zti

New to the forum, and have searched heavily before asking this question:

I plan to get a 2014 E350 and I would like to upgrade the audio unit so that it supports android auto.

1. I learned about COMMAND, but what version does it come with (NTG 4.5 or 4.7)?
2. Is there a way for me to have android AUTO on this car?

dJCG

W212 Android Auto / Carplay / Mirrorlink
If you have a W212 2016 with COMAND, you can get Android Auto / Carplay / Mirrorlink, although for commercial reasons, MB do not officially support the option for the W212, and it may invalidate your warranty.

I have a 2016 E300 (W212) Face Lift, Built March 2015, with HU5S1 Head Unit.
What I did:
0. This only works with the HU5S1 Head Unit.
1. Update firmware to High_CY15_9
(The dealer has to be coaxed to do this with a complaint about intermittent problems with the system)
2. Change the "Connection Unit" which is the USB socket in the centre console to Part # A 172 820 20 00 (which has the phone & tablet logo on USB 2)
3. Get the Crux CAPMB-51 which will activate Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink through the ODBII port. This is the easy way in case you do not have access to Vediamo, Star Diagnostics etc., and your MB dealer is not helpful (like mine).

Note: The Crux CAPMB-51 stores your car VIN, when used the first time and cannot be used with any other car after that. If used a second time on the same car, it will deactivate Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Mirrorlink. If used a third time it is supposed to reactivate the three, but I had trouble with this reactivation, and it took about 5 tries before it was successful.

I use Android Auto a lot, (have faced connection issues on a couple of occasions, where COMAND says no Android Auto device is connected, but a re-start generally sorts it out). I do not use the Apple ecosystem, and have not as yet tried CarPlay, or Mirrorlink.

jonUF02

So everything else from a 2014 model connects right up, just the center control unit is replaced? Too bad design is different from my 2012 dash, but maybe some day I'll get a unicorn 2014 E550.

jonUF02

Looking at some pics, maybe 2016 fits all the way back to 2010. I'll keep a lookout for one. Android Auto would be great. I just mount my phone next to the radio and connect via Bluetooth now though. One thing I like about old cars is that it's very simple to add the latest and greatest aftermarket tech radio and such, not even a chance on fancy new cars with everything integrated. My 2000 CLK430 had a 2012 Pioneer head unit in it, and it made it feel like a 2012 vehicle. Technology is pretty much the only differentiating factor among vehicles these days encouraging buyers to upgrade every few years, other than preference of body styling. All the engines are shrinking

dJCG

Unfortunately, NTG 4.5 or 4.7 will not support Android Auto. Like I said, you need to have the HU5S1 head unit installed (otherwise known as NTG 5.1).

It is not worth the trouble / expense upgrading the head unit.

jonUF02

Actually, if you can find a used 2016 head unit and that's all you need, maybe $500 from a junk yard / ebay is worth it. I'm pretty sure you'll have to sweet talk a dealer or find someone who has a good understanding and the proper computers to set something.

Badwolf

sorry to revive this, i have a 2015, ntg 4.7 with 360 cameras, is it correct that if i was to put in an ntg 5.1 unit in for android auto i would have to change all my cameras and some wiring for them to retain the 360 camera setup?