2016 GLA45 AMG - Enable Android Auto

[remlab]

So I picked up a new to me 2016 GLA45 AMG (Canadian), great so far, lots of oomph. I had done a little research before I picked it up from the MB Dealership and asked them if they can see if AA is available. They did nothing. So, once I got home I reviewed the settings and it had CarPlay, but I don't use an iPhone, only Android phone. The car delivery date was April 2016. I have tried all of the key combinations to get into "Engineering mode" without success. After further investigation it looks like the "Engineering mode" is locked.

My question to you experts. What are my options to enable AA? The default Navi and BT are garbage, thank you!

 

[bogdandpr]

As far as I know, you need to update your software to a newer version. Post the NTG HW number, maybe someone has a software update for AA activation.

 

[remlab]

I have the NTG 5.1!

 

[waxxx]

This is not what bogdandpr meant.
Please provide the full hardware part number (and also add software versions/software information from the engineering menu and post all details here) of the device installed in your car. Because there are so many differences, if you want to use CarPlay and Android Auto, you'll need the hardware version 2 of Panasonic's unit, which is essentially what comes with the MoPF for the GLA, as well as the corresponding software version on your head unit. Not all software/firmware versions support CarPlay and Android Auto. Most of them only support Apple CarPlay... as you may have noticed.

 

[waxxx]

One more addition after rereading your original post.
If you cannot enter the engineering mode using the key combination on the head unit (HU), this is because it is locked by default when delivered by Mercedes, to activate the engineering mode you need to have the coding equipment. But what was said earlier remains the same.

 

[remlab]

Thanks waxxx, as mentioned in my initial post, I cannot get into Engineering mode as I believe it is locked (no key pad combinations work). So I am unable to provide the "Hardware Part Number" this way. Apologies, I do appreciate you both trying to help, but seem Mercedes did a good job of locking it down.

I've been researching various software platforms - Xentry etc. and also a cheap Tactrix clone from Ali. I think I can get this information with that.

 

[waxxx]

For example, to enable engineering mode you will need DTS Monaco and a Tactrix device such as Openport 2.0 and the SMR file HU51S, but if the software (firmware) level of your head unit is not suitable, it may happen that Android Auto cannot be enabled either, etc. Maybe your local dealer can update the firmware for free for your good customers too? Just ask them. I mean, when you first bought the car, I would just ask for it.
This way, you will only have to do the coding work yourself. But reflashing the head unit via Openport is not recommended.

 

[virtualmerc]

Have you tried connecting Android via USB?

 

[remlab]

Thanks again, waxxx. I mentioned this to the dealer when I picked up the car, but as is often the case with dealers, they ignored my request and said they do not provide such a service. I'll talk to them again.

 

[waxxx]

Of course, if they are real (official) Mercedes-Benz dealers, then they can and should have the appropriate equipment for this. But in most cases they are too lazy to do it. Ask them again gently and tell them that you have some issues with the current software regarding stability/reliability

Android Auto and CarPlay can only work with this head unit via WIRED connection, NOT wireless connection.