Jean Luis Urena

Hello, new here, just got a 2018 C300 4Matic but unfortunately it came without the smartphone integration. I was wondering if any of you guys have been able to either "activate" the software or found a reliable retrofit otherwise?

I looked all over the interwebz and it always seems like my car isn't compatible with OBD activators because "android auto/carplay" isn't pre-installed.

But what I want to know is, how is my car different from the 2018 models with smartphone integration? Like, isn't it the same Comand system WITH smart phone integration? Why can't a dealer just install it? Or anything...

I have NTG5/5.5

curtis_tom

So... I complained to MB Canada that my 2018 C300 didn't come with Android Auto despite the Android Auto site showed that it should support it. I was told it was only available in 2018 C-Class in the USA, not Canada. You're saying your 2018 doesn't have it either?!

Jean Luis Urena

Nope. I was under the impression it did (only the 2019 models have it standard). The salesperson also incorrectly told me it did. It is an additional option that's about $300 more.
Ultimately I should've done better homework, but I find it ridiculous that it can't be retrofitted or that it can't be a simple software update. Really upset about it, but at least I got the Nav so it's not too terrible 🤷*♂️.

fabbrisd1

1. The most professional supplier of OBD module is Vladimir - and message him your VIN# thru his eBay listing - and he will confirm for sure if you can OBD/module add CarPlay or not - for Mr Canada he should check with Vladimir by his VIN too:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/263210338859

2. On the Mercedes side - for 2018 CarPlay was a factory installed option if the C-Class has the Audio 20 infotainment system - if you have COMAND system (with center console touchpad) and COMAND has the Mercedes built-in connection - then I believe CarPlay was not available as a option

3. Have you tried connecting with SIRI thru the Bluetooth connection - which will give you "some" SIRI control for calling/etc ?

Jean Luis Urena

Didn't know about this. Thanks!

As for 1, doesn't work with me as I have the datacard that's unsupported. And are you saying smartphone integration was never an option with 2018 C300? Because AFAIK all 2018 C300 come with Comand

Saman Sh

So for a 2018 C300 US model with the Multimedia Package and the COMAND system, there is no way to retrofit and enable Apple CarPlay?

Regards

Kush Desai

I'm sure there is a way to retrofit a carplay module to the existing COMAND system to enable Carplay. I did it on my 2016. I have the option to go back and forth between the COMAND UI and the Carplay UI. DMP Car Design was the supplier of my Module and if I remember correctly, it should work with the 2018 model as well.

RemRyu

Hey there. I'm in the same boat. Got 2018 C300 sedan, no Car Play ( Android Auto). Really tempted to get one of these smart boxes form Ali Express, and test it out. Hesitant to pull the trigger - $250+ investment with 50/50 chances it would work.

matt.jessop

I just bought this - Wireless CarPlay for Mercedes Benz C-Class W205 and GLC 2015-2018, with Android Auto Mirror Link AirPlay Car Play Functions
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msQtr1r

Really quick delivery, easy to fit, works a treat (so far at least). Top tip - message the seller and ask for a discount before you order. He’s also really happy to answer any questions you might have.

RemRyu

Thanx so much, mate. I will order it, a nd try to hook it up. Found sue videos showing install process. Not easy, bit not terrible. Anything to watch out for when taking center console panel off?

matt.jessop

The most detailed instructions are here. Its fairly straight forward but a couple of things to bear in mind -

1. You have to pull up on the console quite hard when removing, there are two metal clips that are not mentioned in the documentation that help hold in the console. This took me a while to work out. Just take your time,but you may need to apply a bit more force than you think.
2. I could not fit the box under the radio no matter how hard I tried. I ended up putting it in the passenger side net thing temporarily until I work out where best to put it.
3. I haven't tried wireless carplay - I am sure it will work just fine but I used a cable as I had one lying around and I want the box to charge my phone.

Good luck and enjoy !

Snowii

Hey guys, I`m considering getting the same kit for my C43. Can I ask you a few Qs pls:

- is everything working as it should?
- How do you control Siri? Do you press a star or something? Is it using the OEM mic? I`ve seen most of the kits to have separate mic and a speaker (I am guessing for when one is using oem radio and wants to look at waze and listen to the directions?) does this kit solve it somehow? If not how do you make calls when using carplay?
- when you start reversing, does the camera kick in even when using carplay automatically?
- how big of a discount was the seller willing to give, may I ask?

And question to the rest of the guys here using the same solution of adding a box to get carplay/AA in our cars - how happy are you over the time you`ve been using it + how well did it hold over the different iOS updates? Is there any support from the sellers giving out updated FWs or?

Thank you!

Doa

Never understand what more you need then the bt connection if you have the comand ntg5.5.

Snowii

well I have 2017 spring car so NTG5.0 for me and I seriously wanna get rid of the phone holder in the vent a use the "big" screen for Waze/Maps + Spotify

matt.jessop

I've had mine installed for 8 months or so now, all working as it should. Its not perfect, its a bit annoying that you have to flip back to the Merc system (easily done by long-pressing the star button) to sort out heating etc. No issues with iOS updates, seller was very responsive for install assistance, not had cause to ask him about firmware etc.
Overall I am very happy with it, it does what I needed and for the price I paid (£185) its a bargain.

Phat_J

How long does it take to switch from it to the MB system?

matt.jessop

there are 2 ways - long press of the star button (2 seconds) or you can press Radio and it goes back immediately.