W212 E-Class & Apple CarPlay / Android Auto

Installing / Activating / Enabling Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in a Mercedes-Benz E Class W212

Intro & the low-down

This is going to be a long post i’m sorry! Most of you have probably come from the Facebook W212 Owners Club group interested in getting Apple Car-Play / Android-Auto working on your W212 E-Class, especially that i noted that i got it all working for free, which is true, however probably won’t be for most people. Although with the help of this info I’m pretty sure that ANY independent Mercedes specialist (with the right diagnostics equipment) or dealer for that fact will be able to get it working on the vehicles that have the right hardware already installed in the car. (And hopefully i can guide you to a solution if it can’t be done on the hardware you have). I would expect an independent to charge a couple of hours labour for what needs to be done, dealer I’m not so sure but get your wallet out.

Before we go any further, I just need to say; Any information on here is provided ‘As-is’ and you should follow at your own risk. I work for an Independent Mercedes Specialist, everything here is what I personally have researched, found out as i go along and made up at the time of doing it!

Bit of background first for anyone that doesn’t have a clue what Apple Car-Play / Android-Auto is; Basically this feature links your phone up to the main media screen and displays compatible applications in a Apple / Android like format. As a fan of Apple products its great to get seamless integration with my car. Couple of pics below.

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Can i get Apple CarPlay / Android Auto in my W212 E-Class?

Short answer, Yes.
But its a bit more complicated than that. If you have a Command online NTG5.1 head unit (*see next paragraph), its most likely a case of software updates and coding.
If you don’t then you will require a aftermarket solution that links into the media display screen.

How do i find out what head unit i have?

I have seen a lot of discussion on this on the internet and have a few sources that i have come to the following conclusion: Most W212 E Class’ have the NTG4.5/7 unit or possibly NTG 4.0. The later facelift models seem to have the NTG5.1 units which is ideally the one we want and the subject of my situation.

The first NTG5.x unit come to the W222 S-Class and was known internally as the NTG5.2. Next, i quote here; “A more traditional system with full keyboard was then released and this is called NTG5*1.  It was installed in the MY2015 E class and CLS class, and followed in the A, B, CLA, GLA and with the GLE/GLS when they were facelifted (and renamed from ML/GL). It has a SD-CARD slot in the front and seperate USB ports in the armrest glovebox”.

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Quick note, the NTG4.7 has a almost similar appearance to the NTG5.1 in the fact that it uses the carousel like picture screen. The 4.7 has different hardware & internet access via a phone, whereas the 4.5 does not.

Further info on the types of headunits, and what ive based my research on can be found at the following links:
http://mercupgrades.com/Mercedes+NTG5+COMAND+and+Audio+20+Systems-article-82.html
http://www.mercupgrades.com/Comand+APS+NTG4+5+FAQ-faq-15.html
http://www.mercupgrades.com/comand+++all+about+the+different+mercedes+comand+systems-article-54.html
https://incartec.blob.core.windows.net/instructions/Mercedes%20NTG%20Head%20Unit%20Differences.pdf

The NTG5.1 features hardware that is more capable and therefore has a new (and more eye pleasing!) version of software. It also has the hardware capability to be able to make CarPlay / Android Auto function, although the software that it left the factory with doesn’t know it for the W212 E-Class Models. It was never an option that i know of. In models like the W205 C-Class & W213 E-Class they have a touch controller instead of a rotary controller. (Hhhmm, could the touch controller be retrofitted?)

I have a NTG4.0 NTG4.5 NTG4.7 Headunit, how do i make CarPlay & Android Auto work / enable / activate it?

The hardware inside these units does not support CarPlay & Android Auto. You will require a aftermarket integration.

Option1 – Aftermarket intergration

There are lots of options out there, in simple terms they link into the screen and display it.
(eBay links below) Make sure you choose one for the correct version of your headunit.

Option 2 – Replace the system with a android based unit that supports it.

Ive seen various units out there, honestly, some look really good! A couple actually have software that makes it look factory, see below! With these units i believe they need a USB car play adaptor then you need to install the software onto the Android operating system on it etc.
(Seems a bit long winded though to get an Apple system working via Android based software!)
(eBay links below)

I have a NTG5.1 Head Unit, how do I make CarPlay & Android Auto work / enable / activate it?

Option 1, If the software is already updated – Just activate it:

You should check to see if the software / firmware has been updated. This very unlikely, however if you’ve had issues with the unit and its been to a dealer for rectification its possible that they may have carried out the update.

If you hold down the ‘Call hang up’ button and then keys ‘7’ & ‘9’ on the keypad it will enter the showroom mode. Scroll down and on page 2, if there is a option for CarPlay volume the software has been updated to a version that supports it! I think i read that here somewhere in this thread so kudos for that!

In this case, it just needs activating. You can buy a CarPlay activator and it goes in the OBD port to enable it. (not had experience myself with these)

There is an alternative to getting a activator unit, will involve a dealer or independent still to get it going – see options 2 / 3.

Option 2, Full Dealer Co-operation

I mention ‘co-operation’ as some dealers might not have experience in how to actually do this or be particularly interested in doing it.
1. They need to add the relevant build codes to the vehicles datacard.
2. Update the command firmware / software to “High_CY15_9”
3. Carry SCN Programming to enable CarPlay / Android Auto (it may happen automatically as part of firmware / software programming).

Option 3, Partial Dealer Co-operation

Get them to update the software on the headunit. Maybe you could say since you’ve serviced my car the bluetooth doesn’t always connect and get them to update the software FOC…..!

1. Update the command firmware / software to “High_CY15_9”
Confirm this firmware upgrade, preferably via Xentry printout, or via “Dealer Menu” (press Hangup+7+9 buttons) to read on page 2: “11. Ringtone Volume for CarPlay”.
2. Buy a CarPlay activator (see above links) and use OBD port to enable.

Option 4, Get an Independent to do it.

The steps are exactly the same as option 2, but some independents may not know exactly how its done or have the exact equipment to do it. Feel free to point them in the direction of this page! (Notes below)

Option 5, Aftermarket kit

Get an aftermarket kit installed such as the one below. (Same principal as the ones for the earlier headunit models.) It essentially links into the screen cable and displays it on the screen.

Although, if you have the NTG5.1 unit, not really worth it.

Option 6, I want to do the firmware / software updates myself, then get the a activator.

Honestly, not really an option. You need to get yourself an Xentry Machine, RDS unit (Retail data storage) & Xentry online login.

Notes for independents or even maybe dealers…

You will need a Xentry online coding login.

Adding the relevant build codes to the datacard: on my first attempt i tried to do this via Xentry add equipment codes from diagnosis session. I kept getting an error that the build codes are not compatible and it would not proceed.
I put a case through on Xentry XSF and they added the codes straight away.
Other option is to add the equipment codes via special functions (where you select a vehicle).

RDS – Retail Data Storage: Since the back end of 2019 Mercedes does not distribute software DVDs. It now uses a server that has to be installed on the same network as the Xentry machine, this server downloads the software the Xentry machine needs as it goes. With an up to date Xentry machine but no RDS, it won’t work. If you have an older Xentry software version, say pre 08/2019 and the correct software DVDs you may still be able to do it.

During the firmware / software update, the instructions refer to a green cable, this is a ethernet cable that goes from the VCI to a network port the Xentry machine is connected too. (Note – we have a Kit3 type of Xentry system, if you have kit 1 or 2, then it might not say about this or maybe different)

The build codes that need to be updated are as follows:
’14U’ Smartphone Integration Package
’16U’ Smartphone Integration Carplay
’17U’ Smartphone Integration Google Automotive Link

Other Notes

If anyone needs help getting a datacard updated, message me and i will be able to help.

Once the software is updated and its activated, is just a case of plugging your phone in and off it goes.

I read once that it is required that the USB socket in the centre console has to be replaced with a different unit and the CarPlay version has a chip in it that makes it all work. I can only assume that the difference is that the icons are different. I just used port 2 and it’s all working OK.

Some notes i found on Xentry:
CarPlay function requirements:
– Function ‘CarPlay’ Must be activated in the iPhone
– Use USB connector 2
– Compatible with iPhone as of generation 8.
– Software release of iPhone iOS version 8.3 or higher
CarPlay Notes:
– Application ‘CarPlay’ is highly dependent on an internet connection.
– Application ‘CarPlay’ has limited functionality without an internet connection
– Application ‘CarPlay’ is highly dependent on “Siri” voice control
– Non-genuine accessori cables can cause connection problems
– It is recommended to use the genuine Mercedes-Benz cable (short variant)
– After activation of of smartphone integration mode, the following functions of command controller unit are no longer available: Navigation, MEDIA, Internet Services, Voice control, Mercedes Me Connect. (Basically whilst in CarPlay or Android Auto is in use, they will not be available).

Picture of the version info from Xentry once software was updated (01/05/2020):

Lastly, if any info is incorrect, please let me know and il get it corrected!