2006 CLS500 Phone Installation (verified things needed?)...

[ShannonRawls]

Before I begin, let me explain that I have read every thread regarding bluetooth, MHI, pucks, 'tronics & other aftermarket options, pre-wired, contact plates, COMMAND coding, etc... None really gives a clear and concise answer to what needs to be done to get Telephone/Bluetooth working for a 2006 CLS 500. It seems once they get it working they never report back on the success for this particular car/year. I would like to install my iPhone 4 via Bluetooth in my Benz. I realize I need to get the MBZ Bluetooth Puck that snaps in the armrest. I'll get one from eBay. What I need to know is the things I need to install in the car to make it work. Has anybody done this for their CLS 500? I do not want any aftermarket options like the 'tronics and things. I want OEM only. Also, I do not need the antenna booster. I do not need the compensator. I am using bluetooth and my iPhone only. My car is wired because I lifted up the false-floor in the armrest and I do have both female connectors waiting there for the contact plate + pigtail. My concern is I am getting conflicting stories. Some are saying all I need is the contact plate and a bluetooth puck. Others are saying I need the contact plate, the bluetooth puck AND some more electronic modules that need to be installed in the trunk to get my iPhone to work for my pre-wired 2006 CLS500. Has anyone done this and can anyone confirm the exact items I need to get done what I want done? Part numbers are helpful, but if you don't have them, a clear description of what's needed is fine. -Bluetooth Puck (old or new version) that snaps in the contact plate in the armrest -Contact Plate with 8" pigtail that installs in the armrest -Compensator module that goes in the trunk? -Antenna booster that goes in the trunk? -MHI phone module that goes in the trunk? -Additional wiring? -Additional Programming from MBZ dealer to make things get "recognized"? Thank you kindly. :-)

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[Cartronics]

Even though you are not interested in our system, I can help you.

You will need the Bluetooth Puck (choose wisely, as the MB branded ones have VERY limited phone compatibility - MAYBE consider the Viseeo MB2 puck instead - sorry for the plug)
You will need the UHI contact plate
You will need the MHI module
You will need the MOST cable kit for the MHI module

You DO NOT need the antenna or compensator.

There should not be any additional wiring (it is VERY VERY rare that you would need any additional wiring), nor would you need programming normally (but again in rare circumstances you may need it).

[hyperion667]

wtf! a cls thread with no pictures!!!!

()

[ShannonRawls]

@Cartronics, thank you kindly. I appreciate the clear and simple response. I'll be ordering these parts from MBZ today ($176 for contact plate + voice control parts) and ($121 MHI module kit w/uneeded compensator) and once I install them (MBZ gave me the 22 page instructions for the 2006 CLS 500), I will report back.

P.S.
I did plan on getting the Viseeo puck. Just didn't want to confuse what I was looking for here. :-)

[ShannonRawls]

All went well. I spent a grand total of $297.00 with the Mercedes Benz Dealer. I had to purchase 2 kits:
1. Q6820965 ($121.00) @ dealer
2. Q6820954 ($176.00) @ dealer

The 2006 (and likely all years up until it came built-in) CLS 500/550 needs MORE than just the plate installed that goes under the armrest. In addition to that, you ALSO need a computer module that goes in the trunk that is called the "MHI Module". This is a different piece of equipment other than the Linear Compensator and the Antenna Splitter.

Here's the thing... since you cannot get the MHI MODULE separately, it comes as part of a kit. In this kit (Q6820965) comes with:
1. hardware (nuts and bolts)
2. linear compensator, dual band (module)
3. MHI Control (module)

The other kit (Q6820954) contains the contact plate that goes under the armrest and a few other goodies:
1. Push-To-Talk Lever (that snaps in the steering wheel on the right side)
2. Contact Plate
3. MOST cable for Voice Control
4. Linear Compensator mounting bracket
5. Antenna Switch (module)
6. Voice Control (module)
7. Owners Manual & Operation Instructions

Even though your CLS is "prewired", both of these items are required to get a phone or bluetooth working. There will be NO programming needed at the dealership (it'll just start working) and all the microphones and stuff is already in the car (the rearview mirror i think). The nice thing about this is, in addition to now having a complete OEM phone system in my CLS500, I now have VOICE CONTROL for my stereo, CD Player, Phone System, and other functions. It's cool to pull the little lever and the lady ask me "What would you like?". Another cool thing is, even though I will be using bluetooth and the linear compensator and antenna switch modules will not be used, it's good to know I have them installed anyhow. So if anyone ever wants to use those old V60 or V600/710 phones, they can.

The installation took me about 2 hours. Would have been faster if I had daylight but I did it in the dark. and it was cold. lol
I'm pretty good at electronics and installing stuff (an expert, actually) so your time may vary.

NOW.... the only thing I need to do is purchase a "bluetooth puck" that will snap into the contact plate under my armrest. I use an iPhone 4 right now and so I'm debating if I should get the old MBZ one, the new MBZ one or the Viseeo version. I can't decide. If they all work fine, I will likely just get whichever is cheapest.
I do plan on getting the iPhone 5 when it is released.

If anyone (with a 2006-2008 CLS only) has a question, you can always ask me here. I will be happy to answer anything you have.

[G8nightman]

So I have a 2007 cls 550 I already have the bluetooth puck and the phone working with it but what will I need to install the voice controls?

Thanks

[ShannonRawls]

Not sure. Looks like you'll need 6820954 only since it comes with the VC module & lever in the same kit.

[G8nightman]

Where does the voice control Module connect too?

[Cartronics]

Fiber optic loop in the trunk

[G8nightman]

Do you guys have a detail install instructions I want to get this installed in my car sounds easy enough and not to expensive.

[Cartronics]

We don't sell voice control modules. That is dealer only part. We sell the improved over factory phone systems ( and many other items)

[G8nightman]

On my Command it shows a SMS function but its greyed out anyway I can get that to work with my phone?

[Cartronics]

Your phone and system have to support it.

[Todd Graham]

Originally Posted by ShannonRawls

@Cartronics, thank you kindly. I appreciate the clear and simple response. I'll be ordering these parts from MBZ today ($176 for contact plate + voice control parts) and ($121 MHI module kit w/uneeded compensator) and once I install them (MBZ gave me the 22 page instructions for the 2006 CLS 500), I will report back.

P.S.
I did plan on getting the Viseeo puck. Just didn't want to confuse what I was looking for here. :-)

Can you post the instructions that MBZ gave you?

Thanks!

[jeezcak3]

Originally Posted by hyperion667

wtf! a cls thread with no pictures!!!!

()

LIKE!

I just bought a CLS500. And I am a visual learner.

[G8nightman]

My 07 is missing the plug for the voice command module sucks because now im stuck with the module O well.

[bosbrucec]

Looks like most instructions needed for this are pretty well covered between (E class) :

http://phdwebsite.powerpulse.cc/Phon...0E%20Sedan.pdf

and (CLS 500) :

http://mbworld.org/forums/cls55-amg-...ystem-vcs.html

Obviously some extra bits not needed for BT, but mostly overlap and nice to see color pictures and detailed description of steps...

I just got my kits and will be following advice from Shannon here and these two posts to do the install.

[ShannonRawls]

Just emailed you the install instructions. :-)

[ovaid]

does anyone know where you can get these parts for the Bluetooth installation?

there is someone eon eBay selling the kit # Q6820965 for $250,
but i can't find anyone selling kit # Q6820954, all the dealers say its discontinued. if anyone knows where to get it or if someone has it, i really need to buy it.
thanks

[c240classic]

Would these instructions work for a 2007 cls63 ? My Data sheet says it is pre-wired for phone system. does that mean i will have the modules as well or do i still need to purchase them? Thanks

Yousaf Khan

[ydlee]

Originally Posted by ShannonRawls

Just emailed you the install instructions. :-)

Can you please send them to me as well? My email is ydlee@hotmail.com

[ovaid]

there is only one guy that i know of that still has some CLS bluetooth kits available. Keith Valentine cellguy@live.com . He is very experienced and knows the ins and outs of every mercedes benz bluetooth system. he charges about $800.00 for the kit and the installation is extremely straight forward.
i bought my kit from him.
good luck

[dremjay]

If i opened the arm rest and I don't have any connectors in there, Can i still have the factory Bluetooth system installed???? Or is that option completely out of question and what will i have to do in terms of wiring? :S Im so confused I was excited to get the blue tooth in my 2006 CLS until i opened the armrest to see its empty with no connectors

[ovaid]

you can still have the system installed but the only person who has the kit available is Keith Valentine, i posted his info above.
you can't see the wiring since there is none yet, you have to put it in. the connections are under the "shelf" in the center console. its a very easy install if you are semi handy.
you you are in the NY/NJ area i can do it for you for a charge.

[ydlee]

Originally Posted by dremjay

If i opened the arm rest and I don't have any connectors in there, Can i still have the factory Bluetooth system installed???? Or is that option completely out of question and what will i have to do in terms of wiring? :S Im so confused I was excited to get the blue tooth in my 2006 CLS until i opened the armrest to see its empty with no connectors

I was going to sale my parts I have 2 out 3 missing pieces but finally pulled the trigger and ordered it. This is the list of thing I purchased to get bluetooth and once I receive final piece will have it installed.
1. Bluetooth puck ebay $109
2. Contact plate part # A 203 820 1311 orderd from parts.com (when ordering take out the letter "A" ) $95 shipped
3. Just ordered MHI control module had to order the core kit even though you only need one item from kit unless you want backward compatible parts and voice control purchased on ebay:
part # Q6820965 $295 shipped

Just need to pay for install dont know the price?? But I am relieved I have all the parts. I did buy an used Itronics bluetooth tried to install and it messed up my command in which I am getting fixed I think they are re-installing software to fix. No I have a used Itronics sitting around.