Command APS NTG 4.5 - 5.0 -- Question

[quantass]

I own a 2013 Mercedes GLK350 (VIN: wdcgg8jbxdg006954). I'm still wrapping my head around what this Command APS NTG controller is.

How do i conclusively identify what model # it is? That is, is it NTG4.5 or 4.7? From the photos below and my readings i believe i'm using NTG4.5.

Is it possible to upgrade my existing controller to NTG5.0+, i mean a complete hardware swapout, as i was told by a shop if i want to integrate 360 degree cams i need to have NTG5.0. They're scheduled to upgrade my stock screen to an Android 10.25" Android display and so i asked about adding backlup cams and such.

Thanks for the info.

 

[markjay]

1. The only way to know for sure if your unit is NTG4.5 Gen2 or NTG4.5 Gen3 (aka NTG4.7) is by going into the Engineering Menu on COMAND (aka 'Hidden Menu' or 'Secret Menu') and checking there.

Having said that, NTG4.5 Gen3 (aka NTG4.7) was generally fitted to cars after 03/2014, so most likely your 2013 car still has the older version.


2. Retrofitting options requires SCN coding, which is a process where the retrofitted option is added to the car's profile (aka 'Datacard') on the MB central computer.

For this reason, it is only possible to officially retrofit components that were available as an option at the time the car was still a current model.

This means that upgrade to NTG5*1 will only be possible if this unit was ever available as an option for your car.

I know that the W212 (E-Class) that was made between 2010 and 2016, recieved in 2016 NTG5*1 (it had NTG4.5 before that). It was only briefly available because the W212 was replaced by the W213 later in the year, but this should be sufficient to allow for SCN coding of NTG5*1 to a W212 facelift.

So it might possible to retrofit NTG5*1 to your W218, which is based on the W212.

The people who would know if it can be done are www.comand.co.uk.


3. If it isn't officially possible to retrofit NTG5*1 to your car, it is still possible to 'bucher' it and force an NTG5*1 unit into the car without SCN coding, but I wouldn't recommend it. Firstly, some of the integration with the car won't work, and then you won't be able to generate a PIN code for maps update.

In this case I would suggest a non-MB upgrade, i.e. either an Android-based system, or another after-market unit (www.comand.co.uk should be able to recommend a suitable unit).

 

[400ixl]

The Android 10.25 system does not touch the OEM system other than replacing the screen and connecting into the harness.

You can either still use the OEM camera or fit one that is compatible with the Android unit and connect it directly.

The Android unit brings it far more.up to date for half the price of replacing Command.