R-Class (W251) Produced 2006-2013: R320CDI, R350, R420CDI, R500

Aftermarket command unit

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Old Nov 16, 2018 | 08:25 AM
  #1  
Daniel R's Avatar
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W251 mercedes r class 320
Aftermarket command unit

Hi.
I was told that to change the command unit you need to purchase some box thing because of the fibre optic cables.
Has anyone changed there unit?
was the fibre optic cables an issue?
thanks
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Old Nov 25, 2018 | 01:25 PM
  #2  
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2007 Mercedes R320
I changed the unit on my 2007 R320. I got tiered of the old Comand unit and updated to a Pioneer 2din headunit, needed this http://www.connects2.co.uk/Product/P...tem/CTSMC008.2 to make it work. Also needed a new frame. Throw the Comand out the window and upgrade.

Last edited by TerjeR; Nov 25, 2018 at 02:25 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2018 | 07:43 PM
  #3  
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2007 Mercedes R320
This is what it looks like.



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Old Nov 26, 2018 | 03:18 AM
  #4  
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Mercedes-Benz R350 4matic
Same thing for me! I am stuck with the Audio 20 and I am searching for a new one. You can go with an Android 9 inch that will be perfect for our dashboard.
You can have a look at Aliexpress. Have been digging the forums for so long that I am sure now that these units are all the same but change the logo.
Android 8, octacore, 4GB RAM, 32 ROM with a special box for optical lenses and for canbus.
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Old Feb 26, 2019 | 01:02 PM
  #5  
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MB R350
I have a 2011 R350 and upgraded the OEM Command Radio to a Seicane 9" Unit last year.

Completely transformed the dash of the R. I included the Carplay module to it and it's perfect. It's compatible to all the functions of a new technology robust 2019 Vehicle.


Last edited by rodneyc77; Feb 26, 2019 at 01:05 PM.
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Old Feb 26, 2019 | 06:16 PM
  #6  
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Originally Posted by rodneyc77
I have a 2011 R350 and upgraded the OEM Command Radio to a Seicane 9" Unit last year.

Completely transformed the dash of the R. I included the Carplay module to it and it's perfect. It's compatible to all the functions of a new technology robust 2019 Vehicle.

can you still use buttons on steering wheel to change songs ?
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Old Feb 27, 2019 | 01:11 AM
  #7  
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06 SLK55 AMG, 12 R350
Looks great. The screen on my head unit started to show a line across it and I've been thinking on doing a replacement. I see your R has the push button start. Do yours also come with the Harmon Kardon amp and speakers? if so did the harness you got from Connects2 power all the speakers properly?
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Old Feb 27, 2019 | 12:05 PM
  #8  
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MB R350
Originally Posted by slawek
can you still use buttons on steering wheel to change songs ?
Yes, the steering wheel buttons all function properly for the new headunit.


Originally Posted by Lioninstreet
Looks great. The screen on my head unit started to show a line across it and I've been thinking on doing a replacement. I see your R has the push button start. Do yours also come with the Harmon Kardon amp and speakers? if so did the harness you got from Connects2 power all the speakers properly?
My R does not have the Harmon Kardon system, but it does have the rear seats entertainment system with the headrest monitors. I purchased the module to connect the fiber optics if I did have it, but I didn't need it. I have been able to integrate the rear entertainment system to the new radio.

I also purchased the carplay module which works perfectly.



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Old Feb 28, 2019 | 06:12 PM
  #9  
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2002 C240 (W203) 2007 R500 (W251)
can i ask a few of quick questions...
1. how long does it take to boot up?
2. did you have the original NAV and if you did, were you able to use the original GPS antenna?
3. hows glare on the screen during the day?
4. are you still able to set the time (clock in instrument cluster) through this unit ?

Thanks
Jon
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Old Mar 2, 2019 | 05:44 PM
  #10  
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Mercedes-Benz R350 4matic
Nice!
What about sound quality?
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 02:34 PM
  #11  
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MB R350
Originally Posted by JonMac
can i ask a few of quick questions...
1. how long does it take to boot up?
2. did you have the original NAV and if you did, were you able to use the original GPS antenna?
3. hows glare on the screen during the day?
4. are you still able to set the time (clock in instrument cluster) through this unit ?

Thanks
Jon
1. It boots up faster than original OEM Unit

2. I did have navigation and yes I used the OEM GPS Antenna. I purchased an adapter wire for $9 to connect from OEM to Aftermarket radio.
(
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY6ZX6L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1) https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MY6ZX6L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Also purchased an adapter for the rearview camera (
https://www.amazon.com/RF-design-Pigtail-Connector-connector/dp/B01MZX2WTT/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Fakra+rca&qid=1551727775&s=electronics&sr=1-3) https://www.amazon.com/RF-design-Pigtail-Connector-connector/dp/B01MZX2WTT/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Fakra+rca&qid=1551727775&s=electronics&sr=1-3)

3. Glare is minimal; no worst than OEM unit. I set the brightness to maximum. Plus all my windows are tinted to 20%.

4. You can not control the clock on the dash. It remains set with the time you had when the OEM unit was removed. Personally not a issue for me. Unless you have OCD when the time changes for daylight savings time. If it bothers me too much then I will plug the old unit twice a year. (20 minutes of my time yearly). LOL
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 02:36 PM
  #12  
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MB R350
Originally Posted by V.V
Nice!
What about sound quality?
Sounds better than OEM in my opinion. Specially since you can fine tune with integrated equalizer on the unit.
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Old Mar 4, 2019 | 03:09 PM
  #13  
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06 SLK55 AMG, 12 R350
Thanks for the additional info
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Old Apr 21, 2019 | 10:32 PM
  #14  
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2006 R500
Did a similar thing to rodneyc77, except I used one of the 7" android units. I like having physical buttons and knobs, which is why I opted for that. Internally they're the same, I recommend making sure to get one of the PX5 4gb RAM units. Or a PX6 4gb RAM unit if you can find them, I don't think they're quite available yet.

Steering wheel buttons work fine. Mine has the Harman Kardon fiber optic system. Got one of these and everything works perfectly except front to rear fade:
https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Optical-Replacement-Decoder-Mercedes-Benz/dp/B071DHTXR6/ref=asc_df_B071DHTXR6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242029049757&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15927885100161084752&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031975&hvtargid=pla-568327923976&psc=1 https://www.amazon.com/XTRONS-Optical-Replacement-Decoder-Mercedes-Benz/dp/B071DHTXR6/ref=asc_df_B071DHTXR6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=242029049757&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=15927885100161084752&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031975&hvtargid=pla-568327923976&psc=1
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Old Apr 6, 2020 | 09:52 PM
  #15  
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CLK63 BS
Hi Rodney, good upgrade! My vehicle here in Australia has the same setup as yours ie no HK but with rear entertainment screens. Most appreciate if you could kindly enlighten the following:

1) Do you still use the DVD player located in the front centre arm rest to play video for the rear?
2) Is the Audio playback over the car speakers or u still need headphones for the rear?
3) Does it make any difference if my Command comes with TV Tuner?
4) Any shortcomings since you have had it for a while now?

Thank you very much in advance and thanks for sharing. Cheer and stay safe
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 02:48 PM
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2014 mercedes GL550
links are unavailable

some of the links are not working , can you list what they were . i’m sure a different seller has them

Originally Posted by rodneyc77
1. It boots up faster than original OEM Unit

2. I did have navigation and yes I used the OEM GPS Antenna. I purchased an adapter wire for $9 to connect from OEM to Aftermarket radio.
(https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...ie=UTF8&psc=1)
Also purchased an adapter for the rearview camera (https://www.amazon.com/RF-design-Pig...ronics&sr=1-3)

3. Glare is minimal; no worst than OEM unit. I set the brightness to maximum. Plus all my windows are tinted to 20%.

4. You can not control the clock on the dash. It remains set with the time you had when the OEM unit was removed. Personally not a issue for me. Unless you have OCD when the time changes for daylight savings time. If it bothers me too much then I will plug the old unit twice a year. (20 minutes of my time yearly). LOL
Reply
Old Jun 5, 2024 | 02:51 PM
  #17  
cj22's Avatar
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2014 mercedes GL550
gl550 head unit replacement

i’m trying to upgrade my 2014 GL550 head unit . i think it is X166. has anyone done this? i’m having issues with my screens not coming on .
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Old Jun 5, 2024 | 02:59 PM
  #18  
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2006 R500
X166 is completely different, go ask in the X166 forum.
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