Main Screen Retrofit to 9" with CarPlay
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
From: USA
S, GLS
No, read my posting carefully, I provided the link from aliexpress, only buy N600 if you want wireless carplay.
4x4 is expensive and sells the old models.
4x4 is expensive and sells the old models.
Last edited by htce38; Jul 1, 2020 at 04:55 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 12
Likes: 1
GL X166
@htce38 Your install looks excellent, the N600 seems to be the best choice at the moment for wireless carplay which is what am mainly after, and the screen upgrade is nice too. Do you have any pictures of the OEM screens / reversing camera etc. on the new screen? Also am not clear on the AMI interface - are you saying this is needed for sound to work when in CarPlay?
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
From: USA
S, GLS
@htce38 Your install looks excellent, the N600 seems to be the best choice at the moment for wireless carplay which is what am mainly after, and the screen upgrade is nice too. Do you have any pictures of the OEM screens / reversing camera etc. on the new screen? Also am not clear on the AMI interface - are you saying this is needed for sound to work when in CarPlay?
Thank you. Let's put it this way, I was going to pay dealer $180 just to update my factory map software. Now, I got this beautiful new touchscreen with wireless carplay and live maps, etc for less than $500. Also, the interior looks so much better. BTW, I will also sell my factory screen to recoup most of my spending.
When you are in the oem environment, everything works as now, no touchscreen.
Ami to aux cable is for when you are in the android system, including wireless CarPlay, you need to set factory audio to Aux, to get sound, including Waze, google Nav, play music from your phone, video though android screen, etc. The unit comes with a 3.5mm cable that goes from back of the unit and connects to the media interface port in the center console. So if you don't want to deal with factory os again, just leave it on AUX and do everything though the android/carplay touchscreen interface.
I will upload a few photos this weekend.
Last edited by htce38; Jul 3, 2020 at 04:45 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
Based on this information I’m understanding that when you crossover to the android screen you have to put Aux In oem screen before getting to the android screen ? If so , then this looses all sound from oem screen. In which answers my next question. For those people with rear entertainment, you cannot play dvd from main screen because you will be loosing sound if you switch off to android screen to use waze. Only way I see this working is if you use the separate DVD player in the rear.
can anyone who has this screen with rear entertainment system chime in please.
QUOTE=htce38;8097092]Thank you. Let's put it this way, I was going to pay dealer $180 just to update my factory map software. Now, I got this beautiful new touchscreen with wireless carplay and live maps, etc for less than $500. Also, the interior looks so much better. BTW, I will also sell my factory screen to recoup most of my spending.
When you are in the oem environment, everything works as now, no touchscreen.
Ami to aux cable is for when you are in the android system, including wireless CarPlay, you need to set factory audio to Aux, to get sound, including Waze, google Nav, play music from your phone, video though android screen, etc. The unit comes with a 3.5mm cable that goes from back of the unit and connects to the media interface port in the center console. So if you don't want to deal with factory os again, just leave it on AUX and do everything though the android/carplay touchscreen interface.
I will upload a few photos this weekend.[/QUOTE]
can anyone who has this screen with rear entertainment system chime in please.
QUOTE=htce38;8097092]Thank you. Let's put it this way, I was going to pay dealer $180 just to update my factory map software. Now, I got this beautiful new touchscreen with wireless carplay and live maps, etc for less than $500. Also, the interior looks so much better. BTW, I will also sell my factory screen to recoup most of my spending.
When you are in the oem environment, everything works as now, no touchscreen.
Ami to aux cable is for when you are in the android system, including wireless CarPlay, you need to set factory audio to Aux, to get sound, including Waze, google Nav, play music from your phone, video though android screen, etc. The unit comes with a 3.5mm cable that goes from back of the unit and connects to the media interface port in the center console. So if you don't want to deal with factory os again, just leave it on AUX and do everything though the android/carplay touchscreen interface.
I will upload a few photos this weekend.[/QUOTE]
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2013 ML350 Base
HTCE38, 4x4Shop is now carrying the same unit. Although a bit more expensive.
You have to decide if saving a few bucks is more important to you. AliExpress has several Chinese outfits that offer the unit. I got mine from MEKEDE just as HTC38 did. My unit is displaying in Celsius and not in Fahrenheit and I can't get MEKEDE to respond and fix it. You can only chat with them via the AliExpress chat portal and the time difference and responsiveness is not the best to say the least.
If you prefer to have someone to be able to speak to if you have any issues, I found 4x4Shop to be very responsive, but of course a bit more expensive.
BTW: I used the onboard GPS antenna to hook my unit up. IMO I think the MB GPS antenna is a lot better and responsive. You will need to buy a Fraka Y splitter and GPS to unit cable from Amazon as well as be ready to shave off a bit off of the connectors.
Lastly to the recommendation of HTCE38 I also bought a noise isolator connector from Amazon. I think it makes a big difference buy cutting out the garble background noise, just like HTCE38 say it would.
You have to decide if saving a few bucks is more important to you. AliExpress has several Chinese outfits that offer the unit. I got mine from MEKEDE just as HTC38 did. My unit is displaying in Celsius and not in Fahrenheit and I can't get MEKEDE to respond and fix it. You can only chat with them via the AliExpress chat portal and the time difference and responsiveness is not the best to say the least.
If you prefer to have someone to be able to speak to if you have any issues, I found 4x4Shop to be very responsive, but of course a bit more expensive.
BTW: I used the onboard GPS antenna to hook my unit up. IMO I think the MB GPS antenna is a lot better and responsive. You will need to buy a Fraka Y splitter and GPS to unit cable from Amazon as well as be ready to shave off a bit off of the connectors.
Lastly to the recommendation of HTCE38 I also bought a noise isolator connector from Amazon. I think it makes a big difference buy cutting out the garble background noise, just like HTCE38 say it would.
Last edited by Eric@wages; Jul 3, 2020 at 08:28 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2013 ML350 Base
Jabinader. I imagine if you playing a DVD you will just need to be in the MB OEM screen. One of the things you will need to do while installing the unit is to transfer the OEM Optical cable to the new harness. (don't worry it's easy) After you have done all of the harness connections, you will need to run the provided 3.5mm connector from the infosystem to the OEM onboard AUX connector, (usually in ML's inside the globe box ) AUX cable also provided.This is how the Android unit takes advantage of your OEM Amplifier and speakers. Also your OEM unit obviously has a video cable running not only to your front screen but your back sit screens as well. You will need to make use of the video cables provided in the harness if you want to play movies say you downloaded to a USB stick or SD.
it sounds harder than what it really is!!!
it sounds harder than what it really is!!!
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
Good evening all. I’m doing my screen retrofit tomorrow. While I’m at it I want to change the cracked wood grain on the dash. Any PDFs or anywhere I can find instructions on how to take it off. Seems like it’s an easy DIY, based on the tabs in the new on. I have the ambient light trims. Thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
Good afternoon all. I’m stuck with the harness. I can seem to be able to squeeze the harness to a point where the radio slides in. Been at it for 3 hours With this install and now I’m stuck at the end. Anyone has any tips ? Did you cut any of the plastic ?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
It's been over a year, but put your hand inside where the radio slides in. Make sure to remove any obstructions that you can - feel around, there were some wires that I could slightly move to give me a few mm of extra clearance that really help.
Next, I forgot what module or what it was, but there was a box that I moved UNDER the radio compartment (where it slides), closer to the vent controls. That was key.
I kept messing with it until it fit and took me a few hours the first time because the last thing I wanted to do was bend the fiber optic cable!!! Not sure if you have one, but I do from my B&O sound system.
Now I can probably do the whole thing in 15 minutes or less... first time 3-4 hours=)
It fits, don't cut anything!
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
the harness connectors, shove them down where the bottom temp controls are and you'll get the room you need.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
Lol. I had to call a buddy to help. Sun had me drained. Install was a success. Quality not that great. Excited to use waze on this. Main reason I got it.
QUOTE=Sierra117;8111589]Re-arrange and try, try again. This is the hard part.
Do a test and make sure you can hear sound from L/R of the car before you commit.[/QUOTE]
QUOTE=Sierra117;8111589]Re-arrange and try, try again. This is the hard part.
Do a test and make sure you can hear sound from L/R of the car before you commit.[/QUOTE]
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 963
Likes: 122
From: Illinois
2014 Mercedes-Benz GL63 AMG
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2013 ML350 Base
The only thing wrong with my unit is the temp. It displays in C rather then F. Has anyone else observed this problem. Mekede giving me the running around. I think this may be a firmware upgrade. Anyone has been lucky to get Mekede send you a firmware upgrade yet??
I have already change the temp unit within system to no luck. Also reset the unit as well with same result.
Thanks
I have already change the temp unit within system to no luck. Also reset the unit as well with same result.
Thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
On my Android screen I saw the C as well and KM instead of miles. I just use the android screen for waze. Only time I see that Is if I were to put gauges on screen. I hate the fact that I can’t listen to radio and do waze. I have to do Apple Music now so I can listen to radio 🤷🏽♂️ I have tidal. Tidal doesn’t seem to upload on car play. Also , Camera is not bad at night. Day time is not the best , but I can live with it. The Qualcom Version also lets you mirror your phone , which i thought was dope.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
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gl550
Good afternoon all. Third day with the Qualcom screen and there’s a few things I would like any of you to chime in if you can.
yesterday when I was using car play , the Oem car Audio was eliminated. I was only able to use iTunes or tidal from CarPlay, the same happened whenever I went on android screen. Oem audio was canceled. However this morning , I was able to access CarPlay and hear my Oem car audio. Any audio that I played from car play (iTunes ) was eliminated. Is there an actual way that I’m not aware that you can have the option to by pass Oem radio , or stay with oem radio while using car play?
secondly when connected to android Bluetooth, FaceTime will not work. You can hear the call , however you will not be able to see the actual FaceTime on your phone. Im assuming it’s due to the screen not having a camera 🤷🏽♂️ Even after disconnecting from Bluetooth , FaceTime will not work if using any of android features.
please chime in if you have experienced this , and what have you done when encountering these issues. Thank you
yesterday when I was using car play , the Oem car Audio was eliminated. I was only able to use iTunes or tidal from CarPlay, the same happened whenever I went on android screen. Oem audio was canceled. However this morning , I was able to access CarPlay and hear my Oem car audio. Any audio that I played from car play (iTunes ) was eliminated. Is there an actual way that I’m not aware that you can have the option to by pass Oem radio , or stay with oem radio while using car play?
secondly when connected to android Bluetooth, FaceTime will not work. You can hear the call , however you will not be able to see the actual FaceTime on your phone. Im assuming it’s due to the screen not having a camera 🤷🏽♂️ Even after disconnecting from Bluetooth , FaceTime will not work if using any of android features.
please chime in if you have experienced this , and what have you done when encountering these issues. Thank you
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 32
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Overpriced German Junk
On my Android screen I saw the C as well and KM instead of miles. I just use the android screen for waze. Only time I see that Is if I were to put gauges on screen. I hate the fact that I can’t listen to radio and do waze. I have to do Apple Music now so I can listen to radio 🤷🏽♂️ I have tidal. Tidal doesn’t seem to upload on car play. Also , Camera is not bad at night. Day time is not the best , but I can live with it. The Qualcom Version also lets you mirror your phone , which i thought was dope.
Waze should only be playing from the driver door treble speaker, next to the A/C vent. The unit should be muting your radio automatically as well for the voice to carry over. But the unit wouldn't know how to do that if you just simply installed Waze. You have to the tell the unit that you want Waze to the be the main, default navigation app for the customizations to work out.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 41
Likes: 3
gl550
Morning all. Anyone have a pic or can recall how long the screw that holds the screen and bracket is? Mine didn’t come with one. I thought I was going to be fine with just attaching the screen with the screws, but it’s been rattling on rough street surfaces. Thank you 🙏
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 72
Likes: 2
2013 ML350 Base
JAbinader: If the screws you referring to are the screws that hold the meal plate to the body of the car, then you should be able to use the OEM screws. If on the other hand you are referring to the screws that hold the screen to the plastic backing plate to attached the screen, then a 3/4" metal screw should do it. Just make sure it is the right fit. Also at each of the holes there should be a metal plate designed to make the metal screw hold.
Something like this:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=...AAAAAdAAAAABAD
Something like this:
https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=...AAAAAdAAAAABAD
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 25
Likes: 3
From: Central WI
2016 GL450
Just a quick follow-up on my experience with the aftermarket Android screen. I installed the 8.4" version on March 20, 2019 and enjoyed it for 16 months, then it stopped working. I had to take my car into the dealership to look at a few other things (lost my navigation map data, data connection not working, etc) and I figured they likely would likely give me a hard time about having the aftermarket screen so I put the original factory screen back in. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do next... maybe the Tesla looking retrofit :-)
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
From: USA
S, GLS
Just a quick follow-up on my experience with the aftermarket Android screen. I installed the 8.4" version on March 20, 2019 and enjoyed it for 16 months, then it stopped working. I had to take my car into the dealership to look at a few other things (lost my navigation map data, data connection not working, etc) and I figured they likely would likely give me a hard time about having the aftermarket screen so I put the original factory screen back in. I haven't decided yet what I'm going to do next... maybe the Tesla looking retrofit :-)
Since most of these units come with a 1 year warranty and if you purchased with a credit card, usually Visa or Master or even Amex will double the factory warranty and pay for the repair or replacement unit. You may want to look into that. Maybe you can get a newer unit with more features for free.
