alvaro1728

Hi, I just picked up a 2017 GLS 550, which I thought would come with Android Auto but apparently not; I only see Apple CarPlay on the phone menu. Is there a way to activate Android Auto on it?

Thanks,
Alvaro

JoeMa

Pages 125 - 126 of the Command manual detail how to set up your GLS to use Android Auto.

opelrsx

What's more can you benefit from andrord auto/apple carplay beside maybe the google map/navigation? IMHO they are pretty much useless at this point looking forward to some interesting functions.

alvaro1728

That would work if Android Auto was activated on my GLS but it seems like it's not. Only Apple CarPlay is. I guess I'll contact my Mercedes dealer about this -- they'll probably charge me an arm and a leg to change a configuration setting.

Thanks,
Alvaro

JoeMa

The instructions in the PDF are correct. Here is a link to a video someone posted on YouTube that shows how he connected his Android phone to a GLS:

Knowlegeable1

I have the same issue with our 17' gls450. No option for Android Auto. Apparently the early production 17's only got apple car play ??♂. The "check engine" light came on and i asked them to check the the dealer while they worked on it. When I picked it up they said everything works. I asked specifically to check "Android auto", the guy said "yeah, I watched him plug in his iPhone and everything works" I didnt have time to argue or have them recheck or explain the difference. Next service i will spell it out to them and hopefully someone with half a brain will understand the difference.

Knowlegeable1

Doesnt work when there is no option for it.

JoeMa

Did either of you actually try the steps in the video? I ask only because installing Android Auto on your phone and then connecting it to the GLS could possibly activate the option in COMMAND. I don't have an Android device to test it but it would be worth a try. If not, then you would need to take it back to the dealer. If early MY17 models cannot be updated to connect to an Android device, MB should make it right.

opelrsx

I think OP means there's NO Android Auto option in the menu at all. Installing android auto app on the phone won't help.

Knowlegeable1

I can't speak for the OP but, I tried everything. Installing, uninstalling then reinstalling, 3 different cables,turning car off and on etc. Its just not an option on the command menu.

JoeMa

Sorry to hear that. MB needs to make it right for any MY17 GLS owner. Keep us posted how it goes with the dealership.

Knowlegeable1

Yup!

opelrsx

The guy that sells ECO start-stop OBD plug killer on ebay, claims his plug is able to activate Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto on 2016~2017 GLS, for extra $89. May worth a try.

VRODDER

Joe-

The answer is NO! You have to have the Android Auto client like the Apple Carplay client in the COMMAND to enable Android Auto and interface with a Smartphone that operates on the Android OS.

VRODDER

Alvaro-
Did you ever obtain a solution or an answer to your dilema on Android Auto to your GLS550? I'm having the same issue and my dealer cannot help me.

VRODDER

Guys-

I figured out how to have the Android Auto embedded in the COMAND....Let me know if you need instructions...It will take a few steps but it is doable.

NitroProduction

Is this with a aftermarket device you plug into the OBD II port? I have Android Auto active that way but the implementation is not the best. I sometimes lose connection or get errors connecting with my phone.

VRODDER

NitroProduction-

No...software updates directly from dealer/MBUSA. If you have a GLS that is built in 2016 and slated to be a 2017, you are missing the Android Auto client in the COMAND software. I communicated with MBUSA to provide to my dealer instructions and update to update my COMAND software and now is able to use Android Auto and Apple Carplay.
If you have a GLS model late 2016 you can reach out to MBUSA to send the software update and instructions to your local dealer where you bought your MB and they will do it for you at no charge.

tom tom23

Awesome

bkdc

Android auto was a $300-ish add-on option on later 2017 GLS models. It will be included in the MSRP list as an option if your car has it. Nice to hear that you can get an update from the dealer.

Scttq

Hi VRODDER,

We just purchased an early build GLS550 with CarPlay but no Android Auto. I called MBUSA but was told that they didn't see an option to update the software. Can you provide some more detail on how you were able to accomplish this? Please DM/email if preferred.

Thank you.

BlownV8

See above, you can buy the module on Ebay for under $100 that will activate the feature.

VRODDER

Scttq-

Depending on who you speak with at MBUSA, if you go to your models user manual, point it out to them by referencing on the user manual that it does INDEED include Android auto , then depending on where the vehicle/dealer which it was originally sold, they will send it there and you can take it there to get it updated. Please keep in mind that I'm the original owner and still uses my original dealer for service/maintenance for my GLS550 as to where I purchased the vehicle. There is no reason why MBUSA will not do it if you bought it from a private party. Any dealership will be able to let you know where the vehicle was originally sold from.

I wrote to MBUSA requesting the Android Auto to be loaded on my vehicle by referencing back to the user manual.

tom tom23

Hey thanks for the info. But when I called they had no idea what i. was talking about. Can you please let me know who you emailed. I would love to get this done also. Thanks again.

VRODDER

Here is what I wrote to them and their response:

From: MBUSA Customer Support <support@mbusa.com>
Date: Fri, Sep 27, 2019, 9:07 AM
Subject: I have a 2017 GLS550 that I purchased new from a dealership. My COMMAND... [Incident: 190926-000082]
To:

Subject

I have a 2017 GLS550 that I purchased new from a dealership. My COMMAND... Response By Email (Debra A.) (09/27/2019 12:07 PM)
Dear

Thank you for taking the time to contact MBUSA.

We have reached out to the dealership who will be researching this information with our engineering team. They should be connecting with you within a few days.

We appreciate your patience while being reviewed. Please let us know if you have not had contact within 3 business days.

Have an enjoyable weekend.


Kind Regards,

Debbie A.
Mercedes-Benz USA
(800) 367-6372

Customer By CSS Web (Thy Ton-That) (09/26/2019 09:49 PM)
I have a 2017 GLS550 that I purchased new from a dealership. My COMMAND software do not have Android Auto. Although in every piece of Mercedes literature, documents, web-sites and other media confirms that Android Auto is available. My vehicle do not have it. I have tried unsuccessfully at my dealer where I purchase my vehicle from cannot update. They confirmed that my vehicle VMI has 16U(Apple Carplay) but does not have 17U(Android Auto) in the build. There seems to be some confusion at Mercedes USA customer service in regards to my GLS550. They agree that my vehicle should have it. But the fact that my dealer confirms that it is not physically there, I cannot interface the Android Auto application with my COMMAND software in my vehicle. I need for Mercedes to provide a way for me to obtain this. Even if the VIN of my vehicle shows that it is some of the first vehicle builds do not have the 17U. Logistically, there is no reason why you cannot provide the software to your dealers to update the COMMAND on my 2017 GLS550. Please have your technical managers or product management manager reach out to me so we can resolve this. Thank you.

Question Reference # 190926-000082

• Date Created: 09/26/2019 09:49 PM
• Date Last Updated: 09/27/2019 12:07 PM