USB-C Car Play Port problem
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
2021 GLE350
USB-C Car Play Port problem
Hello!
I have 2021 GLE350
USB-C Car Play port is not charging/ connecting, while the regular USB-C port is charging just fine.
I tried 1)cleaning the port and 2) soft reset. Nothing worked.
I can't really find good resource to diagnose / fix this issue. Would the dealership service center fix this issue easily?
Would appreciate your guidance or advice.
Thank you!
================================================== ============
After more research, I found that this is a fairly common problem (common warranty repair)
Sadly, my warranty just expired about 2 months ago. Some people stated that they paid the dealership more than $1200 to replace the USB unit/module.
Is this the only way to go? Is there a way to upgrade the MBUX so I can connect to CarPlay through Bluetooth?
I have 2021 GLE350
USB-C Car Play port is not charging/ connecting, while the regular USB-C port is charging just fine.
I tried 1)cleaning the port and 2) soft reset. Nothing worked.
I can't really find good resource to diagnose / fix this issue. Would the dealership service center fix this issue easily?
Would appreciate your guidance or advice.
Thank you!
================================================== ============
After more research, I found that this is a fairly common problem (common warranty repair)
Sadly, my warranty just expired about 2 months ago. Some people stated that they paid the dealership more than $1200 to replace the USB unit/module.
Is this the only way to go? Is there a way to upgrade the MBUX so I can connect to CarPlay through Bluetooth?
Last edited by philinNJ; Oct 26, 2025 at 11:40 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
If you are talking about the 2 ports near the cupholders, I think the one with the trident symbol is the charging port. On our 2023 the other is a mirroring port used to connect your phone by wire so that you can have Carplay or Android Auto. The mirror port has 2 small overlapping windows.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
If you are talking about the 2 ports near the cupholders, I think the one with the trident symbol is the charging port. On our 2023 the other is a mirroring port used to connect your phone by wire so that you can have Carplay or Android Auto. The mirror port has 2 small overlapping windows.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 187
From: TX
2023 GLE3502W, 2024 GLC3002W, 1967 Pontiac GTO 4 sp (sold...sniff)
I just checked the ports near the cupholders on our 2023. The mirror port charges my iPhone as well as activating Carplay on the screen. Suggest you do as mentioned above. Do a hard reset. If that changes nothing then try a different cable. Good luck.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 328
Likes: 179
From: The Middle of the Fairway
2025 E450 All Terrain Wagon, Nautical Blue Metallic, Macchiato Beige/Black Interior
Hello!
I have 2021 GLE350
USB-C Car Play port is not charging/ connecting, while the regular USB-C port is charging just fine.
I tried 1)cleaning the port and 2) soft reset. Nothing worked.
I can't really find good resource to diagnose / fix this issue. Would the dealership service center fix this issue easily?
Would appreciate your guidance or advice.
Thank you!
================================================== ============
After more research, I found that this is a fairly common problem (common warranty repair)
Sadly, my warranty just expired about 2 months ago. Some people stated that they paid the dealership more than $1200 to replace the USB unit/module.
Is this the only way to go? Is there a way to upgrade the MBUX so I can connect to CarPlay through Bluetooth?
I have 2021 GLE350
USB-C Car Play port is not charging/ connecting, while the regular USB-C port is charging just fine.
I tried 1)cleaning the port and 2) soft reset. Nothing worked.
I can't really find good resource to diagnose / fix this issue. Would the dealership service center fix this issue easily?
Would appreciate your guidance or advice.
Thank you!
================================================== ============
After more research, I found that this is a fairly common problem (common warranty repair)
Sadly, my warranty just expired about 2 months ago. Some people stated that they paid the dealership more than $1200 to replace the USB unit/module.
Is this the only way to go? Is there a way to upgrade the MBUX so I can connect to CarPlay through Bluetooth?
