I suspect some of the 'less premium' smaller/cheaper cars got it as standard quite early on as it would have been seen as an important feature for prospective (young) purchasers.
Android Auto/ Apple car play in W205
- Thread starter wolfmb
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I suspect some of the 'less premium' smaller/cheaper cars got it as standard quite early on as it would have been seen as an important feature for prospective (young) purchasers.
I will. Thank you
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That, plus having sourced basic infotainment systems from elsewhere (the Bosch SLDA unit in the higher-end Suzuki models is just that, basic), providing access to more clever software i.e. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is a workaround that also removes the need for Suzuki to develop its own complex infotainment system software in-house.
Top tier manufacturers like MB are very proud of their infotainment software, and so I guess that they only reluctantly and begrudgingly agree to drivers using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto instead of MBUX.
I think that that's also the reason why Tesla never supported Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (although they said they would have it for their 2024 cars?), in a nutshell they probably see it as an insult to their own remarkable software development capabilities. See also:
"Tesla's preference for in-house software is the most obvious reason for omitting CarPlay and Android Auto. Their own system already provides many desired features, ensuring a complete user experience. Furthermore, Tesla believes integrating these third-party systems could disrupt its already established seamless user experience. Tesla's tightly woven software features might clash with the independent functionality of CarPlay and Android Auto, potentially fracturing the holistic Tesla experience.
Adding another layer of context is Elon Musk's view of Apple as a direct competitor. Tesla positions itself not only as a carmaker but also as a tech company, placing it in direct competition with tech giants like Apple and Google. While some may find the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto frustrating, it is a strategic move by Tesla to maintain its distinct identity and compete effectively in the tech industry. As such, it's highly unlikely that we'll see Apple CarPlay or Android Auto compatibility in Tesla models anytime soon."
Thank you. What system do you have in your car? Mbux? Doing it remotely it's fine but I wouldn't want them to mess my system up and then not to be able to restore it. Are they reliable?Got mine unlocked by GeneNostics for about £150. Can be done remotely too. You can find them on Facebook
I don't think I'm running MBUX. Pretty sure that was only on the "new" C-class. Mine's a 2019 model. I've had no issues whatsoever with mine being unlocked, and it was dead easy to install so long as you have a laptop that can connect to wifi whilst it's in your car (connected via a dongle, which Genenostics sent out).
Honestly, wouldn't be without CarPlay now. It tied in with MB wanting (more) money from me to continue the Nav package, so it was a no brainer.
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The pre-facelift W205 had NTG5*2, which does not support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (though this functionality can be added via a non-MB external device).
The face-lift W205 had NTG5.5, which is the last version of NTG that isn't MBUX.
The W206 received NTG6, which is the first MBUX system.
Both NTG5.5 and MBUX NTG6 have native support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though it's optional and needs to be activated (I.e. it does not come as standard).
For half of the price that mb is asking, of course it's a no brainer. Thank mate
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For half of the price that mb is asking, of course it's a no brainer. Thank mate
The potential issue with these non-official activation methods, is that because they amend the firmware on the infotainment system itself, if the infotainment system software is updated in future (e.g. by the dealer under warranty etc), then the activation will be lost.
The official way involves SCN coding, which is where the MB central computer is updated with the retrofitted option (Apple CarPlay or Android Auto). This way, if the software on the infotainment system is updated to a newer version in future, the car will know that Apple CarPlay or Android Auto have been activated.
SCN coding requires genuine MB STAR and live connection to the MB central computer, plus there's a licence fee to pay to Apple (from memory, £20). Which is why only dealers and specialists can do that, and understandably they charge for their time and for the investment in the kit.
Younger06
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Try the "MBito" OBD dongle.
I've seen ads about this mbito and I was tempted to buy it. The question is...has anyone tried it to activate android auto using it? Plus I heard you must pay extra for anything it allows you to do.
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I have only just got my W205 (2 weeks ago tomorow)
I purchased the MBito mainly for the coding changes (one in particular).......yes you have to buy "credits" and most of the changes have a "credit cost"
As an example....
I bought 30 credits for €24
I changed my rear lights to come on with DRL's = 5 credits
I actioned the tyre pressure measurement options ( now displayed in Psi) = 5 credits
I changed the one touch blinker interval to 5 flashes = 5 credits
Those 3 changes, of which the first one I would have gone to a main dealer for......I do it on all my cars for safety.......cost me €12 (plus the dongle obviously)
If your car has AA/Carplay and it just needs to be activated.......MBito will do it. At what cost, I dont know..... but I would be wiling to bet that it wont be 300 or even 150 quid.
Loads of coding change options and you also have a code reader with the ability to reset service lights if you're doing your own maintenance.
Worth a punt IMHO.
That sounds good. Thanks a lot for the info
I'll try to gather more info before buying it. I need to be sure it works on the mbux system (do you know if it does?) and that it will work with the AA activation
Younger06
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By the looks of it......it doesn't do AA/CarPlay on your model.That sounds good. Thanks a lot for the info
I'll try to gather more info before buying it. I need to be sure it works on the mbux system (do you know if it does?) and that it will work with the AA activation
Sorry.....for some reason I assumed you where W205 also.
Drop them a line and get a defnitive answer.
Also......they constantly add new features.
Mbito OBD Devices Fitting Mercedes Benz Models
MBito OBD2 Scanner supports various Mercedes Benz models. Check compatibility and unlock the full potential of your vehicle with our easy-to-use device.
www.mbito.app
kam09
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Do you know if it allows adblue menu to be coded in to the service settings as early w205 models don't have the adblue menu for owners to check adblue levels?By the looks of it......it doesn't do AA/CarPlay on your model.
Sorry.....for some reason I assumed you where W205 also.
Drop them a line and get a defnitive answer.
Also......they constantly add new features.
Mbito OBD Devices Fitting Mercedes Benz Models
MBito OBD2 Scanner supports various Mercedes Benz models. Check compatibility and unlock the full potential of your vehicle with our easy-to-use device.
Younger06
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Can't answer that.......sorry.
Drop them a line, I'm sure they'll be only too happy to answer your questions.
There is an option to reset the Ad-Blue gauge when there is a problem...........but my W205 has an Ad-Blue gauge in the service settings.
I have a 66 plate A250 AMG Premium first registered Sept 2016 and previously successfully used Apple Play for the past 8 years. I've now purchased an Samsung Android phone and assumed that it would connect up just as easily, obviously I was sorely disappointed - has anyone else an issue in changing from Apple to Android??
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Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are separate options on MB cars. Check the Datacard to see that your car has both options activated:
14U Smartphone integration
16U Smartphone Integration - Apple CarPlay
17U Smartphone Integration - Android Auto
If your car does have option 17U, then try different USB-C cables.
Younger06
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Try the Mbito dogle......at least look on their website..........it might be able to activate/unlock Android Auto.
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