Carplay retrofit?
Starting to read about a lot of models being retrofitted with the Carplay set up. Seems the common consensus on all these models is that it can't be done...until it is. Few folks on another CLA forum even had it done at their MB dealer. Involved swapping out the USB ports with part number 246-820-38-00 and then just software update/modification and it was only costing $250 or so. Carplay/Android Auto aren't ideal, but are SO much better than the COMAND system in my opinion.
There are even some aftermarket shops doing the retrofits. According to the aftermarket shops anyone with a 16+ model with COMAND can have it added. I'm very interested to see if this is possible. There's nowhere local to me that I really trust, I just moved here and haven't been impressed by any of the local shops. May try to reach out to the shop I used to use in FL and see what their thoughts are but I'm sure they're going to need the car to poke around and look at it. Just wondered if anyone had any real experience or input other than what the MB dealer has said. |
Originally Posted by boosting1bar
(Post 7055546)
Starting to read about a lot of models being retrofitted with the Carplay set up. Seems the common consensus on all these models is that it can't be done...until it is. Few folks on another CLA forum even had it done at their MB dealer. Involved swapping out the USB ports with part number 246-820-38-00 and then just software update/modification and it was only costing $250 or so. Carplay/Android Auto aren't ideal, but are SO much better than the COMAND system in my opinion.
There are even some aftermarket shops doing the retrofits. According to the aftermarket shops anyone with a 16+ model with COMAND can have it added. I'm very interested to see if this is possible. There's nowhere local to me that I really trust, I just moved here and haven't been impressed by any of the local shops. May try to reach out to the shop I used to use in FL and see what their thoughts are but I'm sure they're going to need the car to poke around and look at it. Just wondered if anyone had any real experience or input other than what the MB dealer has said. |
Originally Posted by California John
(Post 7055581)
Please keep everyone informed of your findings. I'm interested as well.
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Originally Posted by boosting1bar
(Post 7055646)
Are you actually in California? One of the main shops doing it (and reporting it online) is in Costa Mesa.
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Originally Posted by Astolfo
(Post 7055700)
Do you have their address or phone number? I could not find a MB dealer in Costa Mesa
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That is awesome news. I am also in Florida and would love to do this.
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Originally Posted by emericr
(Post 7055808)
That is awesome news. I am also in Florida and would love to do this.
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My local service guy at the dealer is very friendly and is looking into it right now.
Orlando is close enough that I could drive there as well ;). The service tech however said that hacking into the command center could be an issue as they have seen some going bad and you SOL warranty wise. food for thought. |
Originally Posted by emericr
(Post 7057066)
My local service guy at the dealer is very friendly and is looking into it right now.
Orlando is close enough that I could drive there as well ;). The service tech however said that hacking into the command center could be an issue as they have seen some going bad and you SOL warranty wise. food for thought. |
Agreed as it is available on 2017 E class and it only requires a different USB part but you know MB is not too keen on retrofit and want you to buy a whole new car. They need to take lessons from Tesla...
Originally Posted by boosting1bar
(Post 7057136)
Yeah if it's a hack it's questionable but seems like the dealerships have software versions that have it enabled that they can load.
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I called Costa Mesa. 549 plus tax. Process is uploading latest SW from MB servers - few hours - and enabling CP. He'll need VIN to assess viability. Min - Jan 2017 - was OK. 500 mile drive one way, so I'll hold for now but remain interested in people who ended up adding CP successfully...
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:bow:
Originally Posted by e350wagon1
(Post 7059606)
I called Costa Mesa. 549 plus tax. Process is uploading latest SW from MB servers - few hours - and enabling CP. He'll need VIN to assess viability. Min - Jan 2017 - was OK. 500 mile drive one way, so I'll hold for now but remain interested in people who ended up adding CP successfully...
Thanks Astolfo |
At first I thought this was great, but then I realized I have an iPhone that I plug in for much better audio and I'd rather spend the $$$ on ALP jammers and listening to this exhaust.
And will be deleting resonators for some more of that good stuff:D |
Originally Posted by Astolfo
(Post 7059614)
:bow:
Are you saying that all what they need is the latest code in the Command and enabling it? Thanks Astolfo |
Originally Posted by e350wagon1
(Post 7059927)
if i understand correctly it's a SW upgrade and an exchange of the USB module.
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I got some more info and am working on getting a couple things together. Looks like I might have a promising solution. Will update once I get it all. Will be out of town this week when it comes but hopefully early the next week.
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Originally Posted by boosting1bar
(Post 7060398)
I got some more info and am working on getting a couple things together. Looks like I might have a promising solution. Will update once I get it all. Will be out of town this week when it comes but hopefully early the next week.
any downsides? Does apply play require plugging in with a USB cord or can it be connected via Bluetooth? |
Originally Posted by RDOCA
(Post 7060638)
Maybe we could get a CA power buy if we had enough interest and they would give a better price like maybe $350-$400 per.
any downsides? Does apply play require plugging in with a USB cord or can it be connected via Bluetooth? The only real obvious downside to me is that there's no relief in the console lid of our cars for the cable coming out. I travel a lot for work and there's really no comparison between Apple/Google maps & Waze vs. OEM nav systems. They're updated much quicker and respond so much faster to road conditions and traffic, etc. I've been using the Scoche cig lighter magnetic mount someone posted here with my cable coming out of the console so far. If carplay worked you could just plug it in and drop it in the console and not worry about it. It's really frustrating that the capability is there but MB just chose not to enable it in so many models for whatever reason. |
Originally Posted by boosting1bar
(Post 7060709)
The only real obvious downside to me is that there's no relief in the console lid of our cars for the cable coming out.
https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...201b33e47a.jpg |
Originally Posted by California John
(Post 7060951)
This is how I handle "no relief in the console lid..."
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Same here...
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On the same topic - still looking for a Proclip quality level phone mount for our car. Anyone?
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proclip
Bad news on that front... I was in touch with Proclip directly and they said nothing in the pipeline for a few months yet as they don't have anything to measure with... they offered if I bought my car down to measure but I'm way too far away... hit them up on the book of faces and they will respond immediately... I ended up modding the little cup in the cup holder to hold my iPhone 7 proclip mount and it works perfectly. ill post pics later when I'm in the car...
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any part numbers on the CarPlay thing would be great...
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Anyone try this yet?
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