Simple W204 head unit swap

[Ashww]

Hello guys,

Can't find anything about this anywhere please if someone has tried tell me your experience...

I want to swap a A2049005112 head unit from a W204 2012 into my W204 2012 as mine is broken*.
*ive checked front fuse and stereo fuse, fault codes show no power to head unit and lookers say I need a new head unit

Is it just plug and play? They are £60-120 from ebay and I have the tools ready to replace.
Do i need to have a code or something?

Car is a BlueEff SE non amg, no HK

Tia

 

[markjay]

The head units are locked to the car's VIN.

If the eBsy seller can provide the antitheft locking pin, then great. Otherwise, it's a brick.

There's also the possibility of disabled the antitheft feature before removing the head unit from the donor car, but given that most head units on eBay are from breakers, it's quite rare to find a properly unlocked unit on eBay.

With regards plug-and-play, if the HU from the donor car has the same MB part number as your HU, then yes it's a simple swap.

But if the donor unit is different, then it may need SCN coding and/or MOST configuration using STAR (a job for the dealer or a specialist).

 

[Ashww]

The head units are locked to the car's VIN.

If the eBsy seller can provide the antitheft locking pin, then great. Otherwise, it's a brick.

There's also the possibility of disabled the antitheft feature before removing the head unit from the donor car, but given that most head units on eBay are from breakers, it's quite rare to find a property unlocked unit on eBay.

That was my worry, some are saying No code (implying disabled AT but they aren't the cheaper side and its a risk)

Would you happen to know if mercedes would be willing to work some magic knowing this happens and could bypass it for me?

 

[markjay]

...fault codes show no power to head unit...

Did you actually check - using a voltmeter - that there's a live 12v feed in the plug behind the unit? If there isn't, a new HU won't help....

And, if you can remove the unit from the car, try feeding it 12v directly into the socket at the rear (but only into the correct connector!!!).

 

[markjay]

...Would you happen to know if mercedes would be willing to work some magic knowing this happens and could bypass it for me?

I know they won't.... an independent specialist with genuine STAR might be willing to do this, IF it's possible (and I don't know the answer to that).

 

[markjay]

Comand UK in Lightwater can fix and/or replace COMAND and Audio20 head units, try giving them a call on 01276 451579.

 

[Ashww]

Did you actually check - using a voltmeter - that there's a live 12v feed in the plug behind the unit? If there isn't, a new HU won't help....

And, if you can remove the unit from the car, try feeding it 12v directly into the socket at the rear (but only into the correct connector!!!).

The only thing I tested was the fuse in the head unit. I changed the fuse with a fancy led one but that is all and I trusted what lookers said... Naturally

 

[Ashww]

Comand UK in Lightwater can fix and/or replace COMAND and Audio20 head units, try giving them a call on 01276 451579.

Thanks I will, I have tried 3rd party but they all want over £600 to repair. My car isn't worth that much (very high mileage, ripped seats, non amg styling, usual c class shousery)

 

[markjay]

The only thing I tested was the fuse in the head unit. I changed the fuse with a fancy led one but that is all and I trusted what lookers said... Naturally

Well if you intend to swap it yourself, then the old unit will need to come out anyway, and that's a good opportunity to check.

 

[markjay]

That was my worry, some are saying No code (implying disabled AT but they aren't the cheaper side and its a risk)...

If you buy on eBay and it's clearly advertising as unlocked, then you can return it (or log a dispute with eBay) if it turns out not to be the case.

 

[Ashww]

Well if you intend to swap it yourself, then the old unit will need to come out anyway, and that's a good opportunity to check.

Certainly. I know my mb specialist (in Autos) have the Star equipment so ill give them a call if i need to and take a punt on the cheap breaker HU and hope for the best.
But you've certainly helped, ill make sure to message the seller to give me some sort of code or clarity on removal prior to handing money over.

Cheers mate

 

[markjay]

BTW, it's probably not a good idea to publish your full post code on a public forum, if you leave just the first half that's good enough for people to know where you are without giving out too much info.

 

[gatty]

Does it need to be a mb replacement. If car has limited value as mentioned what about an aftermarket unit, might get some better functionality.

 

[Ashww]

Does it need to be a mb replacement. If car has limited value as mentioned what about an aftermarket unit, might get some better functionality.

Then i would need much needed help and they aren't cheap. Also I like the ngt menu with rotary knob/steering buttons. Also the relocation looks ugly in my opinion as I think it's the only way to install din or ddin. Even if I would im also sure that the facia for ddin in facelift are sold out and discontinued for the UK

 

[markjay]

Another point to consider, is that if the unit is COMAND (as opposed to Audio20), then it would have the navigation maps loaded onto the internet HDD.

The maps data is locked to the car's VIN, and this lock is separate to the antitheft lock.

So even if you did manage to get a replacement unit with the antitheft PIN code and unlock it, when you press the NAVI button it will ask for a PIN code for the maps data.

Having the PIN code from the donor car won't help here, because the donor car will have a different VIN.

The only way to resolve this is by loading the latest maps data, and purchasing a new PIN code that will work with the latest maps data (currently v20.0 for COMAND NTG4.5/4.7) and with your car's VIN.

The maps data PIN code can be purchased from MB dealers, independent specialists, or online. The code is being generated by the MB central computer based on the maps version and is unique to your car's VIN.

 

[alexanderfoti]

Markjay is right on the money. We (anybody) with a online star can SCN code, update and unlock a second hand head unit, but it will need the pin code, AND will likely need a map update at the same time, unless the maps on the unit match the latest FW version. Probably worth checking power/comms to the unit etc before going down that road.

 

[markjay]

Markjay is right on the money. We (anybody) with a online star can SCN code, update and unlock a second hand head unit, but it will need the pin code, AND will likely need a map update at the same time, unless the maps on the unit match the latest FW version. Probably worth checking power/comms to the unit etc before going down that road.

I didn't think about that - yes, if the maps data version on the donor unit happens to be the same version as that on your old unit, then it should be possible to retrieve the PIN code that was originally assigned to your car and re-use that without having to upload the maps data again or purchase a new PIN code.

However, given that the first maps version was v4.0, and we are now on v20.0, there are 17 possible versions. The probability that both units will have the same version is therefore (if I remember from my school days correctly) 1:289.... Still, worth a shot.

 

[alexanderfoti]

In all likelyhood, if the donor HU is not on the latest FW version, it will need a map update as well. All more ££

 

[markjay]

Having said that, the eBay seller might be able to tell you what version of maps is currently installed on the unit from the donor car, and ensure that it matches yours - but this will only work IF you know what maps version you have, given that the unit won't power up......

 

[alexanderfoti]

However the initial startup of the unit (and locking it to the new car) won't complete without updating the FW, so even if it's on the latest (map) version it will probably need a map update after the FW is updated.