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@WranglerYJ 2.3.0 fixes few things over 2.0.9, but it looks like it requires some basic configuration as well, so it might feel frustrating at the beginning. Missing pixels in NTG are MCU-related, not the OS-related, so no changes there. I was told to come to the shop later in the afternoon for an MCU update - I'll report back how it went.
Sums up my experience with Star, "why are you using it" was the reply when I contacted the seller for a second time.
Ofc I was naive to assume that the unit is loaded with the newest firmware, and surprise, it wasn't. Will try to update from 2.0.9 to the newest 2.3.0 and see what happens.
amgs63dxb:
Was all of your problems solved, missing pixels from the left side of the screen when in NTG mode as well?
hahaha
I once have a Chinese seller told me, they didn't force me to buy the product, its an electronic device what do I expect, so why am I complaining lol
That's pretty funny. To be fair though you're buying a 450$ headunit. Let's not forget Kenwoods back in the day used to go for 2000$. They would be able to make higher quality hardware at 4x the price as well. The software would still be garbage though
Reminds me of the first car I ever bought new. It was an '85-1/2 Escort. When I complained about something on it that wasn't working right, the guy at the dealership said something to the effect of, "Hey, it's only a $4,000 car", as if I shouldn't complain when something didn't work right. Told him that it was MY $4K, so if something was supposed to work, then it damn well better work.
Of course I'm not flying to Guangzhou to have the same conversation with whoever built these things.
That's pretty funny. To be fair though you're buying a 450$ headunit. Let's not forget Kenwoods back in the day used to go for 2000$. They would be able to make higher quality hardware at 4x the price as well. The software would still be garbage though
well its not the w221 unit, it was one that cost over 900 plus shipping!!!
to be honest I have had my w221 unit since 2019 and never really had much issues, Im technically inclined, I did later upgrade to the Qualcomm unit in April but have not installed it yet, Im doing some work on the w221 then I can see the woes after install, already sold the previous unit thought..... its was 4+64 without internal CarPlay .....
well its not the w221 unit, it was one that cost over 900 plus shipping!!!
to be honest I have had my w221 unit since 2019 and never really had much issues, Im technically inclined, I did later upgrade to the Qualcomm unit in April but have not installed it yet, Im doing some work on the w221 then I can see the woes after install, already sold the previous unit thought..... its was 4+64 without internal CarPlay .....
Well some of the W221 units are 1000 even though they’re identical with the 450$ ones. In fact sometimes they’re not even the top of the line model. YouTube is filled with fear mongering videos made by people who import the units and want to sell them to you at a premium. You never know what you’ll get!!!....they say. Buy from us just to be safe. Right.
Anyway, 2.3.6 is out. I see no difference. Bluetooth is still borked. ZLink is still garbage.
In other news i finally had the chance to mess with the usb DAC and sound quality is a million times better. If you’re into music definitely install one. A ground loop isolator takes care of any and all noise out the unit.
I’ll take a look at running an external mic through the DAC next and see how call quality is.
How the DAC works, is there a setting somewhere deep inside to change the audio output to USB? Not familiar with the thing at all.
What the Speedplay is? BMW forum says "Update: Speedplay (also carplay app) from 1.3.29 to 1.5.2"
yea youtubers making a kill on these products, the one I paid 900+ for was my X164 the seller is rude as hell, she's from asvegen... I don't recommend that company to any one ...
anyways seems like the Qualcomm unit is trash from what Im seeing, I should get my w221 back soon and ill see what I can dig up.....
She's coming along good
I asked my seller for the 2.3.6 update, I still have my init in the box lol... ill probably power it up on the bench and see
what's dac did you use @megacrazy I might put one also, I was thinking about a DSP but dac sounds cool.... I don't use the android for calls so, I believe the OEM Calling works great, I never had a calls issue... I did have amazon alexa on my system though works great!!!! and google and Siri was always ok, not sure if Siri was using the android mic or the OEM Bluetooth Mic...
Last edited by antiguangenius; Oct 30, 2020 at 11:08 PM.
Guys, I didn't read the whole thread but I have few quick questions - how do you save all that MBUX features when installing aftermarket android headunit? I mean those features related to active seats etc etc. Does this android headunit have an access to ALL Mercedes OEM functions which are only available via its MBUX? Thanks!
yea youtubers making a kill on these products, the one I paid 900+ for was my X164 the seller is rude as hell, she's from asvegen... I don't recommend that company to any one ...
anyways seems like the Qualcomm unit is trash from what Im seeing, I should get my w221 back soon and ill see what I can dig up.....
She's coming along good
I asked my seller for the 2.3.6 update, I still have my init in the box lol... ill probably power it up on the bench and see
what's dac did you use @megacrazy I might put one also, I was thinking about a DSP but dac sounds cool.... I don't use the android for calls so, I believe the OEM Calling works great, I never had a calls issue... I did have amazon alexa on my system though works great!!!! and google and Siri was always ok, not sure if Siri was using the android mic or the OEM Bluetooth Mic...
Looking good.
I haven’t fully tested the DAC yet so I won’t post until I know it works or all the issues there may be with it. If you check the BMW thread they have a few they tested and work fine. The 2.3.6 update is also in the BMW thread. They keep track and post all the downloads for the latest Android firmware.
As far as the other question is concerned. The system takes video input from Comand which also remains in the car. The unit is an Android headunit and a display for Comand. Pretty simple and smart solution.
I haven’t fully tested the DAC yet so I won’t post until I know it works or all the issues there may be with it. If you check the BMW thread they have a few they tested and work fine. The 2.3.6 update is also in the BMW thread. They keep track and post all the downloads for the latest Android firmware.
As far as the other question is concerned. The system takes video input from Comand which also remains in the car. The unit is an Android headunit and a display for Comand. Pretty simple and smart solution.
yea that’s on BMW amps they play really good compare to Mercedes, Mercedes amps always been mild, I have an 2005 A8 and the sound system slaps the s550 and GL450 put together side ways, night and day difference yet still they all have the same amount of speakers... I think the interns level on the Mercedes is turnt down, my gl I have an android in it to and the sound is crap, I’m going to replace the amp, I already did the speakers I’ll start a thread on that on the appropriate forum section but luckily for the gl the amp can be easily replaced after the head unit, the w221 it’s a big give because the way it’s integrated, I mean I did an amp replacement on a w221 with an android before to a 12 channel DSP, works with all speakers but you loose the volume control for the steering wheel and audio from the am/fm radio. Loosing radio is not that bad but the volume control is a big deal because touch screen only volume control is hard but that person was ok with it, his system sounds really good though, I was thinking of putting a bass like knob for him to do volume but I didn’t, next option is to make a can steering wheel controller but again these head units don’t have sw input controller so will need to be something on the usb end... for my w221 I’m not planning to remove the amp because I still use the mb telephone system for excellence phone functions but I might make a harness to use the amplifier output into a better amp then back to the speakers, 🤷🏽♂️, then again I might just leave it alone
Anyway, 2.3.6 is out. I see no difference. Bluetooth is still borked. ZLink is still garbage.
...
I’ll take a look at running an external mic through the DAC next and see how call quality is.
If you are Android guy like me, then make sure you are using Headunit Reloaded instead of ZLink - this thing works like a dream...
Can you share some amazon link to the DAC device you got? Does it work out of the box or does it require some tweaking to get the sound out via this thing?
Originally Posted by Sergey84
Guys, I didn't read the whole thread but I have few quick questions - how do you save all that MBUX features when installing aftermarket android headunit? I mean those features related to active seats etc etc. Does this android headunit have an access to ALL Mercedes OEM functions which are only available via its MBUX? Thanks!
You retain all OEM features (although I am still struggling to get the seat controls online when using Android - it does not want to get there directly when pressing the button, I have to first jump into NTG mode, which is not the best, but I'm harassing my seller to address this ). The new display basically takes over your OE Comand display and provides an overlay. When you need to go back to your OE setup, simply choose the NTG from the menu (or hold "back" button for 3 secs) - it will fall back to the original "Comand" layout. When you are in NTG mode, tap the screen to go back into Android mode (or hold the back button again).
BTW. thanks to the support on discord channel #benz-specific, I managed today to compile and install my first launcher... I AM SO HYPED Now ! The possibilities this thing brings are just crazy... I can't understand why beemer community had this sorted out long time ago and even created a small business model around it and here nobody does these things Is anybody else seeing a niche here too?
My before and after pics:
Last edited by amgs63dxb; Nov 2, 2020 at 01:11 PM.
You retain all OEM features (although I am still struggling to get the seat controls online when using Android - it does not want to get there directly when pressing the button, I have to first jump into NTG mode, which is not the best, but I'm harassing my seller to address this ). The new display basically takes over your OE Comand display and provides an overlay. When you need to go back to your OE setup, simply choose the NTG from the menu (or hold "back" button for 3 secs) - it will fall back to the original "Comand" layout. When you are in NTG mode, tap the screen to go back into Android mode (or hold the back button again).
Hi, your screen looks very nice! Also thanks for the input!
I have few more questions:
1) Which seller or device is the most stable? I see you mentioned "your seller". Before I though this topic is dedicated to a specific device.
2) Can seller really fix things or they just resell stuff and ship it straight from China while providing little to none support?
3) Please could you send me a link for the head unit on your pics?
4) I don't understand what the difference between Before and After pics? I see different shortcuts/icons on the screen while the UI looks the same. Ok, the car icon looks different too.
@Sergey84 , there are several types of Android units out there. What you want to get is the latest and greatest unit based on snapdragon 625 with 4GB of memory (amount of flash storage - 32 or 64GB is a secondary thing here). Although they say it is possible to install Android Q (10) on earlier devices - you don't want to do it. Have a look at this thread on bimmers forum. When talking about 10.25" units - they appear to be identical from the what's-in-a-box perspective. Installation is also plug and play but varies based on what input type does your car model have. Scroll up this thread to see how different users solved different problems.
The operating system on this unit can be updated in 5 minutes using the OTA updates (over the air?) - you just download the zip and drop it on a USB, plug and play - works like a charm. Couple of days ago the latest Android 10 update was numbered 2.3.6. The second part of the device is the micro controller (MCU) which is responsible for all I/Os and communication with the car via CAN. This is the place where it is important to match the mcu you currently have with the one available online. This is also the thing you ask your vendor to help with if there are any issues with the unit.
When researching your seller, simply ask them question to send you MCU information (version installed) and OS version (which Android is it). Later on you will be able to source updates from the community.
As for your questions:
1/ I did not buy from aliexpress, but from a local shop, so the box is totally unbranded and the only contact I have with the factory is via local reseller... MCU version dFY suggests Cardesign / Wincago as a MCU vendor.
2/ Either your seller... or the community - this is where things happen really fast -> Discord.
3/ As explained - can't do that.
4/ Launcher app got updated using KSWOverlay project (also Bimmers...). With this you can pretty much edit anything in the menu. Or pay $10 for an entirely new theme (as long as these are available). And I mean everything - background, icons, sizes, layout... e.g. plenty of folks reconfigure the whole thing to display only three icons there. I was so excited because it worked so nice - I managed to put a fairly good looking car icon and replace navigation with Google Maps icon + put Android Auto where Music used to be (I don't use anything beyond Android Auto in the car, so I'm actually now considering rebuilding the whole launcher to look like something entirely different).
Last edited by amgs63dxb; Nov 2, 2020 at 10:17 PM.
@Sergey84 , there are several types of Android units out there. What you want to get is the latest and greatest unit based on snapdragon 625 with 4GB of memory (amount of flash storage - 32 or 64GB is a secondary thing here). Although they say it is possible to install Android Q (10) on earlier devices - you don't want to do it. Have a look at this thread on bimmers forum. When talking about 10.25" units - they appear to be identical from the what's-in-a-box perspective. Installation is also plug and play but varies based on what input type does your car model have. Scroll up this thread to see how different users solved different problems.
The operating system on this unit can be updated in 5 minutes using the OTA updates (over the air?) - you just download the zip and drop it on a USB, plug and play - works like a charm. Couple of days ago the latest Android 10 update was numbered 2.3.6. The second part of the device is the micro controller (MCU) which is responsible for all I/Os and communication with the car via CAN. This is the place where it is important to match the mcu you currently have with the one available online. This is also the thing you ask your vendor to help with if there are any issues with the unit.
When researching your seller, simply ask them question to send you MCU information (version installed) and OS version (which Android is it). Later on you will be able to source updates from the community.
As for your questions:
1/ I did not buy from aliexpress, but from a local shop, so the box is totally unbranded and the only contact I have with the factory is via local reseller... MCU version dFY suggests Cardesign / Wincago as a MCU vendor.
2/ Either your seller... or the community - this is where things happen really fast -> Discord.
3/ As explained - can't do that.
4/ Launcher app got updated using KSWOverlay project (also Bimmers...). With this you can pretty much edit anything in the menu. Or pay $10 for an entirely new theme (as long as these are available). And I mean everything - background, icons, sizes, layout... e.g. plenty of folks reconfigure the whole thing to display only three icons there. I was so excited because it worked so nice - I managed to put a fairly good looking car icon and replace navigation with Google Maps icon + put Android Auto where Music used to be (I don't use anything beyond Android Auto in the car, so I'm actually now considering rebuilding the whole launcher to look like something entirely different).
Thank you for so much info! I guess I need to research lots of things since I can only understand half. If there were any good youtube videos regarding head units, launcher update etc it would be great!
Regarding discord - when I click on your link I don't see any server there. I could try to explore Public Servers but when I search for benz-specific nothing pops up. I could also join a server if you could provide an invite link. Is your server online 24/7?
another small iteration of the theme... this time a bit more time spent on icons and background... I don't know what is more fun - using it or customizing the way it looks
another small iteration of the theme... this time a bit more time spent on icons and background... I don't know what is 0more fun - using it or customizing the way it looks
Please remind if it's a 10" screen or different? What is the resolution? And the last one - your hardware specs are the ones you mentioned above? Thank you!
I wonder how difficult was to mount it in the OEM housing? I see it has bezel and I guess it's supposed to be sitting on top of the center console and not inside the dashboard. Did they provide any frames or other mounting hardware in order to fit it inside your dashboard?
I have a 2008 S63 that I am looking to upgrade the cameras and command center on. Currently I have been talking to DMP Car Design. And the following are the links for the 360 HD Cameras and 10.25 Touchscreen.
I wonder how difficult was to mount it in the OEM housing? I see it has bezel and I guess it's supposed to be sitting on top of the center console and not inside the dashboard. Did they provide any frames or other mounting hardware in order to fit it inside your dashboard?
Installation require removing all the dash panels, AC, COMMAND, and the trims around the screen and cluster.... its not hard but just gotta be careful you might brake things, also make sure AUX is active on your comand unit, else you will need someone to code it, is you have the IPOD kit or RCA in your glovebox then its already coded for aux, depending on your configuration you may need to do some aux wiring, as cars without RCA in glove box don't have the connection for the included cable, but all you have to do is put a female 3.5mm jack on the jump harness in then plug the aux cord into it,
Installation require removing all the dash panels, AC, COMMAND, and the trims around the screen and cluster.... its not hard but just gotta be careful you might brake things, also make sure AUX is active on your comand unit, else you will need someone to code it, is you have the IPOD kit or RCA in your glovebox then its already coded for aux, depending on your configuration you may need to do some aux wiring, as cars without RCA in glove box don't have the connection for the included cable, but all you have to do is put a female 3.5mm jack on the jump harness in then plug the aux cord into it,
another small iteration of the theme... this time a bit more time spent on icons and background... I don't know what is more fun - using it or customizing the way it looks
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
). The new display basically takes over your OE Comand display and provides an overlay. When you need to go back to your OE setup, simply choose the NTG from the menu (or hold "back" button for 3 secs) - it will fall back to the original "Comand" layout. When you are in NTG mode, tap the screen to go back into Android mode (or hold the back button again).
