W213 retrofit bigger screen and Audio 20 NTG5.5 (506)

[satmonster321]

Hello together,
I nearly finished my upgrade of the display from 8 inch to 12 inch (Audio 20 Code 522 NTG5E to Code 506 NTG 5.5 and here some information.
Why I upgrade from 522 to 506 and not to Command Online code 531? Because it is easier and cheaper to get map updates on the SD card for the "smaller" 506 NTG5.5. It can also Apple CarPlay and AndroidAuto.

What do you need for an upgrade?
- new 12 inch display
- new instrument cluster/display holder in order to fit the bigger screen
- new head unit NTG5.5 Entry e.g. A213 900 22 24 Headhunt A-Entry GPS ECE NTG5.5HUE
- anti theft code for the head unit (otherwise it will be locked)
- USB multimedia connection box A213 820 04 00 -> this with the mobile phone symbol for USB number 2
- USB cable harness A213 540 92 73 with white and blue plug for the interconnection between USB multimedia box and the head unit. REMARK: your old code 522 radio has already two USB cables build in! But only one goes to the head unit! Other go to the HERMES box. You can re-use cables if you re-pin those to white and blue connectors that fits into the head unit and USB multimedia connector box.
- Optionally WLAN cable A213 540 17 14 or (18 14) which has WLAN antenna.
- Fakra double plugs brown (for the rear camera connection if you have RVC) and white for the display.
Note: the NTG5E has different connections as the NTG5.5 and you have to re-pin connectors: brown single RVC to brown double, remove left cable from blue double connector (has display and bluetooth inside) and put the display cable in double white connector.
- If you have HERMES unit (probably all have it) check whether it has a green connector - it goes to the head unit over (old) USB multimedia connection box -> this will NOT work properly anymore! Stop upgrade here! It is now worth the effort! Or buy compatible HERMES box without USB connection.

Steps (not detailed, search YT or internet):
- Switch the ignition off, remove the key at least 2m away from the car/or disconnect battery
- Remove instrument cluster with old display (three screws on the top)
- Remove only instrument cluster and build it into the new holder together with the 12 inch display.
- Put the new assembly back in place, connect all the wires (are identical to the old display)
- Next step is to remove central console
- Disconnect the old head unit from all cables/connections
- Remove head unit
- Re-pin the connectors as described above
- Attach the connectors/cables (are color coded and have pins that prevents from wrong connection)
- Attach blue and white USB connectors to the HU (other ends will go into the USB multimedia connection box)
- Put the unit back into the holder
- Remove old USB multimedia box from the central console between driver and passenger seats (use special flat tool similar to remove some radios)
- Put the new USB mm box and connect white and blue connectors. White connector has additional two cables. This is power supply for the box. Ensure it gets 12V. You can use also the old original USB cables, but you have to re-pin all the cable ends to white and blue connectors.
- Check all connections again
- Place central console back, check whether all connections e.g. ambient light or clock, etc. are correct.
- Switch on the entertainment system, enter anti theft code. Normally all should work and you should see the information on the new big screen.
- IMPORTANT: you have to adapt (SCN coding) the head unit to your car. Otherwise the pictures will be wrong or it will not show all options available in your car!

Enjoy your big screen!

Remark: I am not responsible for any damages you might cause to your car!
This is not complete detailed instruction! Any errors and misunderstanding is possible!
If you not sure, what you are doing, ask specialists or Mercedes dealer. They offer original retrofit of the Command Online 531 for lot of money!

 

[bobert]

Hello, can it be updated for a c292 class?

 

[adrianek69]

Hey,

I'm also having HU NTG5E on my 2015 W205 and my goal is to enable Android Auto aswell.

The options that I've considered are as following:
1) Try by myself after some initial research - I've seen that on some HU's you can enable (by default or coding) the Engineering Menu and try to enable Android Auto, assuming I get AUX enabled aswell
2) Buy an Android Auto adapter, connect it to the ECU and keep the existing HU
3) Buy Android 13 CarPlay for Mercedes with a touchscreen and install according to instruction
4) Buy a newer car that supports Android Auto

After some initial reasearch, I've come to the conclusion that NTG5E was never supposed to support Android Auto. satmonster321 - Did you came to the same conclusion and that is the reason for your approach?

My next way of thinking was to try to upgrade the firmware of NTG5E or update it to newer version that supports Android (I assume 5.2* or 5.5). Here I assume it cannot be done without a hardware update also.
Is this correct? Did anyone enable Android Auto with and NTG5E (assuming firmware update) without any external/additional adapters?
My Partnumber: 2769016300 Version:12/14.00 ECU :MED177V6LA

 

[jls_rap]

If in the glove compartment you have two USB ports, one with the charging symbol and another with the phone symbol, you can activate it without hardware, although sometimes it requires a software update. If not, you'll need additional hardware.

 

[waxxx]

It depends on the NTG hardware version/hardware version built into your car.
What is the hardware version number of your Audio 20 and the current software version, if any?