wsevans

@daviper thanks for the advice. I just received CarPlay unit from Joyauto. I have a 2016 S63 coupe. Do you have any advice on removing the center console? I followed the video for removing the console for the 2015 S-class sedan. I removed the four screws that are in the rear of the console and two screws under the cup holder. Am I missing something?

e55phil

As I remember you have to take the ashtray out before the center console come out. You lift up on the back of the center console which makes the front of the console goes down so that the two books in the front of the console or loose and then you can pull it out. There are still a couple of wires under the console that have to be loosened so that you can lift the console up.

I haven't written a report on the Joyeauto unit yet but I installed it last week and I will try to write the report this week. I'm glad I bought it

wsevans

Thanks for the response. I am embarrassed to say I did not take all the screws out that hold down the center console! I missed two of the screws. SMH. Figured it out last night. I will finish up the install today and post a review within a week.

icngacsn

Any updates on people that have installed this unit? I'm considering installing one in a 2017 S550 Cabriolet and would love to hear if there any issues have arisen with the installs with iOS updates and if there are newer/better integrated units.

For example is anyone familia with this solution?
https://www.gtacarkits.com/product/w...***-2014-2017/

Thanks in advance!

S63C4

Quite a coincidence that you posted this when you did. I just started the project in my MY16 S63C4. I have the Joye branded one (they're all the exact same units with different brand stickers and logos).
I'll be using it for wireless and wired Android Auto, not Carplay, but I'll test Carplay with a friend's iPhone 11.
Right now, I have a lot of the interior parts taken out of the car in prep to put everything where I want and add other wiring and accessories. I'll post pics of everything when I'm done.

As far as "issues", I haven't heard of any problems yet. Can't wait to finish this! I was almost ready to just accept the reality that my S63 would never have AA, when BANG! They came out with this awesome aftermarket work of art!

wsevans

I installed the Joyauto Carplay unit in my 2016 S63C4 in July 2020. Operating the unit is seamless however the operating instructions are not great. A User manual would be nice. I had to experiment, for example, to get Siri to work you must Long press the "phone" button. The rear camera works in reverse but when I switch back to drive the front camera doesn't display. This is is helpful when parking and is really the only thing i don't like in the system. Long press the back button on the console to switch to the standard Mercedes electronics.

S63C4

Yup, me too. You didn't mention that this front camera problem happens ALL THE TIME, not just when using AA. I'm especially pissed about this because I spent the ridiculous price of $345 to get the Mid City 360 degree camera module that lets you switch on the camera while parking by simply flicking the shift lever down.
Until there's a firmware update for the JoyeAuto box (which I just requested) I'm officially "One Irate Customer".

icngacsn

On the front camera issue, I assume if you change back to Mercedes electronics the front camera works. I'm curious if the cameras are displayed if you press the 360° button. Does that result in the camera being displayed if in CarPlay?

Cheers

icngacsn

I'm going to call the GTA Car Kits company to ask them about my car (the Cabriolet) and the camera issue.

Thanks for the replies!

S63C4

And... Here's the fix!

I'll save you some time... Grab the attached, unzip it to the root of a small USB thumb drive (8 GB is fine, up to 32 GB will probably work) FORMATTED FAT32 1024 B/sec.
Unplug the power connector from the unit, using the supplied adapter, plug the thumb drive into the update port, plug the power back in. When the blue LED stops fast-flashing and goes solid on, unplug the power, then remove the thumb drive adapter. Plug the power back in and enjoy having your front camera protect your valence once again!

wsevans

The Joyauto CarPlay unit I installed will only display the rear camera when the car is in reverse. The only way the 360 camera will be displayed on command is switched back to the Mercedes Command Unit.

S63C4

Not anymore!

wsevans

@S63C4 Thanks for the tips on the firmware update for the Joyeauto unit. Update applied today and the 360 camera view is BACK!!!. For anyone who might have problems, I tried several USB sticks before I could get the update to work. There is some compatibility issue (I have no idea what the issue is and yes I erased them before using them) with the older USB drives I had laying around the house. The newest USB drive I had is a year old and worked fine.

S63C4

Maybe you overlooked the step of formatting to fat32 and using a small thumb drive (8GB). But, I'm very happy you got it done and have your front camera when pulling up to curbs! I know how useful it is and I'd never want to be without it.

You're VERY WELCOME!!

-Steve

wsevans

Definitely erased and format to FAT32 the USB Drive. I am certain there is a compatibility or hardware issue. I have a plastic baggie with a bunch of USB drives. Some are very old. I have a 2019 MacBook and use a dock to use any USB devices. I couldn't even access several of the older ones.

icngacsn

@S63C4 Thanks so much!

So for anyone that has applied this update, can you please confirm that when using CarPlay and you press the 360° camera button in the picture, the front camera is shown?



Cheers!

wsevans

I can confirm that after the update is applied, the 360 degree cameras will function when you press the appropriate button.

S63C4

I can can confirm that GTA CarKits DOES NOT HAVE THE UPDATE THAT FIXES THIS PROBLEM.

icngacsn

Thanks everyone! - placing my order for a JoyeAuto one now

KVRSOS

Is the correct unbit for a 2017 S65 Cab?


Thanks, K

wsevans

I suggest you contact the vendor with your VIN to be sure. Good luck

S63C4

Yes, it is, however, I can save you some money. Brand New In Box

stan_tetters

I have just completed the install today (not fun - several challenges not described in the video on their website).
Carplay is working but the sound is only coming out of the left speakers and quality is poor (distorted when loud) - very frustrating!
Has anyone had a that problem after installing the kit? Other sound sources are fine. I cant find any user manual online so if anyone has found one, let me know. Thanks!
I have sent in a support request to them.

S63C4

One or more of 4 possible problems:
1) Bad unit (main box) (doubtful)
2) Bad 3.5mm cable
3) Bad 3.5mm to USB adapter
4) Bad 3.5mm to RCA adapter

Solution(s)/Diagnostics:
1) If using a 3.5mm to USB adapter, change to 3.5mm to RCA adapter or vice-versa.
2) Replace 3.5mm cable.
3) If the above doesn't change/correct the problem, you have a defective box.

stan_tetters

Thanks for the ideas. I agree with your assessment, I didn't get a 3.5mm to RCA cable, but just a regular 3.5mm cable which plugs into the cable harness audio in and comes through to a USB to 3.5 adapter in the center console. I think you are saying you can use a 3.5 to RCA instead and use left/right inputs on the harness (currently unused).
i suspect the USB adapter. I will take a look at it again at the weekend when i can face taking the center off console off again! I inadvertently dropped a bolt down into a black hole in the rear center console last time! Also found detaching the light in the rear console storage area really fiddly.
i may need to try and take the rear center console off to find the bolt, but no idea how to do it.
No useful suggestions from GTA yet, just “did you connect the cable”.