Guide to Replacing the Head Unit
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 630
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Guide to Replacing the Head Unit
Here is how little I use the factory system: I mount my Garmin to the face plate with a suction cup.
Noodling with Torque got me thinking, though. Couldn't I get an Android head unit and set up some nifty displays, like actual engine temperature?
I really would like Bluetooth for my extensive audio collection. Or maybe even transfer the audio collection into the head unit's memory?
How do you go about finding an appropriate unit? Has anyone put together a basic guide?
Noodling with Torque got me thinking, though. Couldn't I get an Android head unit and set up some nifty displays, like actual engine temperature?
I really would like Bluetooth for my extensive audio collection. Or maybe even transfer the audio collection into the head unit's memory?
How do you go about finding an appropriate unit? Has anyone put together a basic guide?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
Yes, you can get Torque app and set up displays. I have done exactly that and all the other things that you mentioned. I have also put up a 5G wifi for kids' tablets and iPad.
I did the replacement about 2 years ago and it has been working awesome. I took pictures and understood the whole system at that time but never got around to do a write up but I have posted some pictures to help few other members with some connections.
All head units are made in China. Unfortunately that is the world we live in. Even brand names are made in China and I did a fair enough research back then. One could buy either one and still end up with same connections on back side. Best to choose a system with higher storage and ram (32GM/2GB).
In 2007 and 2008 models, one will have to do a physical wire connection for backup camera. 2007 and 2008s don't have any problems with FM reception but later models do.
You can search forum posts and although there is no one full guide but basically most of the questions have been answered.
I did the replacement about 2 years ago and it has been working awesome. I took pictures and understood the whole system at that time but never got around to do a write up but I have posted some pictures to help few other members with some connections.
All head units are made in China. Unfortunately that is the world we live in. Even brand names are made in China and I did a fair enough research back then. One could buy either one and still end up with same connections on back side. Best to choose a system with higher storage and ram (32GM/2GB).
In 2007 and 2008 models, one will have to do a physical wire connection for backup camera. 2007 and 2008s don't have any problems with FM reception but later models do.
You can search forum posts and although there is no one full guide but basically most of the questions have been answered.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 630
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Yes, you can get Torque app and set up displays. I have done exactly that and all the other things that you mentioned. I have also put up a 5G wifi for kids' tablets and iPad.
I did the replacement about 2 years ago and it has been working awesome. I took pictures and understood the whole system at that time but never got around to do a write up but I have posted some pictures to help few other members with some connections.
All head units are made in China. Unfortunately that is the world we live in. Even brand names are made in China and I did a fair enough research back then. One could buy either one and still end up with same connections on back side. Best to choose a system with higher storage and ram (32GM/2GB).
In 2007 and 2008 models, one will have to do a physical wire connection for backup camera. 2007 and 2008s don't have any problems with FM reception but later models do.
You can search forum posts and although there is no one full guide but basically most of the questions have been answered.
I did the replacement about 2 years ago and it has been working awesome. I took pictures and understood the whole system at that time but never got around to do a write up but I have posted some pictures to help few other members with some connections.
All head units are made in China. Unfortunately that is the world we live in. Even brand names are made in China and I did a fair enough research back then. One could buy either one and still end up with same connections on back side. Best to choose a system with higher storage and ram (32GM/2GB).
In 2007 and 2008 models, one will have to do a physical wire connection for backup camera. 2007 and 2008s don't have any problems with FM reception but later models do.
You can search forum posts and although there is no one full guide but basically most of the questions have been answered.
To get started, what do I search for? "Android head unit mercedes"?
What unit did you get?
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
I got something like this from Ebay. I just got this now using a quick search from ebay as the one I purchased is not listed anymore. You'd want at least 2gb ram and 32gb storage (to load offline maps). It usually comes with CAN bus decoder and you can use mute and volume buttons from steering.
If you have Karmon Hardon system, you need MOST adapter too.
Following are links to some of the info posted by me and these threads are a good reading to get the knowledge. Maybe you can write a concise guide once you are done.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8521543
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8413635
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8346983
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8354332
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/av...ation.2375585/
Videos of installation process from You tube
https://youtu.be/4-Ub1D6DC-I
https://youtu.be/ryoAOcJWna8
If you have Karmon Hardon system, you need MOST adapter too.
Following are links to some of the info posted by me and these threads are a good reading to get the knowledge. Maybe you can write a concise guide once you are done.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8521543
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8413635
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8346983
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...ml#post8354332
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/av...ation.2375585/
Videos of installation process from You tube
Last edited by TX07GL450; Dec 20, 2022 at 10:56 PM.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 630
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
I got something like this from Ebay. I just got this from a quick search from ebay as the one I purchased is not listed anymore. You want at least 2gb ram and 32gb storage (to load offline maps). It usually comes with CAN bus decoder and you can used mute and volume buttons from steering.
If you have karmon Hardon system, you need MOST adapter too.
Following are links to some of the info posted by me and these threads are a good reading to get the knowledge. Maybe you can write a concise guide once you are done.
If you have karmon Hardon system, you need MOST adapter too.
Following are links to some of the info posted by me and these threads are a good reading to get the knowledge. Maybe you can write a concise guide once you are done.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2021
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
2008 GL 450
Joining this convo. I'd like to keep the steering wheel controls and possibly the 6 disc changer in the glovebox, but that's not critical. Are these head units able to control the rear screens as well? My rear DVD player is inoperable, so I've been using a laptop with RCA conversions cables to connect to the rear screens.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,759
Likes: 630
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Joining this convo. I'd like to keep the steering wheel controls and possibly the 6 disc changer in the glovebox, but that's not critical. Are these head units able to control the rear screens as well? My rear DVD player is inoperable, so I've been using a laptop with RCA conversions cables to connect to the rear screens.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)
Verdad Gallardo
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
Joining this convo. I'd like to keep the steering wheel controls and possibly the 6 disc changer in the glovebox, but that's not critical. Are these head units able to control the rear screens as well? My rear DVD player is inoperable, so I've been using a laptop with RCA conversions cables to connect to the rear screens.
For rear monitors, one might make it work by fishing or finding the right wires to rear monitors. My unit did have CVBS video out connections and CVBS in connections. My kids are now older and want to watch iPads and nintendo switch Instead. They are more happy that now they have a wifi available during long drives. Therefore I didn't want to look further into connecting rear monitors.
Following is the link to see the connections that my unit has.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/721294-gl450-mercedes-benz-ml-gl-9-8-0-oreo-4gb-ram-navigation-system-11.html#post8414478
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-x164/721294-gl450-mercedes-benz-ml-gl-9-8-0-oreo-4gb-ram-navigation-system-11.html#post8414616
Last edited by TX07GL450; Nov 24, 2022 at 04:17 PM.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
2010 550 with NTG 2.5
I have been looking off and on at androids to replace he Comand. I have not pulled the trigger, yet. I have looked at several units and have decided for myself to opt for a 4GB RAM at minimum. 2 GB might be enough, but I have seen some reviewers not that happy with 2GB units. I've been tempted by their 6GB RAM/128GB unit. Plenty of memory for multitasking and storage. You could also expand with external memory, just need a USB splitter, I think.
I have the rear entertainment option so for me it would be preferable to have the rear screens running from the Android unit. I've almost settled on Xtrons as they seem to have the video out and splitter to feed the rear screens. Not entirely sure that it will work, though. 9 inch display and Android 12 are also a plus. Xtrons also comes with the facia for X164.
I also use XM but I'll lose that with Android in the sense that I don't see a unit which will use the sat service. I can use data to stream, but data is not always reliable where I live or when I travel.
I have been looking off and on at androids to replace he Comand. I have not pulled the trigger, yet. I have looked at several units and have decided for myself to opt for a 4GB RAM at minimum. 2 GB might be enough, but I have seen some reviewers not that happy with 2GB units. I've been tempted by their 6GB RAM/128GB unit. Plenty of memory for multitasking and storage. You could also expand with external memory, just need a USB splitter, I think.
I have the rear entertainment option so for me it would be preferable to have the rear screens running from the Android unit. I've almost settled on Xtrons as they seem to have the video out and splitter to feed the rear screens. Not entirely sure that it will work, though. 9 inch display and Android 12 are also a plus. Xtrons also comes with the facia for X164.
I also use XM but I'll lose that with Android in the sense that I don't see a unit which will use the sat service. I can use data to stream, but data is not always reliable where I live or when I travel.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 254
Likes: 60
From: Houston, TX
Mercedes Benz 2007 GL450 , 2012 BMW 528i
2010 550 with NTG 2.5
I have been looking off and on at androids to replace he Comand. I have not pulled the trigger, yet. I have looked at several units and have decided for myself to opt for a 4GB RAM at minimum. 2 GB might be enough, but I have seen some reviewers not that happy with 2GB units. I've been tempted by their 6GB RAM/128GB unit. Plenty of memory for multitasking and storage. You could also expand with external memory, just need a USB splitter, I think.
I have the rear entertainment option so for me it would be preferable to have the rear screens running from the Android unit. I've almost settled on Xtrons as they seem to have the video out and splitter to feed the rear screens. Not entirely sure that it will work, though. 9 inch display and Android 12 are also a plus. Xtrons also comes with the facia for X164.
I also use XM but I'll lose that with Android in the sense that I don't see a unit which will use the sat service. I can use data to stream, but data is not always reliable where I live or when I travel.
I have been looking off and on at androids to replace he Comand. I have not pulled the trigger, yet. I have looked at several units and have decided for myself to opt for a 4GB RAM at minimum. 2 GB might be enough, but I have seen some reviewers not that happy with 2GB units. I've been tempted by their 6GB RAM/128GB unit. Plenty of memory for multitasking and storage. You could also expand with external memory, just need a USB splitter, I think.
I have the rear entertainment option so for me it would be preferable to have the rear screens running from the Android unit. I've almost settled on Xtrons as they seem to have the video out and splitter to feed the rear screens. Not entirely sure that it will work, though. 9 inch display and Android 12 are also a plus. Xtrons also comes with the facia for X164.
I also use XM but I'll lose that with Android in the sense that I don't see a unit which will use the sat service. I can use data to stream, but data is not always reliable where I live or when I travel.
In terms of memory and storage, the bigger the better of course. I have had mine for 2 years and at that time 2gb/32gb was the best available. I haven't experienced any problem but I don't multi task either. At max it has a music + Waze or maps app going at the same time. If you would want to send video to rear monitors, put maps on and play music, then it might push 2gb/32gb to its limits or it might even not. One thing is that I usually don't find myself multitasking on it, since I am only using it while driving. I am only using one of the USB connection but it seems like I am the only one who plays music from usb. Everyone else in my household prefers to just put youtube on and listen to whatever. Apparently they find it easier to watch it on youtube (& suffer through ads) rather then searching through music library.
Using torque app, watching all the monitors, voltage, timing advance etc while driving has been very entertaining. Also, to be able to check stored/pending codes and clear the check engine light using torque app through head unit is another benefit.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 648
Likes: 144
From: Yeast Coast, Canada
GL550 X164
Definitely go for it. I haven't heard anyone complain after they switched to Android. Its a big upgrade in terms of tech and visual aesthetics.
In terms of memory and storage, the bigger the better of course. I have had mine for 2 years and at that time 2gb/32gb was the best available. I haven't experienced any problem but I don't multi task either. At max it has a music + Waze or maps app going at the same time. If you would want to send video to rear monitors, put maps on and play music, then it might push 2gb/32gb to its limits or it might even not. One thing is that I usually don't find myself multitasking on it, since I am only using it while driving. I am only using one of the USB connection but it seems like I am the only one who plays music from usb. Everyone else in my household prefers to just put youtube on and listen to whatever. Apparently they find it easier to watch it on youtube (& suffer through ads) rather then searching through music library.
Using torque app, watching all the monitors, voltage, timing advance etc while driving has been very entertaining. Also, to be able to check stored/pending codes and clear the check engine light using torque app through head unit is another benefit.
In terms of memory and storage, the bigger the better of course. I have had mine for 2 years and at that time 2gb/32gb was the best available. I haven't experienced any problem but I don't multi task either. At max it has a music + Waze or maps app going at the same time. If you would want to send video to rear monitors, put maps on and play music, then it might push 2gb/32gb to its limits or it might even not. One thing is that I usually don't find myself multitasking on it, since I am only using it while driving. I am only using one of the USB connection but it seems like I am the only one who plays music from usb. Everyone else in my household prefers to just put youtube on and listen to whatever. Apparently they find it easier to watch it on youtube (& suffer through ads) rather then searching through music library.
Using torque app, watching all the monitors, voltage, timing advance etc while driving has been very entertaining. Also, to be able to check stored/pending codes and clear the check engine light using torque app through head unit is another benefit.
I don't want to muddy up waters even more, but last year I had come across a Linux based unit with 8gb Ram and 128 gb storage. It had the rear entertainment connection and XM capability. Unfortunately by the time I made up my mind to buy it, it was no longer available. So I went back to the drawing board. I'm not in a hurry to get one, hence the procrastination on my part. I don't drive the car enough to say I need one sooner than later.
