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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!!!
The system works as designed, but the instructions came in Mandarin Chinese. DMP Car design "tech support" was a little hit or miss as well... the lady I chatted with on WhatsApp was little more than an intermediary. We fought time zones so fault finding was very time consuming. In the end we figured it out based on videos I saw on YouTube from fellow enthusiasts and the identification of an incorrect DIP switch setting.
The apple car play does work via Bluetooth however I've found that sometimes I have to plug the phone in to the unit via the supplied USB interface to kick start it.
For under $400 I think its a great addition to the car and it really updates the interior.
The hardware is quality and I'm very happy with the purchase experience.
If anyone decides to purchase this unit, just remember that pins 1 through 7 on the unit need to be OFF, and Pin 8 needs to be ON. Remember this tidbit... If I'd known this during the install I wouldn't have had to reach out to tech support in the first place.
Anyone local to the DC/Maryland/VA area install this? I went to install it today - couldn't get the passenger AC vent to disengage from the dash, so I aborted. I could see the last piece of plastic where it was still connected to the dash, but couldn't find what it was connected to (and therefore how to disconnect).
I just did this on my 2016 E63S with the Vlad eBay link above.
WARNING! My dealer told me there is a brand new command firmware/software version coming out any day now in Feb 2022 and wanted me to wait for that. VLAD SAYS DO NOT GET THAT ONE YET!
So I had my dealer tell me the latest version (NOT the newest coming out), verified that number with Vlad first, he said good to go and I had the dealer flash command to version 1769027702, 2129026011
I just told them I wanted it for a CarPlay dongle to work and they said sure and charged me $169. Remember as of Feb 2022: Make sure they don’t put the newest version, only 1769027702, 2129026011 - until Vlad starts trying his dongle on the newest when it comes out.
After the flash my “Sound” menu item changed to the music note instead of the word “Sound”.
With the car on and command on insert the dongle and it will take over.
The only hiccup was self imposed: I stared at the first screen for 10 minutes before realizing I need to press ON to start at this prompt LOL:
1>CarPlay on HU5s1
press ON to kick it off.
When it is done don’t remove the dongle until it reboots through diag a few times eventually landing on the regular command screen. Then unplug the dongle and plug in your phone.
I took a picture of the rear USB plug I have to use. It just worked no upgrading USB for me.
2014 - 2015 you have to buy the part from Amazon. You can either use the original screen or you can purchase an aftermarket touch screen that essentially replaces the OEM screen.
The link seems to change every now and then, but here is the one I bought from Amazon - just put this into the search bar:
Road Top Wireless Carplay Retrofit Kit Decoder for Mercedes Benz ntg4.5 ntg4.7 C/E/CLA/GLA/GLK/CLS/ML/GL/GLK/SLK Class 2012-2015 Year, Support Android Auto, Mirrorlink,Reverse Track Camera
I purchased from roadtop, Android 11 with the 12.3" monitor.
Absolutely love it.
They have great support too.
very cool. You got it From AliExpress or via Amazon? Brings the dash up to the standards of this decade! And probably easier than going the vlad++ way, not to mention the same price for more functionality
Purchased from roadtop directly.
5G Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Android Auto, mirror link, 1920 HD etc.
Ali was much more expensive.
I waited until Android 11 became available. Great speed and operational options.
If you look at the way these monitors are mounted in the newer cars, they're all like that.
I took a picture of the rear USB plug I have to use. It just worked no upgrading USB for me.
I'm 90% sure that is because you already have the new hardware (the rear USB connector has the "tablet looking" symbol,.
I did NOT have that in my car and had to buy that part separately. Wasn't that expensive though.
And thankyou on the no update for next service PSA. Hopefully Vlad can get it to work. My car is still under warranty so not great to refuse software updates when available.
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!
Hi there. I hear all this talk of Vlad? I don’t see a link or contact for him anywhere. Does anyone have this information? Please provide. Thank you.
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 Oliver Liu
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.
Hi-
how do I get in touch with Vlad? I don’t see a link or his contact anywhere. Maybe you can help?
Any update for 2014-2015 E63s with the factory screen?
This is the unit I'm still using -
Originally Posted by cotmfk
2014 - 2015 you have to buy the part from Amazon. You can either use the original screen or you can purchase an aftermarket touch screen that essentially replaces the OEM screen.
The link seems to change every now and then, but here is the one I bought from Amazon - just put this into the search bar:
Road Top Wireless Carplay Retrofit Kit Decoder for Mercedes Benz ntg4.5 ntg4.7 C/E/CLA/GLA/GLK/CLS/ML/GL/GLK/SLK Class 2012-2015 Year, Support Android Auto, Mirrorlink,Reverse Track Camera
You can find it (or the newer version, if there is one) on Amazon. Works really well for me. Road Top is the brand name. I am using the factory screen, so it's not touch screen, but the wheel on the center console makes it relatively easy to use or you can use your phone screen.
I was checking out the new cars in the Pic Thread, and Peter in Germany showed off his new car, with an Apple CarPlay upgrade for the stock system!
I'd never heard of this before, and would love to know more about its availability in the US. I didn't want to hijack the other thread, so I've copied his relevant posts, hoping that Peter or others can chime in with more info.
My 2016 definitely has the NTG5.X head unit, so I'd definitely be interested in this upgrade.
Here is what you need. My brother had this on his 2016 E63, but just sold the car. He will sell his that is 4 months old for $500 shipped in the US. It cost @ $700 new with shipping.
Last edited by JesseB; Nov 1, 2022 at 05:38 PM.
Reason: added pictures
@cotmfk I'm getting this one installed in a week or so - is this the one that requires the aux input for audio? (I think maybe they all do?) Would love to know any other quirks / features with your experience worth sharing. Sounds like they swap out the factory mic for a different mic (same placement) - any improvement on calls?
Last edited by Hodgeheg; Dec 8, 2022 at 08:01 AM.
Reason: forgot to quote / tag user
@cotmfk I'm getting this one installed in a week or so - is this the one that requires the aux input for audio? (I think maybe they all do?) Would love to know any other quirks / features with your experience worth sharing. Sounds like they swap out the factory mic for a different mic (same placement) - any improvement on calls?
For the one I installed, I did not have to use the aux input for audio. I use the RoadTop CarPlay box for all audio other than phone calls. The phone and car still use the MB Bluetooth for phone calls. For your next question (quirks), this goes to that point. Sometimes the phone/car/carplay will not switch over to MB Bluetooth audio for phone calls and so you will have to manually change the audio output/source on your phone during the call. Similarly, sometimes it won't switch back to your music once the call is over. I believe I can fix this problem by using the aux input, but I haven't taken the time to wire the cable from the dash to the aux input outlet. It would require some small hole being drilled so that the cable can get into the center console storage compartment (where my aux input is).
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