Mercedes Factory System CarPlay activation

Mercedes Apple Car Play activation/ Android Auto

We are MBCoders, the market leader in retrofitting Mercedes vehicles. We use the same tools as a dealership and only apply genuine Mercedes software updates. All our work is carried out to stringent standards, in accordance with our Mercedes license for retrofitting. We are transparent about our qualifications – our Mercedes registration code is IG1001471GB and we hold 14 individual logins.

We have two guiding principles:

1. We maintain the same standard as the factory. As the end user, you should not be disadvantaged by our work.
2. We offer fair pricing. We firmly believe that our work provides value for money and do not overprice like others. We don’t have any hidden surcharges, extra costs or surprise charges.

This listing is for Remote Activation of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on supported vehicles. The compatibility list is below.

Some models shipped with Apple CarPlay only. We can always add Android Auto as well.

We also offer this service in person in Bedford and Glasgow. Please message us if this is convenient and we can book you in

Requirements

1. A Compatible Vehicle
2. A Windows laptop. Unfortunately MacBooks, IPads, Phones, Tablets etc won’t work. Some customers have successfully used desktops, mini pcs and all in one devices. This will work as long as the distance between the device and the vehicle is small enough to allow the cable to connect – 1.5m.
3. Administrative access to the laptop – you must be able to install and remove programs. For this reason we normally advise that work issued laptops won’t work, however there are some exceptions.
4. Strong WiFi or hotspot.
5. For international customers only – you will be required to purchase a cable locally, as we cannot ship overseas. UK customers will be loaned cables at no charge

What isn’t required

1. Any mechanical, or vehicular knowledge. Our technicians are the experts and will do the hard work.
2. Any computer knowledge beyond basic user level, downloading files is all that is required

How does it work

1. Upon purchase, our team will make contact and request vehicle details.
2. They will also ask and confirm if you want any of our additional services, in case separate hardware is required.
3. They will validate compatibility and prepare a customised parcel to suit your vehicle. This will include the required cables, and a prepaid return label.
4. This will be dispatched – it should take no longer than 2-3 days to arrive
5. Once it arrives, please prepare your laptop using our easy to follow instructions. This will involve downloading some files, software and potentially software updates.
6. Once you are ready, let us know and we can book you in. We strive to offer an appointment within 24 hours. We do offer flexible appointments to fit around busy schedules, this includes evenings and weekends.

The Appointment

1. Our technicians will remotely connect to your laptop and start configuring it (We use AnyDesk for this – we don’t blank screens either) – you don’t need to be in the vehicle for this
2. Once configuration is complete, the technician will direct you to physically connect the cable.
3. They will then confirm the remaining process. Depending on the vehicle, it could be a simple and quick coding change, or a longer software update.
4. The technician will then commence work, keeping you apprised of progress
5. On completion, the technician will guide you through first connection
6. They will then clean up and close off

The appointment normally takes less than 1 hour.

Once complete – please return the cables using the prepaid label.

Compatibility List

A Class

W176 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2015 and 2018.

Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible. MBUX can only be activated through the ME Store

B Class

W246 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2019. Some early models have Gen 1 units which cannot be activated. Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible.

CLA Class

W117 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2019. Some early models have Gen 1 units which cannot be activated. Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible.

CLS Class

W218 facelift models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2018. Contrary to advice given by our competitors, it is not a requirement to have the phone logo on the usb port.

W257 pre facelift with NTG5.5 between 2018 and 2022. All compatible cars will have the phone logo on USB Port 2 and non touchscreen systems.

C Class

Pre facelift W205 models from June 2017. These vehicles must have Audio 20 (small screen.) All compatible cars will have the phone logo on USB Port 2.

Unfortunately all cars prior to 2017 and cars with Comand (Large Screen) will not be compatible.

Facelift W205 models from 2018 through to end of production are all compatible. All compatible cars will have the phone logo on USB Port 2 and non touchscreen systems. The screen on the facelift models will be widescreen

E Class

W212 and W207 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2017. Contrary to advice given by our competitors, it is not a requirement to have the phone logo on the usb port.

W213 pre facelift with NTG5.5 between 2016 and 2020. All compatible cars will have the phone logo on USB Port 2 and non touchscreen systems. Further – they must have the widescreen or digital dash.

The 7 inch screen on the W213 is unfortunately not compatible.

GLC Class

Pre facelift W205 models from June 2017. These vehicles must have Audio 20 (small screen.) All compatible cars will have the phone logo on USB Port 2.

Unfortunately all cars prior to 2017 and cars with Comand (Large Screen) will not be compatible. Further – W253 Facelift with touchscreen MBUX can only be purchased through the Me Store.

GLE Class

W166 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2019.

Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible.

GLS Class

W166 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2014 and 2019.

Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible.

S Class

W222 Facelift models come with CarPlay as standard.

Pre facelift 2014-2018 models are not compatible

SLC Class

R172 models with NTG5.1 (blue theme) – this is usually vehicles between 2016 and 2019.

Older models with the Black theme and newer models with MBUX (touchscreen digital dash) are not compatible.

Not Compatible

V Class, Sprinter, Trucks, SLK and other models

Some models shipped with Apple CarPlay only. We can always add Android Auto as well.

If your vehicle isn’t compatible or doesn’t meet the requirements above please do get in touch. We have great aftermarket options with the signature MBCoders touch. These options are priced lower than our competitors and offer great value for money.

Optional Extras

Wireless adapter

Premium wireless adapter

Stop Start Disable

Agility mode

AMG Menu and graphics

TPMS disable

TPMS unit change (PSI)

Map updates