Mercedes - How to install Android Head Unit?
Why should you install Android Head Unit onto your Old Mercedes
The info entertainment system on today’s vehicles is increasingly dazzling and surprising, as they allow you to control multiple vehicle systems via touch or voice commands in some cases from the comfort of your seat or even from your mobile phone. It allows you to create a link between all your devices and your new lifestyle, a lifestyle where a fundamental part is a connection that you have with everyone.
Technology has taken giant strides with respect to the ways in which we connect with our different digital tools such as our mobile phones, tablets, computing equipment, and of course larger peripherals such as the vehicle in which we travel. The current trend indicates an almost natural integration between our mobile phone and the vehicle, but what happens when our car doesn’t have the latest technology available from automotive brands to interact with our mobile device?
Premium automotive brands such as Mercedes-Benz have the highest technological development combined with luxury and prestige. It is to be hoped that even in the entry versions, all models are equipped with the best that the brand offers. In some cases, due to the passage of time, some technology features become obsolete, and features need to be rejuvenated to maintain the technological environment so characteristic of Mercedes-Benz.
The note below shows the procedure to install a media drive that supports Android Auto and CarPlay in your Mercedes-Benz:
- How do I install the media drive in my Mercedes-Benz?
- For which Mercedes-Benz vehicles does this procedure apply?
- Conclusion
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1. How do I install the media drive in my Mercedes-Benz?
As a preliminary step, it is necessary to acquire this multimedia unit compatible with your Mercedes Benz, there are multiple providers from which you can choose, an interesting fact of these units is that they allow us to keep the preset functions included by Mercedes Benz added to this new interaction with your mobile device via Android auto and CarPlay. The complete installation kit consists of the multimedia unit, electrical harnesses needed to maintain all the functions of the original Mercedes Benz multimedia system, and adjustment brackets that will allow us to keep the essence of the design inside the vehicle. In most cases, there will be an excellent gain in terms of aesthetics and functionality, especially if you have a basic and smaller standard screen than the one we have acquired.
Step 1: Disconnect the battery
As an initial step and since we will be interacting with the electric system of the vehicle, it is necessary to disconnect the battery, this will allow us to make the necessary modifications without fear of receiving any kind of damage.
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Step 2: Remove the center console
Once inside the vehicle, it will be necessary to disassemble the center console, in some cases it will only be necessary to remove the ventilation grilles to have more direct and simple access when routing the cables of the new installation. This is done by removing the plastic cover that contains the opening button of the slide of the armrest, it will be necessary to use a plastic tool that allows us to remove the cover without leaving any kind of mark or damage on the part. Once we remove this plastic cover that includes the button, we will find on both sides 2 Torx 20 screws, which we will need to remove to be able to disassemble the central panel.
With the help of our plastic tool, we will remove the center console. It is necessary to be extremely careful when this part is removed, due to requires releasing all the electrical plugs that are connected.
Step 3: Remove radio unit
Once the plastic cover of the center console is removed it will be possible to view the radio, it is connected to the dashboard using 2 Torx 20 screws that are inserted in two separate tabs that allow us to uninstall the device more thoroughly, in this case, it is not necessary to remove them completely. When removing the radio, it will be necessary to disconnect the electrical plugs that are connected to it.
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Step 4: Remove upper instrument panel plastic cover
At the top of the dashboard is a plastic cover, which in some cases can be the speaker cover. It will be necessary to remove this plastic cover using our extraction tool. This will allow us to see the 2 Torx 20 screws with which the original Mercedes-Benz screen is attached. Once we remove these screws, we can disconnect the electrical outlets and finally remove the screen.
Step 5: Connect the new harness with original wiring.
This step is primordial, as new connections will be made between the original vehicle harnesses and those included in the installation kit. To get a more complete picture of the electrical system and know how it interacts with your car, you need to get the schematic diagram of the new multimedia unit. This diagram will show us specifically the required connections between connectors. In some cases, multimedia units have a GPS and Wi-Fi antenna, so the position where they will be placed is paramount. Locate and prepare all connections on-site to make installation easier for you.
NOTE: During this step, it is recommended to remove the glove compartment of the vehicle to get a better picture of where the new devices will be placed and have a better fit of the electric harnesses.
Step 6: Reinstall the radio unit
It’s time to reconnect all the electrical plugs into the radio, in this step make sure that all the elements are properly connected, and all the cables are clearly identified. This will allow us to have better management for future revisions. Place the radio in place and check that it does not have any contact with the installed cables.
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Step 7: Install the new display
Place the new multimedia unit (display) in its adjustment bracket and connect all the plugs in their respective places. Locate the multimedia unit in its place and lightly secure its new position with the screws.
NOTE: During this step, it is recommended to validate the operation of this new unit. Connect the battery to the electrical system, start the vehicle and verify that the system works correctly.
Step 8: Complete the installation
Finally, it is necessary to put all the components back in their place.
2. For which Mercedes-Benz vehicles does this procedure apply?
In the case of Mercedes-Benz models 2017 onwards it is possible to activate this Android Auto and CarPlay integration function simply by using a compatible OBD activator. For earlier models, it will be necessary to use the procedure mentioned above.
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3. Conclusion
Renewing the equipment of our vehicle is always an excellent option to keep our vehicle updated and with the highest technology. This principle applies to any brand, including the premium ones, despite offering you the best, the passage of time is always visible. The need to always stay connected will lead us to seek more and better interconnection options between the devices around us.
Reference Head Unit Replacement: https://mbworld.org/forums/w211-amg/743724-head-unit-replacement-w211.html