W212 Stereo upgrade

[Fimland]

Hi.

I just baught a Mercedes 250CDI 2011, and so far I'm loving it! But I'm having a hard time finding proper equipment for some custom upgrades in this prio:

1. Stereo upgrade incl. new DSP: I'm a big audiophile, I already have amps and speakers
2. Android Auto + reverse camera

The more I read up on this subject, the more certain I get that t-taps are a bad idea, and that I'll need to pay up for a MOST Toslink adapter.. So this is where I'm at now.


I can get hold of a second hand Audison Bit DMI for aprox 500$. But I get this feeling that I need to take a time-out, and research this some more before I go spending that kind of money for an audio signal..
It would be the story of my life if I baught that impulsively - only to later realise I could get a combined DSP + Toslink adapter, or an Integrated Automotive device with a low output signal for the same price... And I do see you guys have alot of love for those

I'm really not sure about my options here, and my local dealers are pretty abysmal, to be honest.


Some important factors to consider are:
- No Harmon Kardon
- From what I reckon it has a NTG4.5gen1 Command unit

VIN decode: Mercedes VIN Decoder | Decode Your Mercedes-Benz VIN

Let me know if my information is lacking and I'll post it as fast as I can.


I've build tons of stereos throughout the years, but this Mercedes business is scaring me

 

[markjay]

Welcome.

- From what I reckon it has a NTG4.5gen1 Command unit

You are correct. This is COMAND Online NTG4.5 Gen1.

I am not an expert on audio matters, but certainly you can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the unit by installing an Integrated Automotive module, or one of the cheaper Chinese modules.

The inherent audio properties of the unit aren't bad, the main problem is the very poor factory fitted speakers. You may be OK with a speaker upgrade, subwoofer, and amp.

It's also possible to upgrade the system from Gen 1 to Gen 2 via software update, and you'll then have the newer grey/red/black colour scheme instead of the original brown papyrus one.

 

[Fimland]

Welcome.



You are correct. This is COMAND Online NTG4.5 Gen1.

I am not an expert on audio matters, but certainly you can add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to the unit by installing an Integrated Automotive module, or one of the cheaper Chinese modules.

The inherent audio properties of the unit aren't bad, the main problem is the very poor factory fitted speakers. You may be OK with a speaker upgrade, subwoofer, and amp.

It's also possible to upgrade the system from Gen 1 to Gen 2 via software update, and you'll then have the newer grey/red/black colour scheme instead of the original brown papyrus one.

Thanks for your reply

I've read that I can upgrade to gen 2, but if I'll need both an Most adapter and an module for what I want that's def getting downprioritized.

Do you know if the Integrated Automotive modules come with a low output signal (meaning I could skip the adapter all together) ?

If not I'll need to prioritise the adapter first. Man. It's becoming a real expensive hobby this!

 

[markjay]

Do you know if the Integrated Automotive modules come with a low output signal (meaning I could skip the adapter all together) ?

I do not know, but from other members' experience, Integrated Automotive are quite responsive, so it might be a good idea to ask them?

BTW, my understanding is that @richard can supply the Integrated Automotive unit, if that's of interest.

 

[Fimland]

I do not know, but from other members' experience, Integrated Automotive are quite responsive, so it might be a good idea to

I do not know, but from other members' experience, Integrated Automotive are quite responsive, so it might be a good idea to ask them?

BTW, my understanding is that @richard can supply the Integrated Automotive unit, if that's of interest.

Nice I'll write an e-mail to IA first and be advised

 

[Fimland]

I do not know, but from other members' experience, Integrated Automotive are quite responsive, so it might be a good idea to ask them?

BTW, my understanding is that @richard can supply the Integrated Automotive unit, if that's of interest.

BTW, do you know how I can establish if my car has fiber or not? I haven't found any amp in the back, but tbh I haven't really had time to look close.