Hello,
I'm looking for a way to integrate CarPlay or Android Auto in a C204 US model produces in 2/2012.
I have seen this video how to integrate CarPlay here
My car is looking identical, same card slot, same display. It has equipment code 312B Head Unit, 518 Media Interface + Consumer Cable Kit.
I've seen other videos where they change a small box in the glovebox which I dont have.

Question is: What ware the options that I have? Do I need a device like this in the video and create space for it or are there less invasive possibilities without changing most settings etc that eventually degrade something?
Thanks a lot

 

I have a 2012 C350 4Matic. Since map updates aren’t available for this model any longer I have been chomping’ at the bit for someone to come out with a plug and play system for this car model. Thanks for posting your question.

It seems to me that the only caveat is that your unit must have an SD slot. Provided you fall into a C class and the model of years listed. There should be no issue. The installation seems cut and dry and very thorough. I am originally from Ontario Canada, and GTA is an extremely reputable company and stands behind their products. Can’t wait until it arrives. I’ll update this post during the process of installation and completion of installation.

 

Well it arrived on time (this past Friday) almost to the minute it was scheduled to arrive. I already had the car dash taken apart there were several questions I had during the four days it took to arrive. I reached out to GTA through email and through telephone. Their responsiveness and communication was dynamite!

The unit I received was the latest and the greatest. You no longer have to go through the settings process to allow aux input.. As long as your phone has been previously set up through Bluetooth, the Apple CarPlay will work through Bluetooth. This is much nicer than having to switch the input. You can switch back-and-forth between your audio inputs and Apple CarPlay by pressing and holding the back button for two seconds. This is much easier. Installation, I have a few suggestions. First of all since all the YouTube videos look like a snap I would like to point out that there is no need to completely remove the two screws that are to the right and left above the radio. They only need to be loosened and push down to allow the radio to slide out. I’m wearing the hard way by removing them and discovered that Mercedes put a dab of Loctite on the end of the screw to indicate that’s all you need to loosen in order to pull the radio out. Once you’ve reached that resistance on the screw, you push down on the screw and it latches the radio. The next part is a little more frustrating. It took approximately a half an hour for me to figure out the proper location of where to talk all the harnesses and wires that have now been added to an extremely tight space. Try to have patience you will prevail. As far as functionality, the unit is flawless. If you need a tutorial on how to utilize and customize CarPlay research through Apple support. I’m sure android has the same. As of right now, I completely endorse this product and look forward to having my maps app completely updated rather than using the 2012 navigation unit. Have fun great product.

 

Must be a superb company if they ship on time
still investigating s.th. cheaper, but nothing found so far.
is this thing connecting via analog connectors or via most bus?
thanks

 

The CarPlay unit has several wires that are run from behind your existing radio. These are supplied as part of the kit. The connection between your phone and the existing radio/display can be done through either a wireless connection or a wired connection. One of the connections to the CarPlay unit is a USB-A female. You can then connect by purchasing a cable that will work with your phone back to the USB-A.

The image on the display is super focused and bright. Really pleased with this product.