fitzgeraldo88

Let us know how much that ipod/mp3 multimedia interface from canada is. The Glk has it also in the US, for about 375 dollars, but nobody seems to have the part number!!!
The old can interface is being phased out, but the US still has to deal with this stuff in the US. All other markets have the newer interfaces.

Bokx_350

I wonder if the 518 part will really not fit the Audio 20, or is MB forcing us (people without Navi) to purchase the +$1000 navigation by not offering the 518 to us.

The main harness for the Audio 20 is not that different from the Command, besides the monitor cable and the GPS antenna, not to mention the Audio 50, which uses the same screen as the Audio 20, and still they offer the 518 option for the Audio 50.

On top of that, the first Ipod interface offered (the one that only shows through the instrument cluster) was available for both the Audio 20 and the MM Comand as an added option, and it was the exact same part, which indicates that both units share similiar input systems.

Diesel Benz

The point with the old iPod interface is that it only connects to the head unit via the analog AUX input, even if the Audio 20 head unit has AUX wiring it would also need to be able to handle the iPod control part. This should not be a big task but if MB did not design it being part of Audio 20, I cannot see how one could take care of it afterwards.

Nuru

STARTEKINFO has instructions for retrofitting the UMI option. So if you want to do it yourself, get on STARTEKINFO and search for the

AZ82.85-P-0004CW Retrofit Universal Media Interface. There are multiple procedures called out in this document to complete the task.

RabbitDad

I'm not convinced. If people *really* want the Ipod integration on their Audio 20, then they can still go for the old Ipod interface (it has some limitations, but most people will never realize or care). So why not offer the new 518 media interface as factory option on top of Audio 20 if it is possible to do it? I'm not sure MB believes people who really don't want to shell out for a navigation system will pay 1000€ extra just so that they can get the 'latest/greatest' Ipod integration.

Another important point to consider is that both of MBs key competitors (BMW and Audi) offer at least USB (BMW) or USB/Ipod (Audi) factory options in combination without having to choose navi.

On the other hand, you do have the UMI, which offers something similar. But there's no telling how technologically close to one another the 518 and UMI are.

Diesel Benz

How do you define "possible" here? Did you assume it would be possible as it is if MB just offered the option? That is not the case, currently the Audio 20 is not built to support the 518 kit.

But if you mean "they could have built Audio 20 to support the 518 kit", I agree, it is probably still a marketing decision, wise or not.

UMI is a completely different option by complexity, after all it includes a full navi processor to start with. Having the necessary control for the 518 kit from such a device is a piece of cake.

Bokx_350

What I ment by "possible" is if we can just buy the 518 parts and install it to our audio 20 ourselfs without the need of serious mods.

For example, the backup camera is not offered on the w204 but it is "possible" to add it by going into the secret menu of the COMAND unit

qship5

Has anyone been able to determine the part number for the interface and cables to add this to a COMAND equipped car? I really want to have iPod control from the COMAND screen, but not enough to pay $1600 for it. Now $375 or $400 and we're talking about my next mod.

shimmers

Mercedes has yet to release an aftermarket version of the parts for this, but perhaps they will soon?

In the meantime, I understand that a retrofit kit may be ready from the guys at comandonline soon, with the costs obviously much lower than the $1600 for the full UMI kit. I guess we just need to patiently wait for all of this.....

RabbitDad

Again, I doubt it, since it is not offered as a factory option. If it would be possible, then this would mean that not offering 518 as factory option with Audio 20 is purely a marketing play, and that does not make sense (since competitors do offer this possibility on non-nav systems). What probably *did* make sense is that the cost to engineer 518 into Audio 20 did not weigh up to what MB thought they were going to make of it (people who want this kind of option are generally multimedia freaks who'll have the APS 50 or COMAND anyway).

Anyway, I'd be interested to see someone try it (you never know)...

Nuru

DB is correct, and you will need a trip to the dealer to set it up to communicate with the Instrument Panel. MB also has retrofit procedures published which can be downloaded off of the STARTEKINFO website.

delirium

i just want to control my ipod through the MM screen & have all the song info on the screen...

rob13572468

Guys, we have been retrofitting the UCI kit for 6 months now:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Fmcf25CV0E

note the date on the video. Option 518 is the UCI kit which is the same as what comes in the new 2009 ML/GL/R/E/CLS/SL. The C can have this added provided:

1. it is a MM unit (non MM units only work with the more expensive UMI)

2. The command has the latest telematics update which provides UCI support

3. The command is SCN coded to have UCI turned on in the audio menu

4. You need the parts: The UCI module, fiber cable, power connector with 12v/gnd/wakeup, breakout cable (the cable that sits between the UCI box and the glovebox) and finally the ipod pigtail.

go on epc and look at the 2009 ML/GL/R for the part numbers.

If you guys are interested in a UCI plug-and-play kit let me know and Ill get you guys a group buy price...

qship5

I would be interested in a group buy of a plug and play kit.

berkut_g

after installing UMI , does anyone know how you can update the nav maps ?

gogators

+1

woedee

+2

gogators

how much would this kit be rob?

thanks

356SC

I guess this is the right thread to post my pictures of UMI installation. It's a RHD though.

It's my first time posting picture. I'm not sure how to do it, so I try with one picture first.

berkut_g

were they able to put everithing back togheter ?

356SC

berkut_g,

I did it myself. Almost done. I'll slowly add more photos.

BTW, is it possible to post picture without going through small thumbnails? I noticed some are able to do this.

berkut_g

you can host them on imageshack.us for eg.

356SC

356SC

Sorry I don't have more pictures of HU removal. Just the location of the screws. Hopefully based on the last 2 pictures, it gives some idea how to slide the HU out.

356SC

The outer side panel of the glove compartment.







Location of the screws of the panel below the glove compartment. Picture taken from above. Notice the hook.




The location of the screws that hold the glove compartment.