How to Add Apple CarPlay to Your 2017 C43 AMG

I bought my 2017 Mercedes-AMG C43 for the performance and luxury. But I quickly realized it was missing something important: Apple CarPlay.

The car came with Mercedes' COMAND system, but it didn't have the smartphone integration I'd gotten used to in other vehicles.

After months of research and talking to other C43 owners, I found several ways to add CarPlay to the 2017 model. Some work better than others. The costs vary quite a bit.

Key Takeaway

• The 2017 C43 AMG came with the NTG 5.0/5.1 system that doesn't support Apple CarPlay
• Integration modules are the most popular option, costing $400-$650 plus installation
• Professional installation typically adds $150-$300 to the total cost
• Wireless CarPlay modules keep all factory features including steering wheel controls
• Complete Android screen replacements offer more features but cost $825-$1,200 installed
• DIY installation is possible but requires 3-6 hours and some skill

Why the 2017 C43 AMG Doesn't Have CarPlay

Mercedes-Benz didn't add Apple CarPlay support until the 2018 model year. The 2017 C43 uses the NTG 5.0 or 5.1 system. This system came before CarPlay integration.

This wasn't an oversight. Mercedes deliberately saved CarPlay for newer models with the NTG 5.5 system and beyond. According to industry data, CarPlay adoption reached 93.9% of new vehicles by 2023. This makes the 2017 C43's lack of this feature feel pretty outdated.

The 2017 model sits in an awkward spot. It's solid and sounds amazing without the OPF filters that came later. But it's missing a feature that's now standard across nearly all price points.

Understanding Your Retrofit Options

I've found four main ways to add CarPlay to a 2017 C43 AMG. Each has different costs, installation needs, and features.

Integration Modules

Integration modules connect between your phone and the factory screen. They're the most popular choice because they keep the original Mercedes look and all factory features.

These modules work by intercepting the video signal to your factory display. They add CarPlay content when you need it. You can switch between the original COMAND system and CarPlay by pressing and holding the Star button on your dashboard.

Popular options include modules from Eurozone Tuning ($399), UNAVI ($400-$500), and RDVFL ($650). Most support both wireless and wired CarPlay, plus Android Auto if you ever switch phones. At Car Tech Studio, we offer the Mercedes C-Class 2007-2018 Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto Module designed for your 2017 C43 AMG.

The wireless feature is worth it. You get in the car, and your phone connects within a few seconds. No cables to mess with.

Complete Screen Replacement

Some owners replace the entire factory screen with a larger Android-based unit. These typically measure 10.25 to 12.3 inches and run modern Android systems.

Companies like CarABC and HiFiMax offer these systems for $575-$799. They include built-in GPS navigation, WiFi, and access to Android apps like Netflix and Spotify.

The tradeoff is losing the original Mercedes look. These screens look more like aftermarket tablets. If you love the stock Mercedes aesthetic, this probably isn't for you.

Wireless CarPlay Adapters

Budget wireless adapters cost $40-$200. They plug into your USB port. They're the cheapest option, but they have significant limitations.

Owner reviews show mixed performance. Some work fine. Others disconnect randomly or have audio sync issues. One owner I spoke with tried three different adapters before giving up and buying a proper integration module.

Dealer Software Activation

Some W205 C-Class models have dormant CarPlay hardware. Dealers can activate it for $200-$300. However, this typically doesn't work for 2017 C43 AMG models with early NTG 5.0/5.1 systems.

Unless you can confirm your specific vehicle has the hidden hardware, this option likely won't work for you.

What an Integration Module Actually Does

Integration modules are more complex than they might seem. Here's how they work in your C43.

The module connects to several points in your factory system:

• The LVDS video cable that runs to your screen
• The audio path through your USB port
• Your steering wheel controls through the CAN bus

When you turn on CarPlay mode, the module processes video from your phone and sends it to the factory screen. Audio routes through your factory speakers and amplifier. If you have the Burmester sound system, it works through that too.

The steering wheel controls keep working. Volume up and down, track skip, and voice commands all function like they would with a factory CarPlay system.

Most modules also support backup cameras, parking sensors, and other factory features. When you shift into reverse, the camera feed overrides CarPlay and shows your parking view.

Installation: Professional vs DIY

I've talked to owners who went both routes. Here's what I learned about each.

Professional Installation

Professional shops charge $150-$300 for installation. It takes 2-4 hours. In major cities like New York or LA, expect prices toward the higher end. Smaller markets often charge less.

UNAVI operates over 300 installation shops nationwide. They offer discounted labor rates and warranty the work. Other module makers have similar programs.

The main advantage is peace of mind. Professional installers know the W205 platform. They've done this installation many times. They handle the tricky cable routing and test everything before finishing.

If something goes wrong six months later, you have someone to call.

DIY Installation

DIY installation cuts out labor costs but requires 3-6 hours for first-timers. You'll need basic tools and some comfort working with car electronics.

The process involves:

• Removing center console trim panels
• Disconnecting the factory head unit
• Routing new cables

YouTube has detailed installation videos from shops like The Fitting Bay that walk through each step.

The biggest challenge is the LVDS video cable routing. Route it wrong, and you might not get a picture. Most owners figure it out with patience, though.

Some 2017 C43 models need auxiliary input activation through an OBD2 dongle before the module will work. Many module kits include this dongle. But not all installation guides mention this step clearly.

One owner told me he spent an extra two hours figuring out why his module wasn't working. Turns out he needed to activate AUX input first. The process took 10 seconds once he knew about it.

Cost Breakdown

Here's what you'll actually spend on different approaches.

Solution	Hardware Cost	Installation	Total Range
Integration Module (Professional)	$400-$650	$150-$300	$550-$950
Integration Module (DIY)	$400-$650	$0	$400-$650
Android Screen Replacement	$575-$799	$250-$400	$825-$1,199
Wireless Adapter	$40-$200	$0	$40-$200

Most 2017 C43 owners I've talked to spend between $650 and $900 for a professional integration module installation. That seems to be the sweet spot for balancing cost with reliability.

If you're comfortable with DIY work, you can cut that to $400-$650. Just budget extra time for troubleshooting if this is your first installation.

What Other C43 Owners Are Saying

I spent time on Reddit, MBWorld, and PistonHeads forums reading real owner experiences. The feedback is mostly positive, with some important caveats.

One owner on the r/AMG subreddit put it well: "I have a 2017 too. I think it's both the best and worst year. The best because they seem to have very little mechanical issues compared to earlier ones or the facelifts, plus they are pre-OPF and sound great, but the worst because they don't come with native carplay."

On PistonHeads UK, an owner reported: "only thing i did was get an after market CarPlay box added - cost £300 fitted and its been great." He'd driven his C43 through the Swiss and Italian Alps and was happy with both the car and the CarPlay upgrade.

The wireless connection reliability varies. One owner using a 12.3-inch Android system said wireless CarPlay "only fails one out of every 50 times, maybe." He'd had the system for over a year and considered it the most reliable aftermarket unit he'd installed in any car.

But not everyone has smooth experiences. Another owner tried three different wireless adapters and all produced audio glitching. Music would stutter for several seconds every song or two. He eventually gave up on wireless and went back to wired CarPlay.

The pattern I see is that quality integration modules from established brands work reliably. Cheap wireless adapters are hit or miss.

Wireless vs Wired CarPlay

Integration modules typically support both wireless and wired connections. Here's when each makes sense.

Wireless CarPlay

Wireless CarPlay connects when you get in the car. Your phone stays in your pocket or bag. No cables to plug in.

The convenience is huge. You start the car, and within 2-3 seconds, CarPlay appears on your screen. Music picks up where you left off. Navigation is ready to go.

The tradeoff is slight audio delay, typically 1-2 seconds. This is built into Apple's wireless protocol to maintain stream continuity. You might notice it when changing songs or giving voice commands.

Wireless CarPlay also doesn't charge your phone as fast as a cable. For short drives, that's fine. For long road trips, you might want to plug in anyway.

Wired CarPlay

Wired CarPlay removes delay and charges your phone at full speed. It supports lossless audio formats if you're particular about sound quality.

But you have to plug in a cable every time you get in the car. The cable sits visible in your center console. Your phone is stuck in one spot.

Most owners I've talked to prefer wireless for daily driving and switch to wired for long trips when they need phone charging.

Dealing with the Burmester Sound System

If your 2017 C43 has the optional Burmester audio package, make sure your CarPlay module keeps it working.

The Burmester system in the C43 includes a 9-channel amplifier with 590 watts across 13 speakers. It's one of the best factory audio systems available and a key reason many people bought this car.

Quality integration modules maintain the factory audio path through the Burmester amplifier. Your CarPlay music gets the same digital signal processing as your regular sources.

I saw Facebook posts from C43 owners specifically asking about Burmester compatibility before buying modules. Most reputable makers explicitly state that their modules work with premium audio systems.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good hardware and installation, you might run into issues. Here's how to fix the most common ones.

CarPlay Won't Connect

First, restart both your phone and the car's system. For the COMAND system, hold the CD/DVD eject button for 10 seconds.

Make sure "Allow CarPlay While Locked" is enabled in your iPhone settings. This gets disabled sometimes after iOS updates.

For wireless CarPlay, verify that only your phone is paired to the system. Having multiple phones paired can confuse the connection process.

Check that you're using a quality USB cable if you're trying wired CarPlay. Cheap gas station cables often don't meet Apple's standards.

Audio Stuttering

Some wireless delay is normal with CarPlay. If you're experiencing actual stuttering where music cuts in and out, try forgetting the Bluetooth connection and re-pairing.

Make sure your iPhone has the latest iOS updates. Apple regularly improves CarPlay stability through software updates.

Backup Camera Issues

If your backup camera isn't working after installation, check that the camera input cable is properly connected to the integration module. Most modules have a dedicated backup camera input that triggers when you shift to reverse.

The camera signal should override CarPlay right away when you put the car in reverse. If there's a delay longer than a second or two, something isn't configured correctly.

Is the Retrofit Worth It?

After researching this extensively, I think a CarPlay retrofit makes sense for most 2017 C43 owners who plan to keep their cars for a few more years.

The cost is reasonable compared to other car modifications. You're spending $550-$950 for a feature that genuinely improves your daily driving.

Real-time navigation through Waze or Google Maps is better than the factory system. Music streaming through Spotify or Apple Music is how most people listen now. Voice control through Siri makes these features safer to use while driving.

The 2017 C43 is a great car. It doesn't have the emission control issues some later models experience. It sounds better without the OPF filter. Adding CarPlay addresses its main weakness without compromising what makes it special.

If you're handy with car electronics, DIY installation at $400-$650 total is excellent value. If you want professional installation and a warranty, $650-$900 still seems reasonable for what you get.

The only owners I'd steer away from this are those planning to sell soon or those who genuinely don't care about smartphone integration. If you're happy with the factory system, save your money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add CarPlay to my 2017 C43 AMG myself?

Yes, DIY installation is possible if you're comfortable with basic car electronics. Expect to spend 3-6 hours on your first installation. Follow video guides from manufacturers or professional installers. You'll need to remove trim panels, disconnect the factory head unit, and route several cables. Many owners complete DIY installations successfully. Professional installation provides warranty coverage and removes installation risks.

Will a CarPlay module work with my Burmester sound system?

Quality integration modules maintain full compatibility with the Burmester audio package. The module routes audio through your factory amplifier and speakers and keeps the digital signal processing and sound quality you paid for. I recommend confirming Burmester compatibility with your module manufacturer before purchasing. Most reputable brands explicitly support premium factory audio systems.

How much does professional CarPlay installation cost for a 2017 C43?

Professional installation typically costs $150-$300 depending on your location. Higher rates in major cities. Combined with module costs of $400-$650, total professional installations range from $550-$950. Installation shops usually complete the work in 2-4 hours and provide warranty coverage on both parts and labor.

Does wireless CarPlay drain my phone battery quickly?

Wireless CarPlay consumes more battery than when your phone sits idle. But modern iPhones generally handle short to medium drives without issues. For long road trips, I recommend using wired CarPlay to keep your phone charged. The wireless convenience works well for daily commutes under an hour. Wired connection makes sense for extended navigation use.

Will adding CarPlay void my Mercedes warranty?

Aftermarket CarPlay modules typically don't void your entire vehicle warranty. But Mercedes could potentially deny warranty claims for issues directly related to the modification. Professional installation helps protect you since reputable shops carry liability insurance. The 2017 C43 is now 7-9 years old, so many owners are already outside the original factory warranty period anyway.

Can I switch between CarPlay and the factory COMAND system?

Yes, quality integration modules let you toggle between CarPlay and the original Mercedes COMAND system. Press and hold the Star button on your dashboard. This means you never lose access to factory features, navigation, or settings. You can use CarPlay when you want smartphone integration and switch back to COMAND anytime you need factory functions.

Are cheap wireless CarPlay adapters worth trying?

Budget wireless adapters ($40-$200) work for some owners but have inconsistent reliability based on user reviews. Many owners report connection dropouts, audio sync issues, or slow reconnection times. If you're on a tight budget, they're worth testing since return policies usually cover non-working units. But expect potentially frustrating performance compared to proper integration modules.

How reliable are CarPlay modules long-term?

Quality integration modules from established manufacturers show strong long-term reliability. Owners report 95%+ uptime over years of use. Most issues appear within the first three months rather than developing later. Professional installation with warranty coverage provides the best reliability since installers test all functions before completing the job and can address any problems that arise.