8.8“ Linux screen for Mercedes Benz C Class NTG4.5 Wireless CarPlay Android Auto

Prior to this I had a CarPlay module installed. If you don't know what that is, it is a box that connects between your original screen and the OEM Command unit that gives you CarPlay functionality but you still need to use the control knob to navigate. I have never used Android Auto but CarPlay should be accessed via touch. It was just a hassle to use the control knob to control it and this is why I upgraded to this 8.8" touchscreen.

The good:
This bigger screen is so much nicer to look at than the OEM screen and as I said touch is the way to go when accessing CarPlay. The install process was fairly straight forward and if you use the OEM bluetooth for music and phone, you don't need to plug in the external mic.

The bad:
The module box that comes with this has to be installed behind the screen and there really isn't much space behind the screen. The reason why it needs to be installed behind the screen is because the cord between the screen and the box is really short. I wish this cord was longer so I could have more options on where to install the module box (like in my glovebox). Additionally, when you are on the OEM screen, because the OEM screen isn't designed for such a big screen, there is part of it that shows the OEM screen and then a little screen that shows additional information (outside temp and whether or not your parking brake is on). It's not a big issue but this little screen also shows images of a car and there are no real options on the car that is shown. I have a w204 c-class but the options are a w205 c-class or a x254 GLC. Not a big deal just wished that I could have my car shown on the screen vs a random car. Lastly, if you wear polarized sunglasses, the screen is hard to see at an angle with sunglasses on. I tried to turn up the brightness but it still doesn't work with polarized sunglasses on. If you lean your body a little so you're facing the screen directly, you can see it perfectly fine with sunglasses on. it's just if you're sitting right in front of the steering wheel so you're at an angle to the screen, the screen looks dark.

Conclusion:
The cons are a small issue. In the end I am really glad that I installed this in my car. I feel like this is such a big upgrade over the OEM screen and the CarPlay module box. Note: I didn't have any issues installing this screen but I did order a different screen on my GLK and had trouble getting the sound to play but when I reached out to the AutoABC team for help they were really good at responding to the WhatsApp chat and when we couldn't resolve it over chat they did a video call with me and we were able to diagnose what was incorrect and now everything works.

This set up for a 2014 Mercedes c250 came out really good, the screen looks amazing!! Good job AUTOABC