Android Auto - what do I need to buy?

[TiddlerDiddler]

Hi all, new to the forums and Mercs in general, so go easy on me.

Just picked up my first Merc - a 2019 C Class estate (premium plus, post face-lift spec). I've tried getting Android Auto to work both wired and wireless, but to no avail. Contacted Mercedes and they have advised the following :

'The minimum requirements for Smartphone Integration service to be purchased is NTG 6 and your vehicle has NTG 5.5 so your vehicle is not compatible with the service. The head unit can not be updated to meet this digital extra's requirements, as it is regarding the hardware that was installed by the factory.'

So their response is basically, Android Auto is a no-go. However they're obviously not going to recommend and aftermarket or retrofit options.

So my question is - what do I actually need to buy /do in order to get Android Auto to work? What retrofit option is the most viable?

Attached is a screenshot of the multimedia section of my VIN's datacard. I've been in contact with Comand UK but they weren't able to advise any further.

 

[fabes]

Ah.....

Comand in Lightwater would be the go to suggestion.
Can they really not advise?

You can have it coded in and / or activated, but they really are the gurus

 

[Robbranch]

Depending where you are, MB Tech in Warrington may also be able to help. My MB dealer told me car play wasn't able to be added to my W213 with Audio 20. Spoke to MB tech and the got MB in Germany to add the feature to my VIN card and I visited MB Tech for them to update the car with the new feature. Cost me £180 and I now have Carplay and Android Auto

 

[TiddlerDiddler]

Thanks for the responses all.

Comand UK also believe it's a simple job of coding Android Auto in. Neither they or I believe Mercedes' advice of Android Auto basically being a non-starter is entirely accurate. I'm glad they've apparently been proven wrong.

Unfortunately I'm based near Leicester so equidistant from Warrington and Surrey. Does anyone know if remote activation / coding in is possible, and via who?

This company are based near me but very expensive :

Home - Integrated automotive UK

integratedautomotive.co.uk

 

[Robbranch]

There are places that will sell you a coding device that you plug into your OBD port. These are usually dodgy though and if the car ever gets a software update to the audio system, you'll probably lose the feature. Honestly, it's probably worth contacting MB Tech. They should advise what options are available and in my experience were much cheaper than Comand (Comand wanted £499 to enable it in my car).

If MB Tech get it added to your VIN card, any MB specialist should be able to update your system to add the feature.

 

[fabes]

I recently used GeneNostics who supplied me the cables (which I returned) and remotely activated AA info my E400 (it came with Apple Car play from Factory)

Took a little while and I did have allow him remote access to my laptop (not an issue for me) but it was smooth, a really reasonable price andnhas worked fine for a few months now.

GeneNostics on Facebook

 

[dmb007]

I would also recommend MB Tech.
Regards
David

 

[markjay]

... (Comand wanted £499 to enable it in my car)...

Was this a quote for activating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on your NTG5*1 or NTG5.5 system, or was it a quote for fitting an Integrated Automotive device to your NTG4.5 or 5*2?

 

[Robbranch]

This is what they told me I needed after I sent them my VIN - Apple Car Play and Android Auto upgrade for NTG5. £499 including installation.

As mentioned, MB Tech did it for £180 3 years ago and it's been faultless. Google maps is much better than the built in sat nav and no need to pay for updates either.