CarPlay alternatives?

[CaineisCarter]

Hi folks
Is anyone aware of an alternative method of getting music from my iPhone into my 2018 E Class?
I can’t use an iPod since all my music is streamed via Apple Music.
Any help gratefully received.
Best
Damian

 

[markjay]

Can't you just use Bluetooth streaming?

It is supported on all COMAND and Audio20 systems for at least 5 years now (first introduced around 2011).

The only downside is that you can't manage the playlist from the infotainment system, only from the iPhone itself, so you need to eithef listen to a pre-prepared playlist or use the shuffle function (because you shouldn't be using the phone while driving).

 

[markjay]

(The other advice would be to move to spotify....)

 

[markjay]

Sorry, on rereading, you are not looking to have the phone connected to the car? Just have the Apple Music streaming to CarPlay but not via the phone? I.e. via some sort of App on the infotainment system?

 

[CaineisCarter]

Markjay - thank you for the replies. I’ve got the phone connected via Bluetooth but was unaware that I can stream the music from the phone in this manner - if I can, that’s very good news. At the risk of sounding slow, can you advise how to do this please?

Thank you again

 

[markjay]

On my car (which is older than yours so might be different), the streaming music pairing is done via the DEVICE list (DISK on the button), then scroll and choose Bluetooth.

Pairing a 'Bluetooth audio device' is separate to pairing your phone for voice calls.

On my car I have my phone paired for hands-free voice calls, while my daughter's phone is paired as Bluetooth audio device, so that she can listen to her music through the car's speakers while my hands-free is also connected at the same time in case there's an incoming call etc.

 

[CaineisCarter]

Done. Was just able to play a hit record from a popular beat combo via Bluetooth, which is to say witchcraft. I’m a very happy man. Thanks so much

 

[Ted]

Can’t you connect via the usb?
Plug the iphone in, play from Apple music, select the iphone from media options on the main display.
You should get better quality than bluetooth, album art, and control from the steering wheel.

edit: this is streaming from tidal
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ySw8DsBn2zxJ7JPM9

 

[CaineisCarter]

Unfortunately not. After exhaustively trying every USB option I realised CarPlay simply wasn’t where it would have been had it been installed. A call to the original dealer confirmed it wasn’t optioned when new. Bluetooth audio is fine for me; I’m made up that I don’t have to spring £200 to have CarPlay installed.

 

[markjay]

If you do change your mind... forum sponsor @Alfie at www.commandonline.co.uk can either activate Apple CarPlay if your car has native support for it, or fit a third-party device that will add Apple CarPlay to your car if it does not have native support for it.

 

[CaineisCarter]

Yes, I emailed them yesterday.

 

[Ted]

Unfortunately not. After exhaustively trying every USB option I realised CarPlay simply wasn’t where it would have been had it been installed. A call to the original dealer confirmed it wasn’t optioned when new. Bluetooth audio is fine for me; I’m made up that I don’t have to spring £200 to have CarPlay installed.

That isn’t carplay - it is just streaming from the usb media port.
I’m surprised it isn’t working for you.
This is streaming tidal via carplay.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pkvp5yZLqqwzX4G88

 

[markjay]

That isn’t carplay - it is just streaming from the usb media port.
I’m surprised it isn’t working for you.
This is streaming tidal via carplay.
https://photos.app.goo.gl/pkvp5yZLqqwzX4G88

I think it requires the UMI option - Universal Media Interface - which not all cars are equipped with.

 

[Ted]

Ah - apologies - I thought that was a standard fit.