S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

W221 ANDROID touchscreen...

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2018 | 10:21 AM
  #126  
Hatzenbach's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 144
Likes: 31
From: Silicon Valley, 94070
2009 W221
Thanks Chris,

a) with "dongle" do you mean a standard USB to Lightning cable?

b) just to be sure we talk about the same thing when we use the word "CarPlay": Apple CarPlay allows you to run apps from your iPhone, it then takes over the display of the headunit, which will look like this
If I missed the demo of Apple CarPlay in your videos I apologize, please let me know in which video it is, I know you can't post links here



c) about the location of the GPS antenna, let me ask my question differently:
In your experience, what's the best location in a W221 to place the GPS antenna to get a good compromise between reception and ease of installation/routing?

Thanks Chris, I'm not trying to be difficult, I just want to be 100% sure I understand what I'm buying

Cheers
Christopher


Reply
Old Nov 20, 2018 | 10:46 AM
  #127  
megacrazy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 312
CLK55 W209, CL63 W216
Originally Posted by Hatzenbach
Thanks Chris,

a) with "dongle" do you mean a standard USB to Lightning cable?

b) just to be sure we talk about the same thing when we use the word "CarPlay": Apple CarPlay allows you to run apps from your iPhone, it then takes over the display of the headunit, which will look like this
If I missed the demo of Apple CarPlay in your videos I apologize, please let me know in which video it is, I know you can't post links here



c) about the location of the GPS antenna, let me ask my question differently:
In your experience, what's the best location in a W221 to place the GPS antenna to get a good compromise between reception and ease of installation/routing?

Thanks Chris, I'm not trying to be difficult, I just want to be 100% sure I understand what I'm buying

Cheers
Christopher
You buy an antenna splitter and use the stock GPS antenna. The antenna that comes with the unit is garbage and wouldn't run that in a car.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 03:22 AM
  #128  
Chris The Swede's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 212
From: Sweden, Stockholm
W222 S63L, ML/GLE350
Originally Posted by megacrazy
You buy an antenna splitter and use the stock GPS antenna. The antenna that comes with the unit is garbage and wouldn't run that in a car.
Show me that splitter please that works with this unit.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 03:23 AM
  #129  
Chris The Swede's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 212
From: Sweden, Stockholm
W222 S63L, ML/GLE350
Lightning cable? The USB on the cable kit.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2018 | 07:27 AM
  #130  
megacrazy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 312
CLK55 W209, CL63 W216
Originally Posted by Chris The Swede
Show me that splitter please that works with this unit.
Already did. Read the diagrams I posted.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F263886252812

Always tap the stock antenna.
Reply
Old Nov 28, 2018 | 12:47 PM
  #131  
Jefe47's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 5
w221




Here is the screenshot of the cable..I got mine off ebay for $7 works like a charm too.. but make sure you get one thats at least 3ft in length anything shorter is almost too short like mine is but I made it work.. if you dont get from ebay search for (Fakra C Male Blue to SMB Female RA SMA Male Y Pigtail Combined Cable RG174) or (Fakra ”C“ Male to SMB Female 5005 SMA Male RG174 Y Splitter Combined Cable) amazon has them also..
Reply
Old Dec 2, 2018 | 11:33 AM
  #132  
racecho7's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
w221 s550
Question hello .. im korea in seoul i have 10.25 android



Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 08:52 AM
  #133  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Alright, so I bought one of these, and I have just installed it and tested it. It seems to work well, quick, the touch screen is capasitive and very responsive, and very cool with Google Maps navi, WIFI, and not least the newer design on the menus etc. The only thing I haven't got right yet is the sound from the Android, but I think that's just because I received the wrong MOST box (W221 2010-2013 with AUX), I have 2006 with TV. I'll try with the correct box first, if that still doesn't work I'll cut some wires and try megacrazy's idea of hacking into the comand AUX pins. Sound from original Comand is ok.

All other functions seems to work. The only small things I've noticed is that the "ESP off" hard button is replaced by a suspension icon soft button, and when I press that nothing happens. I don't know if that is specific to my S65 AMG, but it's the wrong icon and soft button in the software for my car. The two other soft buttons (rise/lower and "PDC off") are both working fine. Last thing is that when i go into NTG mode to the original Comand, the left side menu is a bit too big so it doesn't show the last part of the left of the Comand screen. You can see that in the video. I don't know if that is something tuneable?

Here is a short video of the unit in action:


Last edited by paalw; Dec 5, 2018 at 09:07 AM.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 08:56 AM
  #134  
lionsfan54's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
That is super cool. So, it tethers to your phone to get the 4G for google, etc?
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:08 AM
  #135  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Originally Posted by lionsfan54
That is super cool. So, it tethers to your phone to get the 4G for google, etc?
Yes my phone uses 4G and connects by Wifi. There is also a slot for a SIM card in the back of the screen if that is prefered.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:11 AM
  #136  
lionsfan54's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
The only thing I haven't got right yet is the sound from the Android
What does this mean? Your phone can't play music via bluetooth? The unit itself can't play? thanks!
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:12 AM
  #137  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Originally Posted by lionsfan54
What does this mean? Your phone can't play music via bluetooth? The unit itself can't play? thanks!
It'st just that I have no sound output at all from the Android unit yet. It's supposed to work of course, but I haven't figured it out yet..
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:14 AM
  #138  
lionsfan54's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
Originally Posted by paalw
It'st just that I have no sound output at all from the Android unit yet. It's supposed to work of course, but I haven't figured it out yet..
Ok, thought I heard some sound on your vid? But yeah, that's a problem! How hard was the install?
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:19 AM
  #139  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Originally Posted by lionsfan54
Ok, thought I heard some sound on your vid? But yeah, that's a problem! How hard was the install?
Yes the sound from the original Comand is working, only the Android output missing. I'm playing a CD from the Comand in the video.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:22 AM
  #140  
lionsfan54's Avatar
Senior Member
5 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 389
Likes: 52
Mercedes Benz S600
Originally Posted by paalw
Yes the sound from the original Comand is working, only the Android output missing. I'm playing a CD from the Comand in the video.
Ok, that makes sense. It looks great, so please keep us updated.

How did the install go? Fairly easy?
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 10:20 AM
  #141  
Chris The Swede's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 212
From: Sweden, Stockholm
W222 S63L, ML/GLE350
Originally Posted by paalw
Alright, so I bought one of these, and I have just installed it and tested it. It seems to work well, quick, the touch screen is capasitive and very responsive, and very cool with Google Maps navi, WIFI, and not least the newer design on the menus etc. The only thing I haven't got right yet is the sound from the Android, but I think that's just because I received the wrong MOST box (W221 2010-2013 with AUX), I have 2006 with TV. I'll try with the correct box first, if that still doesn't work I'll cut some wires and try megacrazy's idea of hacking into the comand AUX pins. Sound from original Comand is ok.

All other functions seems to work. The only small things I've noticed is that the "ESP off" hard button is replaced by a suspension icon soft button, and when I press that nothing happens. I don't know if that is specific to my S65 AMG, but it's the wrong icon and soft button in the software for my car. The two other soft buttons (rise/lower and "PDC off") are both working fine. Last thing is that when i go into NTG mode to the original Comand, the left side menu is a bit too big so it doesn't show the last part of the left of the Comand screen. You can see that in the video. I don't know if that is something tuneable?

Here is a short video of the unit in action:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGEeM-vu5qA
NICE...Sure sound will be solved. Not had a problem before..
Would you mind if I borrow your video for my channel?
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 10:40 AM
  #142  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Originally Posted by lionsfan54
How did the install go? Fairly easy?
Yes, no big deal at all.

Originally Posted by Chris The Swede
NICE...Sure sound will be solved. Not had a problem before..
Would you mind if I borrow your video for my channel?
Hi Chris, sure you can.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 11:19 AM
  #143  
Jefe47's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 31
Likes: 5
w221
ESP buttons



In order to get the ESP button to show up go to small menu on the the left where the buttons are and press & hold for 10-15 seconds and it will change to the 5 button setup you have when the OEM buttons were present... its also a video on youtube on how to do it heres the link

https://youtu.be/Eugw-upwYPE

Last edited by Jefe47; Dec 5, 2018 at 11:24 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 01:24 PM
  #144  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Thanks jefe, 1 down, now only to adjust the NTG screen to go, will test buttons tomorrow

Last edited by paalw; Dec 5, 2018 at 01:38 PM.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 07:08 PM
  #145  
dlafever's Avatar
Super Member
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 713
Likes: 147
From: Aridzona
'15 S550, '10 E350 P1/P2, '02 ML320
Does anyone have Waze loaded on this platform? Hoping to place an order on this soon, but that would be a show stopper for me if it doesn't work or does not display well.
Reply
Old Dec 5, 2018 | 09:24 PM
  #146  
megacrazy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 312
CLK55 W209, CL63 W216
Originally Posted by Jefe47


In order to get the ESP button to show up go to small menu on the the left where the buttons are and press & hold for 10-15 seconds and it will change to the 5 button setup you have when the OEM buttons were present... its also a video on youtube on how to do it heres the link

https://youtu.be/Eugw-upwYPE
Has anyone gotten this to work? Doesn't work for me.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2018 | 02:39 AM
  #147  
Chris The Swede's Avatar
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,433
Likes: 212
From: Sweden, Stockholm
W222 S63L, ML/GLE350
What dont work? Changing it or operating it?
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2018 | 06:02 AM
  #148  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
I tested changing the buttons, it worked fine for me and all three buttons are now working as designed. The only thing not good is the small menu overlay on the left side of the NTG mode when the screen shows the original Comand window. A small detail, but those small things makes the experience a bit "chinese" instead of OEM. But if it isn't adjustable already(I've searched but not found), I am sure it can easily be fixed with a software update, if the producers care.

I uploaded a couple of new videos, one to show more functions, and the other to show Google Maps navigation. I also tested Waze and it is working fine.

Functions:


Google Maps:


Last edited by paalw; Dec 6, 2018 at 06:13 AM.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2018 | 07:13 AM
  #149  
megacrazy's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Photogenic
Shutterbug
Liked
 
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,401
Likes: 312
CLK55 W209, CL63 W216
Originally Posted by Chris The Swede
What dont work? Changing it or operating it?
Changing it. Held it down like in the video...and nothing happens. Tried different spots and so on...still nothing. Hmmm.
Reply
Old Dec 6, 2018 | 01:30 PM
  #150  
paalw's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 83
Likes: 8
S211, W140, W208
Originally Posted by megacrazy


Changing it. Held it down like in the video...and nothing happens. Tried different spots and so on...still nothing. Hmmm.
Yes that's strange. Mine reacted at first try. Could it be something with the software version you have?
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 1 votes, 5.00 average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:39 PM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
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.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE