Anyone replaced COMAND with an Android head unit?
Discussion
I have a 2011 GL X164 which I'm mostly very happy with but the COMAND system is absolutely antiquated. eBay is littered with auctions for Android replacements. They look fabulous but I want to hear from anyone who's made the change.
Are they any good?
Do you need a lot of extra boxes to make it compatible with TPMS, DAB and the steering wheel controls?
Is it better to go for the 9" touch screen and do away with the plethora of buttons on the 7" versions (which emulate the original COMAND)?
Quad processor with 2Gb RAM is less than my phone has - do they work OK?
What else?
Are they any good?
Do you need a lot of extra boxes to make it compatible with TPMS, DAB and the steering wheel controls?
Is it better to go for the 9" touch screen and do away with the plethora of buttons on the 7" versions (which emulate the original COMAND)?
Quad processor with 2Gb RAM is less than my phone has - do they work OK?
What else?
I can't say about using one in a Mercedes, but a relative fitted a Chinese made Android touch screen head unit into their car. They regretted it shortly after and I helped them extract it and fit in a Kenwood or Sony unit (I forget which it was) . The Kenwood unit had less listed functionality than the Chinese unit but it had a lot more functionality that actually worked. The Chinese unit promised a lot but crashed, froze and was unresponsive far too often.
I know this is just one experience and you cannot judge all these unbranded units by it but I would only buy one from a known manufacturer.
I know this is just one experience and you cannot judge all these unbranded units by it but I would only buy one from a known manufacturer.
I considered it but I realised that for me it made more sense to install Bluetooth audio and a phone mount, and buy the updated nav disc. I didn't want to lose the non-audio capabilities.
Aftermarket head units usually have such a trade off now because the OEM units aren't just a sound system, as you've already spotted it won't talk to other systems in the car.
Aftermarket head units usually have such a trade off now because the OEM units aren't just a sound system, as you've already spotted it won't talk to other systems in the car.
Interesting thoughts. Thanks all.
For those that have chosen to install an Android box, have you done the research yourself or consulted with anyone else? I think I would like to rock-up at some garage or shop and tall through the options.
Also, I'm prepared to pay more than the £200+ that you find on eBay, if I can get the sort of solution o have in mind (reliable, features, integration).
So, any recommendations?
For those that have chosen to install an Android box, have you done the research yourself or consulted with anyone else? I think I would like to rock-up at some garage or shop and tall through the options.
Also, I'm prepared to pay more than the £200+ that you find on eBay, if I can get the sort of solution o have in mind (reliable, features, integration).
So, any recommendations?
I am working up to buying one but at the moment my COMAND satnav is replicated to the display between the speedo and rev counter. I believe the Android machines will work with my steering wheel controls but not sure about the satnav.
All other features and functions are stand-alone. I don't think I have one of the fibre optic stereo systems either, and that display between the clocks handles the tps, the height adjust and locking diffs, so I don't need the Android box to handle that.
All other features and functions are stand-alone. I don't think I have one of the fibre optic stereo systems either, and that display between the clocks handles the tps, the height adjust and locking diffs, so I don't need the Android box to handle that.
I fitted an android head unit into a cls, one of those ones that look the same as the original, with all the bells and whistles including sat nav and reverse camera. It's an octacore one though and works perfectly, especially the steering wheel buttons and display in the instrument cluster.
Very pleased with it after a year now.
Very pleased with it after a year now.
The canbus on mine,
I get radio and basic track info which was all the comand used to do.
On sat nav I still get the arrow showing the direction I am going but the comand in mine (2006 model) was very basic.
It really has worked well and the optical tie up to the existing Amp is also very good, as I didn't bother with rewiring the speakers to the head unit and using the built in Amp.
The only thing that you lose is front back fading with the optical unit as it is only 2 channel but that is minor in my book.
Being basically a tablet, there are loads of apps you can put on these, even an OBD reader if you want live diagnostic dials while you drive.
I use Sygic for satnav which is way better than most oem systems and includes speed camera info as well.
It has never needed rebooting and has been reliable. As an octacore it is fast, no lag and comes on and bt links to my phone straight away.
I have no problem recommending them as a diy fit, you just need to do a bit of research in forums and look for fitting guides and threads for your car especially for the canbus connections.
I did avoid the non oem types to be honest as I didn't like the look of the fascia plates and lack of physical buttons.
I get radio and basic track info which was all the comand used to do.
On sat nav I still get the arrow showing the direction I am going but the comand in mine (2006 model) was very basic.
It really has worked well and the optical tie up to the existing Amp is also very good, as I didn't bother with rewiring the speakers to the head unit and using the built in Amp.
The only thing that you lose is front back fading with the optical unit as it is only 2 channel but that is minor in my book.
Being basically a tablet, there are loads of apps you can put on these, even an OBD reader if you want live diagnostic dials while you drive.
I use Sygic for satnav which is way better than most oem systems and includes speed camera info as well.
It has never needed rebooting and has been reliable. As an octacore it is fast, no lag and comes on and bt links to my phone straight away.
I have no problem recommending them as a diy fit, you just need to do a bit of research in forums and look for fitting guides and threads for your car especially for the canbus connections.
I did avoid the non oem types to be honest as I didn't like the look of the fascia plates and lack of physical buttons.
Thanks. Useful info. I might take the plunge. I am thinking of one of the 9" units which does remove all the buttons which have always looked a bit cluttered however I'll only consider if I can get a black surround.
I'll find one and give it a shot. I can always put the original one back if I don't like.
I'll find one and give it a shot. I can always put the original one back if I don't like.
Gassing Station | Mercedes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff