Retrofit Apple CarPlay working in W222 - $90 :)
#1
Retrofit Apple CarPlay working in W222 - $90 :)
Tried my experiment and it works. Audio sounds great, maps and Siri work - everything
Video output is only 480p due to RCA inputs but it's good enough for me. Going to apply Bimmerguru unlock this weekend so I can use maps while in motion, I guess that makes it more than $90 ... but much cheaper than a new 2018 S Class.
Video output is only 480p due to RCA inputs but it's good enough for me. Going to apply Bimmerguru unlock this weekend so I can use maps while in motion, I guess that makes it more than $90 ... but much cheaper than a new 2018 S Class.
Last edited by Mandingo; 11-29-2017 at 10:50 PM.
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2012 merc amg (11-29-2017)
#3
#4
#6
My 2014 S63 has RCA inputs in center console, I'm using those - not sure about your 2012 E63? The metal case is actually very small so the whole thing fits in the center console easily, just need to run the power cables to the switched fuse box and hide the microphone somewhere unobtrusive. The controller is cheaply made but does the job, I'll put some double sided 3M tape on it and mount next to the MB dial, I'm not sticking it on the steering wheel, that looks stupid.
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2012 merc amg (11-30-2017)
#7
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,551
Likes: 674
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
I have a 2015 S550, traded the 2012 AMG last summer for the S550. Does the S550 have RCA jacks in a easy to access location anyone? If this were simple I'd buy this unit, would like to have the option of Apple car play. Can U watch Videos off the apple car play?
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#8
You should update your sig
CarPlay doesn't allow video playback - phone, maps, music, podcasts, Siri, messages (via Siri), audiobooks and a few third party apps such as Spotify, Audible:-
https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/
CarPlay doesn't allow video playback - phone, maps, music, podcasts, Siri, messages (via Siri), audiobooks and a few third party apps such as Spotify, Audible:-
https://www.apple.com/ios/carplay/
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2012 merc amg (11-30-2017)
#14
Update: I installed the Bimmerguru software tonight to unlock the RCA connectors while the vehicle is in motion and it worked flawlessly - took 2 minutes. Now the CarPlay display is always up on the screen for maps etc through the AUX input when I'm driving and I'm good to go.
Total cost was $90 for the unit and $199 for the unlock, not too much money to provide a feature I was envious of in the 2018 S Class.
Total cost was $90 for the unit and $199 for the unlock, not too much money to provide a feature I was envious of in the 2018 S Class.
#15
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4,551
Likes: 674
From: Venice Florida
2018 S560 and 2019 E450 Wagon.
Can’t find rca inputs anywhere on my 2015 S550 strange the s63 amg has them in the center console all I get is this plate covering where it looks like they should be.
Last edited by 2012 merc amg; 12-07-2017 at 02:21 AM.
#16
Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 185
Likes: 70
From: NYC
W223 S580, Range Rover Supercharged LWB, Audi A8L, BMW 750i, Porsche 911 Carrera S (997)
#18
From my understanding, RCA ports are only in center console if you have spilt view. If not, you only have the USB ports. I have the RCA ports and bought a HDMI converter and apple hdmi adapter for iPhone and the passenger can mirror their iPhone to the display. Works great with movies and quality is pretty good.
#20
Anyone this this would be a good item? Looks like you can plug it into the RCA jacks in the Center Console, then connect your phone wirelessly. Mirror anything Netflix, Waze etc....
#21
A quick update on this as the thread starter - I eventually removed this system and went with a different solution. The issues were:
- The screen quality and resolution was poor plus image quality from RCA signal made it even worse
- The remote controller was very cheaply made and hard to use
- The unit got very (very) hot in use. I even put heat sinks on it but it still worried me
- The Bluetooth connection for voice calls didn’t work reliably
In the end I realized I get everything from CarPlay plus more by just mounting an iPad Mini 4 (with cellular) in the car ...
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...d-s-class.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/new-s-cla...d-s-class.html