Swapping HeadUnit W204 has anyone done it?

[Hankiss]

Gentlemen

I am considering to replace headunit (with simple radio) in Mercedes c-class 2009 to more advanced headunit with SATNAV from younger c-class 2011. The swap will also include putting the old Head unit to newer car. See photos of both. Before I take both out to check wires and connectors, I am wondering if anyone has done it and may share his experience. I would suspect that some connectors maybe missing in old car. Also I would need to install GPS antenna from younger car. This may create some problems. I am not sure if the exiting turning know (next to gear selector) has all functions required for new unit (with SATNAV). For surely, the new unit must be coded into old car. Can I do it with my cloned Star, or need to go to Main Dealer (for NCS coding)? Thank you for reading.

 

[fabes]

Default answer and advice is to contact Comand On Line in Surrey with the VINs for both cars to hand.
If it's been done or is even possible they will have done it or can advise on the size of the job.

 

[Hankiss]

Default answer and advice is to contact Comand On Line in Surrey with the VINs for both cars to hand.
If it's been done or is even possible they will have done it or can advise on the size of the job.

They are comercial company. They will not give me any (free) advice. They want to sell their products and services. Ans they are very expensive ! There are many aftermarket Android dvices which can be installed on W204, but I prefer to stay with original Mercedes HU.

 

[fabes]

They often chip in on the forum with a little steer and confirmation of a few facts, but true, they are not going to give you a free step by step guide.

And yes, some have said they are expensive, but they are experts and do top quality, difficult work.

If you are handy and confident, you could save quite a few quid, yes.
Pays your money.....

 

[Srdl]

The usual wisdom is that Comand units (the ones with SatNav) run at a much hotter temperature and therefore need additional cooling by way of ducting and fans. This is built in on factory fit systems but is complex to add to retrofit and there is a danger you will fry the electronics if you don’t.

I’ll tag @Alfie from Comand Online as he may wish to add a view despite being in business to make a living.

 

[Chrishazle]

Looking at the photos, you're also talking turning something that is NTG4 date into something NTG4.5 date, even though the original is Audio 20 rather than Comand NTG4. IMHO you need expert help and advice, and there are not that many places you can get that, especially FOC!

 

[V6Matty]

IIRC swapping from pre to post facelift on the 204 is not just a strait plug and play, I know a guy with a prefacelift C63 that wanted the post facelift interior, I think it cost him somewhere in the region of £11k to get it completed including all the parts. Okay worth it to him as it was a keeper car for him, but for me that would be too much

 

[Hankiss]

Thanks for all above. I think, I may opt for aftermarket Android unit from China (about £150) which has already compatible fascia. I will gain touch screen, SatNav and other functions, but loose CD player. There are some nice videos on YouTube how to fit those.

 

[Brizzle]

I have an Android unit in my 2009 W204 that looks exactly like the original MB Audio 20 head and screen. It's getting a bit long in the tooth now as it's Android 5! but it still works. I would probably be in the market to replace it but the car may be going soon in favour of a new one.

Take a look at www.iceboxauto.com, they are very friendly and helpful. I would be wary of the el-cheapo units direct from China as you're probably not going to get much/any support if there's a problem during the installation (or afterwards).