Has anyone used this yet?? It says it is compatible for 2011-2016 E Class Mercs. You just open the glovebox and insert the adapter and you have apple/android car play instantly in your OEM command screen.
I have a 2012 350 sport with HK system that uses a Becker amp and do not have this slot in my glovebox...

Would this be in a separate location for me?

Click the video thumbnail on images to the left of the ad.



THX!!!

 

Looks pretty awesome for those that have the Harman-Becker slot.

I recently installed the Roadtop carplay in my 2014 with NGT 4.5. Three hours to install by the time I took apart and reassembled the console and dash.

I would much rather have spent 30 seconds installing a CARABC if it were an option.

 

Looks like the connector in the center console storage spot. This looks like an easy and (sort of) graceful solution to those of us with pre 2016 stereos that can't be hacked to use Android Auto and Apple Carplay.

(starts obsessive research now...)
Edit: It does not appear to be the same pinout as either the connector outlet in the center console storage nor the other end of the cable that connects to that outlet. Nothing in the glove box.
Sure would be nice to have Android Auto Wireless (no USB cable connection needed) in our cars.

 

this adapter looks very promising for a simple upgrade of NTG4.5


nice and easy....
It says compatible up to 2016 but MY '14 has zero glovebox plug and the armrest has a different style connector

armrest USB + a mystery plug
no joy

 

 

Here is the cable that came with MY14,

MERCEDES Mi G3 iPod AUX Interface Cable A0018278504

I have never used it since I have Android phones, but I checked it fits the proprietary plug.

I guess we may need another interface cable

 

Ya my 12 has those same ports... but no slot.. I would just like to know what other 4.5 cars accept this...because I'm not seeing it and it says just for 4.5 units.

Would this port connection, be located on the amp in the back??

 

Looking in the glove box, there's a spot on the left side of the shelf where it looks like "something" could be mounted that is about the size and shape of the sleeve the carabc device looks like it fits into. Nothing there but a footprint though.

 

I also bought this, but I don't see anything in my 2012 E350 glovebox either. Anyone found a way to make it work?

 

I've signed up just to reply to this for you. You can see my review on Amazon here. But feel free to ask any questions and I'll try and help out. Just so you know, not affiliated with the makers or anything I was just googling a query I had with the product and your post came up!

 

I think this might be a Europe only thing as we do not have the Bekker navigation/connection in the US cars.

Chris

 

What a shame...It would be great to have a plug and play option, I don't like the idea of pulling things out or using one of those chinese android screens that goes in front of the original command.

 

Screen
Hey guys so I got an american w204 c250 2013 and the carplay works fine , just plug and play. I'm having issues setting up the backup camera , when I go to the hidden settings to change the camera to turn on while I put it on reverse this menu appears , not sure if the carabc unit installed it's own software, any ideas on how to fix this issue? Thnx

 

Where did you plug it into?

Chris

 

Hey Chris, to the becker nav system in the glove compartment. Basically if your model had the becker gps you can use the module.

 

ok thanks!

That’s what I figured. I don’t believe US cars came with that system.

 

do you Find out What is ?

 

Yes, at least I think I did.

This center console "mystery plug" is a legacy connector for old Apple iPods. It leads to the Media Interface module tucked above the glovebox with a collection of MOST fibers.

The connection of choice these days is BT streaming, so the need for iPod ...

Note the USB port is limited to being a media interface, not a modern power charger. It puts out only 500mA instead of 2000mA ie. 2A.

 

Awesome well made video!

Anyone bought and installed one of these Carplay units?

 

did you ever figure out if you could use the apple plug to connect the carplay?

 

Personally nop, I haven't ventured yet down that route.
I don't think there is a map between iPod <> CarPlay.

 

I just bought one and it works perfectly, love it. I have a 2014 C 300 4MATIC Sport with the Becker autopilot cradle in the glove box; this is the ONLY way it works.

 

This is a bit of an older thread, but I thought I would add my experience. I can vouch for the CARABC unit - I just installed it last night in my 2013 C300. Plugs right into the Becker module's bracket and starts right up. I connected the Bluetooth to the car, and then to the phone, and it all worked seamlessly. The module must have some connection with the car that is triggered when shifting into reverse, because the screen goes white - I will be installing a backup camera to the car over the weekend, so I am hoping that the process will be smooth there as well. The camera input adapter that comes with the CARABC is simple, though I need to figure out how to best connect the backup camera to power in the trunk lid. I'll update once I'm done.

 

I want to do this too but not sure how to go about it. Please let me know how it goes!!