In this video I unbox and install AVIN’s latest Android head unit for the W164/X164 chassis in my 2009 ML63. While some of the wiring may be slightly different for the pre-facelift 2006-2008, it should still be fairly similar. In the video I mentioned a slight AM/FM radio reception issue however I have been in contact with AVIN, and already have a fix for it that involves wiring it directly to the radio receiver. Expect a video very soon detailing that. They also sell a very similar unit for the W251 R class, however the initial trim removal will be slightly different for the install. Overall, the install for the R class will be very similar once the appropriate trim is removed. Huge thanks to AVIN USA for making this video possible!
Order one here!
AVIN infotainment for ML/GL: https://avinusa.com/9-touchscreen-multimedia-navigation-system-for-mercedes-benz-ml-w164-gl-x164.html
AVIN infotainment for R Class: https://avinusa.com/9-touchscreen-multimedia-navigation-system-for-mercedes-benz-r-class-2006-2012.html
Link to CarPlay Dongle: https://amzn.to/2O6xekc
WIRING: So it seems that there are a good amount of questions regarding the wiring and powering of the unit along with the MOST Amp. From what I’ve learned over the past few months, it seems that your wiring harness for the original head unit can slightly differ depending on facelift (MY2009-MY2011 for ML, up to MY2012 for GL in the US) or prefacelift (pre-MY2009 W164), along with certain options your car had from factory. While you could spend hours looking for wiring diagrams on forums for your specific W164 model (if you do, I don’t blame you, that’s what I did), I recommend getting a multimeter to see which of the wires on YOUR car’s harness receives power ONLY WHEN IGNITION IS ON. This would ensure you do not have the battery drain issues some people have had, along with myself. I’m no expert regarding wiring, but perhaps someone can respond to this comment with some better info and advice on the best way to tap into the power wires, to ensure a clean source, especially for the MOST amplifier.
REGARDING THE AM/FM RADIO: One of the biggest issues I’ve been having with this unit so far is the FM radio. Now, for me personally this isn’t an issue as I use CarPlay as my audio source. However, this is my dad’s daily driver, and he almost exclusively uses the radio. For the time being I have swapped the original head unit back in so that he has music, but I am still looking for a proper solution to this. I believe the way to fix this issue, is to plug one the white FAKRA cable (with the provided extension) into the satellite radio receiver. For the prefacelift cars (not sure if all prefacelifts or just certain model years), it seems that the satellite radio is under the rear seats, in fact, this is where AVIN themselves told me to plug in the FAKRA cable. On my car (facelift 2009 ML63), under the rear seats I only have the AMG fuel pump modules, and a voice command module. At this point, I haven’t had enough time to continue looking for the satellite radio reciever, but my next guesses would be either behind the tail light, above the headliner in the cargo area, or in the tailgate itself. I will update this comment once I figure it out.
THE GAUGE CLUSTER CLOCK: After changing the unit, you may realize that there is now no way to change the analog clock in the instrument cluster. Someone in the comments mentioned there is a fuse you must remove, which then activates a clock menu in the gauge cluster screens. I will look into this in the future.
Thanks for your patience, I’m hoping to resolve these small issues soon, and will make an update video when I can. If anyone has some advice or info regarding all this, please respond to this comment, it would be greatly appreciated!
*OPTIONS LIST*
PX6 | 4GB RAM | 64GB ROM | 6-core CPU | Android 10
MOST Fiber Optic for ML GL 2006-2011 (need if you have Harmon/Kardon)
Factory Backup Camera Adapter
FM/AM Radio extension cable
(You can also get a CarPlay dongle)
My Gear!
Sony a6300 Camera: (here’s the better and cheaper a6400) https://amzn.to/3dQQz3s
GoPro Hero 7 Black: https://amzn.to/3uGSsGb
DJI Mavic Air: https://amzn.to/3pUXZVY
Moukey Mic: https://amzn.to/3dM6mjY
![Pin It](javascript:imwb_socialpress_window_open('http://pinterest.com/pin/create/bookmarklet/?media=https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ryoAOcJWna8/hqdefault.jpg&url=http://carfixdiy.com/diy-car-repair-videos/mercedes-benz/avin-mercedes-ml-gl-or-r-class-9-android-10-infotainment-install-w164-x164-w251/&description=AVIN Mercedes ML, GL, or R Class 9" Android 10 Infotainment Install! (W164, X164, W251)')){kind=link}
WIRING: Hey guys, so it seems that there are a good amount of questions regarding the wiring and powering of the unit along with the MOST Amp. From what I've learned over the past few months, it seems that your wiring harness for the original head unit can slightly differ depending on facelift (MY2009-MY2011 for ML, up to MY2012 for GL in the US) or prefacelift (pre-MY2009 W164), along with certain options your car had from factory. While you could spend hours looking for wiring diagrams on forums for your specific W164 model (if you do, I don't blame you, that's what I did), I recommend getting a multimeter to see which of the wires on YOUR car's harness receives power ONLY WHEN IGNITION IS ON. This would ensure you do not have the battery drain issues some people have had, along with myself. I'm no expert regarding wiring, but perhaps someone can respond to this comment with some better info and advice on the best way to tap into the power wires, to ensure a clean source, especially for the MOST amplifier.
REGARDING THE AM/FM RADIO: One of the biggest issues I've been having with this unit so far is the FM radio. Now, for me personally this isn't an issue as I use CarPlay as my audio source. However, this is my dad's daily driver, and he almost exclusively uses the radio. For the time being I have swapped the original head unit back in so that he has music, but I am still looking for a proper solution to this. I believe the way to fix this issue, is to plug one the white FAKRA cable (with the provided extension) into the satellite radio receiver. For the prefacelift cars (not sure if all prefacelifts or just certain model years), it seems that the satellite radio is under the rear seats, in fact, this is where AVIN themselves told me to plug in the FAKRA cable. On my car (facelift 2009 ML63), under the rear seats I only have the AMG fuel pump modules, and a voice command module. At this point, I haven't had enough time to continue looking for the satellite radio reciever, but my next guesses would be either behind the tail light, above the headliner in the cargo area, or in the tailgate itself. I will update this comment once I figure it out.
THE GAUGE CLUSTER CLOCK: After changing the unit, you may realize that there is now no way to change the analog clock in the instrument cluster. Someone in the comments mentioned there is a fuse you must remove, which then activates a clock menu in the gauge cluster screens. I will look into this in the future.
Thanks for your patience, I'm hoping to resolve these small issues soon, and will make an update video when I can. If anyone has some advice or info regarding all this, please respond to this comment, it would be greatly appreciated!
Hey Sam, I have a 2008 W164 ML350 that I'm stalling this in. Went through wired everything up but for some reason, the AVIN head unit will not power up or turn on. Any suggestions? Thanks for the help.
Hola! Para el canbus en ajustes has tenido que hacer algo! No consigo que funcione los botones del volante
I have the cambus connected but the buttons do not work … do I have to configure something? Could you help me? Thank you
Installed one on my MY09 63 back in may and got no drainage on the battery. The 12v you recomended did not lose power when the ignition is turned off.
where the colored fiber cables go? I am Spanish and I do not understand English thanks !!
Hey Sam, thanks for the video you posted.I was going to upgrade my 07 GL just because the radio is so limited. It drives and runs excellent so now I want to upgrade the radio to the unit you have but I need to know two things first. When in reverse the backup camera comes on by itself regardless of the screen menu are you in?
Have you found a workaround for the analog clock on the dash?
Thanks
Hi! I really hope you can answer my question! Will this product work on 2011 ML350 4matic? I wanna make sure because Ml350 is not W164…
Thanks for the video! Question! So I plugged all the wires in to its corresponding location but I didn’t have to twist any color wires together for this unit to work. The 3 cables coming from amplifier yellow, pink and black I don’t have connected to anything either. But the unit works sound, power on off with vehicle. Is it possible I did this right? I have a 2010 ml350. The only thing that happened is my outside temperature reading is wrong on my dashboard. (Back up camera doesn’t work fully bc my package didn’t come with the splitter wire fire oem connection. Ordered it now) also my original direction compass does work either. Bluetooth music and the gps all seem to function properly.
Is backup camera will work?
Damn this guy talks too damn fast….good information helped with installing the new radio
How did you get Bluetooth to work having problems with mine
I installed a android radio in my 07 gl450 and battery keep run down in 3 days time
Hey, very interesting tutorial, does it work with original camera system ? when it have rear camera ?
I want to get this for my R-Class but my question is, how fast or slow is it to raise and lower the volume on the actual radio lcd screen?
Hello Sam. I have a R 350 2011 and would like to buy a px6 version of this radio which has hdmi output for headrest monitors, and I have original headrests. Do you know If the px6 version is compatible with the original mercedes headrests? Or do I have to buy the px5 version of the rádio which I dont prefer. Do you have headrests on your ml?
Thanks!
you made me a happy women
Sam, I had a shop install the 9" Avin Multimedia System and three days later the battery completely drained overnight? What would be the solution? Help please! Anyone?
You didn’t let the radio sound on the video , didn’t it actually worked?
Dude if your given tutorial video don’t talk too fast
Where can I buy it
How can I connect the rear camera? I can't do it thanks
I think that might be wishful thinking on your rear HDMI plug assessment… Unfortunately, the specs say that's an output – not an input. I want to like this head unit but I'm finding it nearly impossible to get set up properly because there's no customer service or technical support available for a phone call or live chat… I am pretty bummed that I can't seem to stream or mirror any video subscription content from my s20ultra. No Netflix, no HBO Max, no Hulu, etc…
Hello there, thank you for your demonstration video. I have installed this unit in my GL450. It would be wonderful if you might have some insight on these issues. Since the install the following is happening:
1. The starter button does not work and have to push several to times when starting and turning off.
2. Only one station comes when I choose America 1 or America 2 on the region setting.
3. The OBD2 adapter is not working I cannot get it to connect to the torque app. I have a Android phone.
4. I cannot connect the wireless Android auto. I have the newer upgraded Wireless one.
Will this be the same process for a 2006 mercedes r 350?
Joe you installing garbage do you know?
Hey thanks for the video! I just installed one of these head units on a 2008 ML63. My install is almost done except I’m unsure about a few things. Doesn’t the canbus power the head unit on and off? Wouldn’t that mean the power and acc wires wouldn’t need to be hooked up from the head unit? I ended up tapping into my cig lighter for acc as there’s wasn’t acc in the radio harness.
Why is the MOST adapter not getting constant power and acc like it states on the harness labels?
Hey Sam, can you clarify the wiring you discuss at the 12 minute mark. You spoke so fast, it's hard to catch.