DFWdude

I ordered the OBDII plug from Vladimir (see fleeno’s post #22 above for link) on April 17th. The order confirmation said it would be shipped for arrival between May 8-May 24.

I received eBay confirmation of shipping on April 18. Amazingly, the package arrived on April 27. Nine days from Eastern Europe is great service, but your shipment will vary. FireRX Captain ordered his the day before mine, and his has not arrived a/o this date. I learned in shipping products to Eastern Europe years ago that the mails always work, but with sometimes inconsistent predictability and occasional delays. So you will have to be patient.

The Module was shipped within a ziplock bag in a nice, protective corrugated box. It was taped in place to prevent it bouncing around (a nice touch). The module I received looks different than those noted previously, but it is the current production run, as featured in Vladimir's demo videos...




Just to review, you will need to have your 2016 W212 Comand firmware apdated to HIGH_CY15_9 before this upgrade can be made. This might be the most challenging part, because completing the upgrade once the OBDII adapter is received is a snap.

The following video is offered to confirm what RichieBoyle posted earlier. Compared with watching the action in Game of Thrones, this is a bit like watching paint dry. But satisfying once complete. Just follow the verbal suggestions in the video, and once you insert the OBDII module, just keep your hands off anything and watch...

You Tube

FireRx Captain

Mine just shown up in New York. DFWdude. Go figure. LOL

Thanks you and Richie for the installation videos. Let me know if carplay works via Bluetooth or you have to plug in the phone via USB.

Thanks again.

Robert

DFWdude

Whew, that's a relief to read. If it's made its way out of Europe, you should be good to go.

FireRx Captain

also when we take our cars in for service do we insert the OBDII again to deactivate, or does it even matter?

DFWdude

You can write Vladimir and see if you get a better answer than I got. In a nutshell, he says not to uninstall the changes, because he's learning that the dealers don't care. Now that all MBs today come with ACP/AA, it's more the norm to see a car with it than without. This means they are well trained now to deal with ACP/AA.

And I think I've read here (someone correct me) that even 2019 models with the Audio 20 head units are still HU5S1 equipped. So seeing a 3 year-old car with ACP/AA should not raise any red flags. Lastly, Vladimir advertises the module works, not just on 2016 cars, but on all 2017-2019 cars too. But he still wants to see the VIN for 2016 models for compatibility. IMO, it's a step worth taking just for reassurance.

Certainly, if I were taking the car to the dealer for a regular scheduled service, or a mechanical repair, I will not mention it, and they will likely not stumble over it. If the service were for something Comand related, then I might think about rolling back the upgrade, even though Vladimir says it will not be necessary.

After crossing my fingers to watch this module do its thing, I think I would be more worried about successfully rolling it back than explaining its existence to a dealer, if needed.

Just my thoughts on this. I could be wrong of course.

FireRx Captain

yeah, that makes sense. and since we have the latest update it will be a long time coming on command firmware updates

FireRx Captain

Update: Just got Mine and installed perfectly. mine made it all the way to "working 14" before rebooting. Tested it on my iPhone and it works great. We might want to mention to folks that get this to use the USB 2 socket and not the 1st one.

CanonSterVA

Subscribed!
Going to have to try this for my Android phone.
Thanks

DFWdude

This thread has been very helpful in researching/discussing/debating all the issues surrounding an upgrade to Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Several misconceptions have been cleared up, and I personally appreciate everyone's input to a common goal all of us share.

Given the success experienced by several in this thread to date, I thought it now appropriate to summarize -- in one place -- all the steps needed to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to your 2016 E350 Sedan. I've tried my best to include everything and get the terms right. And I will update this post as necessary. Here goes...

HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS

MY2016 sedans (only), equipped with 3U2 build code (N.America order term) Audio 20 Head Units and build code 531 COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5 have the proper HARDWARE to be compatible (upgradable) to HU5S1 standards. This is to clear up any confusion. If your Data Card already shows you have an HU5S1 unit, you are already set, subject to readiness confirmation noted below in either procedure.

Mercedes USB port hardware upgrade is NOT necessary (unless you choose Method A below and your dealer requires it). Use existing USB port #2 in console, instead.

Note:
-- Both procedures require some dealer cooperation.
-- One method can cost considerably more than the other.


A. FULL DEALER METHOD:

1) To show your dealership you are not just some dunce off the street, get their attention by showing you’ve done your research by presenting MB promotional notice, AZ82.60-P-0028NKA... PDF Download found here: http://mercedes-benz-dealer.custhelp...rcedes-benz%3F

2) Have your dealer add 3 Build codes via the re-documentation software (XSF), to accessory retrofit the following build codes needed to your VIN card:
------- 14U Smartphone Integration Package
------- 16U Smartphone Integration Carplay
------- 17U Smartphone Integration Google Automotive Link

3) Have your dealer update your COMAND firmware to High_CY15_9. You will need to convince the dealer there is a technical reason (problem) why they should do this.

4​​​​​) Confirm this firmware upgrade, preferably via Xentry printout, or via “Dealer Menu” (press Hangup+7+9 buttons) to read on page 2: “11. Ringtone Volume for CarPlay”

5) Have your dealer recode/reflash the Comand firmware upgrade to enable Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.


B. MINIMAL DEALER METHOD:

1) Have your dealer update your COMAND firmware to High_CY15_9. You will need to convince the dealer there is a technical reason (problem) why they should do this.

2) Confirm this firmware upgrade, preferably via Xentry printout, or via “Dealer Menu” (press Hangup+7+9 buttons) to read on page 2: “11. Ringtone Volume for CarPlay”

3) Purchase aftermarket OBDII device to perform the recode/reflash function to enable ACP/AA. Avoid the cheap Chinese devices. This device from Belarus is confirmed to work on 4 vehicles to date… https://www.ebay.com/itm/262451909947?ul_noapp=true Before ordering, be sure to send the seller (vladimircdi) the VIN for your car so he can confirm the device will work

4) Follow one of the two videos in this thread (post #69 or #101) to enable ACP/AA yourself.

Note: Redocumentation to add build codes 14U, 16U and 17U is NOT necessary..


Whew. That's a lot. Enjoy your Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

DFWdude

I hope my last post is not interpreted as an end to this thread.

Now that we know that Android Auto is doable, I hope we can now read from those who have it sharing their experiences with it.:

There is no owner's manual with either ACP or AA, so learning the features, tricks, and potholes through your questions and answers will be helpful.

I just wish I had a need to drive my car more often so I could play with it, LOL!

FireRx Captain

I've been playing with it so far, DFWdude and it works as advertised.

onceover

Has anyone been successful with the "full dealer" method?

Also, from what I understand, the best way to convince the dealer to update the firmware is to complain about intermittent bluetooth connection, is that correct?

masads

My W212 is in the dealership for tire swap (summers being put on) and COMAND firmware to High_CY15_9 - I complained about Bluetooth connectivity issues and gave them the version I want them to upgrade to (High_CY15_9).

Hope they upgrade else its all for naught...

DFWdude

Member SlvrArrow87 was able to do the (full dealer method} upgrade, but only because he's a dealer mechanic and able to skip lunches to do the work. There may be others. Don't know.

Yes. that or some other Comand functional issue.

But that only gets you to High_CY15_9. Based on your first question, the larger challenge will be to get the dealer to agree to perform the final step to ACP/AA, a process not officially sanctioned by MB-USA for 2016 sedans.

Using the OBDII adapter (minimal dealer method) will be easier, AND not expose your real reason for the High_CY15_9 firmware update.

masads

My dealership upgraded the COMAND firmware to High_CY15_9...

masads

Hey guys,

Wanted to give you a "heads up" of the seller who sells the OBDII module listed in previous comments. I had contacted the seller (vladimircdi) in January 2019 and basically asked him the very obvious question - is my car compatible (read the complete thread bottom up):


...he wanted to upsell me more items - no biggie as we all want to make money when and where we can (I guess)

Moving along, I finally got my car upgraded to "High_CY15_9" and can see the “11. Ringtone Volume for CarPlay” on page 2. The delay in buying the item was just in case I was not able to upgrade...

In turn, I contacted the seller (via eBay messages) asking him if he could honour the original price he quoted me back in January and it came back as a negative and said that promotion was over - again no biggie. I tried my luck and it didn't work.

Today, when I tried to buy the item, I couldn't and it turned out that he probably blocked me from eBay. So, I created another account and bought the item. In the comment section, I listed the VIN. Soon after (within 5 minutes) the seller cancelled the order and refunded what I paid in full.

I was perplexed, to say the least. I contacted the seller via WhatsApp (he listed his number on eBay) and here is our conversation (note the timestamp, after I got the error where I could not buy the item, I used another account)







After reading my replies on WhatsApp, I should like my girlfriend is breaking up with me and I'm begging - why? Anyway...

Could it be that I am new to eBay and maybe he got spooked based on my nonexisting history? Can't imagine why as I paid through PayPal and got a confirmation saying the payment was processed successfully. I called up eBay and didn't get very far as the refund was complete. The only thing I can do is wait for 5 days where I can leave feedback.

This is where I am now...all ready to go but can't get the item...not sure if its a language barrier issue or what but rather disappointing to say the least.

Anyway...buyer beware.

Does anyone know of another seller who has been tried and tested?

MarcF

My dealer seemed to be on board with doing the final steps of the upgrade but then went dark...would not return phone calls over a 2 week period. So, I ordered the OBDII adapter from Vladimir. It arrived in New York this morning...so, maybe next week I'll have it.

Have you verified that you can use MB system for radio/satellite while using AA for navigation? That how it works in the 2019 MB's so I assume that it works the same way.

MarcF

masads, I don't see anything in your conversation with Vladimir that should have elicited that response. I actually asked the same question. The only difference was that I asked for the lower price AFTER I had already paid the higher price. There's more to the story, but my experience with Vladimir thus far has been excellent. He seems honest and reliable.

onceover

So I know there has been limited success with the chinese modules, but I found a vendor in the US that sells them. eBay says that 33 units have been sold, and I skimmed through his feedback and it seems as though it does work. Now the question is, who is going to bite the bullet and try one...

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/USA-Apple-Ca...8AAOSwGVJbW5Ca

MarcF

Just noticed this in the description: "IF IT HAS BEEN UPDATED TO THE NEWEST 2018 SOFTWARE THIS WILL NOT WORK". So, beware.

DFWdude

I can't imagine a dealer (or MB-USA) offering a firmware update much beyond the Model Year of the car in question (2016 in this case). To do so would run the risk of programming hardware beyond it's design limits, causing more harm than good, especially changes they can't warranty. So I think Meredes-Benz will naturally impose limits on firmware updates, closely tied to the year of production. I'm not expecting to ask for -- or MB-USA to provide -- any further firmware updates for my 2016 beyond High_CY15_9.

2018 software -- for 2019 car hardware -- looks quite different from the 2016 vintage HUs. So, I'm assuming the programming will not be interchangeable. I could very well be wrong, of course.

DFWdude

masads is in Toronto... I know there are differences in the 3-year map upgrade program between USA and Canada. But that's basically a benefit program not directly linked to the car. Aside from head units, I do recall there are other systems options that are physically different between US and Canadian vehicles.

If masad's car was originally a US-spec and delivered 2016 model, then I imagine the VIN should be OK. BUT, if it's a Canadian-spec car, AND there are actual hardware/firmware HU differences in Canadian models -- that were just now realized -- that could determine whether the adapter will work? Just guessing...

MarcF

I assumed that they were referring to "High_CY15_9" that I thought was first made available in 2018. I'm wrong, though, because I saw it referenced in 2017...issued 12/2015.

masads

I looked at my datasheet and could not find a lot of difference between US-spec and Canadian-spec W212's except for the fact that either the US-spec w212 cars do not have CAVANSITE BLUE METALLIC FINISH (890U) or its called something else...but I could be wrong or I need to visit the first available optometrist.

The main prerequisites, as per my understanding, is 3U2 and 531, which I have. Also, I think my car was literally the last to roll of the assembly line before w213 kicked in... and I very much doubt that there are different versions/flavours of 3U2 and 531 - but again, I could be wrong...

Here are the codes and descriptions of my car:

Model Year 2016
Model E 400 4MATIC
Order Location CANADA
Interior LEATHER - BEIGE (215A)
Paint 1 CAVANSITE BLUE METALLIC FINISH (890U)
Release Date 2015-10-30
Delivery Date 2015-10-30
Code Description
077 YEAR OF MODIFICATION 15/0 ECHELON 2
108 CONTROL CODE MARKETING
12B OPERATORS MANUAL & SERVICE BOOKLET ENGLISH USA/CAN
130 TECHNICAL BODYSHELL OPTIMIZATIONS
13A OIL OFFSET AMOUNT +1300 ML OIL
182 CONVERTER WITH DEV. CHARACTERISTIC
1U2 SNOW GRID
1U3 VEHICLE WAXING
210A LEATHER
211 EPS STEERING (ELECTRIC STEERING)
215A LEATHER - BEIGE
232 GARAGE DOOR OPENER WITH 284 - 390 MHZ FREQUENCY
233 AUTONOMOUS INT. CRUISE CONT. PLUS (DISTRONIC PLUS)
235 ACTIVE PARK ASSIST
237 ACTIVE BLIND SPOT ASSIST
238 ACTIVE LANE KEEPING ASSIST (FAP)
23P DRIVING PACKAGE
249 INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR MIRROR,AUTOMATICALLY DIMMING
253 REAR-END COLLISION WARNING AND PROTECTION SYSTEM
264 LICENSE PLATE ATTACHMENT AMERICA
266 DISTRONIC PLUS CROSS SUPPORT (DTR+Q)
268 EXPANDED BRAKE ASSIST (BAS+)
269 BRAKE ASSIST PLUS CROSS TRAFFIC (BAS+Q)
271 AUTONOMOUS BRAKE INTERVENTION/WARN. FOR PED. PROT.
275 MEMORY PACKAGE (DRIVER SEAT, STRG. COL., MIRROR)
279 ELECTRONIC GEAR RANGE SELECTION
287 THROUGH-LOADING FEATURE
291 PELVIS AIRBAG (PELVISBAG)
294 KNEE AIRBAG
300 COLLISION MINIMIZATION BRAKE INTERV./WARNING (CMS)
301 ASHTRAY PACKAGE
309 CUP HOLDER
www.DataMB.com 2

Code Description
30A COVER WITH ADDITIONAL DAMPER ATTACHMENT POINT
342B INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/HU LANGUAGE - AMERICAN
35A VGS D4-0, D3 PATTERN
3U2 HEAD UNIT AMERICA
413 PANORAMIC SLIDING SUNROOF/GLASS SUNROOF
427 AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 7-SPEED
428 STEER.WHEEL GEARSHIFT BUTTONS/SHIFT PADDLE PAINTED
443 HEATED STEERING WHEEL
460 CANADA VERSION
477 TIRE PRESSURE LOSS WARNER
4U4 RADIATOR GRILLE WITH CENTER STAR
4U7 VOLTAGE DIP FUSE FOR START/STOP SYSTEM
500 ELECTRIC FOLDING OUTSIDE MIRROR
501 360°-CAMERA
531 COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5
536 SIRIUS SATELLITE RADIO COMPLETE SYSTEM
540 ROLLER BLIND, ELECTRIC, FOR REAR WINDOW
543 SUN VISOR WITH ADDITIONAL FUNCTION
551 BASIC ANTITHEFT ALARM SYSTEM (ATA)
55U ROOF INTERIOR TRIM BEIGE FABRIC
580 AIR CONDITIONER
608 AUTOMATIC HIGH BEAM SWITCH (IHC)
634 DELETION - FIRST AID KIT
636 DELETION - WARNING TRIANGLE
640 DYNAMIC LED HEADLAMPS, SAE, RIGHT-HAND TRAFFIC
668 PRODUCT PROT. F FREIGHT PACKAG. W TIE-DOWN HOOKS
670 RESIDUAL ENGINE HEAT UTILIZATION (MRA)
677 AVANTGARDE/STANDARD SUSPENSION
690 EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE (MINI SPARE)
701L CANADA
763 RADIO REMOTE CONTROL WITH PANIC SWITCH (315 MHZ)
772 AMG STYLING PACKAGE-FRONT SPOILER, SIDE SKIRT
794 18" AMG DOUBLE-SPOKE WHEELS ALL-ROUND
7XXL NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA
806 CHANGE OF MODEL YEAR, THE LAST FIGURE SHOWING THE NEW MODEL YEAR
810 PREMIUM SOUND SYSTEM
815 DVD SINGLE DRIVE
871 SENSORS FOR TRUNK LID OPENING/CLOSING
872 REAR SEAT BENCH HEATING LEFT UND RIGHT
873 SEAT HEATER FOR LEFT AND RIGHT FRONT SEATS
875 HEATED SCREEN WASH SYSTEM
881 REMOTE TRUNK LOCKING
887 SEPARATE TRUNK LID LOCKING
889 KEYLESS - GO
890U CAVANSITE BLUE METALLIC FINISH
915 FUEL TANK WITH GREATER CAPACITY - VOLUME 2
951 SPORT-PACKAGE USA
954 EQUIPMENT PACKAGE FOR AVANTGARDE VEHICLES
986 DEVIATING VIN WITH MODEL YEAR
www.DataMB.com 3

Code Description
989 IDENTIFICATION LABEL UNDER WINDSHIELD
A20 STARTER GENERATOR
A21 SHIFT BY WIRE
A59 FE TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING 13.5
A65 FE CONVERTER 13.5 MM
A68 TRANSMISSION HOUSING WITH DEEP OIL LINE CONNECTION
A89 REDUCED-FRICTION
A98 TRANSMISSION SOFTWARE RETROFIT
B03 DIRECT START / ECO START/STOP FUNCTION
B09 REFRIGERANT COMPRESSOR WITH MAGNETIC COUPLING
B12 WHEEL REPLACEMENT TOOL
F212 MODEL SERIES 212
FW LIMOUSINE
G961 TRANSMISSION CODE VERSION 61
GA AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
H09 TRIM PIECES - WOOD ASH BROWN
HA REAR AXLE
J82 SEPTEMBER RELEASE
J8A DSM STAR1 FBS4 REMOTE STARTABLE
K14 CONTROL CODE FOR SERVICE INTERVAL 20000 KM
L LEFT-HAND STEERING
M002 ENGINES WITH EXH.TURBOCHARGER WITH INTERCOOLER
M005 VEHICLES WITH 4-MATIC-/ALL WHEEL DRIVE
M014 ENGINE INCREASED PERFORMANCE
M276 V6-GASOLINE ENGINE M276
M30 DISPLACEMENT 3.0 LITER
N42 PLANT-INTERNAL DISPATCH ROUTE CONTROL IN CMC
N5A STEUERCODE W50 FUER PPS-INT. VERWENDUNG
N9C STEUERCODE W50 FUER PPS-INTERNE VERWENDUNG
P17 KEYLESS-GO PACKAGE
P44 PARKING PACKAGE
P49 MIRRORS PACKAGE
R02 ALL SEASON TYRES
U09 LEATHER-CLAD INST.PANEL + BELTLINE (ART. EMBOSSED)
U10 FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WITH WEIGHT SENSING
U12 FLOOR MATS - VELOUR
U47 SPOILER LIP
U71 DVD PLAYER WITH REGIONAL CODE 1, USA
V04 SPEED. + LOADINDEX 97V XL
VL FRONT AXLE HALF, LEFT
VR FRONT AXLE HALF, RIGHT

FireRx Captain

yeah othr that the order location I don't see anything different from my Data sheet for my E350.