Android Auto in 2016 W212
By the way, for folks with cars that include Build code 608 and 640, check out ILS, night driving difference is literally Night and Day
You can read about it on: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...d-my-w212.htmlhttps://mbworld.org/forums/w212-amg/...ade-e63-6.html
Good Luck!!!!
https://carplay2air.com/products/cpl...r-link-feature
The one in the link below is from the same company, but I do not have any experience with it. I'm "assuming" it works the same as the APC one. Not sure as to why it is $20 cheaper. Either way, I'm glad I purchased mine as it is so convenient not to have to "plug-in" every time I get in the car.
https://carplay2air.com/products/car...to-mirror-link




https://carplay2air.com/products/cpl...r-link-feature
The one in the link below is from the same company, but I do not have any experience with it. I'm "assuming" it works the same as the APC one. Not sure as to why it is $20 cheaper. Either way, I'm glad I purchased mine as it is so convenient not to have to "plug-in" every time I get in the car.
https://carplay2air.com/products/car...to-mirror-link
Thanks for sharing your experience, looks like I am going to try it out for myself now.
https://carplay2air.com/products/cpl...r-link-feature
The one in the link below is from the same company, but I do not have any experience with it. I'm "assuming" it works the same as the APC one. Not sure as to why it is $20 cheaper. Either way, I'm glad I purchased mine as it is so convenient not to have to "plug-in" every time I get in the car.
https://carplay2air.com/products/car...to-mirror-link
Both are shown on menu. Carplay worked without a hitch. Just plug the phone and the car display opened the carplay immediately.
However..Android Auto does not do anything?
Only "No device connected" disappears after phone is connected. Nothing else?
Can this be due to headunit Sw version?
How to check SW ver?
This is the "dealer diag" printout (red hangup +7+9)
Last edited by marpelto; Aug 4, 2020 at 03:51 AM. Reason: Add pic
The Best of Mercedes & AMG




Both are shown on menu. Carplay worked without a hitch. Just plug the phone and the car display opened the carplay immediately.
However..Android Auto does not do anything?
Only "No device connected" disappears after phone is connected. Nothing else?
Android Auto is supported by Android Phones (Phone running on Android Operating System)
Apple phone will not connect to Android Auto and vice versa.
Did you connect an Android Phone to check if Android Auto was working for you?




If you are plugging in an Android phone and AA responds with no device connected, try using the USB cable that came with the phone, or a high quality USB Data cable. I had to try 3-4 different cables to get one that would connect my Android phone.
Also, it appears you are not working with a W212 E-Class... (W213, maybe?) I know that the dongle is designed for 2016 + vehicles, but the diag screen shown is not from a W212 (notice the A/C vents). Not sure if all the steps discussed in this thread will work with other than 2016 W212 cars.
Last edited by DFWdude; Aug 4, 2020 at 09:18 AM.
Thanks




Last edited by DFWdude; Aug 5, 2020 at 07:28 AM.
Both Android Auto and CarPlay appeared on w256 Audio20 system menu after activation the feature with dongle.
When hooking iPhone to the car with cable, CarPlay works fine. I can control it with car's own controls
But, with Android phone hooked the same way, Android Auto does not work. Nothing appears on monitor.
It must be the Audio system on MB. I just wonder if it needs a firmware update?




Like DFWDude said, using the right cable is essential as well, you mentioned Carplay works for Apple, assuming you have also tried hooking up the original cable for your Android Phone?
Most if not all the folks on this thread have used the OBD2 module we ordered and received from Vlad (Belarus) on our W212. Based on the pics you have shared of your W246, the OBD2 module from your pic does not look like you received from Vlad, perhaps a query to the seller might resolve your issue. Or perhaps someone in the W246 forum can shed light on this issue?
Also, found a couple of google posts that may help you hone in on the problem
https://support.google.com/androidau...43693618?hl=en
https://support.google.com/androidau.../3982904?hl=en
https://support.google.com/androidau...32380542?hl=en




When I first got the unit it hooked up flawlessly to my phone each time I got in. After a few days I noticed that when using Waze and listening to music that it would glitch out on either the Waze voice or music would break in and out often.
About a week ago when checking for an update, I noticed there were 2 avail email for my unit. One was to fix a “connection issue“ and the other was labeled as simply “bug fixes”??? So I went ahead and processed both.
Afterwards I can report that since updating there has been none of the glitches previously stated (knock on wood). Additionally, I believe someone mentioned severe battery drain which I have not noticed. However, the way mine is set up I have Waze come on automatically for just “seeing” the map and not necessarily providing directions as I could see that being a quicker drain if not charging. I hope this quick right up help prospective buyers contemplating this module. I love mine.
When I first got the unit it hooked up flawlessly to my phone each time I got in. After a few days I noticed that when using Waze and listening to music that it would glitch out on either the Waze voice or music would break in and out often.
About a week ago when checking for an update, I noticed there were 2 avail email for my unit. One was to fix a “connection issue“ and the other was labeled as simply “bug fixes”??? So I went ahead and processed both.
Afterwards I can report that since updating there has been none of the glitches previously stated (knock on wood). Additionally, I believe someone mentioned severe battery drain which I have not noticed. However, the way mine is set up I have Waze come on automatically for just “seeing” the map and not necessarily providing directions as I could see that being a quicker drain if not charging. I hope this quick right up help prospective buyers contemplating this module. I love mine.
Did you have this issue?
Did you have this issue?




Future updates will be over the air via an app installed on the phone. They plan to start shipping in December 2020.
Obviously we do not know if the above quirks will exist or be addressed with this unit.
I've been following this thread for some time, as I (too) want to expand my entertainment experience in my 2016 W212 with Android Auto, which my car currently does not have (3U2 and 531 codes). I would need to upgrade the firmware.
That said, no one has mentioned upgrading to an Android touchscreen, so readily available today - even from Chris the Swede. Was the decision to use the Vlad's OBD2 as opposed to an Android screen upgrade more for cosmetic purposes; leaving the car with its original screen look, or perhaps not trusting entirely the functionality/reliability of the Android screen?
Curious as to all's opinion of the these two devises; notably very different from each other.
Thanks in advance.




There is another thread here on the android hardware installation. I'm just not inclined to chance the issues that can occur with the Android Screen option. I've learned with my MBs that physically changing one thing like this can create two or more problems...
...Not to mention that the tacked-on appearance of the hardware options look tacky, IMO.
Last edited by DFWdude; Sep 6, 2020 at 06:09 PM.
Did you have this issue?




1) OEM via firmware/OBDII
2) Aftermarket unit w/ new screen
3) Aftermarket unit that retains MB OEM screen
I have aftermarket devices in both my 2014 MBs and if I had a 2016 I would absolutely prefer the firmware/OBDII solution and retain all the MB integration, and importantly, the nice low glare MB OEM screen.
Last edited by cadetdrivr; Sep 6, 2020 at 06:57 PM.


