CarPlay help / confused

[Eddiem69]

I have just bought C220D 2019 which was advertised as having CarPlay, but I have since found out it doesn’t. I have got the following details from entering my VIN number.

01U - MB connect services for navigation
15U - pre-installation for MB-Link smartphone integration
355 - Extended MBUX function
357 - SD Card navigation
506 - Audio 20 radio navigation capable NTG 5.5

Also from checking out Braybrooks website, it states that code 506 is Audio 20 NTG 5.5 - MBUX
I have a USB slot in centre console showing phone / screen icon

I have connected to the Mercedes Me store and checked upgrades, unfortunately smartphone integration including CarPlay is not showing to purchase.

really disappointed as was looking forward to this. What options if any do I have? It does appear that most of the technology is pre installed, but …….

any help really appreciated, thanks Eddie

 

[Chrisonwheels]

I had this problem with an E class.
You can get an activation tool from ebay from about £30. I spent more as there was less choice then.
Check it will work with your car by sending the seller your VIN.
It will invalidate the warranty on your system (not the car) but should be just fine with any software updates from MB.
I went the 'naughty route' and had no issues at all apart from when Android Auto updated and I had to reboot the phone. Big deal.
OR
Pay a company (not a main dealer, they weren't interested) to do it officially for hundreds of pounds. They say that there is a hardware change, but won't say what hardware. Might just be the USB cable!

 

[Eddiem69]

Cheers Chris, I will take a look and see

 

[markjay]

Your car is missing options 16U Apple CarPlay and 17U Android Auto.

These options can be officially retrofitted, talk to www.commandonline.co.uk.

If you bought the car from a Trade seller, you can request that they either retrofit it, or agree to refund you the cost of retrofitting.

 

[Alfie]

Mercedes have put a stop to any official retrofit of Apple CarPlay / Android Auto to the w205. It is not possible to add those codes to the datacard of a W205 any longer.

You will need an aftermarket kit. The ODB activation tools wont work.

 

[Eddiem69]

Thanks for the advice, but i have sorted it. I now have fully working apple carplay and android. I purchased ODB tool from Ebay, from a seller that was recommended to me. I was dubious, but was last hope as other specialist uk dealers etc have said cant be done. It is fully working and i am very pleased.

 

[BobbyG]

Thanks for the advice, but i have sorted it. I now have fully working apple carplay and android. I purchased ODB tool from Ebay, from a seller that was recommended to me. I was dubious, but was last hope as other specialist uk dealers etc have said cant be done. It is fully working and i am very pleased.

Hi Eddie, I'm thinking of doing the same with my 68 plate W205 (MY2019).

All still working well? Assume it was Vlad (on eBay) you bought the tool from?

 

[Eddiem69]

Yes mate, works fine . Sometimes when I plug in it doesn’t always come on immediately and can take 30 seconds or do, but I think it is more down to my lead rather than the software. Also when I got the tool , it did not work exactas the video shows, but did the job all the same

 

[BobbyG]

Yes mate, works fine . Sometimes when I plug in it doesn’t always come on immediately and can take 30 seconds or do, but I think it is more down to my lead rather than the software. Also when I got the tool , it did not work exactas the video shows, but did the job all the same

Thanks, good to know....apologies for all of the questions, but how did the installation differ from the video?

 

[Alfie]

Yes mate, works fine . Sometimes when I plug in it doesn’t always come on immediately and can take 30 seconds or do, but I think it is more down to my lead rather than the software. Also when I got the tool , it did not work exactas the video shows, but did the job

Yes mate, works fine . Sometimes when I plug in it doesn’t always come on immediately and can take 30 seconds or do, but I think it is more down to my lead rather than the software. Also when I got the tool , it did not work exactas the video shows, but did the job all the same

Your car has older firmware. The latest Mercedes firmware does not allow this to be done. Your warranty, if any, will be voided and should the car ever have a firmware update, the option will vanish and wont be recoverable.

 

[Eddiem69]

I was told that so long as you don't let mercedes upgrade the audio firmware then there is no problem. all other updates including sat nav are fine
i have limited knowledge, but was also told if you overwrite firmware with an update , yes i will lose it and have to be redone

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

I was told that so long as you don't let mercedes upgrade the audio firmware then there is no problem. all other updates including sat nav are fine
i have limited knowledge, but was also told if you overwrite firmware with an update , yes i will lose it and have to be redone

Why not just have it legitimately retrofitted?

 

[Eddiem69]

believe me i tried, spoke with mercedes and few companies in uk, all said cant be done!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

believe me i tried, spoke with mercedes and few companies in uk, all said cant be done!

Have you tried COMMAND Online? Link below.

Apple Car Play and Android Auto upgrade for NTG5

If your car has NTG5 COMAND Online but no Apple CarPlay or no Android Auto it can be added with these Genuine Mercedes Parts You can opt for us to fit this (your car needs a software update and parts changed) to Mercedes standards at our workshop in Surrey, or if you don't opt for that we will...

www.commandonline.co.uk

 

[Eddiem69]

thanks i will keep for future reference

 

[BobbyG]

My understanding is that, for MY2019 cars (non-Command), the legitimate route isn't possible....cracking the firmware is the only option.

 

[MMorgan]

Hey everyone,
Trying to get CarPlay on my 2018 c class. Anyone know if this tool is still working for activation and if there’s a link anywhere?
Any help would be appreciated.

 

[BobbyG]

Hey everyone,
Trying to get CarPlay on my 2018 c class. Anyone know if this tool is still working for activation and if there’s a link anywhere?
Any help would be appreciated.

Is yours a facelift version? If so you have 3 choices:

1) Command Online look to have cracked this, and can install CarPlay in an "official" way. You need to pay them a visit in Surrey for the work to be done
2) Another company I've found (GeneNostics) can do it remotely (not sure about the warranty aspects here, assume similar to the OBD thing)
3) Get an OBD device from eBay as mentioned earlier in this thread which "cracks" the firmware (invalidating warranty)