R231 infotainment system upgrade/maps

[TooFunny]

Quick question in regards to the infotainment system in the car, it seems to currently be running NTG 4.5, as all pre-facelift R231s were.

The sat nav seems very out of date and I was wondering what the best solution would be for upgrading the in car system?

- Purchase an entirely new Apple Car Play/Android Auto interface and retrofit it into the system to use always up to date google maps. I'm not too fussed about the other functions I just want up to date maps.
- Purchase a PIN code for an updated routes/map system, then download it to the current interface. Latest version seems to be v20 for 2023.
- Assuming it would work, would it be best to retrofit a facelift display screen with NGT 5.0 as I believe that has Android auto and Apple Car Play functionality. I think they have the same connectors.

Has anyone upgraded the system in their car? What would you recommend?

 

[ToeKnee]

Quick question in regards to the infotainment system in the car, it seems to currently be running NTG 4.5, as all pre-facelift R231s were.

The sat nav seems very out of date and I was wondering what the best solution would be for upgrading the in car system?

- Purchase an entirely new Apple Car Play/Android Auto interface and retrofit it into the system to use always up to date google maps. I'm not too fussed about the other functions I just want up to date maps.
- Purchase a PIN code for an updated routes/map system, then download it to the current interface. Latest version seems to be v20 for 2023.
- Assuming it would work, would it be best to retrofit a facelift display screen with NGT 5.0 as I believe that has Android auto and Apple Car Play functionality. I think they have the same connectors.

Has anyone upgraded the system in their car? What would you recommend?

All I can say is that updating the maps via mercedes has only ever cost me £99, eBay may be cheaper. Obviously, car play/android would be up to date with Google/apple maps or Waze.

 

[RussJ]

I fitted an Android box to my SL63 rather than updating the 2019 map. Integrated Automotive offer a good but pricey unit or there are cheaper alternatives from Ninetom or Roadtop on Amazon.
I have the Split View option on my car and it caused vertical scrolling on the IA box so I had to return it. I settled on Ninetom but had same problem. Ninetom quickly supplied an update which fixed the scrolling, so good customer service. Hooking it up is relatively easy but hiding the box away and dressing the cables is a challenge. I also added a front camera to help avoid hitting the front splitter on high curbs when parking nose in. All working as promised now so very pleased.

 

[markjay]

I'd go with adding Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

Even more so if your NTG4.5 system does not have the real-time traffic data feature.

If you can get a good deal on a PIN code for upgrading the COMAND maps, then I would do that as well, so that you have a backup in case you're driving in an area where there's poor GSM signal or there's an issue with the phone etc.