Daragh Hynes

Hi everyone, I’m trying to figure out if my c class is CarPlay compatible or not. Is it just a matter of getting the current unit coded in or do I have to install an MMI device behind the radio/replace radio entirely? Also my car is the 2015 model. Thanks

superswiss

It's not CarPlay compatible. You'll have to retrofit hardware. For model year 2018, Mercedes offered a Smartphone Interface option, however it wasn't compatible with the COMAND system, so it was mutually exclusive. You either could option the Multimedia package or the Smartphone Interface package. Supposedly it can be retrofitted on 2018 and older models as long as they don't have COMAND. Otherwise there are several aftermarket solutions that as you say require to take apart the dash and install a module that hooks into the video feed and car controls. There are also entire Android based units that replace the outdated COMAND system with an Android system and widescreen that also supports CarPlay and Android Auto. I can't help you with any of the systems specifically, but there are threads around here of folks who have installed various units or you can do a Google search. Amazon also sells some of them. For the C Class, CarPlay and Android Auto is only a full fledged option starting with model year 2019. It's standard in some markets such as the USA and optional in other markets and it's compatible with the updated COMAND 5.5 system, so it's no longer either or.

Cyoulater

There's a head unit upgrade that's a good alternative

I wouldn't use his sponsor because it's just a drop-shipper from aliexpress