Issue with USB-C port and CarPlay?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
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2020 GLE 350
Issue with USB-C port and CarPlay?
I've recently encountered an issue where CarPlay will not always start when plugged into the USB-C port located in the front center console area (next to the mobile phone stowage compartment). I've tried several different USB C to Lightning cables and I've seen instances where CarPlay just won't start, where CarPlay will only start if I reseat the Lightning plug (flipping it over) in my iPhone 7, or where CarPlay won't start unless I've initially firmly seated the Lightning plug into the iPhone. As noted, I've experienced this with several different USB C to Lightning cables from different manufacturers. Have others noticed similar issues?
The crazy thing is the included USB Type C to USB 3.1 adapter cable from Mercedes, when coupled with the included USB 3.1 to Lightning cable and plugged into my iPhone, does not experience this issue (yet anyway). I'm curious if there is something special with the cables Mercedes has supplied, or if there are issues with all of the USB C to Lightning cables I have used thus far?
The crazy thing is the included USB Type C to USB 3.1 adapter cable from Mercedes, when coupled with the included USB 3.1 to Lightning cable and plugged into my iPhone, does not experience this issue (yet anyway). I'm curious if there is something special with the cables Mercedes has supplied, or if there are issues with all of the USB C to Lightning cables I have used thus far?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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2020 GLE 53 AMG
There are a lot of bootleg USB-C to lightning cable's out there. The genuine one's use a special chip that Apple sells to 3rd-party cable makers. It's how Apple makes sure they get paid a royalty on every licensed cable sold. Without that little chip, you won't get full-speed charging or reliable Carplay or data transfer.
I'd suggest a USB-C to lighting cable from Anker. Decent price and lifetime warranty.
I'd suggest a USB-C to lighting cable from Anker. Decent price and lifetime warranty.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2019
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2020 GLE 350
There are a lot of bootleg USB-C to lightning cable's out there. The genuine one's use a special chip that Apple sells to 3rd-party cable makers. It's how Apple makes sure they get paid a royalty on every licensed cable sold. Without that little chip, you won't get full-speed charging or reliable Carplay or data transfer.
I'd suggest a USB-C to lighting cable from Anker. Decent price and lifetime warranty.
I'd suggest a USB-C to lighting cable from Anker. Decent price and lifetime warranty.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
I would recommend Android. You connect it to the USB port with, wait for it, a USB cable.
Seriously, Apple's business practices get my blood boiling, and I don't even have any of their products. I can't imagine how you guys manage it. Magic cable with a chip. Sheesh.
Seriously, Apple's business practices get my blood boiling, and I don't even have any of their products. I can't imagine how you guys manage it. Magic cable with a chip. Sheesh.
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2020 GLE
People have issues with aftermarket USB cables and android phones too. Not quite an Apple vs Android comparison.
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2020 GLE 53 AMG
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Banned
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2020 GLE 350
I recently saw an article somewhere that said to make sure that your cables are rated for both data and charging if you plan to do more than just charge. I did not pay much attention to the article but maybe there is something to it after reading this thread. I'll try to find it in my browser history.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
Super Member
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2020 GLE 53 AMG
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: San Jose area
'19 E63S sedan
But it's cool. I know Apple people love their stuff.
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2020 GLE
We are talking about the quality of USB cables. No need to get chippy.
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Joined: Nov 2012
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A gaggle of MB's
YES - the MB USB-C adapter cables - 3 included with the GLE (note 0 included with the 1st delivered GLC's) is a damn well made cable - as well as the USB-Lightning cable from MB is the strongest cable I have seen as well (MSRP $109 by the way).
So - YES - with USB-C to Lightning there are a TON of non-Apple Certified open market cables that "may" or "may not" work - and "may" or "may not" last ...
That said - on the Apple front - it is "rumored" that this years "new" iPhones change from Lightning to USB-C - but you didn't hear that from me - OK !
So - YES - with USB-C to Lightning there are a TON of non-Apple Certified open market cables that "may" or "may not" work - and "may" or "may not" last ...
That said - on the Apple front - it is "rumored" that this years "new" iPhones change from Lightning to USB-C - but you didn't hear that from me - OK !
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A
Maybe, just maybe we get lucky, as I posted here there might be a chance we get wireless CarPlay soon
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post7833101
https://mbworld.org/forums/gle-class...ml#post7833101
Thread Starter
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2020 GLE 350
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
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From: Montreal, QC
2020 GLE450 4Matic AMG-Line
I have not had any connection issues with my iPhone X nor my wife's iPhone XS inside the GLE.
I have to say however, that my dealer did not provide any USB-C to USB dongles (they claim M-B Canada didn't want to pay for them, cheap bast****).
So I went and bought two USB-C to Lightning cables straight from the Apple store, and called it a day. At least those cables are warrantied for a year, and I usually replace them within that time, so I manage to dollar cost average them out to half price. Any time I've used aftermarket cables, I've had fitment issues, shorting issues, or just plain not working. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. And honestly, for a $1,400 phone, I don't want to trust it to a $1 to $5 cable.
I have to say however, that my dealer did not provide any USB-C to USB dongles (they claim M-B Canada didn't want to pay for them, cheap bast****).
So I went and bought two USB-C to Lightning cables straight from the Apple store, and called it a day. At least those cables are warrantied for a year, and I usually replace them within that time, so I manage to dollar cost average them out to half price. Any time I've used aftermarket cables, I've had fitment issues, shorting issues, or just plain not working. Sometimes, you get what you pay for. And honestly, for a $1,400 phone, I don't want to trust it to a $1 to $5 cable.
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
i have the factory iPhone 11Max pro usb-c cable and it does not connect my iPhone to MBUX to be able to use CarPlay. do i have to initialize something in the car to get CarPlay to work?
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 446
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From: Montreal, QC
2020 GLE450 4Matic AMG-Line
General > CarPlay > MB Infotainment
I believe you also have to set it up on the car itself too. I can't remember the path though.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 714
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From: Los Angeles
2025 Panamera GTS
I wasn’t using the correct usb-c next to the cup holders. Was using the the one inside the center console. Now using the correct one and carplay finally works! It was my mom’s car and didn’t see it often.
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Joined: May 2021
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2020 GLC300
Issue resolution
I have the EXACT same issue. MB dealer blamed Apple. Shoved a response “flyer” from MB in my face and said “its your phone”. Well it turned out to be the cable between the center console and the head unit.
I've recently encountered an issue where CarPlay will not always start when plugged into the USB-C port located in the front center console area (next to the mobile phone stowage compartment). I've tried several different USB C to Lightning cables and I've seen instances where CarPlay just won't start, where CarPlay will only start if I reseat the Lightning plug (flipping it over) in my iPhone 7, or where CarPlay won't start unless I've initially firmly seated the Lightning plug into the iPhone. As noted, I've experienced this with several different USB C to Lightning cables from different manufacturers. Have others noticed similar issues?
The crazy thing is the included USB Type C to USB 3.1 adapter cable from Mercedes, when coupled with the included USB 3.1 to Lightning cable and plugged into my iPhone, does not experience this issue (yet anyway). I'm curious if there is something special with the cables Mercedes has supplied, or if there are issues with all of the USB C to Lightning cables I have used thus far?
The crazy thing is the included USB Type C to USB 3.1 adapter cable from Mercedes, when coupled with the included USB 3.1 to Lightning cable and plugged into my iPhone, does not experience this issue (yet anyway). I'm curious if there is something special with the cables Mercedes has supplied, or if there are issues with all of the USB C to Lightning cables I have used thus far?
