davkar

Yes, I did get it directly from Sardincar. And yes, you can start Google Assistant by pressing a button.

My opinion is a pretty mixed bag. I'm currently on my forth unit due to different issues along the way. And there is still issues. The latest box introduced a new issue where the unit crashes/freezes every other time I use the car, and I have to turn off the car and let it stay off for a while in order to have the power to the box cut. So when it works I'm happy, but it doesn't feel like a fully developed product at this point. I'm hoping that a software update will solve the issue, but I fear it's hardware related.

I have raised this last issue with Sardincar once more, put perhaps they are in their "radio silence" mode once again?

Antoz88

I read on some site that for the models from 2015 to 2017 you have to update the audio CD 20 and then use the OBD2

Has anyone tried?

• f you have Audio20 made before 2015 the head unit may need a firmware update. It will have to be performed by the dealer.
  • Connect DoIP or XentryConnect dealer equipment necessary to update Audio20 (SA505 or SA522) or COMAND (SA531) head unit firmware.
  • It requires using special HLI000000XXXX update disk.
• You need iPhone 5 and newer for Apple CarPlay
• This procedure may void your warranty.
• Make sure to use
  USB Lightning cable
  USB Lightning cable

the link is http://www.mercedesmedic.com/unlock-...comand-ntg5s1/

Andrew Maddox

I don't think that would work but I didn't try it. I can say tho without a doubt the best way to get CarPlay/AA is getting it from Star4life. I tried so many of those Chinese units that didn't work. Once I got my unit from him I was up in running in like an hour.

Star4life

glad you are happy with it!!

Star4life

this is for command. not audio 20. also does not work on w205 command headunits.

Growltiger

Star4life, is it safe to assume though that this only works for US owners? I'm a 2016 s205 owner in the UK and my choices seem to be to either user the sardincar option - which seems a little hit and miss based on feedback in this thread - or wait for my Wife to approve a new car....

Sgtscotty182

So i bought a 2018 (6 months old) C-Class coupe (250d), i went for this as it was cheaper than the brand new out the wrapper version....I played with the onboard media unit and thought, it surely wont cost that much to upgrade this the latest version that i seen in the 2019 model. To my frustration, i have called my merc garage and been told that you cant get car play. Now looking through this thread i am severely depressed to read that it cannot be done unless i buy a 3rd party version? I am in the UK and so far after a couple of hours googling, it doesnt appear that anyone can do this for me. Has there been any solutions or update from Daimler on getting the latest media units with CarPlay?

Growltiger

I asked my local independent specialist about this and he scratched his chin and told me he didn't think it would work and didn't want to risk messing with my car. If there was a UK garage happy to do this they could have my money right now!

Sgtscotty182

Hi Mate,

Found a company called Braybrooks who seem to offer the full retro fit and parts. Will be contacting them now for information.

Only problem is they are a 6 hour drive for me

Growltiger

Hi there .

Be interested to see what they say - I looked at them but it seems to be another aftermarket system, not the head unit replacement detailed above.

If it's the full process with OEM parts I'm interested ... they're only an hour from me!

nevrozel

Hi, regarding the fitting of W205 (mine is MY2016) with the upgraded Comand Unit from the C Class with facelift, it is possible to retrofit with OEM parts. The problem is we need to retrofit all of the following for everything to work as seen in the facelift: the Comand unit/screen, touchpad assembly, USB ports, digital cluster behind the steering wheel, the steering wheel itself. I am from Romania and found a shop here, they only work with OEM parts, they said they can do this whole upgrade process for only 9500 EUROs. )

So yes, we are better with waze on our mobile phones.

spyder2005

There is a wireless version of the CarPlay AND (wired) Android Auto version available now. I tried it and it works well! No need to plug in your lightning cable anymore. There's an ebay auction here: https://www.ebay.com/itm/303121978375 , however you can message the seller directly for a discounted price (no ebay fees): djfrestyler@aol.com. Include you VIN number for exact pricing. Price is ~$500-$600, depending on your Screen option

SardinCar has a newer cabled version (also CarPlay and Android Auto) available which works 10x better than the old version too. A friend has that in his C-Class and that also works great! It's a bit cheaper than the wireless version ~$425. You can message a US reseller for that version at sardincarusa@gmail.com

nevrozel

Hi, this sounds really good! What ModelYear is your C Class W205? Do you have the 7" Audio 20 or 8.4" screen with Comand Online system?

Did you install this kit (the wireless one)? If so, everything works as before? like the original microphone for calls, steering wheel controls, touchpad, comand wheel, etc.? Thanks for the info.

pl626

Same manufacturer sells on aliexpress. I just bought one for my 2015 E400. Just had it installed and it works great so far! Wifi connection is solid. I would also recommend setting the volume at less than maximum, maybe 75% and use the MB audio for the rest of the volume control. If you max the volume setting on the Joyeauto smartbox, the sound will be terribly distorted at moderate volume levels.

BTW, I didn't bother to retrofit my monitor for a touchscreen. The MB controller works just fine. It is different from Carplay implementations that are baked in, but it's really not that big of a deal.

fabbrisd1

How much did your installer charge ?

MBT7

I have emailed a few people to try and get a good idea of exactly what the product is and who manufactures it.

Unique Auto Developments based in Exeter (UK) tell me they are the only UK reseller of the 'third gen' version of the wireless box, but they charge £475. Apparently the Joytec one on AliExpress is 'second gen' but this is only £345 (or £308 off the Joytec website directly). The American Ebay guy selling it charges £399 but I think he just buys it from China and forwards it on.

pl626

He charged me for 3.5 hours, but his guy had to make some adjustments to fit the box and cabling. I don't have a garage/covered workspace, so I'm happy, plus, that's 3.5 hours more that I have to bill my clients...

FastE

The wireless one really interests me. Seems like it installs easily. Do you have the smaller 7” or larger 8.5” Audio system? I want to be sure it works well with the larger one.

fabbrisd1

If you search on the Aliexpress site - several of the suppliers have posted videos of the install in MB's with both Small (Audio 20) and large (COMAND) screens.

The video's are not detailed enouigh for a fumbling guy like me to tackle the project - but certainly show what needs to be done and how it turns out.

Keep the beat !

spyder2005

Installed in 2016 C450 W205. 8.4". I've tried both kits at this point. Each have their pros. The wireless application is neat but only if you want to use CarPlay EVERY time you get in the car. It defaults to CarPlay. I found the cheaper SardinCar module better. It works more seemless and connecting the cable is no bother. The JoyE module actually only has Android Mirroring. The newer SardinCar module has both CarPlay and Android Auto

spyder2005

Install is so easy that an installer is not needed. Difficulty 3/10. Takes 1-2 hrs. You could have two left hands and still manage with good instructions. If you order stuff online you won't get install instructions though. Contact the email addresses above. The U.S. sellers created detailed instructions with pictures. That's for both the JoyE version and newer SardinCar module.

spyder2005

Tried both versions on my 2016 C450 with 8.4" Command. Both work as designed. I found the cheaper SardinCar module better as it defaults to MB stereo and gets to CarPlay with a short click. The wireless version always defaults to CarPlay. Got annoying at times.

netboy

i just dont like it. they mount the carplay / android auto box near passenger left leg area. it looks cheap. looks like a damaged Mercedes.

Mercedes. The Best Or Nothing. haha

nevrozel

Does anyone know of any EU Sardincar reseller?

spyder2005

Contact sardincarusa@gmail.com
They can arrange EU shipping as well.