More and more Mercedes Benz new cars come with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, many Mercedes do not have the options built into the head units. For these vehicles we have now developed a new Apple CarPlay & Android Auto SmartBox solution that will enable CarPlay to any Mercedes E class 2016 to 2018 with NTG5.5 Audio 20 (Code 522) with Garmin Sat Nav. If you are unsure which Audio 20 you have, check our Head-unit Version Fact Sheet.or call us on 08000 520292
The centre dash trim and radio need to be removed to install this product. The connections are Plug & Play.
Apple CarPlay connects wirelessly or via USB cable. Android Auto connects by USB cable, or wirelessly on late Samsung phones (and a few others)
The device operates in a very similar way to the factory fitted option. Control is from the main Comand Controller in the centre of the car. Selecting USB on the MEDIA menu will switch the sound. Subsequently, pressing and holding the ‘Back’ button on the Comand Controller or steering wheel will switch the video. Also, the Star button on the Comand Controller will activate Siri.
Important Note
The system differs in the way it selects audio and video separately. If Audio & Video are both switched across to CarPlay then the system will work totally seamlessly. This is great if you are listening to music from your phone (iTunes, Spotify, etc). CarPlay navigation commands will interrupt as expected.
If however, you choose to listen to the car system (eg. FM/DAB radio, CD etc), you will need to switch away the audio from the Mercedes Wireless Apple CarPlay SmartBox to select your source. This means that the CarPlay SmartBox has no way of switching it’s sound back on. Using an internet radio player will enable seamless radio and navigation. This does not affect the in-built navigation.
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