When I discussed this option with fitters - they all warned me off - but my experience has been pretty positive. There are a number of manufacturers/sellers (Seicane, Kunfine, etc.) that sell aftermarket units for a wide variety of vehicles - including Mercedes A, B, C, E, G, M, R and Vaneo ranges (across multiple model years too). I settled on an Android unit - which although available locally - is considerably less expensive when you order it directly from China. Alongside were the considerations for how to keep the Harmon/Kardon system working, not losing navigation and aux input.

I started by doing some research months in advance - and considered both a 2xDIN fitting kit and a generic radio and some of the aftermarket units from China that fit into the dash as a custom replacement.

The lowest quote I got to have one fitted (and they won't fit anything other than Jensen/Pioneer/ etc.) was $1100! After looking at various options from aftermarket fitters (including online vendors like Crutchfield) - I opted to do it myself - basically to save money. So rather than spending north of $650 to replace the unit with a used MB unit - I opted for a modern replacement. This because the unit died (all controls stopped working) - and despite trying for several weeks - a local repair shop could not fix it. I thought I would share my experience in replacing my head-unit with an aftermarket (Android) unit in my 2006 Mercedes Benz R350 with Harmon/Kardon (optical) sound system.

Instal the new for apple Bad North