Installing 9" Aftermarket Stereo Head Unit in a Smart ForTwo 453

Freddy B Smart

[@minimalistgecko4867]

Well done. I also have had three Smart cars! My first was a 2013 Electric Drive which I fell in love with in Santa Monica test drive. But, I always wanted the cabriolet. So later, I found a 2013 Cabriolet. After a couple of years post-sale, I ended up getting a 2018 EQ Prime Cabriolet for my drive to and from work, 30 miles away. With the gas prices here in SoCal right now, I'm paying about $4 a day roughly to charge. Not bad for 60 miles of driving. Often on the freeway, I'll arrive with 75% left after 30 miles. The magic of used potential energy, and not wasted. I very much appreciated the detail, as these cars are very fun and quirky, but also intricate and closely wedged together. I'll at some point have to find the door removal video for the 453, as the speakers are just notoriously bad in these cars, I may look into installing the other 4 speakers too, for the audio upgrade, but we'll see... I tend to rarely leave my cars alone.

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks for the compliment! You’re like me when it comes to modifying my cars or motorcycles. My wife wonders why I buy something and then make changes to it. It must be nice have a cabriolet and an EQ! I’ve had a cabriolet and an “ED” bit never had them both in the same car. The cars are quirky bit I like unique things. Good luck with your mods!

[@freddybsmart5346]

I understand. I once considered trading my EQ for a Chevy Bolt, but realized I would get better range but it wouldn't be the same as the joy of driving the Smart.

[@glennbrandimarte61]

Excellent video!!! And very thorough--something you don't see often. Thanks for taking the time to post this. I'm ready to dig into it now. It looked like your smart was electric. Mine is gas, but everything looked exactly the same.

[@freddybsmart5346]

You're right! My current Smart is an EQ; however, my previous two were gas. All the mods I've done here apply to the gas models as well as the EQs. Glad to be of some help.

[@FortunaJimmi]

Hi Freddie, Many thanks to your videoos and greetings from the German in Lisbon Portugal. I got a SMART 453 in Lava Orange Prime. Your videos help to save service money and it is fun to work on the car yourself. Many Thanks

[@freddybsmart5346]

You’re welcome and thanks for watching!

[@myronxavier]

Hi Freddy, and fellow metroAtlantan. Thanks for this great content. I have a Smart Fortwo gas from 2014. I am going to upgrade my radio since the current one is broken.

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello, glad to see you’re out there! I had a similar 2009 model that I loved but ended up giving it up. There’s a lot you can do with that one. I wish you well with it and hope to see you around.

[@troycafer1381]

Brilliant, if it wasn’t for this video I would have never worked out the canbus setting! Thank you!

[@freddybsmart5346]

Glad it helped! It took me a minute to figure the canbus out so I decided to share.

[@richcampbell6808]

​@@freddybsmart5346Great video. Is the backup camera sold separately? If so which model did you purchase.

[@dr.freddyb.wilson4541]

@@richcampbell6808If I’m not mistaken, it came with the backup camera. I’m getting ready to figure out how to add a front facing camera. More on that later.

[@richcampbell6808]

@@dr.freddyb.wilson4541 Thanks for the reply yes a front facing camera is important because of accidents and people like to back into you and claim you back into them. I cannot find the sdario 9 inch that You got I think they Changed the Brand Name do You happen to Know where i'd be able to Find that there's one on Amazon but it's by a Different manufacturer but it looks exactly the same

[@koliberk]

I just installed Android 9" head unit in my wife's Smart, your video helped a lot, thanks mate 🍻 Especially part starting here 50:04 and forward 😁👍🏻

[@freddybsmart5346]

Glad it helped you! Thanks!

[@amb9800]

Besides the CarPlay/Android Auto + camera element, you might get some interesting data by plugging an OBDII dongle to the head unit and installing a suitable OBDII app; could also potentially integrate with home automation stuff. Btw Freddy, your content is awesome - keep it up! Must take quite a bit of work to edit with the multi-camera setup, but it really makes it easy to see details that would otherwise be obscured. Subbed and watching despite not even owning a Smart at the moment (I've driven the 451 and 453 quite a bit, and will at some point pick one up when the right one comes along!).

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks for the compliment! I do my best and will try to continue to improve. Yes, I would like to get more information that may be available through the the OBDII.

[@diegodm4844]

Excellent video, thank you very much, thanks to you I did the installation on my smart forfour 2016. I from in Argentina and I still want to install the rear camera, I want to see if I can install it inside the logo, like in the “PLAY” version. A question, how do you install the smart logo when turning on the stereo?

[@gregtodaro2118]

Great video. We got one of these and have it installed, but are having connectivity issues. It will connect fine with bluetooth, but then when we come back again, it simply won't connect. And by that, I mean the bluetooth part works, because we can go into the bluetooth app in the panel and it shows we're connected, but the Car Link app, which is required to get Android Auto working, isn't able to connect. Which is odd since it had just done so an hour before. Sometimes turning the car off/on resets things, sometimes discarding all connections and starting the bluetooth pairing again will fix it.... until we turn the car off and back on. But sometimes we can sit there and turn it off/on several times and it works, but then an hour later, simply nothing. We also have issues with turning wifi on. It was on, we signed onto our network, and was able to sign into Google fine. But then a while later, there's nothing that will work to get wifi to turn back on. It keeps saying there's no wifi in range, which is incorrect. This morning we did a factory reset, and then suddenly the wifi worked again, saw dozens of nearby networks, and bluetooth / carlink worked again. Then an hour later, nothing. No connectivity in wifi or carlink. We already tried deleting connections and re-pairing devices, and that doesn't work consistently, so we need something else. We have also tried system restore, and that hasn't corrected the issue. Any hints on where to look next would be appreciated.

[@scrap1451]

This video is gold! Thank you sir!

[@freddybsmart5346]

You're most welcome!

[@btaft1]

Hi, I have a 2016 453 with a broken radio/non-existent. I would like to replace with an aftermarket one. This video is great! But I am wondering if you can leave a link for the product? It is very confusing to find an aftermarket radio for a 2016 453 gas vehicle and make sure that it is the correct one that comes with the trim kit and everything needed to make it look and work correctly. Anyways, if possible, could you leave a link to the product? Thank you

[@sesitorres8800]

The video was great, thank you so much! Mu husband is installing it on his smart car and it connected but we cannot get it to play music, like nothing will come out of the speakers. Has anyone had this issue and how did you fix it?

[@mikemangold8277]

Did you fix this issue? Having same problem

[@freddybsmart5346]

Did you buy the wire to RCA adapter that is not included in the kit? You'll need that to send sound from the unit to the speakers.

[@jofralao]

@@freddybsmart5346 Is not enough with the harness? I have the same problem.

[@jofralao]

Did you fix it?

[@sesitorres8800]

@@jofralao we did not, we ended up returning it and buying a carpuride off amazon which was a bajillion times easier to install

[@eduardonader7325]

Tranks Freddy! You Rock! - I followed your guide, and everything seems to work, but I have no sound. What am I missing?

[@freddybsmart5346]

Did you install the line-out converter?

[@VexX_069]

@@freddybsmart5346- Hey Freddy, thanks for the video! I installed mine but I also have no audio, neither from the radio, Spotify, nothing have sound. How can I fix this issue? Do I have to buy the line-out converter separately?

[@freddybsmart5346]

Yes, you really need that line-out converter that is not included.

[@jofralao]

Today i solved it... if you need to know how.. tell me.

[@tommys1678]

I was trying to see if you had a video on replacing the speakers in the door before I dig into a project blind lol

[@freddybsmart5346]

Sorry, there are a few videos out there but I haven't done that since my first ForTwo and I was not doing videos at that time.

[@CarolaClavo]

Hello! I’ve seen this video many times and wanted to thank you for uploading it. After installing my head unit I was so tired I think I’ll take the rear camera to a shop to finish it! I don’t have a place and park on the street so not the best arrangement 😂 The only think, I cannot get the canbus to work. Could you please tell me if you remember what the number was? Mine came with Hiworld module but no matter what I select in the hidden menu, the wheel controls do not work and I cannot see the climate info or door info. Thanks again for this detailed video, I’m subscribed to your channel, it’s great!! 🎉

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks so much and I apologize that I haven't been out here much to reply sooner. I found that each time you switch to a different setting, you have to save it and turn the system off and come back in again. Otherwise, your setting may not take.

[@CarolaClavo]

@@freddybsmart5346 Hey! Thank you for your reply. I finally got in touch with the seller and they gave me the exact number. After that it started working smoothly! After saving indeed the radio restarted each time. Cheers!

[@alex-eucmad.7133]

Awesome video. Do you know if that canbus box is necessary? I just bought the same display but the canbus box is missing. Also, how did you get that Smart logo? 😍 thanks in advance

[@2sikgarage]

Hi did you ever figure it out??

[@freddybsmart5346]

Yes, the canbus is very much needed. That is where I got the logo in one of the settings.

[@paolozebozanoni8597]

good job! link to buy the radio or model and brand. thank you

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks! www.ebay.com/itm/363662816109?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=z8ek-lijqe2&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=SYWCSZQBTTO&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[@molnarmar]

@@freddybsmart5346 ✌️✌️✌️

[@freddybsmart5346]

www.ebay.com/itm/363662816109

[@grandcalifornia8410]

Great job! How is the screen quality in real life? I might upgrade to this on mine too

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks! Screen quality is quite good!

[@joeblow9395]

Thanks for the informative video. I'm about to buy a Smart EQ and will install a similar head unit. Do you still have use of the SD card reader, USB port and auxiliary input located behind the parking brake?

[@freddybsmart5346]

My unit never had those inputs behind the shifter.

[@sureshrangana87]

Hi freddy small question how do you get the power for camera it has to be from reverse light

[@vpkb]

Did you get the CAN BUS to work?

[@2sikgarage]

I’m having issues with the can bus

[@CarolaClavo]

@@2sikgaragedid you find a solution? I’m having issues as well.

[@jmk3869]

Hello, I am writing to you from France and thanks to your video, I installed my new screen, many thanks to you. I have already changed the side indicators for led bulbs without problem. For the front and the back I just want to change the bulbs to led bulbs. It flashes too fast. On a motorcycle, I solved the problem by replacing the original relay with a turn signal relay for led bulbs. To do the same on the Smart I need to know where the flasher relay is, do you have a pic or video.

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don't know. Good luck with that!

[@Smart442]

Great video! Can you share info about booting - how much time ? Tech spec - how many core and ram? Which android ver?

[@freddybsmart5346]

Booting time isn't bad but is not instant! By the time I plug in my phone and buckling in, the unit is ready

[@caledoniancol3803]

Hi Freddy, here is an interesting security question on the old standard radio that you have removed. The standard radio works in the car even if the car battery power lead is removed and then replaced, no code required to be put into the radio. But it has been said on 453 forums that the standard radio is VIN coded to your specific car and will not work on other 453's. If this is correct then if you sell the old standard radio to another Smart owner, it will not work as it has a different VIN number. You should look into that before selling the radio to see if true. Cheers col.

[@freddybsmart5346]

I didn't know that. Thanks for letting me know!

[@minimalistgecko4867]

It seems very weird and dare I say, unnecessary to VIN code a stereo, considering it's the first thing people switch out, next to light bulbs. Good to know, thanks!

[@freddybsmart5346]

@@minimalistgecko4867 I agree.

[@mortenmorfar]

@@minimalistgecko4867 Every factory head unit is coded in someway, some cars use a keycode, others lock it to the VIN, normally you can unlock/code them to another car, but it's made that way to deter theft of the stock head units. But you can always fit an aftermarket unit, without coding it, but sometimes you have to have it coded also to get your steering wheel controls to work with it.

[@incartechie]

Great video! Do you know if this is the same process for the Smart ForFour model?

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello. I tried to reply previously to your post but apparently nothing happened. The two vehicles are similar but ti would depend on if you had the basic radio or the multimedia one. It wont work on the better system.

[@incartechie]

Great thank you!@@freddybsmart5346

[@MrHugojoel]

thanks for the video. it helped in the instalation of my car. two questions: 1. i didnt by the rear camera, and i dont want the android auto do turn on the reverse action as if i had a camera. do you know how to turn it off? 2. do you know the name of the adapter for the car radio antena? they have sent me the wrong one, and i need a L shape one. Regards.

[@freddybsmart5346]

Thanks! I''m glad it helped you! As far as the reverse mode goes, if you don't have a camera installed, it should not activate. If it's doing that there should be a setting in the preferences that allows you to turn that function off.

[@a0a011]

Is it possible to read battery state with the radio and maybe some more car infos?

[@freddybsmart5346]

I was told you can get more information by connecting through an OBD2 reader. I don't know how it would work.

[@felknvc]

Hi Freddy, thanks for the video it was great!!! I have a question, do you know the amount of ROM and RAM of your unit ? Thanks a lot

[@freddybsmart5346]

The post from my purchase has been deleted. From what I can tell they mention 2GB and 32GB respectively.

[@jonasserfaty2153]

⁠ Thank you for all your answers. When I select the setting, is there anything special to do to save it? I simply click on Hiword/benz/old/compatible and it automatically exits the setting. In the screen I also have the parameter Hiword/benz/smart/2017 but it also does not work.

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don’t recall

[@rallydrew]

Now that I have had my Smart for over 5 years it might be time to finally upgrade my head unit, how has it held up over the last year?

[@freddybsmart5346]

I wish you well on that!

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello again! My head unit is still working nicely and I just recently added a front camera to it.

[@eriksaenz21]

Wonderful I ll try to do this

[@freddybsmart5346]

Good, it's worth it!

[@jesuslives4803]

i have a question why did you put this radio in when you have the rear view mirror with reverse camera in, is it not good ?

[@freddybsmart5346]

The camera on the rear view mirror does record the rear view but does not activate when the car is placed in reverse. To see the rear view on the mirror cam you have to choose between three different views each time. Both systems are great!

[@jesuslives4803]

@@freddybsmart5346 thanks, I have a question re to smart 453, does your car when driving it , is the road noise loud, as I have a smart 453 and it is loud when driving from the road noise?

[@lt880]

Hi great video! one question... Do I lose the USB port when I put the new stereo? like to charge/connect my phone... I don't see it !

[@freddybsmart5346]

Essentially, no. I use the primary USB input to power my phone and for Apple Car Play. It works well! For some reason, I can’t get the secondary USB to work. I want to use it for a MP3 player or an older iPhone to play music. If you figure that part out, please let me know. Thanks for the compliment!

[@lt880]

​@@freddybsmart5346 the only USB ports I have are the 2 ones on the stereo head I don't have more by the gear or hand brake... Mine is Italian a 2019 Passion

[@freddybsmart5346]

@@lt880 Those are the two to which I referred! I can't get the second one to work. I don't know if it's something in the setup I have to choose.

[@lt880]

@@freddybsmart5346 Thanks! So basically u have to make holes.for the USB cords to come out?

[@jeffrecito.69]

Which model is this specifically?

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don't know specifically, but I purchased from supplier "navi-6114" on eBay that's specifically for the 2015-2020.

[@brethall7252]

does the unit have rca out. front rear and sub?? love the features and seems to be about the only route to take, as far as expanded features for aftermarket.

[@freddybsmart5346]

Yes, the unit has all those RCA outputs. I can’t seem to get my sub to work off the sub output but I’m sure it has something to do with the setup and not the unit itself. I currently get my sub input from splitting the front output. This is a very versatile unit and I’m discovering more about it each week.

[@kristoffhairr6085]

Could you please tell me where I can find the plug and play wire harness that fits this model of smart car? I bought the atoto S8 premium and I need to find a wire harness that I can pull into the car side and the attach the radio wires.

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don't know

[@jonasserfaty2153]

Hello, I have a similar screen, I just didn't take all the options you present in the video. I have a problem with the steering wheel controls, I noticed that the key1 and key2 wires are not connected. Do you have a clue where to connect them if necessary? THANKS

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don't think you need to Key1 and Key2 connections. If you choose the right can bus setting that should solve most of your problems.

[@jonasserfaty2153]

I select the same can bus setting than you and it’s not working … maybe you now if an other setting work

[@freddybsmart5346]

You have to save the setting, and then get out of setup for it to take in the system.

[@chrispowell2931]

What model Mekede did you purchase?

[@freddybsmart5346]

I don't know specifically, but I purchased from supplier "navi-6114" on eBay that's specifically for the 2015-2020.

[@chris92i]

Hi i have a question, is it possible to install a screen like that but use the original caméra from smart? thanks

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello, it would depend on what kind of connector the Smart uses. I'm not sure what they used since mine did not have that feature. There might be an adapter you can use.

[@chris92i]

@@freddybsmart5346 okay thanks

[@fabioalves-qf8ms]

Hello ! Thanks for share your video with people…. Its possible replace touch multimedia systems (originally smart ) for android ? My smart is 2019 year. Thanks 🙏

[@joeblow9395]

I have seen one ad on AliExpress for a Joying head unit compatible with the TomTom touch screen you want to replace (Cool and Media package). Most aftermarket devices will only replace the simpler radio shown here (Cool and Audio). The wiring harnesses are different and the TomTom unit has two pieces: the screen and an electronics box buried a bit deeper in the dash).

[@Rentiyl]

SmartMaddness has something like that

[@NeburPhotoVideo]

Gracias! 🙏

[@freddybsmart5346]

You're welcome!

[@Poontang123]

Is there a unit for apple car play Freddy? Great work man

[@freddybsmart5346]

There are, including this one! This unit offers not only wired Apple CarPlay, but wireless CarPlay as well.

[@Poontang123]

@@freddybsmart5346 thanks buddy so the display still shows as an android or changes to Apple style when connected to iPhone? Cheers

[@oliviaross7703]

@@freddybsmart5346 I must have missed it... what IS the radio you're installing?

[@grandcalifornia8410]

By the way I found out that this android head unit will not fit the smart models that have the original factory sat nav head unit with a screen which is odd. I hope that’s not true but so far listings on eBay say it is only compatible with a unit like yours (radio head unit)

[@freddybsmart5346]

You're right! I has something to do with how the mounts are positioned for the Nav unit. You problem can if you replace the whole housing.

[@jesuslives4803]

what is the name of the aftermarket stereo ?

[@CALDERISIFRANCESCO]

can someone send me the link where to buy this screen

[@notcool4488]

Will this work for smart forfour

[@freddybsmart5346]

I'm sure but they don't mention it in the information.

[@2sikgarage]

Hi how you liking the radio so far??? Any cons?

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello. I love the unit! The only thing I don't like is the slowness of loading the USB music files. It works fine once loaded. IDK if it's the USB drive or the unit.

[@2sikgarage]

How you find your factory code you put in the settings??

[@xmrcaos4690]

Hello i installed mine to i cant find way to do work volume button how can connect

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello. The volume button will only work when you select the correct Canbus setting. If I recall correctly, it's one of the Benz choices.

[@danbimmer4688]

Hi do WE need to connect aux to get sound from thé New système ? B cause i have thé original gps version actually i want to fit a screen same as you did . Where Can i get it?thank you very much

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hello, to my understanding the head unit will not fit in the cars that had the premium system because of the shape of the housing.

[@ZaFiroMark]

How did you get rid of the humming when you installed it?

[@freddybsmart5346]

I added an in-line filter like this one: Ground Loop Noise Isolator for... www.amazon.com/dp/B09QCRGG81?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share And/or this one: InstallGear Ground Loop Isolator... www.amazon.com/dp/B077Y5DLBB?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

[@ZaFiroMark]

Thanks for the videos, they're really helpful! Last question: will I be able to use parking sensors with this display? Any sensors you would recommend?

[@freddybsmart5346]

@@ZaFiroMark I’m not sure. There are other available connections on this unit. There was no manual to show their functions.

[@carloscorreia9144]

How do you do to use Apple Car play? I by One but e cant use Apple Car play, can you give me some help??

[@freddybsmart5346]

I first set mine up using the cable, only to find out later it was working on it's own through bluetooth on my iPhone.

[@angelical791]

Hello, Can you add the link to buy the same radio?

[@freddybsmart5346]

www.ebay.com/itm/363662816109

[@ibrahimchoudhury6947]

How do I fix the no sound because when I play music there is no sound at all

[@ZaFiroMark]

Did you figure it out? Mine doesn't sound either.

[@nourishaaya6593]

Same here. Everything works and power up but no sound comes out. I tried radio and car play. Both didn’t produce any sound.

[@ZaFiroMark]

@@nourishaaya6593 I figured it out, but I don't know how to explain it without showing you a picture of it

[@nourishaaya6593]

Can you put it on google drive and send link ?

[@ZaFiroMark]

@@nourishaaya6593 drive.google.com/file/d/1IPsWiJW2xM262Yg5iJxnm3q11WU5qbpX/view?usp=drivesdk Let me know if you can see the picture. Turns out that smarts have an amplifier that needs to be on to produce sound. So I bypassed a cable (white) to the ACC current (red) of the harness, so everytime the car turns on, the amp is turned on as well. The picture shows where the white cable should be connected. Let me know if this helps you as well.

[@ziozzot]

thank i think I'm buying this for my forfour

[@freddybsmart5346]

Hopefully, it'll fit.

[@misterml01]

I can’t install car play on my new android system. Can someone help me , what do I wrong? + key1 and key2 where to connect on my smart forfour 2017

[@freddybsmart5346]

You have to determine if you have the right settings for you car and it’s different based on the manufacturer.

[@2sikgarage]

Did you ever find it?

[@misterml01]

Yes I did. Thx

[@robertohued655]

I just did my but no sound

[@jofralao]

Did you solved it?

[@jofralao]

I have solved it... if you need to know how, tell me.