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Upgrading GLE350 Infotainment System

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Old 02-21-2022, 11:24 AM
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Upgrading GLE350 Infotainment System

The most complex thing while driving is to go through Navigation and another menu. While driving the controller knob moves (sometimes with bumps) and many times accedently it goes to an un-necessary menu. I wish it has a touch screen. I was searching for a while on a replacement for this and found this link. They claim all the functions of the original infotainment system will not be lost. It cost around 1000 dollars. I saved a lot doing DIY things, recently flushing trany saved me 1500 dollars, so thinking to get a touch screen. It comes in two sizes one 12.3 and the other 9 inches screen. I am leaning to 12.3 inches.

https://4x4shop.ca/product/mercedes-...sb-multimedia/


Last edited by sub786sub; 04-19-2022 at 01:01 PM.
Old 02-22-2022, 05:20 PM
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That looks very interesting!! Definitely do it and let us know how it all works and how difficult the installation is. Now, since you're so good at doing this kind of research, please find out how to retrofit auto hi-beams without spending $2500! It seems that we must have sensors for light from the front, if not they could be added, then all one would need to do would be to trigger the high beam relay.
Old 02-23-2022, 10:53 AM
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Originally Posted by thammel
That looks very interesting!! Definitely do it and let us know how it all works and how difficult the installation is. Now, since you're so good at doing this kind of research, please find out how to retrofit auto hi-beams without spending $2500! It seems that we must have sensors for light from the front, if not they could be added, then all one would need to do would be to trigger the high beam relay.
Hmm regarding the light issue, I do not have that issue anymore. I believe I posted somewhere on this site that I upgraded with HID and have after-market fog lights just in case. You can see it in one of the pictures under the gallery. Maybe someday I will post a pic of how the lights look at night.
Old 02-23-2022, 11:00 AM
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A couple of data points here. As it mentions 4G , would this fix some of the 3G sunset issues? Also on their website they don't show the screen in NAVI mode. Does the map view fill the whole screen, or is it windowed into the middle, with blank spaces on each side?
Old 02-24-2022, 04:26 PM
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Hi sub786sub...I have also upgraded to Hikari ulta LED lights. What I'm interested in is an auto high beam upgrade....one where the high beams automatically dim with oncoming traffic. That's the challenge. It's available in many vehicles.
Old 02-25-2022, 03:30 AM
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I've considered this Android route as well. I've heard good things about these guys ..
https://4x4shop.ca/product-category/...mercedes-benz/
.. and they were responsive to questions when I was enquiring - they're also closer to you than me!

The deal breaker for me was that (I think!) you loose the navigation on the dash in front of you if you're using the Android apps - might be worth double checking in case I've got that wrong, unless it's not issue for you
Old 02-25-2022, 12:06 PM
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Originally Posted by thammel
Hi sub786sub...I have also upgraded to Hikari ulta LED lights. What I'm interested in is an auto high beam upgrade....one where the high beams automatically dim with oncoming traffic. That's the challenge. It's available in many vehicles.
Ok sorry, I did not catch your point. Maybe I should look into this. But regarding light intensity, I am good for now. I will post an image with all the LED lights are on it looks like a tank ..lol
Old 02-25-2022, 12:09 PM
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Here is another video. This gives me a better picture of the infotainment system.

Old 04-19-2022, 11:35 AM
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Update on this. I ordered this and it is on its way. Hope it is what I am looking for regarding the functionality. My GPS is also old so this unit should provide me with always updated GPS. During the installation, I will also explore ambient lighting installation. Another thing I am aiming for is hooking up the blind-spot camera. I missed the blind spot camera in my 2015 Honda accord. This is a unique feature that I have also seen in Tesla. So the first installation of the unit, followed by ambient lighting (controlled by android software) and then a blind-spot camera. Lets see how it goes. I will keep you guys posted

Ordered from here. I also spoke to their customer support and sound like pretty helpful support
https://4x4shop.ca/product/mercedes-...sb-multimedia/

Last edited by sub786sub; 04-19-2022 at 11:38 AM.
Old 05-01-2022, 07:10 PM
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Folks, I am able to install the android successfully. I can switch back to my default MB infotainment system at any time. The control knob on the console and mouse pad works 100% with the default MB infotainment system but with Android, it works 90%. This is ok as when I go to the browser though the knob works fine sometimes it skips some hyperlinks in the browser. I think it is web site related thing rather interface. The rest works fine. I am still exploring things. I also have a hot spot and can use my phone for youtube. And can still use my default Navi. Note Navi of android is google maps which needs a network so the hotspot will work. As I have unlimited data usage so I can use it for this. I can say it is way better than what MB has before. I will keep posting if I find some issues or new things.




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Old 05-04-2022, 03:26 PM
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This looks absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, I have the big screen in the middle with the vents on the side versus the vents underneath. Does anyone know if this can be swapped out? I would jump through hoops to make this happen, its the only thing I dont "Love" about this car.
Old 05-04-2022, 08:15 PM
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Originally Posted by tkelley.EClass
This looks absolutely incredible. Unfortunately, I have the big screen in the middle with the vents on the side versus the vents underneath. Does anyone know if this can be swapped out? I would jump through hoops to make this happen, its the only thing I dont "Love" about this car.
The screen comes with the vents.
Old 05-04-2022, 10:00 PM
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Originally Posted by BlownV8
The screen comes with the vents.
Thanks! The research begins!
Old 05-06-2022, 11:31 PM
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Originally Posted by sub786sub
Folks, I am able to install the android successfully. I can switch back to my default MB infotainment system at any time. The control knob on the console and mouse pad works 100% with the default MB infotainment system but with Android, it works 90%. This is ok as when I go to the browser though the knob works fine sometimes it skips some hyperlinks in the browser. I think it is web site related thing rather interface. The rest works fine. I am still exploring things. I also have a hot spot and can use my phone for youtube. And can still use my default Navi. Note Navi of android is google maps which needs a network so the hotspot will work. As I have unlimited data usage so I can use it for this. I can say it is way better than what MB has before. I will keep posting if I find some issues or new things.
How responsive and quickly does the rear view/360 surround view camera turn on when you throw it in reverse?
Old 05-20-2022, 08:23 PM
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Originally Posted by sub786sub
Folks, I am able to install the android successfully. I can switch back to my default MB infotainment system at any time. The control knob on the console and mouse pad works 100% with the default MB infotainment system but with Android, it works 90%. This is ok as when I go to the browser though the knob works fine sometimes it skips some hyperlinks in the browser. I think it is web site related thing rather interface. The rest works fine. I am still exploring things. I also have a hot spot and can use my phone for youtube. And can still use my default Navi. Note Navi of android is google maps which needs a network so the hotspot will work. As I have unlimited data usage so I can use it for this. I can say it is way better than what MB has before. I will keep posting if I find some issues or new things.





This is great. Did you install it yourself, how long was the installation.
Do you have 360 surround view?
Does it have wireless Apple carplay?
any new issues?
Old 05-22-2022, 06:36 AM
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Bump!

Would love to here more from OP on how the unit is working. Also questions above. Would love to get this install done while I'm out of work with the new baby!

Another bump to see if OP or anyone else has anything else to share...

Last edited by tkelley.EClass; 06-17-2022 at 09:56 PM.
Old 08-31-2022, 03:19 PM
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Well I ended up biting the bullet... my screen is in the mail, ended up also ordering from the 4X4 Shop in Canada. Any tips on the install? Or tips on using the new unit?
Old 09-01-2022, 07:37 AM
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Originally Posted by tkelley.EClass
Well I ended up biting the bullet... my screen is in the mail, ended up also ordering from the 4X4 Shop in Canada. Any tips on the install? Or tips on using the new unit?
Very interested. Sent them an email asking about dealers / installers in Illinois. Anxiously awaiting their reply.
Old 09-01-2022, 12:29 PM
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Originally Posted by paracutin
Very interested. Sent them an email asking about dealers / installers in Illinois. Anxiously awaiting their reply.
So I searched for "car audio installers near me" and then sent them all the below, pre-canned email. It went to about 10 shops. Most people ignored me but about 3 got back to me. They all quoted around $300-400 for the job. Give that a shot and see how you make out!

Hello,

I was looking to add an aftermarket screen to my 2018 GLE43. The link for the item is here: https://4x4shop.ca/product/mercedes-benz-gle-class-original-oem-fit-replacement-12-3-android-screen-with-oem-fit-dash-vent-panel-gps-wifi-bt-a2dp-usb-multimedia/#buy-now. You can watch an install video here. It’s 3 parts and appears to take around 45 minutes total: Part 1: https://youtu.be/OKOrPau6Wkw. Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef_GdNrClKk. Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idd5gzg7UsQ. I already provided the seller with my VIN number and they confirmed that this would work on my vehicle. I also confirmed that there is no wire splicing required when installing the kit, it’s all harnesses. There is also a guy on the MB World forum that installed this same kit, he had great success with it. That link is here: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-w166/835808-upgrading-gle350-infotainment-system.html. I didn’t actually buy the kit yet as I’m trying to understand how much it would cost me to have something like this installed. Would you be able to provide me with a general quote?

Thanks,
INSERT NAME HERE
Old 09-01-2022, 12:37 PM
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Originally Posted by tkelley.EClass
So I searched for "car audio installers near me" and then sent them all the below, pre-canned email. It went to about 10 shops. Most people ignored me but about 3 got back to me. They all quoted around $300-400 for the job. Give that a shot and see how you make out!

Hello,

I was looking to add an aftermarket screen to my 2018 GLE43. The link for the item is here: https://4x4shop.ca/product/mercedes-benz-gle-class-original-oem-fit-replacement-12-3-android-screen-with-oem-fit-dash-vent-panel-gps-wifi-bt-a2dp-usb-multimedia/#buy-now. You can watch an install video here. It’s 3 parts and appears to take around 45 minutes total: Part 1: https://youtu.be/OKOrPau6Wkw. Part 2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef_GdNrClKk. Part 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idd5gzg7UsQ. I already provided the seller with my VIN number and they confirmed that this would work on my vehicle. I also confirmed that there is no wire splicing required when installing the kit, it’s all harnesses. There is also a guy on the MB World forum that installed this same kit, he had great success with it. That link is here: https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class-w166/835808-upgrading-gle350-infotainment-system.html. I didn’t actually buy the kit yet as I’m trying to understand how much it would cost me to have something like this installed. Would you be able to provide me with a general quote?

Thanks,
INSERT NAME HERE
WOW! Thank you very much. I have been debating whether or not I want to tackle it myself, or even do it at all. It is nearly impossible to get first hand accounts of folks that have done this to our cars.
Old 09-08-2022, 07:37 PM
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Here is my 6 months of ownership exp regarding the infotainment system. No issues but a lot of options in the system. The best part is the Car play is wireless. When I start it automatically connects as long as I have the Bluetooth of my smartphone is on. I do not have anything to complain about only I can say it has so many functions that you need to get used to it. For Navi I can use factory MB Navi, Google Navi and Car play Navi. You will never need to upgrade your MB Navi as you have plenty of options. It has also a 360 camera I have not tried it as my GLE does not have 360 and it is a feature which I do not think is needed I mean good to have but do not miss. I want to add a right turn camera which I am still exploring so that it shows a blind spot. I like widescreen. Also, it has a sim card option that can be used. I am using my hot spot for youtube and google GPS. I have an unlimited data plan so it works for me fine. Yea keeps in mind if you do not have a hot spot or SIM Android GPS will not search for a location, though it will show your position on the map but will not give your route guidance unless you have a hot spot connected or sim installed. By default I use the GLE MB infotainment system, widescreen is helpful. Note it kind of stretches rather than increases in resolution. I am ok with that I like widescreen regardless. Looks like now it is being sold for around 700 dollars not bad. I am still exploring other features but I really do not need it. I think it is overkill. Anyway, it looks beautiful and functional.

Last edited by sub786sub; 09-08-2022 at 07:40 PM.
Old 09-08-2022, 08:13 PM
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Originally Posted by sub786sub
Here is my 6 months of ownership exp regarding the infotainment system. No issues but a lot of options in the system. The best part is the Car play is wireless. When I start it automatically connects as long as I have the Bluetooth of my smartphone is on. I do not have anything to complain about only I can say it has so many functions that you need to get used to it. For Navi I can use factory MB Navi, Google Navi and Car play Navi. You will never need to upgrade your MB Navi as you have plenty of options. It has also a 360 camera I have not tried it as my GLE does not have 360 and it is a feature which I do not think is needed I mean good to have but do not miss. I want to add a right turn camera which I am still exploring so that it shows a blind spot. I like widescreen. Also, it has a sim card option that can be used. I am using my hot spot for youtube and google GPS. I have an unlimited data plan so it works for me fine. Yea keeps in mind if you do not have a hot spot or SIM Android GPS will not search for a location, though it will show your position on the map but will not give your route guidance unless you have a hot spot connected or sim installed. By default I use the GLE MB infotainment system, widescreen is helpful. Note it kind of stretches rather than increases in resolution. I am ok with that I like widescreen regardless. Looks like now it is being sold for around 700 dollars not bad. I am still exploring other features but I really do not need it. I think it is overkill. Anyway, it looks beautiful and functional.
Awesome, thanks for sharing the feedback! Also really happy to hear its still working well after 6 months.

Mine is getting installed now. Guy hit a snag getting the Android auto to work on the new head unit. The audio works and it syncs up then it goes black. He's talking to tech support at Canada 4x4 tomorrow at noon, good thing I paid the extra $30 for that.

I saw a picture where someone had 70% of the screen filled up with the original COMMAND menu and it's not stretched out. The other 30% of the screen was a map. Hoping to figure out how that all works as I think that would be my preferred, default way of crusing around.

Did you also add additional LED lighting to your interior?
Old 09-09-2022, 07:55 AM
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Originally Posted by paracutin
Very interested. Sent them an email asking about dealers / installers in Illinois. Anxiously awaiting their reply.
It has been 8 days and not a peep out of them. Rather disappointing.
Old 09-09-2022, 09:03 AM
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Originally Posted by paracutin
It has been 8 days and not a peep out of them. Rather disappointing.
I think your going to have better luck reaching out to installers yourself. These guys seem super busy but once you make a purchase, they stand by their product. Or that's my experience so far. My installer said this unit is like most of the other Android Auto/Apple Car Play units he has installed so that should help drive your conversation with whoever you decide to go with. My guy also charged me $400 for reference which is totally fair IMO. Pics incoming!
Old 09-13-2022, 04:22 PM
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Originally Posted by tkelley.EClass
Awesome, thanks for sharing the feedback! Also really happy to hear its still working well after 6 months.

Mine is getting installed now. Guy hit a snag getting the Android auto to work on the new head unit. The audio works and it syncs up then it goes black. He's talking to tech support at Canada 4x4 tomorrow at noon, good thing I paid the extra $30 for that.

I saw a picture where someone had 70% of the screen filled up with the original COMMAND menu and it's not stretched out. The other 30% of the screen was a map. Hoping to figure out how that all works as I think that would be my preferred, default way of crusing around.

Did you also add additional LED lighting to your interior?
Were they able to get your install completed?


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