Mercedes E550 Gets APPLE CARPLAY! - How To Install CARPLAY On Your W212 OEM COMAND System / Screen.

Full "How To" on adding Apple CarPlay to your W212 Mercedes E-Class. This work was done on a 2012 Mercedes E550 4Matic
If you can't tell already, I am a big fan of older, depreciated, German cars like my 2012 Mercedes E550 W212. One of the bigger drawbacks to an older car is the dated technology inside. Outdated navigation systems, lack of streaming options, lack of hands free operation, etc. are all areas where the older cars are a bit lacking. Good news is that can be changed!
There are lots of options for adding Apple CarPlay to your W212 Mercedes. There are aftermarket touchscreens with full operating systems, or there are options to add CarPlay to your existing screen and COMAND system. I wanted a nice, clean, OEM look and feel to my Apple CarPlay install so I decided to go with the RoadTop kit. This kit adds CarPlay to the OEM screen and COMAND system for a nice clean install. It does lack a touchscreen, but you can control it through Siri or with your OEM COMAND control knob. I don't have a lot of miles on the system yet, but so far it functions very easy and smooth even without the touchscreen.
With so many options and devices out there, it can be difficult to find the right device and to figure out how to install it. This video gives the full breakdown on where to get the RoadTop box amzn.to/2R7jR4q and how to install it for a clean OEM look and feel. I go over how to take apart your interior, where to mount the box, how to run the wires, and how to put everything back together.
I hope this helps you out if you are looking to add some updated technology to your W212. This has really made the interior of my 2012 Mercedes E550 feel a lot newer and better!
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RoadTop Retrofit Kit:
amzn.to/2R7jR4q
Interior Trim Removal Tool Kit:
amzn.to/3xyO79p
Torx Screwdriver Kit:
amzn.to/3xt2FXY

[@bucksgarage]

*Small correction to the video* After further research, it looks like you can run the RoadTop box without plugging in the AUX cable like I did. As long as your AUX is enabled in your car, you shouldn't need to plug in the actual AUX cable. If your AUX isn't turned on, go into engineering mode by pressing and holding "End Call" "Hashtag" and "1" until it launches. Once in, you can enable AUX if it isn't already there for you. I can't say if there is any sound difference between using the cable and not using the cable as I did not try it without the cable. But others have reported that it works just fine and sounds good. So if you don't have an AUX plug in your car or don't want to run cables to your center console, it appears that it is not necessary. I know some have run the USB cable to their glove box or elsewhere in the cabin. Hope this helps, good luck and have fun!

[@johanneshofmann9192]

Maybe somebody has tried this already with an Audio20 NTG 4.5: Does this also apply there? I have the Aux Jack in the Armrest and i can also select it in the menu but can't activate an (extra) aux in the engineering menu (which also looks different than the Command one). Anyways thanks for your great video, i think most of it will also apply to my w204 :)

[@bucksgarage]

@@johanneshofmann9192 There is not an "extra" AUX. If your AUX shows and is selectable then you should be good to go. Some people's car has the AUX showing but it is grayed out and not selectable. Those people need to go into engineering mode and turn it on. Sounds like your car is all ready for this to go in!

[@johanneshofmann9192]

@@bucksgarage Hi, I installed my unit today together with a friend and want to give some impressions, maybe someone finds it helpful! In Order to get the sound working without the aux connection in the armrest, we had to connect the extra „audio ground“ that hangs off the big cable loom. We crimped a cable lug onto it and used a screw at the back of the housing of the NTG to make the connection. It works perfectly now, so no need to route that AUX Cable! For reference. I dont have the Harman/Kardon sound and there for no fiberoptic cables in my quadlock. Also one other tipp: The Space behind the NTG is really tight as you know. So we routed the factory side quadlock connector to the space between the glovebox and NTG so there is only the connector back there that plugs into the NTG. This made it very easy to put it back together. I routed the USB Connector into the Glovebox. My car has the Beckermap thing in there and there is some extra space to let the USB come out. The unit is now at the same spot as yours, thanks for that great tipp! And thanks again for your great video, it was very helpful and there is a lot of good information in there, very well done! You Rock! 🤟 I hope you can understand my english, greetings from Berlin!

[@bucksgarage]

@@johanneshofmann9192 Awesome info, thanks for sharing! The more I talk to people about this modification, the more I find out how many different setups there are out there for these cars. Really great of you to share your experience with the install. Glad everything worked for you. Thanks for watching, I really appreciate it!

[@TheFPFFM]

Hi There - such an awesome video!! In a real struggle here - how's the bluetooth sound quality with Harmon Kardon/Fiberoptic cable?

[@thrash1337]

I just did mine, and I can say it was a 5-6 hour job for a rookie like me. Some tips for y'all: 1) When removing the dash wood trim there are small holes in the right-most vent for your hook tools to go. Use the clip holes in the driver side vents to put your hooks there. Don't pull directly on the wood trim, use the vent holes and tools. 2) Unscrew the radio and then push down on the screws before you fully remove them - the screws pull those 2 brackets up to secure the radio and they may stay up after you remove the screws, so make sure to push them down to release the radio unit. 3) The thermometer goes into the undercarriage of the glove box, not the glove box itself. There is a misleading hole conveniently positioned near the lead for the thermometer on the glove box. I got mislead. 4) Make sure that on your new black box you toggle the switches in accordance with the user manual. I initially got a black screen because I hadn't toggled mine properly. All in all, I had 3 switches in the ON position, the rest remained off. 5) Connect your audio ground cable to the USB/Video ground cable to make sure your sound stays clean and sharp. 6) Look up videos online if you're struggling with disassembling something. This guy covers pretty much everything you need to know, but you may want to see another point of view. 7) Take your time, it pays off!

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for sharing your experience, good tips!

[@ljang6576]

5) Connect your audio ground cable to the USB/Video ground cable to make sure your sound stays clean and sharp. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ mine does not have sounds coming out - i did not connect the 2 GNDs wires to anything? just to confirm - do i need to connect the 2 GNDs together? to have sound come out? TIA.

[@АлександрКеренский-в4ж]

Здравствуйте🙋 подскажите а где заказать и как работает? Монитор штатный остаётся?

[@АлександрКеренский-в4ж]

Понял что заказать с алиэкспресс

[@АлександрКеренский-в4ж]

На каком сайте?

[@B0RRAC0]

Taking everything apart is easy! The trick is putting Humpty back together again! I usually end up with "extra" parts! 🤣 LOVE your car man! Wish I kept mine! 👍🏼

[@bucksgarage]

Haha yeah there is always the danger of having left over screws, luckily this went together pretty nicely. Thanks for watching!

[@ourfutureisdark]

I heard it doesn’t work in warmer or hot weather is that true?

[@m.deleon6277]

Thanks for the vid!! It only took me 4 hrs. But I put the wire to the consul like you did and it was well worth it. Thanks for the info.

[@bucksgarage]

Glad the video helped, still one of my favorite mods to the car!

[@MyNeighborsCar]

Keep it up man! Greetings from San Diego. 2010 E550 with 82k miles.

[@bucksgarage]

How do you like the NA 5.5? I have never driven that engine but I hear good things. Thanks for watching!

[@MyNeighborsCar]

I really love that engine! I've never been interested in superchargers or turbochargers, they scare me.

[@bucksgarage]

@@MyNeighborsCar Understandable. But there is something to be said for some nice turbo whistle or the sweet whine of a supercharger!

[@josiahtzolov6011]

Good information! I’ll probably buy a e55 2012 this summer but I love this information and the content, thanks man!

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for watching and good luck with your car search. I have been really happy with mine.

[@asage5801]

For 2012 its E550

[@andycape4697]

Ill need to get one to watch Bucks garage watching his e550 in his e550 while im in my e550 to go deeper in the inception

[@bucksgarage]

Mind... Blown!!!

[@afrojoe1111]

I think you have to get a permit to do that.

[@michaelw6554]

It looks like it has an internal music player. Where can you store music that it has access to? Will it do random play? Support Genres? THANKS

[@bucksgarage]

The carplay is just an interface to access your iPhone, it doesn't store any music or anything. The stock Mercedes screen can access an SD card for stored music, but CarPlay just makes it easier to get to whatever is stored or streaming from your phone.

[@jackmiddlebrook9801]

Thanks for your time and appreciate the info! Best,

[@erick3786]

Amazing work 👍🏼 just subscribed for future upgrades.

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@Chris-rs3dj]

Love the steering wheel!

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks, one of my favorite upgrades for sure!

[@marouanelamnaouar699]

Hello Dear Aaron, Thank you for your tutorial; it's very enriching. I would love to know your opinion on the best CarPlay system for the Mercedes W212-the one that best preserves the original functions while efficiently adding Apple CarPlay. Thank you. Best regards,

[@arabiancars5777]

Hi great video and effort, Do you know how to change Region From JAP to UK or Middle East ?

[@bucksgarage]

On the RoadTop box? There is an option menu that allows changing language and region.

[@thrash1337]

Hey man, does your reverse camera work inside Carplay? When I switch to (R)everse I have to go to NTG to use my 360 cameras + the reverse camera.

[@bucksgarage]

I am using the OEM backup camera. The unit automatically switches back to NTG and the camera when I shift to reverse, then auto switches back to CarPlay when I go back to drive or park. Everything happens automatically and quickly. There are some options in the menu for aftermarket cameras if you have them.

[@stevendeigo]

Good channel, subbed, looking forward to see more updates and more subs.

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for checking out the channel and thanks for the sub! Should have some new Mercedes stuff next time around.

[@smsunder]

Nice and helpful video where I'll look to add Android auto to my 2010 E550 Coupe with muffler delete.

[@bucksgarage]

I bet that big NA V8 sounds mean with the muffler delete. Thanks for watching!

[@smsunder]

@@bucksgarage totally changes the sound and aggressiveness of the E550.

[@jackmiddlebrook9801]

Really enjoy your videos and glad I came across this outstanding info. Plan on being in the Boise area in late December. By any chance might you have any recommendations for car audio shops that would be able to handle this install for me? (I am 86 and fairly limited physically). Car is a 2013 S550. Thanks,

[@bucksgarage]

Give Aspen Sound in Boise a shot. If they can't/won't do it, they may know of a shop that will.

[@winoism]

Any suggestions as to why I have no image when I switch to CarPlay? Everything seems to be connected correctly???

[@bucksgarage]

I'd double check the LVDS cables. I installed one of these on my BMW and had the same issue, found out I had the cables run the wrong way.

[@sethennis3316]

Would love to get this for my 2012 cls550, too bad it’s winter rn and I don’t have a garage to do this in.

[@bucksgarage]

It is one of my favorite upgrades so far! I really like the steering wheel too, but the CarPlay makes the car feel a lot newer than it is. Hope you can get yours put in soon, you won’t regret it!

[@Mogulkahn]

Thanks for the awesome video! Can you kindly help me with my inquiry please, I have an E300 2014 fitted with the limcet module at one of the local audio dealers here in Dubai. My car has the same control knob as the one in this video, and I noticed you were able to swap pages in the CarPlay application view by moving the knob left / right if I saw / heard correctly. The problem is in my car I can't do that and can only navigate the CarPlay menu by turning the while. Pushing my wheel left or right only triggers the previous/next action for songs in music. Pushing up or down on my knob does nothing. Also the previous / next button on the MB infotainment dash don't work with carplay. So can you please tell me if there is something I can do to fix and enhance navigating the CarPlay menu with MB knob by utilizing all it's movement capabilities? Many thanks! PS: is there any possibility for the CarPlay module to link with the car's native GPS system rather than the iPhone's? Thanks again and apologize for the many questions!

[@bucksgarage]

I would check and make sure your dip switches are set correctly on the carplay box to see if that might fix your wheel side to side issue. Unfortunately you are out of luck on the next two questions. The audio controls in the dash cluster will not work with the carplay box, they are just controlling the Mercedes system which when set to AUX does not have a previous or next function. And no, you can't tie the carplay navigation into the Mercedes navigation. The carplay is is dumb on it's own, it can't do anything without tying into the iPhone, it is just a control interface for the phone.

[@dannyjamz23]

Just found your channel super awesome

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for watching! Should have some new content soon.

[@basilqasrawi3494]

You don’t have rout the AUX cable to the center council. Just use the cars original Bluetooth 👍🏻. Audio quality is great since I am still using the original Bluetooth and I could still play music and answer phone calls from car play 😁

[@ourfutureisdark]

I heard it doesn’t work in warmer or hot weather is that true?

[@basilqasrawi3494]

I had it for over a year. Zero issues.

[@basilqasrawi3494]

I had it for over a year. Zero issues.

[@basilqasrawi3494]

I had it for over a year. Zero issues.

[@basilqasrawi3494]

I had it for over a year. Zero issues.

[@egemenanl9783]

Very nice tutorial, thanks for sharing! It helped me a lot during the installation for my e350 coupe today🙏🏼 I still have a question though: my car has OEM 360 Camera and reverse camera just work fine when car play is on and when I switch the gear to R, the screen automatically shows the rear camera + side cameras. However, when switch the gear to D, front camera should appear on the screen but with the carplay mode it doesnt. I have to exit from carplay to original system and only then front camera appears. Do you know how to fix this?

[@bucksgarage]

Glad the video helped you get the install done. Sorry but I don’t have the front camera on my car so I never dealt with it. The RoadTop guys do seem to be responsive though, I’d ask them on their website or Amazon store, they might have some ideas. Good luck!

[@meli062188]

I have a 2011 Mercedes E 550, I just bought it and I am planning on adding the Carplay but as of right now my current navigation says there is no map and it is missing the memory card. Will this affect the installation of the carplay if so do I need to purchase it first before installing the carplay?

[@bucksgarage]

No the carplay module does it's own thing between it and your phone, it is just utilizing the stock screen in the car, it doesn't take any info from the stock stereo system. All the maps on CarPlay will come from your phone.

[@brgable]

Great video but there has to be an easier system to install than that system?

[@bucksgarage]

Not that I know of for this car. The newer cars have a module you can plug into the OBD port that will give it CarPlay, but my car is too old for that to work. The other option is installing a whole new screen too and running an android system, but I didn't want to go that route. This really wasn't too hard, and if you run the wire to the glove box or passenger footwell, you don't have to take apart as much of the console.

[@AlexTufescu]

Great video man. Really appreciate your thoroughness. One question though - in CarPlay you mention that you could turn the wheel to move app by app, or moving the wheel left to right to move from page to page. Does moving the wheel in different directions (up/down/left/right) move from app to app as well? Asking because my wheel hasn’t worked with turning for well over 2 years and I’d hate to spend this time installing this only to be able to move page to page. Thanks!

[@bucksgarage]

Unfortunately I don’t think it would work very well for you if your wheel isn't working during turning. Clicking it will move a whole page of apps but it won’t move from app to app or even say episode to episode. I think you’d be stuck without getting your wheel fixed.

[@AlexTufescu]

@@bucksgarage ty for the quick followup. Bummer... you wouldn't happen to have a hack to get my wheel fixed would you? $800 is something I don't want to spend to get a new one :)

[@bucksgarage]

@@AlexTufescu if it were me I would try replacing the entire wheel unit with a known good used one. Quick eBay search shows they go for around $90. They are really simple, you probably saw mine come out in the video, couple of screws and one plug and the whole unit comes out. I’d buy a used one, try swapping it in and see if that fixes your problem. If it works then I’d do the CarPlay next. Good luck!

[@JettaRedIII]

Bummer! Does that mean you can only drive forward in a straight line?

[@stevem6711]

I've read a few comments on the Amazon page for this item and several commented about this unit having overheating problems in regard to ambient temperatures above 80 deg. The screen will just go black. Now that you've had it a while, have you experienced any issues with it?

[@bucksgarage]

I haven't had any heat issues with my setup at all and it gets up to over 100 degrees for a few weeks here in the summer. Some people put the box up in the dash near the screen and I can see that causing heat problems. Where I placed mine, further down in the dash, it hasn't had any heat problems.

[@GATube]

Thanks for the great video! Can you tell me how it is with the FM radio in the NTG? Meaning when I would switch from the Carplay module back to the original Mercedes radio because I want to listen to the radio, do I need to switch the audio input source from AUX to FM or similar every single time? And what happens if I am in the Mercedes radio and a call comes in at the Carplay module since my phone is connected to it? Do I need to switch to AUX again?

[@ailhamtiara]

great video! I am looking to install a Kremersino box version of this carplay retrofit into my C250 w204. Will be done by my mechanic next Monday as I don't really have the tools and very poor with DIY stuff. Was just wondering, how long did it take for you to completely install the system? Was just wondering as I would be charged the labour fee but the guy said around 2.5-3hrs labour. Thanks!

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for checking out the video! It would be really hard for me to say how long it took, unfortunately, filming for the channel makes everything take a lot longer than normal. I helped a friend put this box in a newer C Class, the interior was a lot easier to take apart than mine so we had it done in an hour or so. I’d say probably 1-2 hours would be about right.

[@ailhamtiara]

@@bucksgarage Thanks for the response! My C-Class is the facelifted W204 so it shares a lot of parts with your W212. Will see how my mechanic goes as I don't think I need to run the AUX through the centre console. Fingers crossed everything is going good.

[@roderickwilson5926]

Hi there I have just fitted the same unit in my Mercedes E300. I am having problems using airplay and CarPlay on the Mercedes screen. I can use maps,phone,messages etc with no problem. Please can you explain what I need to do for me to get CarPlay to work using an iPhone12 as I cannot get it to mirror to the screen.

[@bucksgarage]

The mirroring the screen is different than the CarPlay, you would have to go back to the settings screens for the screen mirror. I don’t use it much, the only reason for it would be to watch video on the Mercedes screen.

[@nicholasst8977]

hello i would like to ask is the audio quality as good or is it better ? i have the ntg 4.0 non nav so it comes with no bluetooth. Is the audio quality on the apple carplay as good compared to CD quality or worse quality then CD?

[@bucksgarage]

Audio quality is just as good as any other music type in the car. I have used the Mercedes BT, radio, CD, etc. I don't tell any difference with the CarPlay setup. I do recommend using the "boosted" volume on the AUX setting so the volume for CarPlay is closer to the volume for radio and other things.

[@sayeedahm]

Thank you for the detailed instruction. Helped me alot during my installation. Recently i upgraded my E350 2014 Base 4.7 NTG but having black screen issue. It only happens when it's too hot outside (E.g. 100 in southern California) If i turn on the AC after 15-20 minutes screens started to work again. Main Mercedes screen works fine but when i switch to RoadTop screen no Display. i can play music via aux so RoadTop is working but no display.Contacted RoadTop customer service and they told me to turn off Bluetooth and Wifi and screen should show up but it's not happening to my case. Thanks again for your help. Any issues with your system in hot climate like Cali?

[@bucksgarage]

I am in Idaho so it gets pretty hot here too (106 this week). I haven't had any issues with the RoadTop not working when it is hot. Did you put the box in the same spot I did? Some put it up closer to the dash but I was afraid the heat would be too much for it there. I also have 20% tint on my windows so the interior doesn't get quite as hot as it used to.

[@sayeedahm]

@@bucksgarage thank your for your quick response. I kept the box behind the carpet of passenger footwell. It gives easy access to do troubleshooting. I have 3M Crystalline tint including windshield. 3M Crystalline is designed to deflect heat. Before RoadTop I had a Navi box which I used for aftermarket backup and front camera output in the same place and never had issues with heat before. I installed Navi box in 2016 so it’s been 6 years without any issues. I read on mbworld forum and some people also reported that blank display issues due to hot temperatures with RoadTop box. I upgraded the box to latest firmware but my issue still exist.

[@Chris-rs3dj]

Have you considered the larger aftermarket screens for the W212? They look promising.

[@bucksgarage]

I thought about that, but I am not a huge fan of the look, and touch screens in the car aren't my favorite either. The biggest issue I had with them was the actual function and startup time. My friend put one in his Mercedes C300 and it was way too glitchy, he ended up sending it back. My biggest issue with it was startup time. It took forever to boot up to it's own native screen. Then to get it to switch to wireless carplay took launching another app and waiting for that to start up. I wanted something that would be going as soon as I started the car. The system I used starts up when you unlock the car or open the door, so by the time I am in the car and start it, the wireless carplay is on the screen the moment the car starts.

[@МартинЛюбенов-е1т]

you must be reading my mind… I was just about to purchase a similar unit for mine as well. However, what bothers me is tha fact that I cannot seem to find any AUX input in my car. I do not have it in the center console, nor in my glovebox. Is is crucial to be wired? Great jov by the way!

[@bucksgarage]

That is strange. I am pretty sure the box will require a headphone jack in order to get sound into the system. Does your COMAND have the AUX option enabled? If so, there has to be a plugin somewhere in there. I think sometimes they hide it in the glovebox? Thanks for watching!

[@МартинЛюбенов-е1т]

Yes, I do have it as an option in the command. Must be hiding somewhere, will investigate later 😁. Have you considered interior swap? I found a great AMG “style” (not from a real AMG Mercedes) interior and was thinking of swapping mine wiht it, as mine is beige and I am not the biggest fan of it.

[@bucksgarage]

@@МартинЛюбенов-е1т yes I have. I really want to swap in some black seats from an E63 AMG. They look better, look to have better bolstering, and like you, I would like to get rid of the beige. Then it would just be a matter of swapping the center console for black, I might leave the beige on the door cards and see how it looks.

[@МартинЛюбенов-е1т]

@@bucksgarage Just checked mine - no sight of AUX input… Not sure what to do with the Carplay kit

[@bucksgarage]

@@МартинЛюбенов-е1т That is really strange. Here is a link to the OG thread on MBWorld, check it out, maybe someone in there has had the same issue and can help. mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w212/750903-diy-joyeauto-wireless-carplay-ntg4-5-4-7-a.html

[@JoshTippinz]

I recently got a new iPhone 13 and now I always have problems connecting to CarPlay and always have to hold the command button and reset the system to get music and Siri to work. It worked flawlessly with my iPhone 8. I tried factory resetting and forgetting the Bluetooth and no changes. Any recommendations?.

[@bucksgarage]

I haven’t had any issues with my iPhone 12 Pro Max. I do know the road top box can be updated through the USB port. Might be worth a call or email to roadtop to see if they have a fix for the 13.

[@jacobvogeley2621]

Hey, looking at options to retrofit something to my A207 Convertible. I had bad experiences with the mic quality on a similar solution on a BMW (people hearing me bad over calls / reverb). Is this an issue here? Best regards Jacob

[@bucksgarage]

Nope, no issues with call quality. It uses the OEM mic for the phone calls so sounds the same as when I was using the OEM BT setup.

[@jacobvogeley2621]

@@bucksgarage love it that you are still replying here!

[@bucksgarage]

@@jacobvogeley2621 Wish I had more time to get back to making videos. Maybe one of these days!

[@dashcamukroutes4317]

Well explained great video Looking for someone to do mine in the UK .

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for watching!

[@randychaffin2422]

what a PITA! :)

[@randychaffin2422]

not commenting on your work, it is excellent, just all the steps.

[@bucksgarage]

@@randychaffin2422 Haha no worries. Was definitely some work, but totally worth it!

[@mealsnmo]

Really helpful video! During the install Ive broken the holding clip of the mb fiber optic cable. Perhaps even damaged the cable. Tried with it simply slid yet dont get any picture on the command. What can be done? Cant even find the damn cable being sold online. Haha, Thank you

[@bucksgarage]

Hmmm I am not really sure on replacing that fiber optic cable. You might hit up CKM Car Design and see if he can point you in the right direction.

[@ourfutureisdark]

I heard it doesn’t work in warmer or hot weather is that true?

[@MShabou01]

Hey good work man!! Where did you stick the wifi-antenna?

[@bucksgarage]

I ran the antenna to the glove box area and stuffed it back behind before reinstalling the glove box. Works well.

[@edisonz7304]

Hi, im trying to do the same thing. But i ran into a problem. The sound quality isn’t great when hooked up with aux so in order to play music, i have to be connected through bluetooth on main menu and use the music. Also do u have any idea where (audio Gns) its a tiny wite , where does that go to? I’d appreciate your help

[@bucksgarage]

Hmmm I’m not really sure on all of that. Mine sounds just fine through the AUX, have you tried to play a different device through the AUX. White might be a ground wire, I’d ground it and see if that makes the sound better.

[@brutherb]

did you maintain the ability to make and end calls through the car play unit as well as the steering wheels controls for volume and track changing or navigating spotify from the steering wheel, not the command wheel

[@bucksgarage]

Yes I can make and end calls in the carplay screen. The voice button brings up Siri, tell her who to call and away it goes, uses the stock mic and speakers just fine. The phone button will answer a call and you can hang up with the hang up button on the steering wheel. Volume on steering wheel still works too. Changing tracks does not work. I always found that a bit goofy in this car, you have to have the speedo screen on the audio setting for it to control that function, I never have it on that screen so I use the command wheel to change tracks both in carplay and the Mercedes screen.

[@artyomandreev1890]

@@bucksgarage Assuming from the above that you cannot use the buttons on the HU to change tracks either? :)

[@bucksgarage]

@@artyomandreev1890 Ya know, I have never tried that. I'll give it a shot next time I drive the car.

[@artyomandreev1890]

@@bucksgarage ​ @Bucks Garage Let me know when you've tried :-)

[@kamyarosmani7643]

Hi, great video man👍🏻 i don’t have ami and aux port on my car. Is there any other way to have the CarPlay ? E200 2014 ntg 4.7 (not sure)

[@bucksgarage]

I have heard people say it works without the aux or AMI plugin. However I do think you have to have AUX enabled in the COMAND system. I would check and see if you can enable AUX, if you can then it will likely work without the actual AUX or AMI plugins.

[@ayootyree]

Off topic but have you thought about doing a muffler delete it sounds good ive done it on my 2011 e550

[@bucksgarage]

I do want to do something with the exhaust at some point. I have heard good things about resonator deletes and X pipes. Maybe switch to E63 mufflers. This car is my daily and our road trip car so I don't want it any louder for just cruising, but a little bark when I step on it would be nice.

[@Ride-Drive]

@@bucksgarage hi again, check my channel for sound. GLE500 has stock exhaust from 63 AMG, so you can hear examples (inside, outside )

[@johanneshofmann9192]

So you could not make it work with out the extra aux cable? Some people reported that they can get the AUX input in the Quadlock Harness so the did not need to run cables to the armrest

[@bucksgarage]

I didn't actually try running it without the AUX cable, I figured since I was running the USB cable into the console, I might as well run the AUX too. But you are correct, I did some further reading after the video and it looks like lots of people are running it without the cable. I will probably just leave mine now that it is in there. I will leave a pinned comment on the video about this, thanks for the reminder.

[@aad5683]

Great tutorial sir.

[@bucksgarage]

Hope it is useful for anyone else that wants to update their COMAND system. Thanks for watching!

[@jamallmorris1672]

How did you get to the video play on the screen at the end of the video? thats 🔥🔥

[@bucksgarage]

There is a screen mirror option built in to the roadtop box so you can play a video on your iPhone and it shows on the car screen. I haven't used it at all since I made the video, but it is kind of a cool little feature.

[@pecanislandnut]

Are you able to have apps open like Waze and listen to FM and/or Sirius/XM at the same time?

[@bucksgarage]

Yes you can set the Comand to FM then switch the screen to CarPlay and use apps. You wouldn’t get the sound directions, but the screen would work.

[@pecanislandnut]

@@bucksgarage Thanks!

[@nickyoung6978]

Is the 2012 E550 the same engine as the (2017 E550 Cabriolet?) I believe it is the M278 bi-turbo that I have.

[@bucksgarage]

Yep 2012 was the first year for the M278 in the E550 sedan. Nice mix of mpg on road trips and the power to keep it fun.

[@ip2networkz81]

No problems with the unit overheating?

[@bucksgarage]

Nope, no issues at all so far.

[@davidredd5579]

Great video, I installed my roadtop box recently. It works decently enough and has a few kinks I’ve been trying to work through. For some reason when I adjust the driver’s seat back it summons Siri/Google assistant. Any thoughts? Also, I have an iPhone and android smartphone. The iPhone works without having to use the aux cable via Bluetooth yet they android will only produce sound while using the aux. has anyone els experienced this situation?

[@bucksgarage]

Haven't ever heard of the seat switches causing any problems with the RoadTop box. I have heard of some issues if the DIP switches aren't set correctly, you might double check those and make sure they are all set the right way.

[@ourfutureisdark]

I heard it doesn’t work in warmer or hot weather is that true?

[@shrimpinpat]

Any idea if this will work with 2014 E350

[@bucksgarage]

Yeah should work fine.

[@shrimpinpat]

@@bucksgarage going to try I. The ones from china are cheaper but Amazon returns are easier

[@bucksgarage]

@@shrimpinpat That is why I went that way, fast shipping and if anything went wrong I knew where to send it back to. Haven't had any issues with mine yet.

[@slickman1953]

Did that unit have built in wireless?

[@bucksgarage]

Yes, the CarPlay is wireless.

[@TheFPFFM]

In a real struggle here - how's the bluetooth sound quality with Harman Kardon/Fiberoptic cable? Such an awesome video!! Thanks

[@alexjohnson32]

I can’t get Waze to have audio

[@parasqiv]

Nice job handy man !!

[@bucksgarage]

Haha, thanks for watching!

[@artwood4875]

Great video Pal, thx

[@bucksgarage]

Thanks for watching.

[@jordandoyle1995]

If I buy this, can I just put the address in on maps on my phone and it automatically puts it on the screen or do you i have to use the wheel to type in stuff

[@bucksgarage]

Yep, you just use the maps app in your phone to input everything and it comes up on the screen automatically, no need to search with the wheel. Or you can just ask Siri to do it for you with the speech button on the steering wheel.

[@jordandoyle1995]

@@bucksgarage brilliant, thanks for the hasty reply. Think I’ll pull the trigger on this now as I was worried about having to type without a touchscreen.

[@bucksgarage]

@@jordandoyle1995 One of the best upgrades I have done to the car. Really modernizes it and having it work with the OEM screen makes for a really clean install, functions and looks like it came from the factory. Been really happy with it!

[@michaelm7093]

Is it still working as expected? Mike

[@bucksgarage]

Yep, no issues, still a big fan.

[@ourfutureisdark]

I heard it doesn’t work in warmer or hot weather is that true?

[@bucksgarage]

I haven’t had any issues with mine, even in 100+ degree weather. Some people put the box up in the dash and had issues, mine is down in the center behind the HVAC controls so not as much heat.

[@1955Stew]

Buck do you have anything can can upgrade the System in the 2011 SL 550?

[@bucksgarage]

Not sure on the SL, I don't see RoadTop having a box for that car. I feel your pain, I an an 03 SL, it has the goofy wiring and amp system so the only way to upgrade it is to replace the entire system, wiring and all. I decided I will just enjoy the sound of the M113k instead.

[@davidclark7378]

You know you are going to have to do this to mine right?

[@bucksgarage]

You like my shout out to your C Class at the end there? :) This thing boots up and switches to CarPlay as fast as my phone can connect to my car BT, much faster than that screen you tried. Working really well so far.

[@davidclark7378]

@@bucksgarage I did hear that but that c class was like 6 screws to get everything apart. Yours is so much faster, looks easier to use and it has the wireless car play. Someone in my household is going to kill you when I start looking for this for my Jag.

[@bucksgarage]

@@davidclark7378 High rollers in Jags don't need CarPlay, their drivers know where to go.

[@lahfarlah4360]

You should do the large screen upgrade...

[@bucksgarage]

I have a friend that did that to his C-Class and I was not very impressed with it. Glitchy, took too long to boot up, and took way too long to get into wireless CarPlay mode, it was also a lot more expensive. There might be better options out there for it, but all I wanted was the CarPlay part and I wanted it to be glitch free and work really fast. This thing is booted up and ready to go by the time I have my seatbelt on.

[@lahfarlah4360]

@@bucksgarage thanks for the quick reply Subscribed

[@bucksgarage]

@@lahfarlah4360 thanks for the sub, appreciate it!

[@brendanharris9197]

Really hoping someone can help me out. I cannot get sound in to work on the Aux or output from the unit. I've done every step in the engineering menu and then some different ones. No matter what it doesn't work. AUX is enabled, etc. Edit: I just read about the ground off the other loom. I hadn't thought about needing that and I actually de-pinned the reverse camera pins so I'll crack that open and see if that changes it.

[@davidgervais3893]

Did you add the external mic?

[@bucksgarage]

Nope, works great with the OEM mic. Haven't had any complaints from people I call while in the car. Siri works great too.

[@its_MSR]

@Bucks Garage for some reason selecting aux isnt even an option on my car, anybody know why is that ?

[@bucksgarage]

There is a hidden menu where you can turn AUX on in some cars that don't already have it turned on. Been too long since I looked at it, but a KZbin search should turn up a video that shows you how to find the hidden menu, might be able to get it turned on once you are in there.

[@its_MSR]

@@bucksgarage Got it to work

[@junaidahsankhan]

Hi Where you based? Can you fit in my E class 2012 coupe?

[@santagautam115]

What steering wheel is that?

[@bucksgarage]

Check out my channel, I have a full video on the steering wheel and how to do the upgrade.

[@ThrowinSalt]

Awesome!

[@bucksgarage]

Thank you for watching!

[@muzafarsadat7321]

Why does it has to be concected with aux? I have function with bluetooth

[@fjoriarapi1921]

Which toggle switch do i turn on for a 2016 w212?

[@cparisi3]

Can anybody comment on the charging rate using the unit's USB cable? I find the stock USB in the MB to be a very low amperage and is barely able to keep the iPhone at its SOC when using GPS. I just received my unit and might try the install tomorrow.

[@bucksgarage]

Sorry I can't help on the charging part, I haven't had occasion to even try mine as a charger yet. Hope your install goes well, thanks for watching!

[@cparisi3]

@@bucksgarage ok, thanks man. Great video and appreciate the time you put into making it. Hopefully I’ll only have to watch it 10-12 times tomorrow 😂

[@bucksgarage]

@@cparisi3 You got this! It really isn't too bad of an install. Worst part was trying not to break trim pieces which is why I tried to show exactly how they come apart. I always seem to try to pry on something that needs to be unscrewed instead and end up breaking it. Good luck!

[@cparisi3]

@@bucksgarage seems like running the Aux and USB to the center console made it much more challenging. I’d like to avoid that step if I can and just keep it wireless. The one thing I don’t have a handle on is if you run the Aux over Bluetooth, is there a degradation in quality? On the stock system, I hear a pretty big difference in fidelity between connecting via the AMI vs streaming Bluetooth. Any sense on whether this would be similar?

[@bucksgarage]

@@cparisi3 I can't speak from personal experience as I have only run the unit the way I have it installed in the video. But others have reported the sound to be just fine with the method you are describing, some say even a bit better than stock. And yeah, it would cut down on the job significantly to not have to run wires to the center console. I have seen people just run the USB up between the carpet and console in the passenger footwell so they have it available for charging and updates to the unit. I didn't want to be able to see it so the console worked better for me.

[@maustin1965]

Great video ma man! I’m of the same generation as you - remember no cellie days. A question: Did you consider doing the wireless dongle car play solution? I’m wondering if your solution is better. Cheers!

[@bucksgarage]

Hey thanks for watching! As far as I know the dongles only work in cars 2016 and newer, I am pretty well certain that is not an option for my 2012. If it had been I likely would have given it a try. I can report this Road Top box is working awesome. I haven’t had a single glitch, it starts up really quick, and works great!

[@rayyanimtiaz3792]

Steering wheel?

[@bucksgarage]

Check out my channel for a full video on how to swap your steering wheel. One of my favorite upgrades.

[@АлександрКеренский-в4ж]

Спасибо

[@JettaRedIII]

Ha! I was already watching at 1.5x and then you sped up the re-assembly.

[@yeeehaaawww3510]

You know what. Im okay with the stock bluetooth radio. 😂😂 i dont need apple carplay anymore.

[@bucksgarage]

Haha, but it's sooo nice!

[@michaelh.8415]

Time for a face lift!

[@bucksgarage]

I prefer the older style W212 over the facelift. I agree the facelift looks more modern, but it seems a bit more feminine to me as well. I like the look of this W212, bit more "quintessential Mercedes" to me.

[@neilhefty2999]

Nice job Buck! Can I send my car to you so you can do mine? I'll get you 100 more subscribers in trade? ;) Seriously, good work man, that doesn't look easy at all.

[@bucksgarage]

Sounds like a good trade to me! It really is pretty easy to install once you know how the interior comes apart, definitely worth the results. Thanks for watching!

[@АлександрКеренский-в4ж]

,👍

[@alexibizd]

Hey! Did you face with the screen issue when it flickers randomly? I installed recently roadtop on my w204 and have this goofy glitch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3_Zf6egrZWnraM

[@bucksgarage]

Haven't had any screen flicker on mine at all. Just put a RoadTop box in a second car and no flicker there either.