07 S550: add Carplay/Android Auto

[kevm14]

I simply tried a search within Tindie and got some hits.

https://www.tindie.com/search/?q=USB+C+ ... _published

Fortunately there is demand for this for OEM Carplay/AA which covers my use case, as well.

Leaning toward this one:
https://www.tindie.com/products/centyla ... tocarplay/

Looks like I will want a USB C power supply for my 12V power source. Will need a couple of short USB C cables, as well. So I guess it's not $12. But the more expensive one would require the same, plus I'd use a USB to micro USB for data which is weird but makes their box more compact I guess.

$12 was $19 shipped. Ordered. Now will get some cables and a car USB C PD charger.

[kevm14]

Plus $20 for a higher power USB C PD car charger and 2 USB C PD cables. So approx $40 to sort out the charging situation. Hopefully.

[kevm14]

Tried a test call with Ian at 35 mph with all 4 windows down. Seemed fine. I wish it did the HD audio call quality over BT unless there's some other limiting factor that I don't understand. But yeah, no echo, I could hear him and he could hear me. Seems legit.

[rpaoness]

I suppose I should pony up for something similar for the GLA 45

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568070 ... in_prod%3A

[kevm14]

That most likely doesn't work with US cars. Euro cars have an expansion socket in the glove compartment (that ad calls it the "Harman Becker slot") that we do not.

[kevm14]

This is probably what you need.

https://www.aliexpress.us/item/32568094 ... 3f2cdc7708

There are probably others. You should have the NTG 4.5 system, same as my E63.

[rpaoness]

There're also options like this:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0D1X ... ners-sl-20

I think all of this is for much later - I'll probably go a while before I do anything anyhow.

[kevm14]

That's right. My S550 has one or two screen replacement options. I like the OEM integration. But you won't get touch unless you replace the screen. I'm ok with the wheel.

[kevm14]

Got my charging splitter from Tindie. Connected it with the high current charging rated USB C cables and Anker high current car charger. Finally I have the fast charging that I need even when connected to Android Auto. Very cool. I should buy another one in advance for my E63.

20250905_162613.jpg

20250905_162618.jpg