2018 pre faclift c63s android auto/carplay
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2019 C63s coupe
2018 pre faclift c63s android auto/carplay
Hi all
im in australia have found the perfect c63s but only issue is that its a pre facelift model and for me android auto is essential. What is the best way possible to get android auto/car play
I dont like the chinese kits as they run on aux system tend to be slow and buggy bluetooth dropping out etc
What are my options?
im in australia have found the perfect c63s but only issue is that its a pre facelift model and for me android auto is essential. What is the best way possible to get android auto/car play
I dont like the chinese kits as they run on aux system tend to be slow and buggy bluetooth dropping out etc
What are my options?
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Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 201
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From: Colorado
2018 C63S AMG Coupe, 2019 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
You need to check your VIN to see if your car has the right hardware. Use Mercedes VIN Decoder: https://share.google/JQZB9TA1fdnRpfuEa
To see if your car has the 14U, 15U, 16U hardware codes for "smartphone integration". If your car has these codes then it has the hardware. Then you need to contact @BenzNinja to rent the computer and OBD interface to have him code your car remotely. I had him do that and Android Auto works on my car with no issues at all. It is "wired" so you have to connect your phone to USB... But since Android Auto sucks down battery anyway I don't mind it being plugged in.
To see if your car has the 14U, 15U, 16U hardware codes for "smartphone integration". If your car has these codes then it has the hardware. Then you need to contact @BenzNinja to rent the computer and OBD interface to have him code your car remotely. I had him do that and Android Auto works on my car with no issues at all. It is "wired" so you have to connect your phone to USB... But since Android Auto sucks down battery anyway I don't mind it being plugged in.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2018
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
2019 C63CS
Interesting that you had the smartphone integration hardware but not activated. The smartphone integration was an option for MY2018, but it couldn't be combined with the Multimedia package (COMAND), so it was either COMAND or smartphone integration. What Infotainment system do you have? COMAND or Audio 20?
OP, as far as options go, it's the OE smartphone integration if this particular car has it, or otherwise aftermarket solutions that either replace the factory system with a Chinese Android unit or a module that splices into the head unit harness. The OE display is also kinda a small, Many of those Android units replace the display with a widescreen display similar to what the 2019+ model years have. However, the OE system on 2019+ doesn't show Android Auto in full screen, only CarPlay is full screen.
Honestly, I'd look for a 2019 or newer if Android Auto/CarPlay was such a high priority and not mess with aftermarket units, unless as said the particular car you are looking at has the smartphone integration already.
OP, as far as options go, it's the OE smartphone integration if this particular car has it, or otherwise aftermarket solutions that either replace the factory system with a Chinese Android unit or a module that splices into the head unit harness. The OE display is also kinda a small, Many of those Android units replace the display with a widescreen display similar to what the 2019+ model years have. However, the OE system on 2019+ doesn't show Android Auto in full screen, only CarPlay is full screen.
Honestly, I'd look for a 2019 or newer if Android Auto/CarPlay was such a high priority and not mess with aftermarket units, unless as said the particular car you are looking at has the smartphone integration already.
Last edited by superswiss; Jul 19, 2025 at 12:24 PM.
Member
Joined: Mar 2022
Posts: 98
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From: Vancouver
C63 MY15
Pretty sure you cannot activate or have hardware for smartphone integration fitted to pre-facelift models.
WRT CarPlay/AA - I tried both an Android headunit and didn’t rate it.
A carplay/AA box suits me better, no load time, less of a massive iPad style screen and is more stable.
You can activate aux in to feed audio into the OEM system. It’s not ideal but the Android Headunits do the same thing.
If you’re concerned using a 3.5mm jack for audio isn’t up to scratch, then you’ll be disappointed when you hear the Burmester system - it’s really not great.
WRT CarPlay/AA - I tried both an Android headunit and didn’t rate it.
A carplay/AA box suits me better, no load time, less of a massive iPad style screen and is more stable.
You can activate aux in to feed audio into the OEM system. It’s not ideal but the Android Headunits do the same thing.
If you’re concerned using a 3.5mm jack for audio isn’t up to scratch, then you’ll be disappointed when you hear the Burmester system - it’s really not great.
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Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Spain UTC/GMT +2 hours
W213 All-terrain
You need to check your VIN to see if your car has the right hardware. Use Mercedes VIN Decoder: https://share.google/JQZB9TA1fdnRpfuEa
To see if your car has the 14U, 15U, 16U hardware codes for "smartphone integration". If your car has these codes then it has the hardware. .
To see if your car has the 14U, 15U, 16U hardware codes for "smartphone integration". If your car has these codes then it has the hardware. .
For Pre-facelift w205 the only Hardware that can accept 14U, 15U, 16U -meaning CP and AA is the Audio20 with option 154 into the decoded VIN.
