PLEASE NOTE: There will be two "reviews" of the head-unit once it is installed. One will be more of a "first impression" going over the basic features/intergration and the other will be a long term use (1-2 months) review.
Go to THIS THREAD if you are looking for how to upgrade your S100's software in order to get new features or to fix some pesky issues.
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Hello fine patrons of SLKWorld!
A while back I posted a thread complaining about winter - which has started to disperse recently. As the snow recedes and the weather outside becomes *acceptable* the car's hibernation will soon come to an end... meaning it will soon be MOD TIME!!!!
One of the more major mods I am planning on doing is the install of a chinese/ebay head-unit. For those who are not familiar with the idea of a chinese or ebay head-unit here is a quick summary of what they are; a cost-effective OEM looking plug and play alternative to high-end aftermarket head-units.
Seeing as lots of people on the forum post asking about these head-units I thought I would do a comprehensive overview of my particular variant (referred to as a "S100"). Hopefully once this post is complete with reviews it should alleviate some concerns regarding the quality of the head-unit and it's viability as a A20/Comand replacement.
Seeing as it will be a week or so before I can install here are some pictures of the head-unit in the flesh.
![Image]()
This here is the HU along with the box it came in, the manual, and the remote control. The English in the manual is better than you would expect it to be, all of the instructions are clearly laid out and easy(ish) to understand.
![Image]()
This is a closeup of the remote. The remote, while a cool novelty, is completely redundant and has no use in the SLK installation. May be worthwhile keeping it as a backup in the unlikely case of the front panels buttons failing.
![Image]()
Here is a comparison of the finish of the HU compared directly with the finish on the facelift control panel. As you can see the finish of the HU is dead on, looks 100% OEM. The buttons on the HU have very similar if not the same "weight" or feel as those on the control panel. Overall I would have to say I am impressed with the fit and finish.
![Image]()
Here is a picture of the back. The S100 model I have uses a "modular" interface for the cables and external features. Some aftermarket HUs come with all the cables pre-plugged in. The modular set up allows you to reduce clutter and have better cable management to reduce EM interference. The different ports and their respective cables are clearly labelled and well documented as to where they plug in and their function so you can omit and plug in features as you please. Currently I have plugged in the iPod integration, USB input cable, Steering wheel control cable, the "HU to quadlock" cable, and radio adapter. The head unit came with a GPS receiver which I will plug in once I have run the cable from the mirror assembly (where the OEM one goes).
The actual install guide will go up in the DIY section but will be linked here. The reviews will be posted in the reserved posts below the OP once they are ready.
Go to THIS THREAD if you are looking for how to upgrade your S100's software in order to get new features or to fix some pesky issues.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Hello fine patrons of SLKWorld!
A while back I posted a thread complaining about winter - which has started to disperse recently. As the snow recedes and the weather outside becomes *acceptable* the car's hibernation will soon come to an end... meaning it will soon be MOD TIME!!!!
One of the more major mods I am planning on doing is the install of a chinese/ebay head-unit. For those who are not familiar with the idea of a chinese or ebay head-unit here is a quick summary of what they are; a cost-effective OEM looking plug and play alternative to high-end aftermarket head-units.
Seeing as lots of people on the forum post asking about these head-units I thought I would do a comprehensive overview of my particular variant (referred to as a "S100"). Hopefully once this post is complete with reviews it should alleviate some concerns regarding the quality of the head-unit and it's viability as a A20/Comand replacement.
Seeing as it will be a week or so before I can install here are some pictures of the head-unit in the flesh.
This here is the HU along with the box it came in, the manual, and the remote control. The English in the manual is better than you would expect it to be, all of the instructions are clearly laid out and easy(ish) to understand.
This is a closeup of the remote. The remote, while a cool novelty, is completely redundant and has no use in the SLK installation. May be worthwhile keeping it as a backup in the unlikely case of the front panels buttons failing.
Here is a comparison of the finish of the HU compared directly with the finish on the facelift control panel. As you can see the finish of the HU is dead on, looks 100% OEM. The buttons on the HU have very similar if not the same "weight" or feel as those on the control panel. Overall I would have to say I am impressed with the fit and finish.
Here is a picture of the back. The S100 model I have uses a "modular" interface for the cables and external features. Some aftermarket HUs come with all the cables pre-plugged in. The modular set up allows you to reduce clutter and have better cable management to reduce EM interference. The different ports and their respective cables are clearly labelled and well documented as to where they plug in and their function so you can omit and plug in features as you please. Currently I have plugged in the iPod integration, USB input cable, Steering wheel control cable, the "HU to quadlock" cable, and radio adapter. The head unit came with a GPS receiver which I will plug in once I have run the cable from the mirror assembly (where the OEM one goes).
The actual install guide will go up in the DIY section but will be linked here. The reviews will be posted in the reserved posts below the OP once they are ready.
