GLC Class (X253) Produced 2016-2022

2017 GLC 300 CarPlay retrofit?

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Old Mar 19, 2017 | 01:57 AM
  #1  
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2017 GLC 300 CarPlay retrofit?

Just saw a bunch of threads talking about the CarPlay in MY 2018 model. Just wondering would it be possible to retrofit the CarPlay for my 2017 model? Does anyone have any info on that?
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Old Mar 19, 2017 | 03:29 PM
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Probably a little too early to tell at this point. If it's a software issue, then I think it could be likely. If a hardware issue, probably not likely or worth the $$$. I believe on some BMW's, people are able to get it coded in on certain models if they don't order it from the factory, but again, that assumes the hardware can "handle" it.
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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 12:40 AM
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Sure - not possible to retrofit CarPlay for your GLC - if you want you can chase aftermarket for a add-on video interface with HDMI adapter module - go iPhone to HDMI - then you would have "mirrored" iPhone image on your center screen - control from handset with Siri or handset screen as mouse
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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 02:03 PM
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CarPlay and Android Auto are purely software features, I believe existing GLC is capable to having it after a infotainment software update.
But I highly doubt Mercedes will give this favor to us.
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Old Mar 20, 2017 | 04:07 PM
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Originally Posted by sears1234
CarPlay and Android Auto are purely software features, I believe existing GLC is capable to having it after a infotainment software update.
But I highly doubt Mercedes will give this favor to us.
But it's software that depends on hardware. See this post that I cribbed from glcforums in October.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 03:40 PM
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Hello,

New member here who's very dissapointed in the fact that my '17 GLC300 did not come with Carplay, where the GLA250 has had it for two years.

Asking GLC300 owners who share the frustration to sign the petition to get Carplay updates on pre-17-build GLCs! Please share where you feel it will do good.

https://www.change.org/p/carplay-and...LKa%2f%2f1U4VC
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 05:26 PM
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There are already 2 posts on this topic, which started with 2016 GLC's (let's not forget them!). In addition to the post @midesaka referenced, there is another post which also details an aftermarket solution.

I've also signed this petition last week - it has over 130 sigs so far. Hope it does some good.
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Old Apr 21, 2017 | 05:38 PM
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I hope so as well. Thanks for being part of the change.
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Old Apr 22, 2017 | 05:41 PM
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Simply put - retrofit will not be possible - yes - it is a hardware thing - not just software and/or connecting cable-terminal thing.
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Old Apr 23, 2017 | 01:51 PM
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@fabbrisd1 - This is indeed bad news. Can you please provide a source/link for your information that an update isn't possible?

It would be very interesting to learn exactly what limitation was baked into the 2016-17 GLC hardware that prevents an update to support Carplay/AA.
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Old Apr 25, 2017 | 10:30 AM
  #11  
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Just heard from my dealer. You can't retrofit carplay on 2016 models. It seems MB stepped down from ntg 5.2 to 5.1, to integrate apple carplay (i think it's the unit from a class). Curious move as they should move forwards not backwards. Anyway, if your car is equipped with ntg 5.2 (being audio 20 or command), there's no way you'll be able to retrofit it. This is my case too. Sorry folks.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 12:49 AM
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When I got my GLC three weeks ago I was very disappointed about this. On the other hand, I have noticed that:
- music (both Spotify and Apple Music) work very well in conjunction with Comand (if you plug to USB, you get even more info on screen, like the album cover)
- Siri works very well, I can do almost everything
- the MB Nav system is not bad at all. Despite I can't downlod POI from Google anymore, you can do that from Here

That said, I can definitely live without Carplay. On the other hand, I wish I could get more Mercedes Benz apps. Here in Italy I can see only five apps... very bad.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 09:59 AM
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@Luca,

Thanks for sharing your experience with the MB Command capability. For those wanting to avoid expensive MB map updates or those without MB Navigation who want to safely use the navigation built into their phones with the on-dash display, Carplay/Android Auto is a must.

The usability of MBrace apps is a different matter entirely. Having more useless and terribly slow apps is certainly not a high priority for me.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 10:05 AM
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GaryOkie,

Perhaps a minor point, but aren't MB map updates free?
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Old May 30, 2017 | 10:18 AM
  #15  
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I obviously didn't think they were, but upon checking the MB map ordering website, I see now that the 1st 3 years of updates are free (a $750 US value). So in keeping your MB longer, $250 per future update definitely qualifies as expensive.

Thanks for the clarification!
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Old May 30, 2017 | 11:51 AM
  #16  
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Originally Posted by GaryOkie
@Luca,

Thanks for sharing your experience with the MB Command capability. For those wanting to avoid expensive MB map updates or those without MB Navigation who want to safely use the navigation built into their phones with the on-dash display, Carplay/Android Auto is a must.

The usability of MBrace apps is a different matter entirely. Having more useless and terribly slow apps is certainly not a high priority for me.
I mounted my iPhone 7+ next to the display - I believe it's a pretty safe place to run the navi off of, without the need for Carplay
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Old May 30, 2017 | 11:55 AM
  #17  
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@zhenyaf

Let's say that with all that technology available, I don't really want to mount my iPhone next to the display... MB Maps are not that bad in my experience and music works perfectly.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 12:09 PM
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Luca,

It's not that MB maps are good or bad, it's an issue of MB not providing advanced phone integration with the GLC so you can choose what system you prefer. And if you don't have MB NAV in the first place, then interacting directly with the phone or dash-mounted GPS are your only options (other than the Naviplus screen replacement from Australia).

For safety, it is best to use the car's controls, not reaching for the phone, wherever it is mounted or stashed, not to mention the benefit of the larger screen.

Last edited by GaryOkie; May 30, 2017 at 12:12 PM.
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Old May 30, 2017 | 11:08 PM
  #19  
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Originally Posted by zhenyaf
I mounted my iPhone 7+ next to the display - I believe it's a pretty safe place to run the navi off of, without the need for Carplay
How did you mount it? On the vents? Can you send a photo?
The GLC does not have much room to place a mount....
I was thinking how to mount a tablet; but it doesn't look easy...
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Old May 31, 2017 | 06:22 AM
  #20  
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Originally Posted by stath
How did you mount it? On the vents? Can you send a photo?
The GLC does not have much room to place a mount....
I was thinking how to mount a tablet; but it doesn't look easy...
originally I mounted it on the vent, but it kept turning everytime the car turned. Post #52 is the mount that I found and currently use - https://mbworld.org/forums/glc-class...-holder-3.html...I don't think that there is enough space to mount a tablet though
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Old Jun 1, 2017 | 03:01 PM
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For 2018 GLC production forward - ordering SmartPhone integration is possible - so "choices" will be SmartPhone or Garmin Map Pilot or COMAND - you do need to check with your dealer as this may-be/may-not-be possible with very 1st production runs - and may only be available starting with later Sept production dates.

Yes - up thru 2017 - C-Class and GLC-Class have not have Smartphone Intgegration - and have not been dealer "upgradeable" or dealer "retrofittable" to add Smartphone Integration.

Now - aftermarket "mirroring" is possible by adding iPhone-to-HDMI input to the system - Naviks is one source for this Kind of gear - someone here mentioned the Aussie aftermarket "CarPlay" changeover - last time I took a look at that - I thought it had turned to vaporware.

Keep the beat !

Sure - if you want/will-use the feature - dang shame
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Old Jul 15, 2017 | 06:26 PM
  #22  
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Originally Posted by fabbrisd1
For 2018 GLC production forward - ordering SmartPhone integration is possible - so "choices" will be SmartPhone or Garmin Map Pilot or COMAND - you do need to check with your dealer as this may-be/may-not-be possible with very 1st production runs - and may only be available starting with later Sept production dates.

Yes - up thru 2017 - C-Class and GLC-Class have not have Smartphone Intgegration - and have not been dealer "upgradeable" or dealer "retrofittable" to add Smartphone Integration.

Now - aftermarket "mirroring" is possible by adding iPhone-to-HDMI input to the system - Naviks is one source for this Kind of gear - someone here mentioned the Aussie aftermarket "CarPlay" changeover - last time I took a look at that - I thought it had turned to vaporware.

Keep the beat !

Sure - if you want/will-use the feature - dang shame

What a pity it won't be possible to retrofit or have software update to enable it. Weakest point of Mercedes is the informant system.
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Old Jul 16, 2017 | 01:52 PM
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How can one have album art on comand display when using Spotify app on android phone?
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Old Dec 30, 2017 | 09:17 PM
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GLC X253 before 2017.09+ won't have chance to activate CarPlay by original proxy way. here is the solution by retrofit proxy kit CarPlay.
http://www.unichip-tec.com/col.jsp?id=119

CarPlay Box Installation Manual
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Old Dec 31, 2017 | 12:03 AM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by ntgcommander
GLC X253 before 2017.09+ won't have chance to activate CarPlay by original proxy way. here is the solution by retrofit proxy kit CarPlay.
http://www.unichip-tec.com/col.jsp?id=119

CarPlay Box Installation Manual
Can you explain how this works on a 2018 GLC with Comand in the USA? I couldn’t quite understand the website or what version to look for. I realize a VIN would be the overall way to confirm, but if you could explain it would be helpful.

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