12.3" Ultra-thin Linux screen for Mercedes Benz C GLC W205 Wireless CarPlay Android Auto

I recently installed the 12.3‑inch Apple CarPlay unit in my Mercedes, and it has completely transformed the driving experience. The display is crisp, responsive, and blends beautifully with the interior — it looks like it came straight from the factory. Wireless CarPlay connects instantly, navigation is smooth, and the larger screen makes everything easier to use on the road.

The service was just as impressive. Communication was clear, installation support was excellent, and they made sure everything was working perfectly before finishing up. It’s rare to get both a premium product and genuinely great customer service, but this team delivered both. Highly recommended.

The staff at AUTOABC have been really good I’m 81 years old and they FaceTime me to set up the new screen they talked me how to get the radio the reverse camera and get sound on the Apple play so I give them 10 out of ten thank you

It would only show the aftermarket reverse camera view and could not get to settings to fix it. I tried to contact the company but they only gave vague answers overnight and told me to use whatsapp which I did and a bot answered. No support for four days and not responding in US daytime is unacceptable. The instructions showed a different unit. The box said for a 2020-21 mercedes and mine is a 2019. I am now trying to return it. Very disappointed. I am sure many of their systems work but this would not work in my C43 AMG and I gave them all the car info before they shipped it. Companies that sell products to people in the USA should have some support available during USA business hours.

Das Display macht einen hochwertigen Eindruck, passt optisch sehr gut in den W205 mit NTG 5.5 und funktioniert im Alltag zuverlässig. Der Einbau ist mit etwas Erfahrung gut machbar.
Android Auto läuft stabil über das Smartphone, auch zwei gekoppelte Handys funktionieren grundsätzlich gut. Die Originalfunktionen bleiben uneingeschränkt erhalten, die Verbindung mit einem zusätzlichen DSP (hier: Match Up 7) ist auch kein Problem. Insgesamt ein gelungenes Upgrade mit gutem Preis-Leistungs-Verhältnis und für mich klar empfehlenswert.

I decided to buy the 12.3-inch screen from AutoABC. I ordered it directly from China because the model I wanted wasn't available in EU warehouses.

I chose to buy through the manufacturer's official website. There weren't any coupons available on AliExpress at the time, but I managed to get a 20% discount by buying directly from the seller.

Standard shipping includes DDP (Delivered Duty Paid), so there was no need to worry about extra customs charges.

SHIPPING

The package was shipped on August 15th and arrived on August 24th.

WHY THIS MODEL AND COMPANY?

A key factor for me was how the screen sits—it’s positioned deep within the dash and low relative to the air vents. This wasn't the case with the typical screen for the W205 and GLC (the RoadTop model). While that one is readily available in local warehouses, it sticks out further above the dashboard; even with a screen-stabilizing bracket from Etsy or eBay (costing around 200 PLN), I didn't like the look of it.

APPEARANCE

I was initially very skeptical about this solution because it significantly alters the car's interior, mainly due to the screen's size.

After just an hour of getting used to it, however, it didn't bother me at all—though, of course, it all comes down to personal preference.

FUNCTIONS

The basic functions are the same as the "box" unit we used previously. I primarily use the screen for CarPlay and the reversing camera (which was installed alongside the box unit about a year ago).

The main advantages are the build quality and, of course, the touchscreen. Controlling CarPlay or Android Auto using the Mercedes iDrive controller isn't the most convenient experience, so having touchscreen capability makes a huge difference. The OEM system remains controllable via the rotary knob.

SOUND AND MICROPHONE DURING CALLS

This is the topic that comes up most frequently in questions.

Audio is still transmitted via Mercedes' factory Bluetooth module. In my case, there is no noticeable drop in sound quality or issues with the microphone during calls.

BUILD QUALITY AND SYSTEM SMOOTHNESS

The screen is mounted within a metal housing, which in turn attaches to the plastic dashboard trim.

The fit and finish are good. However, don't expect miracles—it is still an aftermarket screen from China.

The system itself (Linux-based) and CarPlay run very smoothly. I have no complaints in this regard.

INSTALLATION

Installing the entire kit takes about two hours. It was my first time doing it, yet the whole operation was actually quite simple. I relied on videos from the manufacturer's website.

Pro tip: when unscrewing the bolts holding the factory screen—the ones under the dashboard cover—you don't need to remove them completely.

Once loosened, you just need to wiggle the unit sideways until it slides out. The new screen is installed in the same way.

This might save you some frustration and the hassle of dealing with loose screws.