Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 Android Head Unit Review
Service Price
$150+
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Before
After
Process photos
Mercedes-Benz W213 wide cockpit upgrade with touch panel & Carlinkit Pro 3: Approx. $750+. Enjoy seamless smartphone integration and a digital dash.
Transform Your Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 with a Smart Infotainment Upgrade
For Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213 owners seeking a more intuitive and modern driving experience, upgrading the infotainment system with an Android head unit, often referred to as a wide cockpit or CarPlay retrofit, offers a significant leap forward. This review details a recent installation in a W213 E-Class, focusing on the integration of a wide cockpit display, a capacitive touch panel, and the Carlinkit Pro 3 for enhanced smartphone connectivity. The goal is to move beyond the limitations of the factory navigation and enjoy familiar apps like TMAP, Kakao Navi, and Naver Maps on a larger, more responsive screen.
Before and After: A Digital Cockpit Revolution
The factory infotainment system in the W213 E-Class, while functional, can feel dated compared to the seamless integration offered by modern smartphones. The original setup often features a non-touch screen and a traditional analog instrument cluster. This upgrade replaces the analog cluster with a high-definition digital display, dramatically improving visibility and aesthetics. The addition of a capacitive touch panel transforms the main display, allowing for smartphone-like swiping and tapping gestures. This makes navigating menus, selecting apps, and inputting destinations far more intuitive than the original rotary controller. The Carlinkit Pro 3 further enhances this by enabling wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unlocking a world of applications directly on the car's screen. This includes not only navigation and music but also streaming services like YouTube and Netflix, though these should only be used when safely parked. The split-screen functionality is a standout feature, allowing simultaneous display of navigation and music apps, benefiting both the driver and passengers.
Installation Process and What to Expect
The installation process, performed by the 'O-neul-ui-ka' (Today's Car) team in Gimpo, South Korea, is designed for a factory-like fit and finish. While the exact cost in USD can vary, the service in Korea typically starts around ₩180,000 (approximately $150 USD) for basic Carlinkit integration, with the full wide cockpit and touch panel upgrade costing significantly more, often upwards of ₩1,000,000 (around $750+ USD). The durability of these aftermarket units is generally good, comparable to factory components, with proper maintenance involving occasional software updates and keeping the screen clean. The primary benefit is the vastly improved user experience, making the car feel significantly more modern and connected.
Installation process:
- Careful removal of the original instrument cluster and infotainment screen.
- Precise installation of the new wide cockpit digital display and capacitive touch panel, ensuring seamless integration with the vehicle's interior.
- Connection of the Carlinkit Pro 3 module via USB for wireless CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
- Comprehensive testing of all functions, including the digital cluster, touch responsiveness, and smartphone app mirroring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does Android head unit or CarPlay installation cost for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
The cost for a basic Carlinkit integration starts around $150 USD in Korea, while a full wide cockpit and touch panel upgrade can range from $750 USD and up.
Q. How long does Android head unit installation take on a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
The installation process typically takes a few hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the chosen upgrade. Regular maintenance involves keeping the screen clean and ensuring software is up-to-date.
Q. Is a CarPlay or Android Auto retrofit worth it for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
This upgrade is highly recommended for W213 owners who frequently use smartphone navigation and apps, offering a modern and convenient infotainment experience. It significantly enhances the car's interior tech appeal and daily usability.
Q. How is an Android head unit installed in a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
Installation involves removing the original display and instrument cluster, fitting the new wide cockpit digital screen and touch panel, and connecting a module like the Carlinkit Pro 3 for wireless smartphone integration.
Q. What is the difference between an Android head unit and a factory infotainment system for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class W213?
An Android head unit upgrade provides a larger, touch-enabled screen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto and access to a wider range of apps, unlike the factory system's limited functionality and interface.
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