Drive Kit Plus in the 2014 E class
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
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From: OH
w212
So this costs $1000? Anyone get it for the older w212? Is it just a software update or are there hardware components to install? Whoever said $1000 is a high price for something that should be in there already is right. I still want it though.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
I'm having the DKP for the iPhone 5/5S installed on my E350 Wagon before I take delivery. If you had to do it all over again, would you install it in the glovebox again or a would you choose a different location? Would you consider installing it in the center console?
Also, could you please update us with any new features you have found? In addition, what do you like/dislike about DKP since you've had it installed for a few months now.
Thanks.
Also, could you please update us with any new features you have found? In addition, what do you like/dislike about DKP since you've had it installed for a few months now.
Thanks.
I have had the Drive Kit Plus for the iPhone (http://drive-kit-plus.com/en/#s/start) installed into my 2014 E350. Is there anyone else using this device?
I'm finding that this device is VERY new to the US market, and comes with little to no users guides or operators manuals.
I've used the Siri insterface and that is cool without having to push the button on the phone, and with it using the car's antenna, my phone reception while driving is improved. Charging the phone while driving is nice too, but with the DKP's interface being in the glovebox, I'm sometimes forget the phone is still in the glovebox as I leave the car.
I'm looking for users that have it and have found some "Best Practices" of usage, or additional information on-line on how/when to use it vs. the factory nav and audio options. With Google navigation/traffic I hope to use its maps as I believe they would be more current as the car's navigation version ages.
Any assist would be appreciated ...
I'm finding that this device is VERY new to the US market, and comes with little to no users guides or operators manuals.
I've used the Siri insterface and that is cool without having to push the button on the phone, and with it using the car's antenna, my phone reception while driving is improved. Charging the phone while driving is nice too, but with the DKP's interface being in the glovebox, I'm sometimes forget the phone is still in the glovebox as I leave the car.
I'm looking for users that have it and have found some "Best Practices" of usage, or additional information on-line on how/when to use it vs. the factory nav and audio options. With Google navigation/traffic I hope to use its maps as I believe they would be more current as the car's navigation version ages.
Any assist would be appreciated ...
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
I just read that only a audio source from the iPhone can be listened to when connected to the DKP. For ex, if utilizing the DKP's navigation, one cannot listen to the car's radio. Can anyone confirm or disprove this?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Just found the following (which I was happy to read):
"If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched by holding down the "C/DEL" button, radio reception is still possible. However, it is not possible to listen to internet radio or the music saved on your iPhone in this mode. Spoken navigation directions are still output by the Drive Kit Plus.
If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched via the AUX menu or the Disc button, you can listen to internet radio and the music saved on your iPhone. Radio reception is not possible in this mode."
L
"If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched by holding down the "C/DEL" button, radio reception is still possible. However, it is not possible to listen to internet radio or the music saved on your iPhone in this mode. Spoken navigation directions are still output by the Drive Kit Plus.
If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched via the AUX menu or the Disc button, you can listen to internet radio and the music saved on your iPhone. Radio reception is not possible in this mode."
L
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
E-220 CDI W212
Just found the following (which I was happy to read):
"If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched by holding down the "C/DEL" button, radio reception is still possible. However, it is not possible to listen to internet radio or the music saved on your iPhone in this mode. Spoken navigation directions are still output by the Drive Kit Plus.
If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched via the AUX menu or the Disc button, you can listen to internet radio and the music saved on your iPhone. Radio reception is not possible in this mode."
L
"If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched by holding down the "C/DEL" button, radio reception is still possible. However, it is not possible to listen to internet radio or the music saved on your iPhone in this mode. Spoken navigation directions are still output by the Drive Kit Plus.
If the Drive Kit Plus display is launched via the AUX menu or the Disc button, you can listen to internet radio and the music saved on your iPhone. Radio reception is not possible in this mode."
L
Thanks in advance.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
After much anticipation and waiting, I've just received confirmation from my purchased dealer that they have received a DKP for an iPhone 5 for me that will ship out today. Has anyone had this installed on their W212 yet? I'm beginning to wonder if I should have the DKP installed or wait to see if Carplay will be able to be retrofitted. Thoughts?
BTW, I negotiated the DKP hardware with the car purchase so I would only have to pay for installation of I decide to have it installed.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
BTW, I negotiated the DKP hardware with the car purchase so I would only have to pay for installation of I decide to have it installed.
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic
Well, thanks for posting that part list. It does appear that the DKP for iPhone 5 is not compatible with MY 2011 E-class based on what's written there, which is disappointing. I wonder if that has to do with the version of the head unit NTG 4.5 vs 4.0.
I guess I don't have any option but to wait and see if CarPlay will work with a 2011 E. Bummer.
I guess I don't have any option but to wait and see if CarPlay will work with a 2011 E. Bummer.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Sadly, Apple Car Play for the 2014 E class is off the table according to three different managers at MBUSA. It seems that they've determined it will take a new version of our COMAND system to support it.
Because of this, I'm staying with my DKP and working with the local dealer to minimize the static I'm hearing with the unit.
Interesting fact, when v1.6 of the DKP app was available, my car would play audio from the DKP as well as an iPod attached to the regular 30 pin connector. Now, with v1.70 or v1.71 of the DKP app, having the iPod even attached causes the DKP not to play any audio. Weird, and MBUSA has no clue (as usual).
Because of this, I'm staying with my DKP and working with the local dealer to minimize the static I'm hearing with the unit.
Interesting fact, when v1.6 of the DKP app was available, my car would play audio from the DKP as well as an iPod attached to the regular 30 pin connector. Now, with v1.70 or v1.71 of the DKP app, having the iPod even attached causes the DKP not to play any audio. Weird, and MBUSA has no clue (as usual).
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Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Sadly, Apple Car Play for the 2014 E class is off the table according to three different managers at MBUSA. It seems that they've determined it will take a new version of our COMAND system to support it.
Because of this, I'm staying with my DKP and working with the local dealer to minimize the static I'm hearing with the unit.
Interesting fact, when v1.6 of the DKP app was available, my car would play audio from the DKP as well as an iPod attached to the regular 30 pin connector. Now, with v1.70 or v1.71 of the DKP app, having the iPod even attached causes the DKP not to play any audio. Weird, and MBUSA has no clue (as usual).
Because of this, I'm staying with my DKP and working with the local dealer to minimize the static I'm hearing with the unit.
Interesting fact, when v1.6 of the DKP app was available, my car would play audio from the DKP as well as an iPod attached to the regular 30 pin connector. Now, with v1.70 or v1.71 of the DKP app, having the iPod even attached causes the DKP not to play any audio. Weird, and MBUSA has no clue (as usual).
Regarding the static, is it an issue when selecting the "aux" input to activate DKP or are you getting static on all inputs (FM, CD, memory card, etc)
Lastly, since you've had some time now to play with your DKP, can you share wit us your likes and dislikes that you haven't already mentioned. Would you do it all over again if given the choice?
Thanks in advance for your insight!
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: OH
w212
That's weak that its only for 2013 and newer. Makes my decision a lot easier though. Mb is still way behind in this arena. Like the stock stuff is really still terrible and I heard that these kits aren't that much of an improvement. These announcements are exciting until you realize that you'd have to buy a new car to even have a chance to ever see them.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 31
Likes: 1
2011 E350 Sport 4Matic
So, I guess if you've got a pre-2013 there's no CarPlay or DKP. Annoying, but not too unexpected I suppose. For the most part the nav is ok, it's just not google maps or hell even Apple maps. I find it puzzling that they can't figure out how to just let the physical controls control the experience, since all the processing is done on the back-end and all you're really doing is mirroring the phone's display on your nav.
Sure as hell not buying a new MB just for this.
Sure as hell not buying a new MB just for this.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
2013 ML
Finally, I have been waiting for DKP for iphone 5 for over a year now, thank you shashivr4
, btw way do you know if there was any coding neccessary for DKP to be functional, or is it just plug and play? I want to install it myself as I have already taken out ntg4.5 from my car a few times and after seeing the video on DKP install in the A-class, its pretty straightforward install.
By the way for those of you that have that want apple maps on the NTG4.5 this is what i did:
1. video in motion
2. activate AUX Video in engineering mode
3.get a fakra video cable to RCA video
4. for audio -your cars AUX jack is used
5. if you have iphone 4 get the apple video out cable( RCA one that has yellow, white red RCA jacks)
if you have iphone 5, you ll need HDMI to RCA converter, because iphone 5 only has hdmi out, and Command Video Aux is Composite.
Basically you ll be able to mirror your screen on the command and all the audio from your iphone.
Here is apple maps, in my W166:
, btw way do you know if there was any coding neccessary for DKP to be functional, or is it just plug and play? I want to install it myself as I have already taken out ntg4.5 from my car a few times and after seeing the video on DKP install in the A-class, its pretty straightforward install.
By the way for those of you that have that want apple maps on the NTG4.5 this is what i did:
1. video in motion
2. activate AUX Video in engineering mode
3.get a fakra video cable to RCA video
4. for audio -your cars AUX jack is used
5. if you have iphone 4 get the apple video out cable( RCA one that has yellow, white red RCA jacks)
if you have iphone 5, you ll need HDMI to RCA converter, because iphone 5 only has hdmi out, and Command Video Aux is Composite.
Basically you ll be able to mirror your screen on the command and all the audio from your iphone.
Here is apple maps, in my W166:
Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 147
Likes: 2
From: OH
w212
So how do you do step 1 video in motion? Is that a software hack or something you have to do with the hardware?
Do you have a link to the process of removing the ntg system? Or a process for getting to it to modify it.
Also do you think your process could work with ntg 4 or is it specifically 4.5?
Do you have a link to the process of removing the ntg system? Or a process for getting to it to modify it.
Also do you think your process could work with ntg 4 or is it specifically 4.5?
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
2013 ML
So how do you do step 1 video in motion? Is that a software hack or something you have to do with the hardware?
Do you have a link to the process of removing the ntg system? Or a process for getting to it to modify it.
Also do you think your process could work with ntg 4 or is it specifically 4.5?
Do you have a link to the process of removing the ntg system? Or a process for getting to it to modify it.
Also do you think your process could work with ntg 4 or is it specifically 4.5?
I am not sure it will work on NTG4, but most likely ntg4 also has aux video.
something similar:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mercedes-Benz-C207-W212-E350-E550-E63-2010-2013-Video-In-Motion-TV-FREE-DVD-/261445803514?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cdf625dfa&vxp=mtr
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
No touch screen input but from I understand Siri would be the best method to input such data...maybe someone else who has the kit installed will chime in...
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Sorry for taking 3 posts to post 3 pictures...every time I tried to post more than one pic per post, the paged refreshed and I lost the previously copy and pasted link. Gave up after a few failed attempts.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 19
From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
My static across all audio sources issue on the DKP for my iPhone 4S is in progress of being resolved by the dealer. Upon my request, my dealership's shop foreman, was able to install it into the center console, but the analog audio cable picked up static from the other control cabling in the general console area. This is where we believe the static is coming from. All of the HW was replaced down to the cables and including all modules.
Shop foreman is now trying to use the BT module from the new iPhone 5 kit to route the audio through the iPhone 4S without using the analog cable. I will find out on this week how they did. My alternative is to buy a cheap iPhone 5 something until the larger iPhone 6(?) is released in September-ish timeframe.
Even through I haven't had a "The Best ...." experience with the DKP to date, I still have high hopes.
More news to follow ...
Shop foreman is now trying to use the BT module from the new iPhone 5 kit to route the audio through the iPhone 4S without using the analog cable. I will find out on this week how they did. My alternative is to buy a cheap iPhone 5 something until the larger iPhone 6(?) is released in September-ish timeframe.
Even through I haven't had a "The Best ...." experience with the DKP to date, I still have high hopes.
More news to follow ...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 19
From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Talked with the shop foreman today, the static has become a personal issue with him. He has both an iPhone 4S and iPhone 5 kit in hand and is swapping out parts one-by-one to isolate and correct the static. He isn't convinced that it is external interference.
More details tomorrow, I hope ...
More details tomorrow, I hope ...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
Likes: 19
From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
OK, car finally back and the static is gone ... Shop foreman told me that my car had become a personal challenge to him and his staff.
1. They installed a new DKP iPhone 4s kit piece-by-piece to determine which component was causing/allowing the static. Still had static across all audio from the DKP after 100% of the pieces were replaced. No idea why.
2. Moved the new DKP kit back from the center console into the glovebox (official installation location) and still had static.
3. Installed another new DKP iPhone 4s kit into another similarly equipped 2014 E350. Static appeared in that car also.
4. Shop foreman convinced the DKP for iPhone 4s was haunted.
5. Shop foreman installed a new DKP with BT for an iPhone 5 into my center console and found the static was gone!
6. I went out and bought a new iPhone 5 with the latest 1.7.2 version of the app and confirmed that the static was gone. It now works as advertised.
I'm now able to use the features as advertised and am happy with the kit. It is still is not a mature product as I would have preferred, but I expect updates will continue to add features much easier and quicker than updating the COMAND system.
1. They installed a new DKP iPhone 4s kit piece-by-piece to determine which component was causing/allowing the static. Still had static across all audio from the DKP after 100% of the pieces were replaced. No idea why.
2. Moved the new DKP kit back from the center console into the glovebox (official installation location) and still had static.
3. Installed another new DKP iPhone 4s kit into another similarly equipped 2014 E350. Static appeared in that car also.
4. Shop foreman convinced the DKP for iPhone 4s was haunted.
5. Shop foreman installed a new DKP with BT for an iPhone 5 into my center console and found the static was gone!
6. I went out and bought a new iPhone 5 with the latest 1.7.2 version of the app and confirmed that the static was gone. It now works as advertised.
I'm now able to use the features as advertised and am happy with the kit. It is still is not a mature product as I would have preferred, but I expect updates will continue to add features much easier and quicker than updating the COMAND system.
