Retrofitting Head Unit from 2018 GL400 into V-Class?
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Newbie
Joined: Apr 2026
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V-Class 2019
Retrofitting Head Unit from 2018 GL400 into V-Class?
Hi everyone,
I'm looking into a head unit upgrade for my V-Class and I have access to a head unit from a 2018 GL400 (X166). I know there are plenty of aftermarket retrofit kits out there, but I'm interested in keeping it OEM if possible.
Before I dive in, I wanted to ask if anyone here has attempted this specific swap? I have a few specific questions regarding the software side:
• Coding for V-Class: Since the donor is a GL-Class, is it possible to reconfigure the unit to display V-Class specific graphics and menus?
• DTS Monaco: I have access to DTS Monaco for coding/variant coding. Has anyone successfully changed the chassis type or "vehicle model" parameters in an NTG unit from a different class to match the V-Class (W447) architecture?
• Anti-Theft/PIN: Aside from the standard anti-theft PIN, are there any major firewall or gateway hurdles I should be prepared for when moving a unit from an X166 to a W447?
I’d appreciate any insights, especially regarding the coding strings or potential hardware mismatches I might run into.
Thanks in advance!
I'm looking into a head unit upgrade for my V-Class and I have access to a head unit from a 2018 GL400 (X166). I know there are plenty of aftermarket retrofit kits out there, but I'm interested in keeping it OEM if possible.
Before I dive in, I wanted to ask if anyone here has attempted this specific swap? I have a few specific questions regarding the software side:
• Coding for V-Class: Since the donor is a GL-Class, is it possible to reconfigure the unit to display V-Class specific graphics and menus?
• DTS Monaco: I have access to DTS Monaco for coding/variant coding. Has anyone successfully changed the chassis type or "vehicle model" parameters in an NTG unit from a different class to match the V-Class (W447) architecture?
• Anti-Theft/PIN: Aside from the standard anti-theft PIN, are there any major firewall or gateway hurdles I should be prepared for when moving a unit from an X166 to a W447?
I’d appreciate any insights, especially regarding the coding strings or potential hardware mismatches I might run into.
Thanks in advance!
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,692
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From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
W166 use a NTG5s1 unit and this may not match with your V dashboard and what's more important is that the 5s1 Unit can be matched with a Gateway based on 166 platform ( EZS166) and the V use an entirely different CGW ( EIS447) with complete another CAN signals
As 5s1 was never installed on V, there is no SW with V pictures or functions.
As 5s1 was never installed on V, there is no SW with V pictures or functions.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2026
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V-Class 2019
W166 use a NTG5s1 unit and this may not match with your V dashboard and what's more important is that the 5s1 Unit can be matched with a Gateway based on 166 platform ( EZS166) and the V use an entirely different CGW ( EIS447) with complete another CAN signals
As 5s1 was never installed on V, there is no SW with V pictures or functions.
As 5s1 was never installed on V, there is no SW with V pictures or functions.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 488
From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
The next HU for V Class, is MBUX NTG6
You can easily and cheap install the Audio 20 NTG5s2 from w205 latest year before facelift, the one with small screen and of course without V pictures, but with original CP and AA.
You can easily and cheap install the Audio 20 NTG5s2 from w205 latest year before facelift, the one with small screen and of course without V pictures, but with original CP and AA.
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V-Class 2019
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V-Class 2019
I have an opportunity to buy a full MBUX NTG6 setup (screen, head unit, touchpad) from a crashed car.
Would it be possible to code it to my VIN using DTS Monaco or similar tools?
Or is VIN binding and component protection an issue, making this unrealistic or very expensive?
Would it be possible to code it to my VIN using DTS Monaco or similar tools?
Or is VIN binding and component protection an issue, making this unrealistic or very expensive?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 488
From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
It's realistic but very expensive for your car. Used HU6 will lose the activation licenses without a proper prepares.
@EleBest can sell already prepared parts, if you are ready to spend a lot.
@EleBest can sell already prepared parts, if you are ready to spend a lot.
