Like many 2015 Benz CLA 250 owners, I was keen to upgrade my car’s infotainment system to include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. I had read online that it was possible, especially for the later 2015 models. The initial information suggested a dealer visit for a retrofit of parts and software would be necessary to get Android Auto and CarPlay working on my Benz Cla 2015.
My first step was to contact my local Mercedes-Benz dealership. Unfortunately, the service advisor there was adamant that my vehicle was not compatible and could not support either Android Auto or CarPlay. Dismissing this advice, I decided to take matters into my own hands.
I sourced a genuine Mercedes Smartphone Integration Package from eBay, believing this to be the hardware solution required. After installing it myself, I was disappointed to find that AA/CP still didn’t function. Undeterred, I continued my research online, which led me to an eBay seller specializing in OBD modules for Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
This seller, after checking my VIN, provided some crucial information. He confirmed that my benz cla 2015 could indeed support smartphone integration, but he suspected that the firmware needed updating. This contradicted the dealer’s assertion that everything was up to date. Skeptical but hopeful, I decided to revisit my dealership to inquire about a firmware update.
Again, my local dealership insisted that my firmware was current, along with my maps. This conflicting information was frustrating. I reached out to the eBay seller again, who reinforced his belief that the dealer was mistaken about the firmware being up to date. Trusting the seller’s expertise, I purchased an OBD module from him. Regrettably, upon arrival, this module also failed to activate CarPlay or Android Auto.
At this point, I decided to try a different Mercedes-Benz dealership, located further away. This time, I approached the service department with a slightly different tactic. I requested a firmware update citing issues with Bluetooth call drops and USB drive reading errors. This approach proved successful. The second dealership agreed to update the firmware and, surprisingly, also updated my maps, which were indeed outdated by two years – all free of charge.
Leaving the dealership, I immediately tested the OBD module in a parking lot. To my immense satisfaction, it finally worked! Apple CarPlay sprang to life, and I enjoyed using it for the entire drive home.
Despite the initial setbacks and misinformation, the process of enabling Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in my benz cla 2015 was ultimately successful and worthwhile. The key takeaway is that a firmware update, which some dealerships may incorrectly claim is unnecessary or already done, can be crucial. Finding a knowledgeable source for the OBD module is also important, and in my case, the seller on eBay provided accurate and helpful information. For anyone looking to add smartphone integration to their 2015 Benz CLA, I recommend ensuring your firmware is genuinely up to date and exploring OBD module solutions.
