NTG 4.5 Apple CarPlay Retrofit

[PixelMaster]

I apologise for the lengthy message, but I want advice about a dilemma. My vehicle is a facelifted 2014 E350, equipped with NTG 4.5 Comand and the factory-installed 360-degree camera system. In June 2022, I fitted an IMI-1000 module for Android and Apple CarPlay, manufactured by Integrated Automotive.

Since that time, the IMI-1000 module has shown no issues. Nevertheless, approximately in October 2023. I saw that while engaging reverse gear, the display flickered throughout the transition from CarPlay to the rearview camera.

The flickering screen issue persisted throughout 2024, progressively deteriorating to an occasional blank screen, ultimately resulting in a permanently blank display. This issue persisted across all NTG displays; nevertheless, the screen functioned perfectly in Apple CarPlay mode.

I reached out to my local Mercedes Specialist, who identified a video malfunction in the NTG head unit. A pre-owned device was acquired, installed, and programmed, which rectified the problem. The Mercedes dealership would neither install nor provide a guarantee for a new head unit coupled to unauthorised aftermarket electrical components.

The new NTG head unit has been installed in the vehicle for about nine months. Recently, I saw the reemergence of the flickering screen issue. The issues and expenses associated with acquiring a replacement head unit and its coding have raised significant concerns, leading me to seek counsel from my local Mercedes Specialist once again. The recurrence of the issue with the new head unit may be coincidental or attributable to a power spike from the IMI-1000, resulting in an overload during the transition from CarPlay to the rear view camera, ultimately causing video failure.

Despite reaching out to Comand Online for their comments about the IMI-1000, which they suggested and delivered, I have yet to get a response; this outcome is disappointing however anticipated.

I have chosen to eliminate the IMI-1000 and revert to the obsolete NTG 4.5 Comand. I am curious in hearing from anyone who have had similar troubles with their NTG 4.5, regardless of whether they have installed aftermarket modifications.

Thank you for your attention.

[dave783]

Numerous individuals here readily endorse them, despite my own negative experience.
It is hoped that they would observe this and respond to you.

[CodeCrusader]

Are you indicating that the screen remains always blank until Apple CarPlay is used via the Integrated Automotive unit?

This would be logical if the Integrated Automotive unit were directly linked to the screen, for instance, by a splitter wire.

Nevertheless, since the Integrated Automotive unit is connected to a video auxiliary input on the COMAND unit, I fail to see how the video output on the COMAND unit may be defective.

Furthermore, when the new COMAND unit was installed, was your current screen reused, and, more significantly, was your existing video cable (connecting the screen and COMAND) also reused?

[PixelMaster]

Indeed, it is precisely my argument. The video wire from the NTG unit is directly attached to the IMI-1000, and an additional cable extends from the IMI-1000 to the screen. Consequently, any malfunctions in the head unit are sent via the IMI-1000, while the picture generated by the IMI is conveyed to the screen independently. One may perhaps disconnect the video stream from the head unit to the IMI while still maintaining a functional CarPlay display.

Initially, it was believed that the defect resided in the screen; however, this hypothesis was swiftly dismissed when the CarPlay display remained entirely unblemished, necessitating just the replacement of the head unit. The same cables were used. A defective or compromised video cable was examined. The head unit is the most substantial and costly component to replace, hence all other options were explored beforehand. A bench test ultimately validated it.

[CodeCrusader]

Indeed, you are indicating that a bench test demonstrated that the video output on the obsolete COMAND device was nonfunctional.

You think that the Integrated Automotive unit is responsible for the failure of the visual output on the COMAND unit, maybe owing to an electrical surge.

At this juncture, the alleged surge may be attributable to any other component inside the vehicle.

Furthermore, I comprehend that the installer (Comand UK / Unique) did not respond to your enquiries. Have you sought assistance from the manufacturer? They are located in Leicester, I suppose.

[PixelMaster]

You may be accurate about other components in the vehicle contributing to the overload; I have not conclusively attributed the issue to the IMI-1000, however I do have suspicions about it.
I have seen one thing, at least to the extent that I can determine. In NTG mode, choosing backward does not cause flickering; nevertheless, in CarPlay mode, the screen exhibits flickering.
Regrettably, the labour expenses associated with doing a comprehensive diagnostic are rather excessive, and one seldom receives a conclusive diagnosis when returning to settle the invoice.
I have not reached out to Integrated Automotive since I was awaiting feedback from others on their experiences.
I will reach out to them after the weekend and provide their response.
Thank you for your feedback.

[bvlenci]

Hello, can you recall the email address you utilised? Kindly use [email protected], and I will review your email. We apologise for the lack of response, which is unexpected since communications are sent only to myself or Alfie (Mark), both of whom prioritise email communication and monitor it throughout nights and weekends.

Additionally, consult Integrated Automotive; we use their product due to their UK presence and excellent assistance.

Do you still have flickering after removing the IMI-1000, which I presume you installed? The IMI cannot amplify the visual input from COMAND; it just utilises a relay to alternate between that stream and its own, which is audible via a clicking sound. This may only be a malfunctioning connection between the COMAND and the IMI. I recommend replacing the video lead to see whether the flashing persists.

Do you still own the defective unit? Send it to me, and I will attach it on the bench to verify whether the visual output works when directly linked to a screen. The configuration required to effectively observe any visual flicker or issues is complex, and I would be astonished if an independent Mercedes expert had such a setup.

A flicker may occur while using CarPlay and engaging reverse, when the IMI transitions from its video feed to the visual output from the head unit (i.e., the relay changes).

[bvlenci]

It is unsurprising that we have installed hundreds of these units without encountering a head unit failure. Therefore, I remain sceptical that the IMI is causing the head unit to malfunction; I suspect there may be an issue with the cable. Consequently, I would like to test the old head unit on a bench to ascertain whether its video output has genuinely failed. I have observed numerous dealers and a few independents erroneously asserting that a head unit has failed when it has not.

[PixelMaster]

Thank you for responding to my post. I used the 'contact us' feature on the website.
I will resend it using the contact information you supplied above, and I still own the original command unit. I have now sent an email to Integrated Automotive and am awaiting their response.

[PixelMaster]

Has been in communication and is coordinating a bench test for my old Comand unit.
He thinks the video cable to be the cause of the malfunction. I have received a response from Integrated Automotive, which likewise does not believe that a switching issue is responsible for the power spike and has advised that both the Comand unit and the IMI-1000 be checked.
My sincere gratitude to Richard for the exceptional after-sales help.
Further updates will be provided.