replacement sterio for 2002 ml270 need advice

[montyt]

Hi All
I have just purchased a lovely low mile 2002 ml270 for a good price.
The stereo like everything on the car is original, I wish to update it from the original single din cd/FM radio unit to an Andriod/apple play compatible double din sterio something preferably with a parking camera/sensor.

I have been searching youtube for instructions and recommendations.

the vehicle doesn't appear to have cd changer and I am expecting no optical cable.

are there some threads/webpages instructions for removal/installation someone can point me to for replacement head units?
ie what size unit can comfortably be installed.
any considerations or things to watchout for

note have been looking at one of these "https://avinusa.com/9-touchscreen-m...system-for-mercedes-benz-ml-w164-gl-x164.html"
if I can get one in AUS

thanks
regards Monty

 

[M80]

I would look on eBay for Chinese units for the 163, like your linked item/s for the 164. (Will a 164 unit fit the 163?)
Stick to octo core 4 gig ram. In my mind the internal storage is less important.

8-Core Android 10 Car Stereo DSP CarPlay DAB+GPS Mercedes C/G-Class CLK W209/203 737655200553 | eBay

Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto module. you don't need to use another adapter, just connect your. - Built-in DSP Amplifier System, which bring the perfect sound effect in your car. - Built-in DAB Player App: Yes, just connect a DAB+ Box to use this function.

www.ebay.co.uk

There are better if the 164 unit will go into the 163

8-Core Android 12 Car Stereo GPS Radio Mercedes ML/GL-Class W164 X164 CarPlay 4G | eBay

Built-in Apple CarPlay and Android Auto module. you don't need to use another adapter, just connect your. Android OS car stereo. Android 7.1. Android 8.0. Android 8.1. WinCE OS car stereo. 1 Din car stereo.

www.ebay.co.uk

Sorry not so easy for me to do an Aus search

 

[AnthonyUK]

I've had that first style above in my 203 for more than three years now and prefer it TBH over the buttonless option as it looks OEM.
They come with so much more now for less money and are so good.
Very happy with mine functionally and sound quality wise.

 

[M80]

I've had that first style above in my 203 for more than three years now and prefer it TBH over the buttonless option as it looks OEM.
They come with so much more now for less money and are so good.
Very happy with mine functionally and sound quality wise.

I'm considering the pros' and cons for the 211.

Buttonless is a 1" larger screen (so 8").
The button can make switching apps easier, but only for a select few apps.
Both have sound up / down but that's from the steering controls also.
Otherwise one press to home screen and all apps are available.
The greater advantage of the '6' buttons is being able to switch between pre programmed FM stations easily.

I'm perhaps fortunate that I have 1 of each unit and both faulty so will be returned.
The 8" has poor contrast on mine.
The 7" screwed the canbus after 1 1/2 of driving as it got hot I guess.
So I've had chance to compare.

My preference is for the 8" screen but with good contrast and brightness, it makes for Sat Nav to be easier on the eyes.
Both have the same amp chip, apparently, but the 7" sounded better, and came with a better equaliser app.

 

[AnthonyUK]

I'm considering the pros' and cons for the 211.

Buttonless is a 1" larger screen (so 8").
The button can make switching apps easier, but only for a select few apps.
Both have sound up / down but that's from the steering controls also.
Otherwise one press to home screen and all apps are available.
The greater advantage of the '6' buttons is being able to switch between pre programmed FM stations easily.

I'm perhaps fortunate that I have 1 of each unit and both faulty so will be returned.
The 8" has poor contrast on mine.
The 7" screwed the canbus after 1 1/2 of driving as it got hot I guess.
So I've had chance to compare.

My preference is for the 8" screen but with good contrast and brightness, it makes for Sat Nav to be easier on the eyes.
Both have the same amp chip, apparently, but the 7" sounded better, and came with a better equaliser app.

Does the 7" have a DSP? Could explain the better EQ.
I rooted mine and use Viper4Android which improves SQ significantly.
You can switch between FM with the RH knob or the Radio app has quite a few preset buttons onscreen.
DAB (DAB-Z for me) is similar if you take that option.
The rear cam locks up about once every 3-4 months which usually requires a reboot but other than that it has been reliable.
I did a complete re-install (Hal9k build) once during these 3 years as I couldn't get Waze to run after it updated and that resolved it.

 

[M80]

Don't need DAB.
I run Tom Tom, and install Waze as a backup. The 8" came with IGO, including traffic, but Tom Tom is an easier read and I'm more familiar these days.

I stick with Octo core and 4gig of ram and so far that eliminates freezing, falling over, issues. earlier Chinese HU's would fairly regularly.

DSP, EQ??

 

[AnthonyUK]

Don't need DAB.
I run Tom Tom, and install Waze as a backup. The 8" came with IGO, including traffic, but Tom Tom is an easier read and I'm more familiar these days.

I stick with Octo core and 4gig of ram and so far that eliminates freezing, falling over, issues. earlier Chinese HU's would fairly regularly.

DSP, EQ??

Later version often have a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) to improve audio. These would also have an alternative app with more bands on the equaliser (EQ).

 

[M80]

Yes the 7" has more bands in the equaliser,
Looking at eBay specs for these the 7" (Erisin (under a new name)) does detail DSP.
The 8" (Xtrons) doesn't detail the same.
So that's likely the difference as you say. Thanks another thing to look out for when buying, but worth it.

 

[joderest]

but do they have medium wave !!!!!!

 

[M80]

but do they have medium wave !!!!!!

Only if you have penny round, tank top, flares and platform shoes. But boots are permissible. Apparently.

 

[montyt]

Hi All
after messing around for more time than I would like to have, I have purchased a JVC head unit (http://au.jvc.com/car/av_receivers/kw_m745dbt/). great unit.
easy plugin and works great, just a little delay in the device startup when you start the car, but overall .. quick easy and does exactly what It states

i would not recommend going with a Chinese stereo.
i tried one and ended up with a radio that doesn't fit, after discussions, they state that the radio uses an app for mirroring (only uses Chinese text) and
this is after contacting them with the make /model/pictures of my car and then going through many emails trying to get the device wired up as required.
i may have done my money on that deal.

i am in the process of trying to get my money back :| on the Chinese purchase

anyway.
just thought id give the outcome of my journey

regards monty