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i'm in AZ. you can buy this module from carlinklife (without needing to take it to the dealer). if you're up for it, you can install if yourself. i did pay someone to install but the device was $300. now i have full screen CarPlay AND i have airplay to watch videos from my phone. 2021 e450 all terrain. separately, rjautomotive helped me install a new mbux head unit which gave me full screen navigation on the driver's side, ar nav, and dashcam. now i have every option that i was missing lol
Carlinklife is quite good except these issues: if they can improve all below, a good choice especially the price is super friendly:
1. Can not display AC temp unit in F. For USA cars: use F instead of C, so Au customer might not notice this issue.
2. You no longer be able to see the volume bar when you adjust volume at CP UI.
3. You no longer be able to see AC Air distribution setting when you are adjusting it in CP UI.
4: You no longer be able to listen to the local radio and need hearing the navigation voice guidance in the same time.
5: Bluetooth On/Off issue, some user complained, it will auto disconnect and need re-connect manually.
6: A real bunch of extra wirings need to be installed in the car.
7: It need install one extra Media interface box, hide somewhere in the car.
8: You no longer be able to see the music title played in instrument cluster, no way to toggle the music (like play next or previous) by driver side steering wheel touchpad.
9: You no longer be able to use your steering wheel touchpad to control the CarPlay UI.
To be frank, all these are all small issues, not something big deal. At least full screen CarPlay works nicely.
BE NOTED: These above-mentioned issues could be removed by the factory already, so check with the seller or those who already using it.
@ab9014 If you see this post, can share what is solved by factory, or you feel nothing wrong.
Today I talked with Max(Elebest) and after ordered the solution.
It will probably arrive next week, so I will report back by then. Cant wait!
For now, I have decided to have just wireless carplay.
@S_W222 would you say wireless carplay is as good as wired one? Any differences in speed, and most importantly audio and video quality?
Last edited by matrixhaj; Feb 17, 2025 at 02:42 PM.
Reason: needed to ask one more thing
Today I talked with Max(Elebest) and after ordered the solution.
It will probably arrive next week, so I will report back by then. Cant wait!
For now, I have decided to have just wireless carplay.
@S_W222 would you say wireless carplay is as good as wired one? Any differences in speed, and most importantly audio and video quality?
I see that you live in Czech Republic, also that you are new to this site. I wonder if your experience is applicable to the USA? I am still on the fence. I wrote to a mechanic friend of mine. I am waiting for his answer.
I see that you live in Czech Republic, also that you are new to this site. I wonder if your experience is applicable to the USA? I am still on the fence. I wrote to a mechanic friend of mine. I am waiting for his answer.
What do you mean as my experience? I will try to answer. Feel free to give me your whatsapp/discord/messenger and we can discuss it on call.
What do you mean as my experience? I will try to answer. Feel free to give me your whatsapp/discord/messenger and we can discuss it on call.
it’s my understanding that the components and software for cars in Europe are different than in North America. That is to say that because a modification may work in Europe it may not work in North America. That is what I mean by experience. Perhaps experience is not the best word, environment might be a better word for use in the US.
Yup, I have a US spec vehicle, can provide videos and photos if necessary. 2021 GLE 63 S, super easy to do.
in terms of quality — it’s super easy when it connects and fast, best part is you get to keep the USB/Bluetooth audio from the infotainment so your audio quality isn’t compromised by CarPlay, I also found that phone calls via Bluetooth work seamlessly which was something I was worried about but if anyone needs videos or photos I’m happy to post!
Yup, I have a US spec vehicle, can provide videos and photos if necessary. 2021 GLE 63 S, super easy to do.
in terms of quality — it’s super easy when it connects and fast, best part is you get to keep the USB/Bluetooth audio from the infotainment so your audio quality isn’t compromised by CarPlay, I also found that phone calls via Bluetooth work seamlessly which was something I was worried about but if anyone needs videos or photos I’m happy to post!
I see that you have made three posts and all three were about how great this vendor is. I was hoping to find someone who has been a member longer and has contributed more.
I found another company last night when I was searching and they make a separate module and I am planning to try that and I will report to everyone
Carlinklife is quite good except these issues: if they can improve all below, a good choice especially the price is super friendly:
1. Can not display AC temp unit in F. For USA cars: use F instead of C, so Au customer might not notice this issue.
2. You no longer be able to see the volume bar when you adjust volume at CP UI.
3. You no longer be able to see AC Air distribution setting when you are adjusting it in CP UI.
4: You no longer be able to listen to the local radio and need hearing the navigation voice guidance in the same time.
5: Bluetooth On/Off issue, some user complained, it will auto disconnect and need re-connect manually.
6: A real bunch of extra wirings need to be installed in the car.
7: It need install one extra Media interface box, hide somewhere in the car.
8: You no longer be able to see the music title played in instrument cluster, no way to toggle the music (like play next or previous) by driver side steering wheel touchpad.
9: You no longer be able to use your steering wheel touchpad to control the CarPlay UI.
To be frank, all these are all small issues, not something big deal. At least full screen CarPlay works nicely.
BE NOTED: These above-mentioned issues could be removed by the factory already, so check with the seller or those who already using it.
@ab9014 If you see this post, can share what is solved by factory, or you feel nothing wrong.
Mostly non-issues, but here are my answers. Even though there is some different functionality, Carlinklife includes AirPlay which is a great feature and my family can watch videos on the screen while I drive.
1. My temp shows as F
2. Volume bar is still missing because it's outside of MBUX
3. Air distribution is still missing because it's outside of MBUX (fine with me, I don't really change air distribution, always keep at AUTO)
4. Not sure about this, I don't use the radio, just bluetooth audio
5. Haven't had any bluetooth disconnect issues
6. Yes, extra wiring but installer didn't have any issues with this
7. Also true
8. This might be fixed, I usually see the music and can control it fine in the gauge cluster
9. Correct, cannot use the steering wheel touchpad to navigate. Only can hit OK to click on buttons already selected in full screen CarPlay.
I see that you have made three posts and all three were about how great this vendor is. I was hoping to find someone who has been a member longer and has contributed more.
I found another company last night when I was searching and they make a separate module and I am planning to try that and I will report to everyone
Thank you Philip for your effort. We are waiting for your real feed back of that separate module.
Options for full screen CarPlay for the w213 facelift, running NTG6:
Another member sent me a PM with a link to a review of an external box that can be installed in front of the Radio/Nav module in the dash. It was very comprehensive. It seems that there is one company; K Smart, that manufactures at the module that is installed in front of the Mercedes radio - navigation module. Several firms sell the same K Smart box.
W 222 made the posting below describing the faults of the K Smart box here:
If you read the W 222 post you can decide if what you get is wortth what you loose.
Mr. Max Yao at El Best in theory offers a better solution. However you must relay on Mr. Yao to help with the coding. What do I do if I have a problem in the future and Mr. Yao is not reachable..
I asked a person to check on the part Mr. Yao was going to install in my car and I was told it is for a GLE. not a e Clase.
Options for full screen CarPlay for the w213 facelift, running NTG6:
Another member sent me a PM with a link to a review of an external box that can be installed in front of the Radio/Nav module in the dash. It was very comprehensive. It seems that there is one company; K Smart, that manufactures at the module that is installed in front of the Mercedes radio - navigation module. Several firms sell the same K Smart box.
W 222 made the posting below describing the faults of the K Smart box here:
If you read the W 222 post you can decide if what you get is wortth what you loose.
Mr. Max Yao at El Best in theory offers a better solution. However you must relay on Mr. Yao to help with the coding. What do I do if I have a problem in the future and Mr. Yao is not reachable..
I asked a person to check on the part Mr. Yao was going to install in my car and I was told it is for a GLE. not a e Clase.
Our company is called EleBest, not El Best. Hope it is just typo. Everyone in the world will be not reachable sooner or later. This is nature. No worry too much.
So which one you decided to go? Philip, K-smart is reputable company in this multimedia interface and CarPlay module industry. How / where it is installed, is a issue of the installer only, and car model model depended. So don’t worry too much, go ahead with one first, at least do it, if not good then change or remove. And at least you will get your real review of this type of product, and not hearing this from a that from b. We, all people here, are waiting for your real review of this project done in your car. Cheers!
Our company is called EleBest, not El Best. Hope it is just typo. Everyone in the world will be not reachable sooner or later. This is nature. No worry too much.
So which one you decided to go? Philip, K-smart is reputable company in this multimedia interface and CarPlay module industry. How / where it is installed, is a issue of the installer only, and car model model depended. So don’t worry too much, go ahead with one first, at least do it, if not good then change or remove. And at least you will get your real review of this type of product, and not hearing this from a that from b. We, all people here, are waiting for your real review of this project done in your car. Cheers!
I'm sorry I've been traveling. Forgive me for spelling your name incorrectly
As I said in my post, K Smart is not for me. After reading the review made by W 222 below K Smart is not for me.
It is true that we can lose touch with people, but if I have to take my dashboard apart and pay you $1000 and you go down periscope, where does that leave me. I find it difficult to communicate with you and to get a straight answer. It's inconsistent with the favorable reviews that you have. However, I have checked some of the reviews and I wonder if the reviews are made by computer bots. One guy is new to the site and has only made three reviews and all of them are about how great your company is. I've asked you many questions here and an email and you did not given me a straight answer. The module that you showed me was not for an E class. For all these reasons, I'm nervous that I will send you money, by all of the parts I need, take the dashboard apart and install the new component and then when I need to rely on you to help me with the proper coding that you are not there. I may have to be satisfied with just using the Mercedes navigation and still keeping CarPlay open for sending and receiving texts and making calls.
( from W-2 two to here. That was a very thorough review and the items that are missing.
Hi All, I wanted to chime in a give another thumbs up for Max's (EleBest) full screen wireless carplay solution. I had this installed a few months ago on my 2022 GLE 63s in addition to me swapping out the head unit one with MBUX High so I could have some other things done as well. The solution works great (I am based in the USA), Max was extremely responsive and easy to work with. I would recommend him and his work 100%. I'm happy to answer any additional questions as well.
Last edited by DoubleD748; Sep 3, 2025 at 01:26 PM.
It is true that we can lose touch with people, but if I have to take my dashboard apart and pay you $1000 and you go down periscope, where does that leave me. I find it difficult to communicate with you and to get a straight answer. It's inconsistent with the favorable reviews that you have. However, I have checked some of the reviews and I wonder if the reviews are made by computer bots. One guy is new to the site and has only made three reviews and all of them are about how great your company is. I've asked you many questions here and an email and you did not given me a straight answer. The module that you showed me was not for an E class. For all these reasons, I'm nervous that I will send you money, by all of the parts I need, take the dashboard apart and install the new component and then when I need to rely on you to help me with the proper coding that you are not there. I may have to be satisfied with just using the Mercedes navigation and still keeping CarPlay open for sending and receiving texts and making calls.
( from W-2 two to here. That was a very thorough review and the items that are missing.
Philip, fully understand your concern, so I stopped convince you to do this upgrade. Swap a head unit is too massive job for you. Although that might be a small job for others. This is normal, different people feels different on same thing. Philip, we, all are still waiting for the nice and detailed review of full screen CarPlay upgrade on your own car, as you promised in your previous post. Hope you did not drop the idea of this full screen upgrade.
This is the video of how to swap, for others who don’t know how “massive” it is described by Philip. You can feel the difficult level by yourself. If you feel too massive and can not find or don’t trust other workshop to work for you, then better ignore this upgrade.
And price for W213 is cheaper now: €780+Shipping. A few sets of Original Brand New MBUX High for W213 USA spec are ready to ship. You can receive it in a few days.
Max this will be the third time I shared that based on the the review given buy W 222, here in this forum, that I do not plan to install or review the K smart in my car and thus will not be reviewing it
I hesitate to buy from you, not because of the difficulty of installing your module but because I’m afraid I can’t communicate with you if I need to get a pinch.
I see that you have made three posts and all three were about how great this vendor is. I was hoping to find someone who has been a member longer and has contributed more.
I found another company last night when I was searching and they make a separate module and I am planning to try that and I will report to everyone
I mean here: this “another company”, so your saying “I will report to everyone” is cancelled?
Here is a post I made on the SUV forum on this same topic:
Mr. Max at Elebest, I was nervous about your company because the part number you gave me on WhatsApp was not a part that could be used on a W-213. If you are in the business of coding, why not provide the actual part number? If I buy from any vendor anywhere, they're happy to provide me with the description of what they are selling. My questions have been simple. What part are you selling, what other parts do I need, and what do I do if you are not available and I need to code the system a second time. Because you've never given me a straight answer to these questions I'm nervous. No doubt you'll reply with a long answer, but the fact remains that there is a lack of transparency and that makes me nervous.
Here is a post I made on the SUV forum on this same topic:
Mr. Max at Elebest, I was nervous about your company because the part number you gave me on WhatsApp was not a part that could be used on a W-213. If you are in the business of coding, why not provide the actual part number? If I buy from any vendor anywhere, they're happy to provide me with the description of what they are selling. My questions have been simple. What part are you selling, what other parts do I need, and what do I do if you are not available and I need to code the system a second time. Because you've never given me a straight answer to these questions I'm nervous. No doubt you'll reply with a long answer, but the fact remains that there is a lack of transparency and that makes me nervous.
To each his own in my opinion, everyone is not for everyone. I’ve been dealing with Max for probably 5-6 years and have never had any issues whatsoever with him. He’s very knowledgeable, trustworthy, operates a professional custom installation and coding automotive establishment.
Anyone can check his YouTube videos and see the quality work that he does, that’s how I started doing business with him. He has never not been there for me whenever needed and totally stands by his work. Max is very protective of his business and intellectual property, there are others doing the same or similar work so he has to protect his business.
I don’t see any reason to try to tarnish his reputation or business if you’re not comfortable about something, by all means, use someone that you feel comfortable with.
To each his own in my opinion, everyone is not for everyone. I’ve been dealing with Max for probably 5-6 years and have never had any issues whatsoever with him. He’s very knowledgeable, trustworthy, operates a professional custom installation and coding automotive establishment.
Anyone can check his YouTube videos and see the quality work that he does, that’s how I started doing business with him. He has never not been there for me whenever needed and totally stands by his work. Max is very protective of his business and intellectual property, there are others doing the same or similar work so he has to protect his business.
I don’t see any reason to try to tarnish his reputation or business if you’re not comfortable about something, by all means, use someone that you feel comfortable with.
Thank you, My goal is not to tarnish his reputation. He gave me a bogus part number, If he wanted to keep the part number confidential why not tell me? If he is in the coding business why does the part matter? I was worried he is a scammer. It is encouraging to know that a long time user like you gives him a reference. You drive a w213, did you take apart your dash and install this radio module to enable full screen CarPlay?
Thank you, My goal is not to tarnish his reputation. He gave me a bogus part number, If he wanted to keep the part number confidential why not tell me? If he is in the coding business why does the part matter? I was worried he is a scammer. It is encouraging to know that a long time user like you gives him a reference. You drive a w213, did you take apart your dash and install this radio module to enable full screen CarPlay?
We did not give you part number. To be frank, I also don't know part number for your car. So we wont give anyone part number to our customer before order is confirmed (payment done). If you see a photo of head unit, just sharing with you that is the how the head unit looks like, don't mis-understand that is the one for your car. Head Unit has a lot of variants. BTW, coding is not our only business, we mainly do hardware upgrade in Singapore, for overseas customer, we do coding more than hardware retrofit for obvious reason. We have no attention to keep part number as secrete and it is available from your local dealer, just call them asking "May I know my mbux head unit part number, can you check for me? and price and availability, I want to buy one, this is my VIN", just a phone call away from you, nothing to hide. Or if you are an handy person, open it and check it by yourself, we sent you the how to video already. I can understand some people are not comfortable with that, like you. then We might have to say sorry for you, and you have a lot of alternatives to order hardware and services. We are not the only service provider. Again, thank you Phillip, we suggest we stop here. We fully understand your concern, just ignore us, so you can remove your worry to be scammed, the world is not safe, you are absolutely correct.
[QUOTE=EleBest;9213092]We did not give you part number.
Max, I did give you my VIN number on WhatsApp and you did give me the part number on WhatsApp that was incorrect. I’m attaching a photo of our exchange.
Thank you, My goal is not to tarnish his reputation. He gave me a bogus part number, If he wanted to keep the part number confidential why not tell me? If he is in the coding business why does the part matter? I was worried he is a scammer. It is encouraging to know that a long time user like you gives him a reference. You drive a w213, did you take apart your dash and install this radio module to enable full screen CarPlay?
Understood, I have a MY 2017 so unfortunately do not have MBUX. I have however taken my dash apart multiple times. It is not difficult, you just need to have the right tools on hand and can watch YouTube videos for assistance. For all the years I have worked with Max, he would not have provided me with a part number either had I asked for one , as I said protection of his business.
I changed all my air vents to the LED turbine ones (OEM front and aftermarket rear) and had to take the dash apart. There is no such thing as OEM rear vents for these.
Here are the software Max has done for me over the years.
1. AMG track pace, drag race
2. Multicolor 64 colors ambient lights
3. Extended voice command
4. Energizing Comfort
5. Cluster to AMG E63s type, AMG Up logo
6. Single touch turn signals change 3 flashes
7. ECO start stop default OF/memory
8. Speed limit unlock to 200 MPH
9. Enable Intelligent High Beam Plus Activation/ multibeam lights on your vehicle.
10. Enable 360 camera at all speeds
Last edited by kingscorpian27; Sep 14, 2025 at 10:11 AM.
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.
