Which Stereo is which?

[thefootster]

Hi,

I recently returned a 2010 C Series shortly after buying it for a number of reasons. It had the satnav / stereo screen that flipped up automatically when the stereo was switched on (see picture 1 below).

Since returning the car, I have found a similar one but where the screen appears to be a lot smaller and is located within the screen compartment (picture 2).

1. Would I be correct in assuming that the smaller screen and system is not as good as the larger, flip up screen?

2. Would anyone be able to confirm the model numbers and the differences between them?

3. If I was to purchase the vehicle with the smaller screen, still assuming that the smaller screen is of a lesser quality, would there be any recommended upgrade options (aftermarket or not)?

Thank you very much for your help in advance.

 

[markjay]

There are two variants of the information system for the W204, each comes with its own screen.

The infotainment unit with the smaller screen is Audio20, which is very basic.

The infotainment system with the bigger screen is COMAND NTG4, which is a better system and also includes navigation on internal HDD (but obviously this being a 2010 car, the infotainment system will be obsolete in today's terms, especially give that it was originally designed in 2006).

If your budget stretches to the 2011 facelift model, then you'll get a car with a nicer dash, and either Audio20 with the optional Becker Map Pilot navigation processor, or COMAND NTG4.5 which is a more current infotainment system than the older NTG4 unit that comes with the pre-facelift model.

 

[markjay]

With regard upgrades, upgrading Audio20 to COMAND NTG4 is doable but it's ££££.

You could look at aftermarket Android head units, e.g.:

MERCEDES BENZ C CLASS W204 2007-11 NAVI ANDROID 10.0 8CORE 8/64 DAB CARPLAY 8810A

Mercedes Benz C Class W204 2007-11 Navi Android 10.0 8Core 8/64 DAB carplay 8810A, shop online now @ Iceboxauto, shop here now!

www.iceboxauto.com

 

[thefootster]

Thank you very much for the above information. It really helps clarify which is which. As such, I have gone for a car with the Comand system. However, it only appears to connect to my iphone for calls. Is there any way I can stream music from my phone too?

Thanks in advance

 

[thefootster]

Also, has anyone tried this (or similar) before. If, would it be worth while? I particularly like the fact that it seems to be in addition to the original set up, as opposed to replacing it.

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