Peter Loeser
Active Member
Hey guys - I've done a few subtle updates to my S550 over the last year or so. It wasn't quite on the cutting edge of mobile device connectivity and the auto infotainment boom. The factory audio system is fairly complex and gets the job done in terms of sound quality, so I opted not to mess with it. I found a fairly plug and play Apple Carplay solution, resurrected a couple old iPads to keep the kids entertained in the back row and ran a few misc cables where needed. Thought I'd post a few pics now that the wiring is pretty well cleaned up.
The Carplay interface is from Navtool. You can find them online for a good variety of makes and models. It has worked well, but they don't provide very good installation instructions. I will say their tech support is very responsive and always pointed me to a solution. The device plugs directly between the factory harness and radio, with a few other misc connections required, depending on what year the vehicle is and what the aux input configuration is. The unit is programmed via USB and Navtool software. Video quality is somewhat limited by the factory screen in the dash, but again, works well enough to not tear it all apart to retrofit an aftermarket display. My goal has been to maintain factory look and function and keep most of the updates plug-and-play or easily reversible. For reasonable time and investment I'm happy with it.
The iPads in the rear have the kids' movies saved on them so no internet is required while travelling. I may put some games on them as well. I ran charging cables to a port in the center console and headphones around to the rear seat armrest. Cleaned things up nicely and prevented the headphones from being perpetually trampled on the floor.
The Carplay interface is from Navtool. You can find them online for a good variety of makes and models. It has worked well, but they don't provide very good installation instructions. I will say their tech support is very responsive and always pointed me to a solution. The device plugs directly between the factory harness and radio, with a few other misc connections required, depending on what year the vehicle is and what the aux input configuration is. The unit is programmed via USB and Navtool software. Video quality is somewhat limited by the factory screen in the dash, but again, works well enough to not tear it all apart to retrofit an aftermarket display. My goal has been to maintain factory look and function and keep most of the updates plug-and-play or easily reversible. For reasonable time and investment I'm happy with it.
The iPads in the rear have the kids' movies saved on them so no internet is required while travelling. I may put some games on them as well. I ran charging cables to a port in the center console and headphones around to the rear seat armrest. Cleaned things up nicely and prevented the headphones from being perpetually trampled on the floor.
