Drive Kit Plus in the 2014 E class
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
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.
BTW, do you feel the install is "clean?" (Does it seem like a factory fit?)
Thanks!
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Also, are you concerned at all with disassembly reassembly of various internal component LS (future rattles, etc)?
Lastly, do you know what had to be disassembled/removed for the installation (nav screen, dash, etc)?
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
This shows the DKP entering the center console from the front, note the plastic spiral-cut tube giving strength to the lightening connector cable. The normal pigtail split cable allows me to charge an older 30-pin iDevice, and the analog audio portion is tied back into the DKP. In the USB port, I have a 8Gb stick full of my tunes.
Other than I need to clean out the center console from the dirt/dust of installation, it doesn't interfere with the normal volume of stuff I carry in the center console. I'm not hearing any rattles now and I know that my shop foreman will handle anything that may come up.
Second question about installation, somewhere earlier in this post is a link to the installation instructions. Watching that gave me a clear understanding of the level of effort my shop foreman went through to "solve" my static issue.
The service team did go above and beyond on this one for me...
Other than I need to clean out the center console from the dirt/dust of installation, it doesn't interfere with the normal volume of stuff I carry in the center console. I'm not hearing any rattles now and I know that my shop foreman will handle anything that may come up.
Second question about installation, somewhere earlier in this post is a link to the installation instructions. Watching that gave me a clear understanding of the level of effort my shop foreman went through to "solve" my static issue.
The service team did go above and beyond on this one for me...
Last edited by samkimg; Apr 27, 2014 at 02:38 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
This shows the DKP entering the center console from the front, note the plastic spiral-cut tube giving strength to the lightening connector cable. The normal pigtail split cable allows me to charge an older 30-pin iDevice, and the analog audio portion is tied back into the DKP. In the USB port, I have a 8Gb stick full of my tunes.
Other than I need to clean out the center console from the dirt/dust of installation, it doesn't interfere with the normal volume of stuff I carry in the center console. I'm not hearing any rattles now and I know that my shop foreman will handle anything that may come up.
Second question about installation, somewhere earlier in this post is a link to the installation instructions. Watching that gave me a clear understanding of the level of effort my shop foreman went through to "solve" my static issue.
The service team did go above and beyond on this one for me...
Other than I need to clean out the center console from the dirt/dust of installation, it doesn't interfere with the normal volume of stuff I carry in the center console. I'm not hearing any rattles now and I know that my shop foreman will handle anything that may come up.
Second question about installation, somewhere earlier in this post is a link to the installation instructions. Watching that gave me a clear understanding of the level of effort my shop foreman went through to "solve" my static issue.
The service team did go above and beyond on this one for me...
Can you explain what you mean by a analog wire from media interface cable being tied into DKP?
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
In addition, the new iPhone 5 media interface cable does not include the analog portion of the pigtail.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
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2013 ML
Thanks for the pictures, how long did it take to get? Looks like DKP was shipped from Germany?
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Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
2013 ML
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.
So are you still able to use AUX Audio jack for something else or basically the Drive Kit Plus replaces AUX?
By the way is voice function fixed on the iphone 5 kit (steering wheel voice button)?
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Joined: Jun 2009
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E400 2014
Drive Kit Plus for my W212 E 400 Coupé
Next wednesday I´m driving up to Scottsdale to have the DKP (for the iPhone 5S) installed on my car.
I got it because I EITHER get the navigation maps for the USA and Canada OR the navigation maps for Mexico and Latin America, as if I wouldn´t drive the car across the border.
What the hell where the MB guys in Germany thinking? A Mercedes would skim right along the US-Mexico border or what?
I´ll keep you guys posted on how it performs...
Best regards.
I got it because I EITHER get the navigation maps for the USA and Canada OR the navigation maps for Mexico and Latin America, as if I wouldn´t drive the car across the border.
What the hell where the MB guys in Germany thinking? A Mercedes would skim right along the US-Mexico border or what?
I´ll keep you guys posted on how it performs...
Best regards.
Last edited by finleybob; May 17, 2014 at 04:36 PM.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
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2013 ML
Installed my drive kit plus for iphone 5 this weekend. None of the dealers in Massachusetts area know anything about drive kit plus, eventually told me will take them 5-8 hours labor @130$ per hour. Installation was a pain but managed to install everything in about 6 hours, mainly because there was no installation manual. Probably can install in 2 hours now 
, I wouldn't recommend installing DKP by yourself unless you are very mechanical and electrical inclined.
So far everything works- siri, navigation, both modes with AUX sound and radio sound- no static.
Only issue I have is cant get the contacts to sync with Drive kit plus.
, I wouldn't recommend installing DKP by yourself unless you are very mechanical and electrical inclined.So far everything works- siri, navigation, both modes with AUX sound and radio sound- no static.
Only issue I have is cant get the contacts to sync with Drive kit plus.
Last edited by stas2007; May 21, 2014 at 12:16 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 234
Likes: 0
2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Installed my drive kit plus for iphone 5 this weekend. None of the dealers in Massachusetts area know anything about drive kit plus, eventually told me will take them 5-8 hours labor @130$ per hour. Installation was a pain but managed to install everything in about 6 hours, mainly because there was no installation manual. Probably can install in 2 hours now , I wouldn't recommend installing DKP by yourself unless you are very mechanical and electrical inclined.
So far everything works- siri, navigation, both modes with AUX sound and radio sound- no static.
Only issue I have is cant get the contacts to sync with Drive kit plus.
, I wouldn't recommend installing DKP by yourself unless you are very mechanical and electrical inclined.So far everything works- siri, navigation, both modes with AUX sound and radio sound- no static.
Only issue I have is cant get the contacts to sync with Drive kit plus.
Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 124
Likes: 2
2013 ML
I also removed center console(not completely, just loosened so I can move it around) and area under glove box. I mainly did it to route the cables since I wanted DKP in the center console not in the glove box. I followed the video on youtube for CLA installation of DKP I4, my DKP wiring was different but close enough so I could figure it out. I dont know about rattling since I removed this pieces before on my W166, but seems fine. Also couldnt find a good spot to mount the module(black box) so did the same as per youtube video(removed the foam on pas. carpet and mounted DKP Box there.)
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2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
What do you mean by "By the way is voice function fixed on the iphone 5 kit (steering wheel voice button)?" ... my voice control functions fine on the MB functions, but doesn't control the DKP.
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Joined: Jan 2014
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2013 E350 Sport Wagon - 4Matic
Thread Starter
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Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
Via the COMAND knob is the only way I know that it works. The voice button in DKP mode still only controls the native MB systems, not DKP. I wish it would work that way.
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2013 E350 P1, Sport, Rear Spoiler
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From: Zion
W212 E550 4M P2
What map is used for nav guidance while driving ... is it the google / iPhone map or the original Merc map?
If I understand correctly, Audi lets you look for POIs with google maps but once you start driving it reverts back to the Audi maps. I could be wrong.
Any news on getting DKP retro-fitted to a '12 E?
If I understand correctly, Audi lets you look for POIs with google maps but once you start driving it reverts back to the Audi maps. I could be wrong.
Any news on getting DKP retro-fitted to a '12 E?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 576
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From: Earth (Mostly)
2023 XC60 PHEV, 2023 XC40 BEV
DKP uses Google maps and when navigating with the DKP, it will use those maps. If you switch to the MB Comand system, then you would need to enter and use that system for navigation.
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Joined: Mar 2016
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Mercedes Benz c class w204 face lift
Hi Everybody,
Looking forward to get DKP installed in my c class w204 facelift (audio 20 CD with CD changer, becker map pilot, media interface), just wondering if DKP is compatible with iphone 6s running iOS 9.3. Thanks
Looking forward to get DKP installed in my c class w204 facelift (audio 20 CD with CD changer, becker map pilot, media interface), just wondering if DKP is compatible with iphone 6s running iOS 9.3. Thanks
