Retrofit CarPlay in W205
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 4
From: Stockholm, Sweden
W213 E220D -17
Hi davkar,
as I am planning on getting one of these boxes and u want to use it with Android Auto, I wanted to ask you where did you get it? By sardincar? And can you start Google assistant by pressing a button or you have to scroll up to the mic? What is your current opinion a few months later?
I got a 10.25" display and I am not entirely happy with the implementation and I end up using Android Auto all the time.
Thanks!
as I am planning on getting one of these boxes and u want to use it with Android Auto, I wanted to ask you where did you get it? By sardincar? And can you start Google assistant by pressing a button or you have to scroll up to the mic? What is your current opinion a few months later?
I got a 10.25" display and I am not entirely happy with the implementation and I end up using Android Auto all the time.
Thanks!
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?
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
W205 c180
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?
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
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
2015 C300
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 353
From: Michigan
2017 C43 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,283
Likes: 353
From: Michigan
2017 C43 AMG
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?
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
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
S205 C350e
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....
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
c class coupe
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?
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
S205 C350e
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!
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
c class coupe
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
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
S205 C350e
.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!
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: Romania
C Class W205 (2015)
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.
)So yes, we are better with waze on our mobile phones.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
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
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
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
From: Romania
C Class W205 (2015)
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
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
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 65
2015 E400
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.
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.
Last edited by pl626; May 15, 2019 at 10:09 AM.
Newbie
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
c220d Coupe (W205)
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.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 297
Likes: 65
2015 E400
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 320
Likes: 34
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
2020 MB-AMG GLC43
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
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
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 1,117
A gaggle of MB's
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 !
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 !
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
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
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
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.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 772
Likes: 81
From: Bayarea, California
2003 C320 coupe/c450 in Feb 2016
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
Mercedes. The Best Or Nothing. haha
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 57
Likes: 5
Contact sardincarusa@gmail.com
They can arrange EU shipping as well.
They can arrange EU shipping as well.
