Mercedes A-Class Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Full Screen CarPlay mod (aftermarket)

3 reading
Jump to Latest
141 - 160 of 314 Posts
#142 ·
@Exorth which one did you buy, i couldn't see it linked in this thread. Are you still happy with yours since installation? Is it particularly laggy?

I have CarPlay activated already, but its the smaller screen size, so I would be purchasing one of these android boxes to allow for full screen functionality.
 
#143 ·
andre199017 said:
@Exorth which one did you buy, i couldn't see it linked in this thread. Are you still happy with yours since installation? Is it particularly laggy?

I have CarPlay activated already, but its the smaller screen size, so I would be purchasing one of these android boxes to allow for full screen functionality.
Click to expand...
I bought the Ksmart branded one from https://a.aliexpress.com/_EHGg63v

I’m still extremely happy with it. It’s not a smooth 60fps, but I would not classify as laggy either.
 
#144 ·
LVlv07 said:
View attachment 11947
Click to expand...
I am also considering buying the kSmart unit.

Is it stable when connecting wireless from Android phone?

Manufacturer discourages wireless connection from Android phone.
Whilst our product does support Wireless Android Auto, it isn't as stable as wired one and you may experience a connection drop. Hence we'd recommend using it with a wired connection.
Click to expand...
 
#145 · (Edited)
I have been using the carlinkitlife full-screen carplay for a month. Everything is working normally.
It's not very difficult to install. I spent one hour on it. The instructions that came with it included an installation manual, which made it very easy, especially the installation tutorial video, which was very detailed.


After the first installation, there was no sound. I contacted their customer service and they responded within 20 minutes and quickly resolved the issue. This was very good, with fast and effective answers.
I have experienced almost no malfunction during this month of use, and the switching between MBUX and CarPlay is very simple. Besides the initial connection to the iPhone, which takes a little time, every subsequent connection is automatic, with a response time of 10-20 seconds.
As far as I know, it seems to be a similar device to Ksmart. The price is relatively cheaper by $20, but I don't think that's the point. What impressed me most was their service. After placing the order, they immediately contacted me to obtain detailed information about my car, and I received it within 7 working days (I live in Los Angeles, USA).
This is the link and discount code for my order
Discount code "MD333"
carlinkitlife.com

Full Screen Wireles Carplay For Mercedes NTG 6.0 MBUX W247/GLB X247/GLA (H247) Radio Navi Update CarPlay/Android Auto Interface Module Box

Full Screen Wireles Carplay For Mercedes NTG 6.0 Wireles Apple Carplay, Android auto Android Mirror Link Apple Airplay for Screen Mirroring GLB Class (X247) 2020 to Present GLE Class (V167) 2020 to present GLA Class (H247) 2020 to Present GLS Class (X167) 2020 to present B Class (W247) 2020...
carlinkitlife.com carlinkitlife.com


Image
 
#146 ·
Thanks for info, but W177 requires a more expensive model.

CarlinKit would cost $562 including free shipping to Sweden. (Promo code "MMD33" does not work, but "NEW USER" does) The corresponding kSmart unit would cost only $466 including free shipping.
 
#147 ·
BackseatDriver said:
Thanks for info, but W177 requires a more expensive model.

CarlinKit would cost $562 including free shipping to Sweden. (Promo code "MMD33" does not work, but "NEW USER" does) The corresponding kSmart unit would cost only $466 including free shipping.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I entered an incorrect discount code. The correct discount code should be "MD333".
 
#148 ·
BackseatDriver said:
I am also considering buying the kSmart unit.

Is it stable when connecting wireless from Android phone?

Manufacturer discourages wireless connection from Android phone.
Click to expand...
yes it is stable conection. I have wireless AA and wireless charger. i turn on motor instantly turn on AA, and mobil give to wireless AA.


yes, mobil is little warm, i have S23, but nothing terrible
 
#149 ·
fgbfgcb said:
Sorry, I entered an incorrect discount code. The correct discount code should be "MD333".
Click to expand...
Thanks for update.
You've got a point about service level is important when buying such high end electronics over the internet.
I notice Kremersino are not offering firmware updates via their homepage. But maybe it's the same for all the kSmart clones, update are given upon request.

LVlv07 said:
yes it is stable conection. I have wireless AA and wireless charger. i turn on motor instantly turn on AA, and mobil give to wireless AA.

[/URL][/URL][/URL]

yes, mobil is little warm, i have S23, but nothing terrible
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. I will probably buy a kSmart device. Just have to convince my wife, she is the registered owner of our new Mercedes and is a little reluctant to let me take the panels apart.

I expect the phone to get a little warm but definitely worth it. Had wired AA on my previous car (Kia) and it was awkward. Always had two sets of cords in the console (Apple + USB-C), often had problems with glitch due to dirt in the female phone connector. Found a hack so I could enable Android Debug Bridge and sideloaded Waze app direct into the Head Unit, but Kia later on made a security patch that prevented it. Last months I only used the Kia native map software :(
 
#150 ·
BackseatDriver said:
Thanks for update.
You've got a point about service level is important when buying such high end electronics over the internet.
I notice Kremersino are not offering firmware updates via their homepage. But maybe it's the same for all the kSmart clones, update are given upon request.


Thanks for the reply. I will probably buy a kSmart device. Just have to convince my wife, she is the registered owner of our new Mercedes and is a little reluctant to let me take the panels apart.

I expect the phone to get a little warm but definitely worth it. Had wired AA on my previous car (Kia) and it was awkward. Always had two sets of cords in the console (Apple + USB-C), often had problems with glitch due to dirt in the female phone connector. Found a hack so I could enable Android Debug Bridge and sideloaded Waze app direct into the Head Unit, but Kia later on made a security patch that prevented it. Last months I only used the Kia native map software :(
Click to expand...
Updates are given upon request. When I received it, the logo on CarPlay was their company logo. I requested a Mercedes Logo. They changed it for me and provided me with the newest update. They're highly responsive. I wanted an extra USB-C to AUX adapter and they shipped it out to me free of charge. So I'm quite satisfied with Kremer's response and service too.
 
#151 ·
Amazing info that you guys shared already ! Thanks so much !!

@LVlv07 I can see you are using the ksmart box with AA. Can you please tell us if phone calls are good quality for you and for your interlocutor ? I have read that @Exorth had some issues with it using iphone and carplay (which he did resolve by routing the phone calls through bluetooth if I'm not mistaking).
 
#154 ·
andre199017 said:
Has anyone tried this device from AliExpress? The reviews with photos look positive: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005005585643763.html?pdp_npi=3@dis!USD!US $490.86!US $284.70!!!!!@211b5e2416960244727451721e878a!12000033650212043!im!!

I personally don't really want to spend >£400 adding full screen car play. The above is more around £200.
Click to expand...
Thanks for link.
Manufacturer is Zeniss, but they don't list this item on their homepage.
www.zeniss.com

Collections

Various of New Android Car Multimedia Screen With Play Market Bluetooth Radio Navigation CarPlay Android Auto For BMW MERCEDES-BENZ AUDI
www.zeniss.com
The SilverStrong unit can also be ordered from this site (cheaper than AliExpress)
zeniss.en.made-in-china.com

[Hot Item] 2021 Car Radio Carplay Gla Cla Glc Gle GLS Glb W177 W118 W222

After-sales Service: 2 Year Warranty: 1 Year Screen Size: Depends on Original Screen Resolution: Original Combination: GPS, Bluetooth, MP3/MP4 Player, Radio, iPod, Carplay Placement: Dashboard
zeniss.en.made-in-china.com
They also have a Youtube channel.

According to specs:
Android Auto Connection
Support Wired and wireless connections.
Wireless connection only supports a part of Pixel and Nexus
Click to expand...
SilverStrong is cheap, but personally I trust kSmart more. Kremersino corporation have long experience from development of head units for premium cars, and we've got positive reviews from two customers in this thread.
 
#155 ·
Guys, I have found this website that promises the heaven:

https://www.kremersino.com/product-ksmart-auto-wireless-carplay-android-auto-smart-module-new-a.html

Fullscreen, wireless, bluetooth audio, all controls working (screen, steering wheel and touchpad), 360 (if you have it of course) and reverse camera working.

"Simple" installation without the need to do any crazy stuff or modification with the wires of the car.

They have this video showing how to do it too:


This looks amazing! I'm sharing so you guys can give me your thoughts and to check if anybody here have this exact system installed.

Thanks!
 
#156 ·
betovzky said:
Guys, I have found this website that promises the heaven:

https://www.kremersino.com/product-ksmart-auto-wireless-carplay-android-auto-smart-module-new-a.html

Fullscreen, wireless, bluetooth audio, all controls working (screen, steering wheel and touchpad), 360 (if you have it of course) and reverse camera working.

"Simple" installation without the need to do any crazy stuff or modification with the wires of the car.

They have this video showing how to do it too:


This looks amazing! I'm sharing so you guys can give me your thoughts and to check if anybody here have this exact system installed.

Thanks!
Click to expand...
If you scroll back through the threads you will see that I and several others after me have installed this interface :)
 
#157 ·
Exorth said:
If you scroll back through the threads you will see that I and several others after me have installed this interface :)
Click to expand...
Right but didnt you mention that the steering wheel controls do not work? Nor the touchpad (only the function of the song skip work because that basically controls the phone not the Carplay itself). So basically it is solely touch screen functionality or am I wrong? Thanks for the response.
 
#158 ·
Farenheid said:
Right but didnt you mention that the steering wheel controls do not work? Nor the touchpad (only the function of the song skip work because that basically controls the phone not the Carplay itself). So basically it is solely touch screen functionality or am I wrong? Thanks for the response.
Click to expand...
No it's: Touchpad works, buttons on the steering wheel works (like the home button and voice control button). Only thing that does not work is the black square touch button on the steering wheel within CarPlay.
 
#159 ·
Exorth said:
No it's: Touchpad works, buttons on the steering wheel works (like the home button and voice control button). Only thing that does not work is the black square touch button on the steering wheel within CarPlay.
Click to expand...
Oh nice! My bad, I didnt understand the initial comment correctly then. So touchpad works for selecting between the apps, swiping between screen (Split screen/fullscreen), For spotify and selecting songs..everything? Thats perfect!

Maybe since I just went through the entire comment section now, since like the 2019 of posts and you have the greatest experience with the unit. Is there any video from your end on the functionalities? I might have missed it maybe thats why I am asking.

How fast it takes to load, how the load screen looks like (you mentioned update of logo they provided you with), reverse camera etc? I know that it would require to have two phones I guess but I think it would be the greatest way to look into the smoothness of it and all the working/not working funcionalities.
 
141 - 160 of 314 Posts
About this Discussion
313 Replies
68 Participants
Last post:
YS50
Mercedes A-Class Forum
posts
208K
members
30K
Since
2012
We're a forum community dedicated to the Mercedes-Benz A Class . Come join the discussion on performance upgrades, accessories, troubleshooting, maintenance and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
W176 A45 W177 General W176 General Newbies W177 A45 & A45s