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Im looking to add just appIe carplay to my W205 pre facelift. (I do not need android auto, touchscreen, YouTube etc), I just want simplicity and high quality as less is more.
However what is absolutely critical is that the cars OEM phone call quality remains the same and the original OEM mic and speakers are used retaining the original phone call quality
Previous units that I have purchased came with a 3rd party Mic and worked perfectly however were awful with regard to phone call quality, so I wish to ensure that I purchase the right product.
If your car is equipped with Radio Audio 20 ( SA code 522/520 ) then you could change the Radio ( the display will remain the same) with an identical one from 2017-2018 model as this will have original Mercedes Carplay integrated.
If your car is equipped with Comand Online NTG5 ( SA code 531) than you can easily add any chinese interface and activate the Audio Aux input for good quality sound.
All my previous installations of aftermarket Apple car play resulted in the phone car kits becoming inferior in sound quality. There was usually a 3rd party mic which gave inferior sound to the person on the phone call.
I wish to install a CarPlay without sacrificing the OEM car kit quality when making phone call's.
ie this there a CarPlay system that retains the use of the OEM microphone and speakers
Any advice in this regard would be appreciated.
Last edited by aberrill; Dec 25, 2024 at 09:18 AM.
My vin number is WDD2050042R005009
Region is South Africa
Can you advise me which route to follow for the best results, I would prefer to keep all OEM.
Sorry, I have no exact data for South Africa, here in EU we use any Radio Audio 20 with Hardware number A2059011717. The Software according to car model can be re-programmed.
Here is the output from mbdecoder.com (pasted as image because could not keep the table format easily). According to this you indeed have 522 but not 154 so the solution proposed to you in #2 is likely the way to go. Be aware however that you will need the correct USB port to connect your iPhone to the system. I am guessing that you do have one USB port to which you can connect a media source - say a flash drive loaded with MP3 files - but I cannot say whether this will serve for CarPlay without modification or replacement, or indeed reprogramming in any case. If reprogramming is needed you can find various sources for do-it-yourself methods based on OBD-II dongles by searching the forum.
To answer your question another way: without a fully integrated solution, pretty much by definition no DIY Third Party conversion can use the OEM microphone. Comand Online based in the UK is a Forum Sponsor that offers professional conversions and may be able to offer guidance and whether they have a distributor or partner in South Africa.
Im looking to add just appIe carplay to my W205 pre facelift. (I do not need android auto, touchscreen, YouTube etc), I just want simplicity and high quality as less is more.
Quite, but the Original Poster stated it as a preference and I already offered an answer with respect to that constraint. Since OP is primarily concerned about the quality of phone calls and the referenced thread provides a way to retain calls through the Mercedes OEM system while still offering a relatively simple solution to integrate CarPlay / Android Auto(*), it seemed worthy of a mention, IMHO.
Im looking to add just appIe carplay to my W205 pre facelift. (I do not need android auto, touchscreen, YouTube etc), I just want simplicity and high quality as less is more.
However what is absolutely critical is that the cars OEM phone call quality remains the same and the original OEM mic and speakers are used retaining the original phone call quality
Previous units that I have purchased came with a 3rd party Mic and worked perfectly however were awful with regard to phone call quality, so I wish to ensure that I purchase the right product.
Thanking you in advance.
Hello, you can try our Apple Carplay & Android Auto Module, it may be helpful to you.
This amazing kit adds full CarPlay functionality to your existing NTG system while retaining all the original NTG4.0 & 4.5 features.The CarPlay system supports button and steering wheel control and is integrated with the console or glove box USB.
Whether your NTG system is factory-equipped with navigation, phone module or Bluetooth, whether it's Apple Maps, Spotify, making/receiving calls or using Siri to reply to text, the system fully supports Apple systems and phone features.
Functions:
1) Wireless Apple Carplay
2) IOS AirPlay mirror link
3) Android Auto
4) Andoid phone mirror link
5) Support aftermarket rear view & DVR
6) USB play (music,video)
7) EQ adjustable with best audio quality
8) Original car wire plug and play,no cutting wire, no breaking wire,non-destructive
Im looking to add just appIe carplay to my W205 pre facelift. (I do not need android auto, touchscreen, YouTube etc), I just want simplicity and high quality as less is more.
For W205 facelift, Carplay and Android Auto can be activated within 10 minute with a 20USD interface ( Openport) and a decent Windows laptop, even for free if someone ask me.
Thanks all, I have fitted the car play module and it meets my requirements, I would have preferred to go the OEM head unit approach as shown above, but that's now in the past.
Your help and guidance is most appreciated.
PS the unit that I purchased from dmpcardesign.com works as described, also the aftermarket rear camera is a major bonus. I highly recommend this supplier.
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