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Looking to upgrade to Apple CarPlay after using Google or Apple Maps or so long it builds archaic trains, utilize old GPS systems.
There are two options,
1) installing unit that allows Apple CarPlay with the factory screen
2) installing aftermarket screen
Considering the price points, I’m leaning towards an aftermarket screen. However, I’m signing that extensively the same screen price points very dramatically, depending on vendor .
Has anyone installed this unit? If so, any issues and what vendor did you use?
* I forgot to ask if anyone installed this or another screen did you upgrade your back up cam ? If so any recommendations. Thank you in advance for your input and help!
2013 ML350 Bluetec, 1966 Ford Mustang Convertible (sold)
I personally went with the option to keep the original screen. I bought my unit on Aliexpress (way less expensive than other sellers and it's basically the same unit) like 4 years ago. It still works flawlessly and I think the new units (newer version) are easier to install. On my older version, I had to pull the screen and install the cables and hide the unit behind the climate control buttons. It wasn't complicated, but it was a big job. Now with the newer unit, it just plugs into the module located into the glovebox! The original backup camera and microphone works as usual. No need to upgrade or reprogram them or anything.
My reasoning to go with the original screen option was to keep the suv original if I ever wanted to sell it. If you plan on running this suv to the ground, I'd go with the aftermarket screen (the first image you showed). I went with the company RoadTop on Aliexpress and the unit is great. The customer service was also great. Don't pay more from other sellers when the unit is exactly the same! They're all made in the same factories in China.
Original screen option is way less expensive and you keep the original look.
Aftermarket screen option is much more expensive and you don't keep the original look. However, you get a bigger screen with touch screen.
Original screen option = Link
Aftermarket screen option = Link
I went with the aftermarket screen and very pleased with it. I've had my unit for about 8 months now and would not look back. The install was not that hard.
I like that it connects automatically and have only had 1 "issue" where it didn't connect. I simply "forgot this device" from the phone and paired back and has never happened since. Love the touchscreen option and it does allow you to go back to the original NTG interface (Not touchscreen) if needed. Back up camera is original and works fine. I do need to figure out how to keep the camera on the screen when going forward after backing up. With the 360 camera original equipped, the front camera would be on the screen until x mph is exceeded and then turns off after reversing. With the aftermarket screen as soon as you come out of reverse the camera turns off on the screen. Only works when I'm on the original NTG screen.
Purchased mine fro Aliexpress, better priced than Bay or Amazon. No issues and good communication with seller.
Last edited by Mikey178; Jun 20, 2024 at 09:34 AM.
I went with the company RoadTop on Aliexpress and the unit is great. The customer service was also great. Don't pay more from other sellers when the unit is exactly the same! They're all made in the same factories in China.!
I also bought a Roadtop unit - in my case about 6 months ago. I'm well pleased with it and the install was relatively easy - much simpler than the Sony unit I put in a Towncar a few years ago. I've actually got another Roadtop unit sitting on my bench waiting to go into a 2012 F150. Once you've used an indash version of GoogleMaps you're simply ruined for factory nav installations. I actually paid to have my Mercededs maps upgraded but its still a primitive system compared to what Google offers for free.
I got the aftermarket screen with Android system from aliexpress. It always wroked very well in the past two and half years. I installed sygic, waiz, and the other apps. Now my ML350 looks more beautiful and intelligent. It's not hard to install it.
The Roadtop unit allows for the OEM screen and overlays the CarPlay interface but does not make the screen a touchscreen. All selections and changes in CarPlay are done from the phone.
Depending on what your looking for, Roadtop can be an option but if your looking for touchscreen capabilities the android device initially mentioned by the OP is the way to go.
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