Car Owners Hub UK - Built by Drivers, for Drivers

Good day.

I am really smitten with my brand new 2011 Mercedes 250CDI! However, I'm struggling to track down the right tools for a few bespoke improvements for this prio:


1. New digital signal processor and stereo upgrade: I have speakers and amplifiers already, and I am a huge audiophile.
2. Android Auto with a rear-facing camera

My conviction that t-taps are a poor choice and that I should splurge on a MOST Toslink adaptor is growing as I delve further into this topic. I am now in this state.


For around $500, I can get my hands on a used Audi Bit DMI. However, I'm getting the impression that I should pause and do more research on this matter before shelling out that amount of cash for an audio signal.
If my life were a true story, I would have bought it on the spur of the moment, only to find out later that for the same amount, I could have had an integrated automotive device with a low output signal, or a combination DSP + Toslink converter. I can tell you all really adore those things:)

Truthfully, I have no idea what to do here, and the local merchants are terrible.


It is crucial to take into account the following:
Absence of Harmon Kardon
-NTG4.5gen1 Command unit, as far as I can tell

How to Decipher Your Mercedes-VIN Benz's with the Help of a Decoder

Please contact me if any of the information is missing, and I will do my best to update it promptly.

I see your point. Here we have COMAND Online NTG4.5 Gen1.

Even though I'm no audio specialist, I think it might be possible to put an Integrated Automotive module—or one of those cheaper Chinese modules—on the unit to make it compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.


The device itself doesn't have terrible audio qualities; the major issue is the subpar speakers that came with it. An amplifier, subwoofer, and upgraded speakers could be all you need.

In addition, you may update your system from Gen 1 to Gen 2 through software, which will give you the more modern grey/red/black colour scheme rather than the older brown papyrus one.

Much obliged for the response:)

I've heard that I can upgrade to gen 2, but it's definitely going down the priority list if I'll require an adapter and a module for what I want.


I was hoping to avoid the adaptor altogether, however I was wondering whether the Integrated Automotive modules had a low output signal.

In such case, the adapter will have to take precedence. Holy cow. This pastime is starting to cost a pretty penny!

From what I've heard from other members, Integrated Automotive is rather quick to respond, so I guess it might be worth a shot to ask them?

Good idea! I'll reach out to IA via email initially and ask for their advice.

I was wondering if you knew how to tell if my vehicle has fibre. Actually, I haven't had much time to search thoroughly, so I can't say for sure if there is an amplifier at the rear.