If you want to feel a lot better about the current resolution you have with your backup camera, you should try taking a look at the camera resolution in a W221 S-class....or any other Benz from that era. That resolution is about the same as watching old UHF with rabbit ear antennas at least 60 miles from the source. People who are around 50 or more who didn't grow up with only cable TV will know what I'm talking about.

 

Chedman13, your thread has given me comfort.

I too purchased the same kit for my W166. Was all gung-ho, then shat when I saw all the cabling.
I'm down with the family in Florida but am coming back to Montreal a week early and wanted to surprise the ball'n chain by installing it while she's gone. I have visions of a dash all apart and nothing working as it's supposed to.
Yeah, I saw the video posted up by Chris the Swede of CKM Car Design. BTW, I bought it directly thru the site. The screen is a joke to install, stoopid simple. But I couldn't find anything on the wiring part and the English instructions I downloaded are...spotty.
Would you mind if I called you up sometime this week or maybe Saturday August 4th (when I'm going to undertake this project)? Otherwise, any words of wisdom?

Thx,

Peter

 

Not an excuse, but I have detailed photos I'll post but life gets busy.

Peter - None of the instructions online are for a W166 or X166, which is why it took me 4 hours. My heart dropped when I saw all the cables because I don't consider myself extremely handy. Let me find some time to post the install to save you several hours of your time and headache. And absolutely you can call me too. Let me post the instructions and you can see if everything is straight forward.

 

Thx bro, I really appreciate it!

 

remove this sticker or else you will see it's reflection in the chrome trim.












bluetooth antenna, you can place it anywhere inside the dash. The GPS antenna won't work in the dash.

 

You need the T-20.


I didn't undo these cables












take the fiber optic cable out and plug it into the new harness.



























bought the nylon trim tools off amazon.com

 

Looks great! A couple of quick questions

1. How do you switch between the OEM and Android/Carplay sources?
2. Does the Android computer have any video outputs? - like composite for rear screens?

 

1) you press the FM/CD button on the aftermarket screen. Once you're in the OEM screen, just touch the screen anywhere and it switches back to aftermarket. The OEM screen is only controlled by the OEM dial pad thing.

If you turn the car off in OEM screen - it starts up in OEM screen. If you turn if off in aftermarket, it starts up in aftermarket. The aftermarket startup is cool, AMG logo and graphics.

2) not 100% sure. There are 2 sets of composite connectors (6 total cables).

 

Thanks for all the great pictures. Do we know if the kit on Ebay is the same as any of the other less expensive ones listed on the other sites above? Looks like might be able to save $200 over the ebay buy it now unless the seller accepts a lower best offer.

Thanks again for all the info.

 

As far as I can tell, they are all the same. I believe you also have to count in shipping and exchange rates depending on who you buy it from.

 

Thanks for answering so quickly! If there are two sets, there's probably an AV out then. One more question, how is the audio handled for the aftermarket? Does it auto switch from OEM to aftermarket audio source?

 

All the wires are jammed back into the dash so sorry I can't say for sure. One set I believe was for an aftermarket rear view camera, so there still is a 50/50 chance one is AV out. It's connected to the harness that has the USB cable where I connect the CarPlay module and my iPhone. If that's an input, there is a higher chance the composite cables are input as well. So chance there isn't an AV out.

Audio is handled by setting the OEM system to "AUX" the connecting the supplied cable (3.5mm I think) audio cable into the center console. It comes with an adapter to plug into that weird plug that I had like a $50 OEM lighting cable that I took out. It then changes it to an audio cable 3.5mm female, where I plug the 3.5mm male into.

I didn't set that up because I had it all connected then realized I needed to take apart the center console to hide the wire so it's jammed into the dash as well for now.

 

Thanks so much for the pics. I think you have options I didn't pick, because I definitely don't have a yellow box in my shipment. My lady runs an iPhone, which made me worried initially because the kit is labeled "Android".
Is there anything else I should have ordered? All I want is the bigger screen. Already have nav. Will the screen operate as a touchscreen now? So many questions LOL

Back up north tomorrow, will maybe try to start the install Monday afternoon.

 

 

Goin' in hot tomorrow. Pray for me LOL

 

Nice. just take your time and make sure to have enough towels to not scratch anything.

T20 star tool, radio removal tools, you should be fine!

 

Well, with your pics and narrative, I've got an advantage to begin with. Thanks again and will report back when done.

 

Hey Chedman, where'd you mount the GPS antenna?

 

 

Well, I just finished the install, meaning everything's buttoned up. Been driving it with the radio not bolted into place because for the life of me, I couldn't get the radio to fit back in 100%.

Had issues with the radio menu and rear-view camera screens. Twenty emails later, those issues are fixed. I bought the kit from CKM Car Design, who's a 3rd-party seller if I'm correct. I seem to have paid a bit less than if you buy the kit from Ebay, but not 100% sure.

Long story short, I was very frustrated with this install, mostly due to the complete lack of instructions. I actually had to combine the pdf CKM sent me (see attachment) after about 5-6 back-and-forth emails, along with instructions gleaned from the internet from other sellers. Mixed all that in with guidance from Chedman, who claims he's not a hands-on person but who is also the same guy who had everything up'n running/buttoned down in 4 hrs compared to my 7 days. I hate Chedman......LOL

I'm essentially mirroring the OEM screen. The key is to not touch the screen, but use the joystick as before. The screen quality is fine for me, I personally have no issues with it. I still have an issue with the android GPS. The kit comes with Google and it's own GPS programs and for some reason, I lost the latter just before fixing my screen resolution issues.

As well, I couldn't for the life of me get the radio all the way back in due to the largish block connector preventing me from doing so. After literally hours of trying to pull/push/tie string and guide the block into a space at the right rear of the radio area, I ended up cutting back a piece of the plastic between the radio and the temp control compartments so as to be able to get my fingers back there and guide that block connector to where there's room. Again, wasn't an issue for Chedman, but I already hate him and everything he claims *wink*

Again, the overall quality of the kit is fine, some of the built-in options (like dashboard app with rpm and speed screen etc) are pretty cool. I don't feel like my $750 US was wasted. But I've been cursing anyone and everyone who's involved in the marketing of the product. Instructions are non-existant and the broken-a$$ English on the little information available makes you want to scream .

Rant off...

 

Saw this on one of the aliexpress listings.

 

Yeah, no mention of accessing the "hidden menu" which is indeed hidden. The mechanical part of the install? A monkey could do it. It's the rest that's a beotch...

 

This looks like the same unit for much less, but ships straight from china.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-Android-G...0/332758315930

 

nice find! it is the same thing.

 

Yup, no doubt......