Activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz using OBD 2?
The general idea behind the development of any automotive product involves 3 main phases: Conceptualization, Design, and Production. But its life cycle doesn’t end there, even if the product is already in the hands of the customer, all automotive brands will always seek to optimize and update their performance by putting at your fingertips the best available technology. In some other cases, if the development involves a greater consumption of resources or there is a very large technological leap from what is currently available, the strategy used by car manufacturers is to incorporate this new technology into the latest version.
This operating principle applies to all systems that interact with the vehicle, including the infoentertainment system, and because the interior of the cabin incorporates multiple electronic devices, it is possible to add some functionality without the need to replace the hardware. This is the case of the built-in multimedia system in Mercedes Benz vehicles, where you can add the mobile integration functions Carplay and Android Auto simply by updating your operating system. In this note, we will show you what is needed and what are the steps to follow to update your multimedia system.
Table of Content
- How do I activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz?
- Within the entire range of Mercedes-Benz models, which models applied for this procedure?
- Conclusion
1. How do I activate Apple Carplay and Android Auto features on your Mercedes-Benz?
This procedure will be very useful for users with Mercedes-Benz 2014/2015 vehicles onwards and who do not have smartphone integration with Apple car play or Android auto. It is also important to clarify that you need the latest update of the COMAND and Audio 20 multimedia system (version NGT5. 1) to enable this feature. If you do not have this update, you can go to your authorized service center and request it.
You will need to purchase the Auto Activation Tool for Mercedes-Benz; this device has the information required to update our system using the OBD II port connector of our vehicle.
Step 1 : Locate OBD II port
Open your vehicle door and locate the OBD II port under the dashboard.
Step 2 : Insert Auto Activation Tool in OBD II port
Insert Auto Activation Tool in the OBD II port, the following message will be displayed on the COMAND multimedia system screen: DIAG.
Step 3 : Restart COMAND multimedia system
Source: https://www.drive2.ru/l/489107303329431601/
The COMAND multimedia system will communicate with the auto Activation Tool, this will allow the tool to download activation information within the system. This process will take about 30 seconds. Apple Car Play & Android auto should be unlocked and the COMAND system will restart. Once it is restarted it will be necessary to verify that the features are active.
Note: During this procedure it is not necessary to have any type of interaction with the vehicle such as: starting the engine, pressing the brake pedal, or inserting the key into the ignition switch
Step 4 : Connect Android or Apple mobile device
Connect your Android or Apple mobile device via the USB cable to the USB port Marked with the smartphone integration symbol, it is located on the center console of the vehicle.
Step 5 : Establish Connection between your device
The first time you connect your device, select “Start Automatically” from the menu that will appear on the media system. This step will allow you to establish the connection between your device and your Mercedes Benz vehicle, as well as to establish an automatic connection in the future each time you connect your mobile phone.
Step 6 : Test the COMAND multimedia system
Once your mobile phone is connected, it will be possible to use the primary functions using the COMAND multimedia system controller, or the buttons on the wheel, and even via the voice control system.
2. Within the entire range of Mercedes-Benz models, which models applied for this procedure?
As mentioned above this procedure is applicable to models 2014/2015, below you will find a list of models supported with COMAND and AUDIO 20 NTG5. 1 multimedia system:
- A-Class W176 produced 12.2015+
- B-Class W246 produced 12.2015+
- CLA-Class W117 produced 12.2015+
- CLS-Class C218 produced 07.2014+ (COMAND only SA531)
- E-Class W212/C207 produced 03.2015+ (COMAND only SA531)
- GLA-Class W156 produced 12.2015+
- GLE-Class W166 produced 01.2016+
- GLE-Coupe W292 produced 01.2016+
- GLS-Class X166 produced 01.2016+
Also OBD2 module can be used to lower the air suspension in the mercedes.
3. Conclusion
As you can see, this procedure is extremely easy. You only need the right tools to do it yourself without further complications, the real difficulty of doing it yourself is to get the tools you need. If you prefer to save yourself the process of acquiring all the equipment, you can take your vehicle to the authorized service center or specialized technician of your trust to perform it. However, including all the time it will take, the cost-benefit ratio is affected by increasing this service.
There is no doubt that time is relative and regarding technological development in the automotive industry involves a new meaning. Multiple electronic devices are obsolete or relegated to oblivion due to technical innovation, so having the ability to renew them even if it is for a short period turns out to be a good choice for the customer.