Mic input to connect OEM mic to AVIN

[/QUOTE]

Jason B

All those pics and no INSTALLED PICS?

tadiguy

I had a blank cam screen with the caution symbol too until I connected the right cables. For the AVIN the cable labeled Rear Cam connected to the green Fakra using the adapter is what worked for me.

Did you find a solution to the FM antenna connection? I had the same issue with blue/white Ant power wire to pin 13 going nowhere in the second quadlock connector. On the stock HU if I disconnect all the antennas and harnesses with exception of the QuadLock the FM still works. Not sure why. Thanks for any insight.

Mikchek

I have a pioneer w4400nex

StephenPage

I've had the AVINUSA unit for awhile now and satisfied. It supports WiFI, Bluetooth, camera etc.

Mbrocambro

Wouldn't mess with car toys they are just so generic and incompetents.