Best Bluetooth Music/Apple CarPlay Options for W164

Oct 2, 2023 | 09:55 AM

5hundo

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 94

Likes: 5

From: Pike Road, AL

2008 ML320 CDI

Best Bluetooth Music/Apple CarPlay Options for W164

Hey everyone!

We have a Scoshe bluetooth music adapter and I knew when I bought it that it was a cheaper option. I want to upgrade to something a bit better. What do you guys use? I'm looking for something that is pretty nice, and easy to use.

Thanks for your help!

Oct 3, 2023 | 12:09 PM

EWT

Super Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 622

Likes: 202

From: CA

11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hundo

The best option IMO is to get an installation kit:

https://www.amazon.com/Teclink-Mercedes-2008-2009-2008-2011-CLK-Class/dp/B094Y8J6DT/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2DHZHD6SQ2MLY&keywords=x164%2Bstereo%2Badapter&qid=1696348689&sprefix=x164%2Bstereo%2Badapter%2Caps%2C166&sr=8-4&ufe=app_do%3Aamzn1.fos.18630bbb-fcbb-42f8-9767-857e17e03685&th=1

and a double DIN Pioneer/Kenwood/Sony etc. head unit of your choice. You'll also need an adapter to convert the analog signal from the RCA head unit output to optical signals like this:

The end result looks like it came that way from the factory, and you'll get a head unit with Android Auto/Car Play, Waze/Google maps, and bluetooth. (Picture is from my GL, now installed in my ML). You can also use a double din Android headunit, which are often cheaper and allow you to run android apps, but the hassle factor will be higher and the reliability will be lower.

Last edited by EWT; Oct 3, 2023 at 12:12 PM.

May 2, 2025 | 12:08 PM

5hundo

Thread Starter

Member

Joined: Jun 2013

Posts: 94

Likes: 5

From: Pike Road, AL

2008 ML320 CDI

Thanks for responding!

Of the aftermarket systems you've suggested, which are compatible with the existing backup camera, etc.? I'm going to be doing this myself, so I want to make it as easy as possible on myself.

May 2, 2025 | 02:16 PM

OUZO Power

Senior Member

Joined: Mar 2015

Posts: 347

Likes: 47

From: Brooklin, Ontario

JGC SRT, ML 550, GLB 250

Funny. Our ML550 is in the shop right now getting the AVIN system installed. Will report back in a week with my thoughts.

May 2, 2025 | 05:34 PM

EWT

Super Member

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 622

Likes: 202

From: CA

11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5hundo

I'm a little fuzzy on details because it was several years ago when I installed it, but I did use the factory backup camera on both my former 08 GL and my 11 ML. The 08 had the earlier (I forget the year cutoff - 09?) Command unit which has the camera wire is part of a wiring harness, and you have to cut the wire solder a RCA plug onto the wire to plug into it the new head unit. If it is a later unit(10+?), the wire plugs into the command unit and a Fakra to RCA adapter will do the trick. Everything else is plug and play. I don't think the MOST/steering wheel adapter i used is still available, but other ones like this:

Amazon

are still sold.