W213 NTG5*1 Android Auto Activation

[JustmeJB]

Hi all,
Whilst going down the rabbit hole of You Tube vids yesterday I stumbled on some showing how to get into the management end of the audio 20 NTG5*1 (non touchscreen) system and activate android auto.

The vid was describing how to do it on an a class by holding down the end call button at the same time as number 1 and hash on the dialing keypad. My 2017 e class doesn't have the dialling keypad so just wondering if it's possible to activate it on mine.

I've seen a few bits about OBD dongles to activate so if that would work could anyone recommend one that they have experience of using?

Cheers in advance

JB

 

[BfgSLKMan]

My advice would be to find an online Mercedes coder (maybe via Facebook ads, gumtree etc) and get them to activate. The cheapest machine I know to do bi-directional communications (ie coding) with MB is about £140, so likely finding a coder is cheaper. I had my AMG menues activated, increased the power of the air conditioning and car lowered (its on air) permenantly and a few other bits for under £200 and in about 30 mins

 

[markjay]

Firstly, as far as I know, NTG4.5/4.7 was the last COMAND unit that had an engineering menu that could be accessed without STAR, I think this is no longer possible on NTG5.x - do you have a link to the YouTube clip?

Then, it's not just a matter of activation in COMAND, instead you need to SCN code (again, using STAR) the relevant options:

14U Smartphone Integration
15U Pre-installation Smartphone Integration MB Link
16U Carplay smartphone integration
17U Google Automotive Link smartphone

And, options 14U and 15U require retrofitting a replacement USB Port that supports smartphone integration.

This is probably what you need to get the job done correctly:

https://www.comandonline.co.uk/mb-carplay-android-auto.html

"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 send you the parts, and instructions for you to install the parts and then you'll need to visit your local dealer for the final steps."

 

[markjay]

EDIT - sorry, just realised you had Audio20 - my post above was in respect of COMAND, unfortunately the kit above won't work with Audio20.

 

[BfgSLKMan]

EDIT - sorry, just realised you had Audio20 - my post above was in respect of COMAND, unfortunately the kit above won't work with Audio20.

Yes, I too had mis-read. Suspect the best solution lies on AliExpres with an Apple Car play/Android auto aftermarket plug and play box for Audio 20?

 

[JustmeJB]

Great cheers. I'll take a look around for the aftermarket Audio20 box. I need though to check the audio to confirm the version/model. It's not touch screen and doesn't mention Comand when switched on like my previous e class (2014 coupe) did. Garmin satnav with tom tom traffic alerts.

 

[markjay]

If it's the pre-facelift W213 then it will have NTG5*1, and if you have the Garmin Map Pilot navigation on SD-Card then it's Audio20.

So your infotainment unit is indeed Audio20 NTG5*1.

 

[JustmeJB]

Just ran the VIN and the android auto isn't listed as an option so I guess if I wanted to go down the android auto route I would need the aftermarket box or have the whole system updated. I need to have a think about how much I actually need it I think....

 

[JustmeJB]

If it's the pre-facelift W213 then it will have NTG5*1, and if you have the Garmin Map Pilot navigation on SD-Card then it's Audio20.

So your infotainment unit is indeed Audio20 NTG5*1.

Must be the audio 20 then as I have just updated the satnav via an SD card bought for a very reasonable price off ebay. Hadn't been done since new so it's great to have that updated. Think it was £60 which was a bargain.

 

[markjay]

Your previous 2014 E-Class Coupe was C207, based on the C-Class W204, and would have had COMAND Online NTG4.5 (Gen 3).

 

[richard]

There was a facelift that changed from Audio-20 NTG5*2 (which does not support CarPlay / AA) to Audio-20 NTG5.5. If you have the larger nav display then you have NTG5.5. NTG5.5 can support native CarPlay / AA - drop a note to comand online (www.comandonline.co.uk - use the contact form)
R

 

[markjay]

There was a facelift that changed from Audio-20 NTG5*2 (which does not support CarPlay / AA) to Audio-20 NTG5.5. If you have the larger nav display then you have NTG5.5. NTG5.5 can support native CarPlay / AA - drop a note to comand online (www.comandonline.co.uk - use the contact form)
R

The OP's car is W213 2017, so will have NTG5*1, I would have thought? Would you be able to activate/retrofit AA or CarPlay for Audio20 NTG5*1?