In playing with Android Auto, I've learned it's important to use better/best quality USB cabling to connect the phone to USB2 in the console. Basic USB cables will not connect the two (sometimes not even the cable that may come with your phone).

After trolling the topic on the internet, I ordered a pair of Anker Powerline MicroUSB cables, and the 3' cales connect well. There are other options, at this site...

http://connectedcarlife.com/features...-android-auto/

 

Success! Thanks for everyone's help. I received Vladimir's OBDII adapter today (took 11 days) and installed AA/ACP in about 10 minutes...went to "working 28" though...just enough to make me nervous.

 

Great to hear it installed fine... even after 28 steps, LOL!

 

Someone tell me if I am wrong, but I assume the latest Android OS works best with Android Auto (regardless of connecting with the car). My Samsung Smartphone is 4 years old now, and it uses Android 5.0.2 (Lollipop), the very minimum required for Android Auto. I knew this when pursuing the upgrade for my car.

Android Auto works fine through Comand, but it runs a little slow, actually. I'm not concerned, because I have current onboard maps in Comand, so don't really need Google Navi yet... I plan to get a new Android phone by the time the onboard maps show their age.

I understand today's OS is Android 8.0+ What Android version do you have in your phone, and how are your smart phones working with AA paired to the car? :

 

I'm running Android 9.0 on my Pixel 3. AA runs very well on the car when paired to the Pixel. I don't have any lag at all. The only issue is volume control. I can easily adjust the volume of phone calls and Waze with steering wheel controls, but that changes the volume level on the phone and it is too low when away from the car. It would be nice if there was some volume memory in AA (either on the phone or in the car).

 

Could it be that the volume control for Apple Car Play also works to balance levels with Android Auto, too? Worth a try?

 

Mine took 31 steps and about 8 minutes. I was very nervous but worked fine in the end. Canadian E550 2016 model and just had the firmware updated at the dealer.

I second that Vladimir seemed very responsive and honest and answered all of my questions. I did purchase after the 129 promotion but noticed the price has increased again. It is a good product.

Also for any of those having volume issues on Carplay, I was having them initially as well (way too loud.) I used the steering wheel volume controls to lower the navigation volume while the voice was providing guidance. This completely fixed the issue.

 

I had my E220 updated last week at the MB dealer here in the UK as I couldn't get DoIP working correctly at home.

They updated me to High_CY15_9 and in Xentry it has the software version 18/24.

The unit from VladimirCDI worked well for me and everything worked as expected - the process took around 8-9 minutes to complete from plugging the OBD dongle in.

Vladimir was very helpful with me even while I was trying to do this myself.

I got as far as obtaining the Telematics disks that I needed (3 disks) and having my Xentry logged into Daimler but my unit wasn't reliably working with DoIP needed for the update so I got the dealer to sort it for me - it sorted out an issue I was having with the Live Traffic not working either.

 

New member here and a brand new owner of a certified 2016 E-350 with a build date of 6/15. I checked the menus in my car and I have the "Ringtone volume for Car play" option and was wondering if that means at some point my firmware was upgraded?

Thanks for the help. Loving this car so far.

 

My E350 was built Jul 20,2015, the month after yours, and it did not have the upgrade.. So I presume yours -- as initially delivered -- was not upgraded either.

There are several reasons why the firmware would be updated before you acquired it. Almost any repeatable error in Comand could prompt a dealer to upgrade the firmware to attempt a fix. So I wouldn't worry about it. At least you know your Comand is at the proper firmware version, should you choose to take the next step and acquire a dongle for AA/ACP.

If you want to be sure, just ask your dealer to run a XENTRY report to show that you have "High_CY15_9" and you are ready to go. Good Luck.

 

I got the command updated and see the Carplay volume in the engineering menu. Just need the OBD activation. I know most have used the one out of Belarus, but its $224+$14 vs. the ~$60 for the Chinese one. Anyone had success with the Chinese module?

 

Chiny iffy worky...
Ruski knowski reliabilski

 

I now have Apple CarPlay installed and working in my 2016 E-Class wagon! Thanks to all the people who contributed to this thread, especially DFWdude's post #109 (quoted at the end of this post) that summarized the steps required to install it!

I used DFWdude's Method B (Minimal Dealer Method) and purchased the OBDII from Vladimir on eBay (MERCEDES COMAND Audio20 CarPlay+Android Auto OBD unlock activator 2016-2019 cars). Make sure you email him with your VIN BEFORE ordering the OBDII so he can confirm that your 2016 W212 is compatible with the software. Vladimir responded to my VIN email a few hours after I sent it confirming that his OBDII would work. His price has recently decreased to $199 from the $229 I paid. It took 8 days from my order to arrival (Belarus to my US address) using regular shipping. A shipment tracking number was provided so I could follow its shipping progress. NOTE: So you don't potentially waste your money on an OBDII you can't use you should actually do the MB dealer COMAND firmware update first as it is required in order to perform the OBDII update.

I then scheduled my wagon for a 4 wheel alignment at my local MB dealership as they were running a special and added to my work order that "Bluetooth is intermittently connecting to COMAND. Please update COMAND firmware to HIGH_CY15_9 and provide XENTRY printout upon completion. Thanks!". I did not tell the dealership my real reason for wanting the COMAND firmware update. To my surprise the tech wrote in the completed work order "Verified customer's complaint. Tried to connect Bluetooth 4 times unsuccessfully, 5th time it connected. Updated software for COMAND online, sound system and tuner unit. Tested Bluetooth after update. Successful at 1st try." As the firmware update was considered MB warranty work there was no charge for it. As I requested, a XENTRY printout was provided to me. The below excerpt from the XENTRY printout confirmed the HIGH_CY15_9 update.

After bringing my car home I watched the video in post #101 then followed the same procedure with my OBDII from Vladimir. It took about 5 minutes to complete the Apple CarPlay update successfully!




I then connected my iPhone to USB port 2 in the console and set it to automatically connect to CarPlay. I tested CarPlay using the Waze app and it worked perfectly! Having it is a real lifesaver in the DC area. No need to worry about buying MB map updates either after my 3 years of free updates expires next month.




Having this capability corrects the one thing that I really missed when I purchased my 2016 E-class. I do not consider myself mechanically inclined so I hope my experience inspires other MY 2016 W212 owners that it is not difficult make this same update. If you are looking to purchase a facelifted W212 in the future, I suggest holding out for a MY 2016 so you can install Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

- Longroof

[QUOTE=DFWdude;7748285]
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..

 

Hi all, I need HELP! I am extremely frustrated! I have a 2015 CLS63 AMG S. I was able to have my local Mercedes dealer install the Apple Car Play / Android Auto retrofit kit and program the unit so it works. I use Android Auto and it works perfect but the music sound is extremely flat since it seems to shut off the surround sound and all the equalizer functions. It also does not let you access the audio controls...equalizer and surround sound functions while connected to Android Auto even when I return back to the Mercedes Benz interface. WTF! My car needed service and they gave me a 2018 or 2019 C class that had Android Auto. When I connected my phone and went back to the Mercedes interface while connected the music note icon was available in the right lower corner for me to access the equalizer functions and surround sound! For some dumb reason they will not allow this in my kit...WTF! I hate listening to music now using Android Auto and I use Google Play Music all the time. Anything I am missing??? Will the Crux interface kit allow me to access the audio controls while connected to Android Auto? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I have tried to change the equalizer and have the surround sound on in bluetooth thinking it may carry over to when I connect to Android Auto but it does not. Thank you all in advance.

Regards,

LF

 

No one???

 

The purpose of this thread is to brainstorm methods on how to install ACP/AA. So far,less than 20 or so have posted their success at installing ACP/AA. Learning how to use it once installed is another kettle of fish.

By your description, it sounds like you're the second individual to install ACP/AA using option #1 (Full Dealer Method). Congrats on convincing your dealer to do this.

Now, getting the feature to work in a satisfactory way depends (I suppose) on what you expect to use it for. For my purposes, my only need for Android Auto is to use it for Navigation once my onboard Comand maps get too old. You are interested in the music functions, I assume being able to use the Comand audio controls to moderate music from your smart phone. This does not interest me, because I find the SD/USB card music functions wonderful to use.

Others have noted issues with moderating audio quality using Bluetooth connectivity (separate from AA). Not that it helps at all, but I suspect you might have similar issues programming audio quality using AA, because both pull music from your phone. Without direct access to your music files, I am not sure this is realistic. But you might search this forum for related Bluetooth problems and solutions, to see if there are any hints from those threads.

Also, the functionalities available could be a product of your phone. What Android operating system do you have on your smart phone? I ask, because my phone has the very minimal version (Android 6.0) compatible with AA. And it is a bit slow sometimes. OK to me because I will upgrade to Android 10+ on a new phone by the time I need the Navigation function.

I know I've been no help at all. Maybe others will have some knowledge and experience with Android Auto music from your Smartphone.

 

I now have CarPlay working in my 2016 E63 Wagon!

In case anyone is wondering the Chinese dongle did not work. I bought it and returned it. Thankfully got my $ back.

Vlad canfiltermb@gmail.com was able send me one for $214 including shipping it took 11 days from Belarus. Worked perfectly.

Thanks to all in this thread that paved the way.

 

Saw in the eBay listing that he offers modules for multiple activations. Could be worth doing a group buy if the volume discount is there....

"activation for 10 and 20 cars single module possible"

 

Module from Vladimircdi worked on first attempt in my S212 built 11/2015! So cool! Had dealer upgrade Command Online to latest firmware. Thanks all for paving the way.

 

I don't know if you're all using the new Android Auto interface yet but if you dive into settings on Android devices on the newer versions you can enable the new 2019 interface which is more similar to Carplay with icons on the home page etc.

I knew they'd made an announcement at IO but didn't realise it could be enabled.

Works well and looks fresher than the older interface

 

That's good to know. Looking forward to when 5G comes on stream and a 4G Samsumg S10e price drops off the table. Best Buy had them for just $349 a few weeks ago. If my old Samsung were not performing so well, I would have bought one then.

Smart Phones become obsolete the day you buy one, so I'll hold off as long as possible.

 

Wow $349 is cheap - is that with a contract or totally unlocked? In the UK here on Amazon they're £799 / $972 SIM free currently (ie no contract etc).

I'm using a Galaxy S9+ currently - not sure when the 2019 AA version actually hit as I found it completely by accident this morning while trying to figure out why my Google Photos wasn't synccing in the background.

There are more videos, including how to enable it here:
https://www.androidcentral.com/how-use-new-android-auto

 

It was a new, unlocked phone (not a reburb). What held me back was a requirement to pay my current carrier a $50 fee to connect. Maybe I just don't know how unlocked phones work, but I thought all I would need do is transfer the SIM card from my existing carrier to the new phone, and I'm done. So I sat on the sale until it expired, thinking the ad was false advertising.

 

Just curious now that a lot have upgraded their unit to allow ACP and AA...

Wondering how everyone is liking the experience in using this feature compared to other cars that have ACP/AA install by the factory? Does it behave the same? Any glitches/issues? Any feedback would be great!

 

It's great, no problems/glitches. It's the same as the factory installed that comes with factory vehicles.