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Mercedes was clearly quick to dismiss the originally stated goal of offering a retrofit solution. Also odd that they would initially demo CarPlay on the C and go on to drop it from the lineup.
The automakers are resisting CarPlay and android Auto. They are scared of handing control over to others, and it's why CarPlay has taken years to start seeing adoption.
The automakers are resisting CarPlay and android Auto. They are scared of handing control over to others, and it's why CarPlay has taken years to start seeing adoption.
Not sure that is always a bad thing tho. Some people do have greater visions than MB when it comes to their media department
This is a cross-post from the GLE sub-forum, but I think it should get some attention here too. A few of us over there have emailed this contact at Mercedes, and I think we should be collectively vocal about this.
I'm starting to wonder if there is any one particular person at MB we can email, write to, or call collectively about a retrofit.
I'm speculating that this update is most likely a software one on a specific head-unit that probably hasn't changed between production dates. Probably the only reason MB wouldn't offer such a thing is because not enough owners are vocal about it and if that isn't the reason, we should at least know why.
Edit:
Looking at the original CarPlay notice, it looks like this might be a good place to start:
The note says it's a hardware compatibility issue, it's strange that MB would have different systems for each model line, you would have thought they would try to reuse the latest control systems as much as possible???
Sorry to resurrect an old thread... here's another document showing no CarPlay love to the W205 in MY16 or MY17.
Irritating to say the least... what gives Stuttgart?
Someone from Mercedes told me it was not too far away from new builds for the C class, GLC etc..
Especially now CarPlay is in the new E class with the new hardware.
Just needed to wait for the official announcement from HQ on build dates before ordering. The last line of this document would seem to suggest that as well - ie "working on expediting a solution"
I just left an AMG Driving school at Road Atlanta. I asked on of the AMG experts about lack of CaPlay in my new C63 S. He said to sit tight, a retrofit was coming soon. I check with my dealer and they confirmed they heard the same thing. Also I drove a new E300 loaner and on and on recent trip, a Chevy rental both w CarPlay, hooked up to both and was less than impressed. May have enjoyed it more If Apple Maps came even close to working like Google Maps. In the 2 cars I connect to, the iPhone had to be hard wired to work , will not with blue tooth. Music did not work any better than the MB system but, cars screen text message were an advantage.
I found 1/2 the time I disconnected from it.
PS , should you get an AMG driving school invite, you need to do it. Fabulous experience!
02-06-2016, 12:08 PM
