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Check YouTube. You have to move the optical sound connectors from the old connector to the adapter. You also need to review the sequence to removing the dash trim. Finally, the you tube video shows you how to enable the aux connection in the radio.
Check YouTube. You have to move the optical sound connectors from the old connector to the adapter. You also need to review the sequence to removing the dash trim. Finally, the you tube video shows you how to enable the aux connection in the radio.
Can you address any OEM functionality that you lose with the installation? Does the unichip work with the factory cameras and parking sensors? Does the unichip work with the factory microphone? Thanks
was wondering if everything comes in chinese? Or is it in english?
seriously considering this. wondering if going to an A/V shop to install worth it(assuming ~150-200 for install)? or DIY?
There's also a wireless CarPlay solution from Joyeauto. Check out this DIY thread.
I've had it running in my 2015 E400 Cab for about two months. Has worked great and the wifi connection is fast and stable. There are multiple vendors for CarPlay smartboxes, I tried to get the Unichip, but they were unresponsive, I had an iCartisan unit installed, but we could never get it to work with the OEM bu cam, though it did use the OEM mic. The Joyeauto worked correctly out of the box, first install, but it did require an aux microphone. All the third-party vendors will also require you to use the AUX audio input, but other than that, the experience is seemless, like MB should have delivered in the first place.
I have a 2016 with build date of 07/15.
Used Vlad's module and it worked well for me, no upgrade needed.
Also using his "ECO removal" functionality and it also works well. Nice! Even though the ECO light remains on.
To answer my own question above in the prior post - we can go into Dealer mode (hang up + 7 + 9 for about 5 seconds), but even in that menu there is no version readout. Weird.
Just adding to this thread with a question about the above. So you didnt need the command upgrade from MB? When was your build?
Just adding to this thread with a question about the above. So you didnt need the command upgrade from MB? When was your build?
Eeehhh, let me check that for you.....
Originally Posted by FastWgnView Post
I have a 2016 with build date of 07/15.
Used Vlad's module and it worked well for me, no upgrade needed.
........
Easiest way to do it is buy the kit to flash and if it doesn't work go to the dealer for an update and try again. One way or the other it will work.
Copy. Just wonder if MB can pick up a change if it doesnt work and get "upset" effecting possible warranty issues. I have no idea if the COMAND has some sort of log or not for them to know.
But I agree, probably will just go for it. Going to report back.
Here's some info to help, along with a request for info from those who have the newest firmware on their 5.x version head unit.
I have a US Spec 2016 E350 with a build date of "17.09.2015", and the SA 531 option which is shown as "COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5" which also includes navigation and the internet enabled "MBrace" features.
I was told by vlad that I need a firmware update, and then his solution will work.
I also read elsewhere on the forums that for this car, you need firmware "High_CY15_9" or newer.
I'm presuming from the name that this firmware was created or released in September of Calendar Year 2015 -- so with a build date
of sept 17 2015, it's possible -- and even likely -- that my head unit has firmware that is an older version, because the head unit was probably loaded with firmware before my vehicle was assembled.
I read elsewhere on forums, that when the firmware is updated, when listening to the radio, that the "sound" menu on the bottom right corner (the one that you use to change things like the bass and treble, or the balance and fader") shows up as an icon for a music note, rather than text that reads "sound".
My system has the word "sound". Can anyone who has the updated firmware confirm what I read about the music not icon? I'm trying to figure out if observation applies to 2016 US Spec E350 with the SA 531 option, or whether it is off-topic for this set up.
I will update this thread with my experience a I learn more.
Vlad’s OBD II module worked flawlessly.
2016 E63, build date of 12/2015,#531 COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5,
Step 1) I checked my COMAND version and it was not current. So I asked the dealer to look at my Bluetooth dropping issue, and suggested the Sept 2015 update. Confirmed afterwards that I now have the correct version;
Latest Comand SW High_CY15_9 or later? Confirm with holding 7, 9 and red hang up button.
2) Received OBD II module from Vlad, with COVID-19, shipping took 20 days!!! Looks slightly different than eBay. Oh well. The OBD II port is the to right of the hood release. This fancy car’s OBD port has a cover! Module inserted!!! (Car is in ‘accessory’ mode) I’m “waiting” too Ok. This is what I expected to see.... This part took the longest. I didn’t time it. Maybe 5 minutes? I don’t know how high the number got, I was thinking it would go to 100 but got done much earlier (unless the count time was not linear) Ok, it rebooted Ok..... Yay!!!! This happens after I plugged my phone into the lightning cable (which was plugged into USB port #2 (the more forward ISB port in the center console) This one works, confirmed that the rear port doesn’t work. This is what shows when I used the rear USB (port 1) So happy to see this!! It works!!! It’s completely integrated with COMAND: the COMAND wheel rotates through the App icons, push to select them, the ‘selected’ icon name is highlighted in blue (see Waze icon above). Holding the Voice button on the steering wheel initiates Siri just like on any other car with CarPlay.
Last edited by Oliver Liu; 07-13-2020 at 03:23 PM.
Reason: typo
I also see the Music Note icon after the update to CarPlay
I updated firmware to Comand SW High_CY15_9 and then the ODB II port for CarPlay and I have the music note icon you mentioned. I admit I didn’t check if the field was always that way or not. Sorry!
Originally Posted by pjbrownva
Here's some info to help, along with a request for info from those who have the newest firmware on their 5.x version head unit.
I have a US Spec 2016 E350 with a build date of "17.09.2015", and the SA 531 option which is shown as "COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5" which also includes navigation and the internet enabled "MBrace" features.
I was told by vlad that I need a firmware update, and then his solution will work.
I also read elsewhere on the forums that for this car, you need firmware "High_CY15_9" or newer.
I'm presuming from the name that this firmware was created or released in September of Calendar Year 2015 -- so with a build date
of sept 17 2015, it's possible -- and even likely -- that my head unit has firmware that is an older version, because the head unit was probably loaded with firmware before my vehicle was assembled.
I read elsewhere on forums, that when the firmware is updated, when listening to the radio, that the "sound" menu on the bottom right corner (the one that you use to change things like the bass and treble, or the balance and fader") shows up as an icon for a music note, rather than text that reads "sound".
My system has the word "sound". Can anyone who has the updated firmware confirm what I read about the music not icon? I'm trying to figure out if observation applies to 2016 US Spec E350 with the SA 531 option, or whether it is off-topic for this set up.
I will update this thread with my experience a I learn more.
Here's some info to help, along with a request for info from those who have the newest firmware on their 5.x version head unit.
I have a US Spec 2016 E350 with a build date of "17.09.2015", and the SA 531 option which is shown as "COMAND APS NTG5/NTG5.5" which also includes navigation and the internet enabled "MBrace" features.
I was told by vlad that I need a firmware update, and then his solution will work.
I also read elsewhere on the forums that for this car, you need firmware "High_CY15_9" or newer.
I'm presuming from the name that this firmware was created or released in September of Calendar Year 2015 -- so with a build date
of sept 17 2015, it's possible -- and even likely -- that my head unit has firmware that is an older version, because the head unit was probably loaded with firmware before my vehicle was assembled.
I read elsewhere on forums, that when the firmware is updated, when listening to the radio, that the "sound" menu on the bottom right corner (the one that you use to change things like the bass and treble, or the balance and fader") shows up as an icon for a music note, rather than text that reads "sound".
My system has the word "sound". Can anyone who has the updated firmware confirm what I read about the music not icon? I'm trying to figure out if observation applies to 2016 US Spec E350 with the SA 531 option, or whether it is off-topic for this set up.
I will update this thread with my experience a I learn more.
The music note icon is true.
My dealer updated my firmware, and then I did vlad's updates for car play and to disable eco mode. Both worked flawlessly for me too!
Just wanted to add another option for everyone in this post. I was able to apply the steps laid out in post #137 of this thread to get my 2016 E63s wagon (manufacturer date 3/2015) to play Apple Car Play when plugged into the correct port (Yah!!). I didn't stop there though..................
I also purchased this little gem (https://carplay2air.com) and can now use Apple CarPlay in all its pure WIRELESS form! It truly is awesome! Once I got through the initial setup process (took a few tries over several minutes) it now just takes a few seconds when I fire up the beast for it to connect automatically. It even has an additional USB plug on the other end of the module so I didn't lose any USB connections. So all in it cost me about $380 (Vlad's module - $180, + $40 shipping; car play $160). The car play module is now $130. This is one of the cheapest things I've done to the car and it has made me so happy to be able to cut the cord. It also helps the things still look completely OEM.
Jules, I had noticed their sale price. Very tempting. I really need a console organizer so I can cobble together a wireless charging pad (glued to the underside of the organizer) to be 100% wireless.....)
Jules, I had noticed their sale price. Very tempting. I really need a console organizer so I can cobble together a wireless charging pad (glued to the underside of the organizer) to be 100% wireless.....)
Yeah... I thought about getting a wireless charger too. Gotta find one that will fit in the tight arm rest. Still searching......
Anyone near Toronto can simple go by MB house and have car play added on NTG 4.0 4.5 4.7 and 5.0 via original USB input. They also program out eco custom lighting, lowering a ton of different options. They are on Instagram for anyone curious in checking them out. I was going to have my CLS63 some but unfortunately they have to program in person and that’s a long way from GA!
The waiting time was 2-3 weeks but I wasn't in a rush anyways, you would want to select the 2 USB hole option for the 2016 MB.
You mean like THIS one? I realized after ordering this that the 2014-2016 E63’s have a smaller center console (4.5” x 8”) than the other W212s.....I might cut it up if it can be made to fit.......
Just trying to see if this method would also work for a 2016 C300 W205 that has the Command System? From the above posts, seems like the only things needed would be a Commend Firmware update (which would be done by the dealership) and the CarPlay Module (which would need to be purchased by Vlad via eBay). Is this an accurate understanding?
Hoping this would be the best option for the W205 C-Class!!!
07-14-2019, 05:56 PM
