A client from Hope, BC, recently contacted Certified Autosound and Security about upgrading the audio system in her 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML320 with Apple CarPlay. We invited her to visit our store in Abbotsford so we could inspect the vehicle and help her choose a source unit that offered the features she wanted. After she selected a Kenwood DDX9905S, we ordered the appropriate supporting components so that we could integrate the radio into the vehicle properly.
Mercedes-Benz CarPlay Radio Upgrade
The first order of business in upgrading the vehicle was to confirm the wiring information we have with the actual vehicle. Once we were sure everything was correct, we wired up an adapter harness that would plug into the radio power connector to the Kenwood radio harness.
The client wanted to maintain all of the factory radio functionality, so integrating the volume, track and source selection buttons on the steering wheel was a top priority. We used an AXXESS ASWC-1 interface to convert the commands from the steering wheel buttons to signals that the Kenwood radio could understand.
Front and Rear Safety Camera Integration
The Mercedes has a factory-installed backup camera that displays automatically as soon as the ML320 starts backing up. We rewired the camera to work with the new Kenwood radio. The client also wanted a forward-facing camera to help her see any objects in front of the vehicle when parking. We installed a Rydeen HD3 camera in the Mercedes Star badge on the front bumper. The client can tap an icon on the touchscreen of the new radio to see everything ahead of her.
MOST Radio Replacement Interface
The connection between the factory radio and the original amplifier uses a fiber-optic communication technology called MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport). We used a NAV-TV MOST-H.U.R. interface to take the audio output signals from the Kenwood and convert them to a digital signal to feed the factory amplifier and speakers. After testing the functionality of the upgrade, we used a Metra adapter kit to mount the new CarPlay-equipped radio in the dash of the Mercedes.
The client returned to Certified Autosound and Security excited to see her new radio. We showed her how to connect her iPhone to use CarPlay and demonstrated how to bring up the front camera image. She was thrilled with the way everything looks and how it easy it was to use. If you are interested in upgrading the communication and safety technology in your vehicle, drop by one of our stores in Abbotsford, Maple Ridge or Chilliwack, or send us an e-mail using our contact page.
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