Installation Guide: 8.8" Android Navigation Upgrade for Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 (2011-2014)

Installation Guide: 8.8" Android Navigation Upgrade for Mercedes-Benz C-Class W204 (2011-2014)

 

Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class Android Screen Upgrade
Installation Guide

Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class
Android Screen Upgrade Guide

NTG 4.5 · NTG 5.0 · Wireless CarPlay · Plug & Play · 2011–2015

The Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class (2011–2015) runs either the NTG 4.5 or NTG 5.0 infotainment system — both are fully compatible with our Android screen upgrade. This guide covers step-by-step installation for both versions, from dashboard disassembly to final testing.

Installation Overview Video

Compatibility Check

  • Compatible models: Mercedes-Benz W204 C-Class 2011–2015 with NTG 4.5 or NTG 5.0 system
  • Factory steering wheel controls retained? Yes — all buttons remain fully functional via the included adapter
  • Factory LVDS connection retained? Yes — original LVDS cable connects directly to our unit
  • Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto supported? Yes — both work out of the box, no dongle required
  • Reverse camera compatible? Yes — supports aftermarket camera via CCD 12V and Camera Video In ports
💡
Which NTG version do I have?
2011–2014 models typically use NTG 4.5. 2015 models typically use NTG 5.0. Check your factory screen — NTG 5.0 has a larger display with a separate decorative bezel frame around the monitor.
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Before You Begin
Power off the vehicle completely before starting. Never disconnect or connect wiring harnesses with the ignition on. This prevents damage to both the factory system and the new unit.

Tools Required

  • Trim removal pry tools (plastic, to avoid scratching)
  • Phillips screwdriver
  • T20 Torx screwdriver
  • Estimated time: 1.5 – 2 hours

Installation Guide — NTG 4.5 / 4.7 (2011–2014)

01

Original Monitor — Power Off Before Starting

Turn off the ignition completely and wait 2–3 minutes before touching any wiring. This allows all capacitors to discharge and prevents accidental short circuits.

W204 original monitor
02

Remove the Factory Monitor Frame

Using a plastic trim removal tool, carefully pry out the frame surrounding the original monitor. Remove the fixing screws securing the factory screen. Work slowly around the edges to avoid cracking the trim.

Pry out monitor frame
03

Pry the Air Conditioning Vent Buckles (Left Side)

Insert the pry tool into the left air conditioning vent and release the retaining clips. Apply gentle, even pressure — do not force or the vent housing may crack.

Left AC vent buckles
04

Pry the Air Conditioning Vent Buckles (Right Side)

Repeat the same process on the right side vent. Once both sides are released, the centre console panel should begin to loosen.

Right AC vent buckles
05

Open Glove Box and Release Bottom Buckle

Open the glove box fully and pull down the retaining buckle on the bottom of the dash panel. This releases tension on the lower section of the centre console trim.

Glove box bottom buckle
06

Release Top Buckles from Air Conditioning Vent

Pry the top retaining clips from the air conditioning vent panel. Important: hold the vent firmly while prying to prevent it from falling and breaking the vent louvers.

Top AC vent buckles
07

Remove the Original HOST Unit Screws

Locate and remove the left and right fixing screws securing the original HOST (head unit) to the dash chassis. Keep these screws — you will reuse the mounting bracket.

Remove HOST unit screws
08

Disconnect Factory Harness — Connect Android Harness

Carefully unplug the power harness from the original host unit. Connect it directly to the included Android wiring harness adapter. Match the connectors carefully — they are keyed and will only connect one way.

Connect Android harness
09

Mount the Bracket and Route Cables

Assemble the included mounting stand onto the original dashboard bracket. Route all cables neatly behind the dash — avoid pinching any wires between the unit and the chassis.

Mount bracket and route cables
10

Connect All Android Cables

Connect all cables to the back of the Android unit according to the wiring diagram below. Key connections: Original LVDS (Pin 10), 12V ACC (Pin 11), Android power (Pin 1), GPS antenna (Pin 16), and microphone (Pin 8).

Connect all Android cables
11

Mount the Android Unit and Secure Screws

Slide the Roadnavier unit into the mounting stand. Pry out the screw covers and tighten all fixing screws. Before closing everything up, power on and test all functions: screen, audio, CarPlay, steering wheel controls, and reverse camera if fitted.

Mount Android unit
12

Reassemble and Final Test

Snap the trim panels back into place, starting from the top and working downward. Power cycle the vehicle and run a final check on all features. Congratulations — your upgrade is complete.

W204 NTG 4.5 installation complete

Cable Connector Reference (NTG 4.5)

🔌
Use this reference when connecting the Android harness. All ports are numbered on the physical connector.
NTG 4.5 cable connector diagram
Pin Function Notes
1 Android Power Main power supply
2 Small Speaker Optional
4 CCD 12V For aftermarket camera
6 ACC Accessory power
7 Reverse Detection For aftermarket camera
8 Microphone Port Built-in mic connection
9 Camera Video In For aftermarket camera
10 Original LVDS Critical — connects factory display signal
11 12V ACC Accessory 12V
12/18 Original CD Power (F/M) Female & Male plug pair
13 USB Port External USB
15 4G Antenna Optional
16 GPS Antenna Route to windscreen
17 AUX Port Optional audio input

Installation Guide — NTG 5.0 (2015 Models)

💡
NTG 5.0 differences vs NTG 4.5: The 2015 W204 requires two additional disassembly steps — removing the full AC panel and prying the decorative bezel from the monitor. Also requires plugging the Audio-USB cable into the armrest box USB port.
01

Original Monitor — Power Off Before Starting

Turn off the ignition completely and wait 2–3 minutes before touching any wiring. This allows all capacitors to discharge and prevents accidental short circuits.

W204 NTG 5.0 original monitor
02

Pry the Air Conditioning Vent Buckles (Left Side)

Insert the pry tool into the left air conditioning vent and release the retaining clips. Apply gentle, even pressure — do not force or the vent housing may crack.

NTG 5.0 left AC vent
03

Pry the Air Conditioning Vent Buckles (Right Side)

Repeat the same process on the right side vent. Once both sides are released, the centre console panel should begin to loosen.

NTG 5.0 right AC vent
04

Open Glove Box and Release Bottom Buckle

Open the glove box fully and pull down the retaining buckle on the bottom of the dash panel. This releases tension on the lower section of the centre console trim.

NTG 5.0 glove box buckle
05

Pry Buckles and Remove the Air Conditioning Panel

This step is unique to NTG 5.0. Pry the remaining buckles and carefully remove the entire air conditioning panel as one piece. Hold it firmly — the panel is attached by clips on all sides.

NTG 5.0 remove AC panel
06

Pry Out the Decorative Frame from the Original Monitor

This step is unique to NTG 5.0. Carefully pry out the decorative bezel frame surrounding the original monitor. Work around all four sides evenly to avoid cracking.

NTG 5.0 decorative frame removal
07

Remove the Fixing Screws from the Original Monitor

With the decorative frame removed, locate and remove all fixing screws securing the original monitor to the dash. Keep these screws for reassembly.

NTG 5.0 monitor screws
08

Remove the Original HOST Unit Screws

Locate and remove the left and right fixing screws securing the original HOST (head unit) to the dash chassis. Keep these screws — you will reuse the mounting bracket.

NTG 5.0 HOST unit screws
09

Disconnect Factory Harness — Connect Android Harness

Carefully unplug the power harness from the original host unit. Connect it directly to the included Android wiring harness adapter. Match the connectors carefully — they are keyed and will only connect one way.

NTG 5.0 connect Android harness
10

Connect Original LVDS Cable with Android LVDS Cable

Connect the original LVDS cable directly to the Android unit's LVDS input. This is the critical signal connection for the display. Also plug the Audio-USB cable into the USB port inside the centre armrest box.

NTG 5.0 LVDS connection
11

Mount the Bracket and Route Cables

Assemble the included mounting stand onto the original dashboard bracket. Route all cables neatly behind the dash — avoid pinching any wires between the unit and the chassis.

NTG 5.0 mount bracket
12

Mount the Android Unit and Final Test

Slide the Roadnavier unit into the mounting stand. Pry out the screw covers and tighten all fixing screws. Power on and test all functions before snapping all trim panels back into place.

NTG 5.0 installation complete

Cable Connector Reference (NTG 5.0)

🔌
NTG 5.0 uses a different connector layout from NTG 4.5. Use this diagram when connecting the Android harness on 2015 models.
NTG 5.0 accessories and cable connector diagram
Pin Function Notes
1 Camera Video In For aftermarket camera
2 Reverse Detection For aftermarket camera
3 Microphone Port Built-in mic connection
4 BackCar GND Camera ground wire
5 Small Speaker Port Optional
6 CCD 12V For aftermarket camera
7/8 12V ACC / Original LVDS Critical — LVDS display signal
9/15 Original CD Power (M/F) Male & Female plug pair
10 Microphone External mic port
11 Small Speaker Optional
12 USB Port External USB
13 4G Antenna Optional
14 GPS Antenna Route to windscreen
16 AUX Port Optional audio input
17 Android Power Port Main power supply

Frequently Asked Questions

Which NTG version does the W204 C-Class use?
The 2011–2014 W204 C-Class uses the NTG 4.5 system. Our unit is specifically engineered for NTG 4.5 and connects via the original LVDS cable — no modification required.
Will my steering wheel controls still work after installation?
Yes. All factory steering wheel buttons are fully retained via the included wiring harness adapter. Volume, track, phone, and voice controls all function as standard.
Does it support Wireless CarPlay?
Yes. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Wireless Android Auto are both supported out of the box. No additional dongles or adapters required.
Can I add a reverse camera?
Yes. The unit supports aftermarket reverse cameras via the CCD 12V (Pin 4), Camera Video In (Pin 9), and Reverse Detection (Pin 7) ports. The screen automatically switches to camera view when reverse gear is engaged.
How long does installation take?
For someone with basic DIY experience, the installation takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. No cutting or permanent modification to your vehicle is required.
What is included in the box?
The complete kit includes the Android screen unit, wiring harness adapter, mounting bracket, GPS antenna, microphone, and all necessary cables. No additional purchases required for a standard installation.
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Need help with installation? Contact us directly — we're happy to assist.

 

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