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Hi Everyone - First time contributor, long-time reader. I've been following this thread for over a year. I have a 2016 E350 Wagon (W212) that was built in spring 2016. The wagon displays the Carplay hidden menu but it does not have the prerequisite firmware to use Vlad's dongle. Vlad notified me the car did not have a valid firmware in a condescending tone and attitude (almost gleeful). I chalk it up to broken written English. Anyway, I moved on from that option as I also did not want to haggle with dealerships. I looked at aftermarket options.
I landed on GTA Car Kits from Ontario, Canada. They have a module that connects to the original HU and screen, it works with my phone wired and wirelessly. They also have a detailed video tutorial on Youtube that explains how to install the module on a plug-and-play design. I took a leap of faith and bought the module and had it shipped to southern California. I installed the module and now have Android Auto (and Carplay) on the wagon. It works great and it performed great on a recent 1,000 mile road trip. Android Auto automatically connects wirelessly with my phone when I turn on the car, which is convenient. Link to the product: GTA Car Kits from Ontario, Canada. Here's the video
You will have to make several compromises with this Car Kit just to get AA:-AA sound needs to be wired through the AUX-USB connection;to hide the wire (which came with the car kit), you will need to remove the center armrest console. There's a video on how to remove the center console that covers about 80% if what I needed to remove my car's center console (particularly how to remove the console's rear ashtray door). Once you unbolt the center console, you will need to run the AUX cable from the back of the screen down to the floor, then underneath the console. Be prepared to drill a hole on the bottom of the console to run the AUX cable into the compartment where the car's USB connectors. Again, the sound will go the car's "Media Interface 1 or 2" on the COMAND window to redirect wireless sound from the phone to the Car kit's Android Auto module. The car's BT function will default to the Car Kit module but you can regain it via COMAND. Given how frequently I use Android Auto, I opted for the BT function within the Car Kit module. Tutorial to unbolt the center console:
You will need to accept the following Bluetooth realities, requiring you to make some adjustments to the Car kit's factory settings:AA operates side-by-side with the Mercedes Benz COMAND software; The GTA Car Kit and the Mercedes COMAND Bluetooth connections don't complement each other and they cannot coexist;Their Bluetooth connections are constantly competing with each other but the Car Kit BT overtakes the Mercedes BT every time becoming the default in making and receiving phone calls. Lex, from GTA Car Kits was fantastic. He replied to my email to address my concern about the GTA Car Kit's aggressive BT. He gave me the access code to the hidden factory settings (0301). Inside the factory settings, I adjusted the setting that prioritized the car's BT for phone calls. This adjustment made the difference in returning calling functionality to the car's original BT settings. Given these compromises, I am not sure the price for this GTA Car Kit at $549.99 (US) matches its performance. However, I now have Android Auto with the option to also use Apple Carplay without cutting or splicing wires since it is plug-and-play, I have wired and wireless options. I still get Bluetooth via AA/Carplay. I can make calls using the car's native phone call functions. Volume functions are retained on the steering wheel.
Here are some pictures:
Inside the center console "glove box" where the AUX-USB connectors are located. The short wire USB connects to my phone to charge), the second USB connects to the AUX audio cable that connects to the Car kits AA/Carplay module behind the screen on the dashboard.
I dripped a hole from the bottom of the console to run the AUX audio cable into the console cabin to connect to the USB port.
I bought 90 degree USB connector to keep the AUX-USB cable flush at a 90 degree angle. This USB port connects to the Car kit module allowing you to charge a phone or to make a wired connection to Android Auto/Carplay.
GTA_ shows the wireless connection on the phone to the module inside the car.
Last edited by ccervantes; Jul 24, 2025 at 12:22 AM.
Reason: Edited to improve formatting.
Hi Everyone - First time contributor, long-time reader. I've been following this thread for over a year. I have a 2016 E350 Wagon (W212) that was built in spring 2016. The wagon displays the Carplay hidden menu but it does not have the prerequisite firmware to use Vlad's dongle. Vlad notified me the car did not have a valid firmware in a condescending tone and attitude (almost gleeful). I chalk it up to broken written English. Anyway, I moved on from that option as I also did not want to haggle with dealerships. I looked at aftermarket options.
I landed on GTA Car Kits from Ontario, Canada. They have a module that connects to the original HU and screen, it works with my phone wired and wirelessly. They also have a detailed
that explains how to install the module on a plug-and-play design. I took a leap of faith and bought the module and had it shipped to southern California. I installed the module and now have Android Auto (and Carplay) on the wagon. It works great and it performed great on a recent 1,000 mile road trip. Android Auto automatically connects wirelessly with my phone when I turn on the car, which is convenient. Here's the video
You will have to make several compromises with this Car Kit just to get AA:
-AA sound needs to be wired through the AUX-USB connection.
-To hide the wire (which came with the car kit), you will need to remove the center armrest console. There's a
that covers about 80% if what I needed to remove my car's center console (particularly how to remove the console's rear ashtray door). Once you unbolt the center console, you will need to run the AUX cable from the back of the screen down to the floor, then underneath the console. Be prepared to drill a hole on the bottom of the console to run the AUX cable into the compartment where the car's USB connectors. Again, sound will then go the car's "Media Interface 1 or 2" on the COMAND window to redirect wireless sound from the phone to the Car kit's Android Auto to the car's speakers.
through the for sound from the module to the center console.
-You will lose the car's native BT connection but you can regain it via COMAND requiring you to connect via the module's Bluetooth function but this step effectively disconnects the BT function via the Car Kit module. Thus, you'll have to choose which BT pathway you want: 1) via COMAND or 2) via Android Auto. Given how frequently I use Android Auto, I opted for the BT function within Android Auto.
-Sound connects to the car's "Media Interface 1 or 2" on the COMAND window to redirect wireless sound from the phone to the Car kit's Android Auto to the car's speakers.
You will need to accept the following Bluetooth realities, requiring you to make some adjustments to the Car kit's factory settings:
-AA operates side-by-side with the Mercedes Benz COMAND software.
-The GTA Car Kit and the Mercedes COMAND Bluetooth connections don't complement each other and they cannot coexist.
-Their Bluetooth connections are constantly competing with each other but the Car Kit BT overtakes the Mercedes BT every time becoming the default in making and receiving phone calls.*
*Lex, from GTA Car Kits was fantastic. He replied to my email to address my concern about the GTA Car Kit's aggressive BT. He gave me the access code to the hidden factory settings (0301). Inside the factory settings, I adjusted the setting that prioritized the car's BT for phone calls. This adjustment made the difference in returning calling functionality to the car's original BT settings.
Given these compromises, I am not sure the price for this GTA Car Kit at $549.99 (US) matches its performance. However, I now have Android Auto with the option to also use Apple Carplay without cutting or splicing wires since it is plug-and-play, I have wired and wireless options. I still get Bluetooth via AA/Carplay. I can make calls using the car's native phone call functions. Volume functions are retained on the steering wheel.
Here are some pictures:
Inside the center console "glove box" where the AUX-USB connectors are located. The short wire USB connects to my phone to charge), the second USB connects to the AUX audio cable that connects to the Car kits AA/Carplay module behind the screen on the dashboard.
I dripped a hole from the bottom of the console to run the AUX audio cable into the console cabin to connect to the USB port.
I bought 90 degree USB connector to keep the AUX-USB cable flush at a 90 degree angle. This USB port connects to the Car kit module allowing you to charge a phone or to make a wired connection to Android Auto/Carplay.
GTA_ shows the wireless connection on the phone to the module inside the car.
The "latest" firmware is as old as the posts describing how to identify it.
In talking to "MBenzNL" Steve Krabbourg, it's not the firmware that disallows enabling carplay, it's that MB switched up how they approve coding requests, and how they charge for them.
If you are using real, online coding with xentry, MB will deny the request, in north america anyway on models not listed in the official retrofit documentation.
This is pretty much only W/S212. i.e. when my dealer's tech put in the request for a VEDOC change it was denied with a note to check WIS for retrofit documentation for the car. Well, there isn't any, because for some reason 212 isn't on the list. So no luck with them doing it, i bought a creader and voila.
setups like the creader device or vediamo/DTS Monaco, or the OBD dongles that plug in and do the same coding but via a script still can enable it, because the functions are there, just switched off.
Not sure what the dealer did today but after a camera update on the wagon, I plugged my phone in after getting the car back and nothing. I tried reinstalling Vlad's OBD dongle and it said CP/AA was already installed, but then said Error, Not OK. I've sent a message to Vlad to see what's up with it. I haven't heard back yet. Anyone have any suggestions?
Weird, what was the camera update? just software or a new camera?
I had to get my cameras recalibrated (by the dealer) after I got greedy with the creader trying to change the car colour in the overhead view.
Didn't lose carplay after that.
Does it show up in the source selection/phone menus at all?
Wireless CarPlay & Android Auto: Connect your iPhone or Android phone wirelessly to your Audi’s system. Enjoy all your favorite apps, navigation, music, and more—without the need for any cables.
Screen Mirroring: Stream your smartphone’s content to the car's screen, giving you access to more apps, videos, and entertainment.
Two Audio Options: Choose from AUX or the original car Bluetooth for audio connectivity, ensuring high-quality sound for all your media.
Plug-and-Play Installation: 100% plug-and-play. No coding, no wire cutting. Just follow our step-by-step instructions and install easily.
Retains OEM Features: Steering wheel controls, sensors, and cameras remain fully functional after installation, so your Audi’s original features are fully preserved.
Compatibility with OEM & Aftermarket Cameras: Compatible with front, rear, and 360° cameras, enhancing your driving safety and convenience.
Hello! First-time poster. I want to thank everyone that contributed to this thread over the years. It played a role not only in my decision to swap my W204 for a W212 (April 2015 build), but also guided me through the whole upgrade process. It did take a couple visits to the local dealership along with some patience/persistence, but I was able to get it done coupled with the eBay accessory from Vladimir.
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Aftermarket option worked best for me
