Retrofitting Wireless Charging
 

I found the parts for the wireless phone charging from the new W213 E-Class. I'm wondering if I order them ($204 total) I can remove the ashtray and retrofit it into my GLC? The way I see it, it will fit, but the screws holding things in probably will not be arranged the same, and the power source for connecting it is likely not there, even though there is a cigarette lighter and fuses to tap into.

Do you think it's worth a shot? It's looks like it could work. Parts are not returnable.

Here is a photo of each compartment (E-Class with wireless charging vs. GLC Class)

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...179b1503b9.jpg
E-Class
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...e2916b77bf.jpg
GLC Class

if it did fit where o you plan on getting power from?
i plugged my phone into the cigarette lighter and blew a fuse. the dealer said since the low amperage there it wasn't designed to charge phone and would probably blow a fuse every time
while i don't believe it i also haven't gone back to confirm it either

Great thought, bummer it doesn't look like it will work. I haven't researched hard enough yet, but was thinking of doing something like this in the center console after getting one of those center console trays/organizers. It wouldn't be OEM, but would be a bit more convenient than plugging in/out everytime you get in/out of the car. Just need to search for a wireless charging pad that might work.

2019 refresh should have an option for wireless charging in the center console. Same as the C class sedan. Also LED head light standard but I see reflectors instead of projectors. Similar to the three series and Volvo LED reflectors. I still like the projectors better though.

what is the difference between a reflector and a projector?

https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...5b830a6998.jpg

Reflectors.

thank you. agreed those lights seem to be a step in the wrong direction.

Appears to have 4 elements though. If aimed a little higher it might performance quite well. However I have always prefer projectors myself. Also the current static projectors looks "cooler" and more aggressive than those reflectors.

i am waiting to get the oem parts. they didnt change external shape of console so internal parts should be able to be replaces and we should be able to install this. The ash tray will need to come out,but it shoudl work!!

I guess wireless charging would be good if you aren't using the smartphone integration. Both CarPlay and Android Auto require the phone to be plugged in anyway -- so I lost my motivation to install a wireless charger. ;)

Could you please list the parts needed for this retrofit?
Thanks

I'm pretty sure both CarPlay and Android Auto have wireless capabilities now, as of earlier this year.

BMW has had it since the last model year. I'm not sure the status in new M-B models. However, that doesn't help those of us who bought before the wireless hardware was available. Wireless CarPlay will be a big reason on upgrade to a new model when my lease is up.

I was just responding to your post where you said CarPlay and Android Auto were not wireless and letting you know that they both can work wirelessly. Of course, that requires the head unit to support the wireless functionality which is very sparse at this point.

Yes, thanks. I understand that. My point was that in a 2018 or older M-B, the CarPlay is not wireless, so a retrofit of a wireless charger doesn't make sense if you are using CarPlay -- you have to plug in anyway.

Is there any word on a wireless charger we can add to our cars that integrates at least somewhat nicely? The spot after you take the ashtray out would be perfect.

The one I've seen floating around has all sorts of Chinese writing on the front and looks terrible.

Many DIY options available:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/For-...888549642.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Spec...972437557.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Qi-W...964768549.html

A very nice one:


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...46b32fee32.jpg

Thanks; good find! I like the clean look of that one, but the on/off button gives me pause. Does that mean if I forget to turn it off, it will continue to draw power and drain the car’s battery? If not, why have the on/off button in the first place?

I never complain about having more features on my gadgets. :D

https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...04f10cbff1.jpg

This one is nice because it doesn't require you to open the center console. Plus its only $26 and very flat and you can DIY it anywhere, like the arm rest box.

Video link:
https://cloud.video.taobao.com/play/...9113216421.mp4


https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Spec...972437557.html


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.mbw...1bee4dce29.jpg

Fair enough. Thanks for that info; I will probably be ordering this tonight!