Many Mercedes-Benz owners, especially those with pre-facelift W205 models, find themselves in a perplexing situation regarding Apple CarPlay. Despite having the physical USB port marked for CarPlay and mentions in the owner’s manual, the option to activate CarPlay is nowhere to be found in the car’s menu. If you’re in this boat, you’re likely wondering about the best way to get CarPlay working in your Mercedes.
One frustrated owner of an 18-plate W205 C-Class shared their experience, highlighting the confusing and often contradictory information available online. They discovered their car seemed CarPlay-ready on paper but lacked the actual functionality. An attempt to use a Mercedes CarPlay activation OBD2 dongle proved unsuccessful, leading them to explore other avenues.
For Mercedes owners facing this issue, there are generally three potential paths to enable CarPlay:
- CarPlay Activation via Coding: This involves using software to unlock the existing CarPlay capability within the car’s system.
- Retrofit Upgrade Kit: This option entails installing aftermarket hardware designed to add CarPlay functionality.
- Android Screen Replacement: Replacing the factory screen with an Android-based unit that includes CarPlay (and often Android Auto) as a feature.
Alt text: Interior view of a Mercedes-Benz W205 C-Class showing the dashboard and infotainment screen, relevant to discussions about CarPlay activation.
The owner in question expressed a preference for retaining the original Mercedes screen and activating factory CarPlay through coding. While Android screens can be appealing, concerns about long-term reliability and integration often arise. Activating the OEM CarPlay system via coding would provide a seamless, factory-integrated experience, accessible through the standard telephone menu.
However, the waters get murky when considering the feasibility and risks of coding. The Mercedes owner contacted several “coders” and received conflicting responses:
- Coder 1: CarPlay activation is possible with a software upgrade.
- Coder 2: Activation is possible but provided no specifics.
- Coder 3: Technically possible, but involves a software downgrade that carries a risk of damaging the head unit. This coder advised against it.
This highlights the uncertainty and potential risks associated with coding-based CarPlay activation. Experiences can vary, and the expertise of the coder is crucial. Some may advocate for software upgrades, while others warn of downgrade risks.
Alt text: Close-up of a Mercedes-Benz NTG5 infotainment system interface, illustrating the technology involved in CarPlay activation discussions.
For those considering this route, it’s essential to seek clarity on the specific process and potential risks from any coder. Understanding whether a software upgrade or downgrade is involved, and the coder’s experience with W205 models and NTG5 systems (as identified by the owner: “NTG version is 5Star1”), is vital.
If coding seems too risky or uncertain, retrofit kits offer another option. These kits typically involve hardware modules that are installed in conjunction with the existing system to add CarPlay functionality. While potentially more expensive than coding, they might be seen as a more reliable and less risky approach by some.
Ultimately, the decision on how to activate Mercedes CarPlay depends on individual preferences, risk tolerance, and budget. Exploring experiences from other Mercedes owners and seeking recommendations for reputable coders or retrofit specialists can help in making an informed choice. For owners of pre-facelift W205 models and similar Mercedes vehicles, understanding the nuances of Mercedes OBD2 CarPlay activation is the first step towards a more connected driving experience.
