3angFeng945

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?

Chrisk03

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.

fabbrisd1

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

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.

midesaka

But it's software that depends on hardware. See this post that I cribbed from glcforums in October.

James Sajeva

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

GaryOkie

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.

James Sajeva

I hope so as well. Thanks for being part of the change.

fabbrisd1

Simply put - retrofit will not be possible - yes - it is a hardware thing - not just software and/or connecting cable-terminal thing.

GaryOkie

@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.

tgcbr

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.

Luca Filigheddu

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.

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.

BobbyT

GaryOkie,

Perhaps a minor point, but aren't MB map updates free?

GaryOkie

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!

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

Luca Filigheddu

@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.

GaryOkie

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.

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...

zhenyaf

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

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

ramzez

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.

Alan Sammut

How can one have album art on comand display when using Spotify app on android phone?

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

Chrisk03