gusshr

Anyone had the Media Interface plus added to a 2012 S-Class?

I have S600 2012 and want to add one, but I am getting mixed answers that it will not work.

Thanks

Mike5215

Back when I was researching this I did find one post (not on this forum) from someone who had the MI+ and stated it worked as advertised in his 2010 W221. That's the only source I found. What differentiates the MB adapter from the less expensive 3rd party ones (aside from the cache of using an OEM product) is built in Pandora integration. If you're a heavy Pandora user that might be a factor.

Otherwise, the 3rd party pieces perform in exactly the same way. They use the same type of compression (SBC), and produce the same audio quality (which is quite good, depending on your source material). They all display metadata (song title and artist), allow navigation of your library via COMAND on the big screen and display info in the instrument cluster as well. They allow for steering wheel control of volume and to change tracks. All units would allow the playback of Pandora, although in the 3rd party apps the displayed title and artist info can get out of sync once you start skipping tracks. All are compatible with any BT device that outputs A2DP audio, like your Android device.

If music listening is important, I'd save the $300 on the OEM piece and invest it in replacing some key cabin speakers instead. You can get a massive improvement in sound quality from the stock system without adding a new head unit or amps.

Nuru

Mike5215 that is solid advice. I was contemplating new speakers myself. As the base HK system in my car seems to need some assistance LOL! Upgraded speakers can make a huge difference - as long as you can get them in yourself There do not seem to be that difficult, but it is not likee switching out speakers on a less expensive vehicle.

gusshr

Thank you Mike, I learned alot from what you wrote.

My intention is to get the SMS on the screen of the car and be able to reply to sms without using the phone handset. Would I be able to do that with the 3rd party tune2air or the MI+?

If the MI+ would get me the SMS then I would buy it.

The S600 comes with the Bang and Olfson speakers. They seem good enough.

Nuru

I have the media interface and II just picked up a 3rd party USB cable for $10 US. If it works, I saved over $100 US. If not, well I will have to bail and purchase the one from the dealer for $117.

Mike5215

Yeah, the H&K is a little hollow, shrill and weak sounding, but fortunately the stock amp is great and some of the speakers can be left alone. There are three shallow mount subwoofers (two in the front doors, one in the rear parcel shelf) that perform well. The real culprits are the 4" mid range speakers in the front doors. The Focal KRS 100 4" components are a good swap to start. They were $650 but worth it. I had an audio shop do all of the installs, but if you're patient and handy you could do it yourself.

Oh, those speakers are way more than good enough. The B&O is a rare option on a 550 but I do see them more often on the 600s. Great system. I don't know a ton about the SMS feature but I don't think the 3rd party adapters will do it. Might have to roll the dice on the MIP for SMS.

Nuru

Thanks Mike, I will take a look at those speakers. A quick question, did it cost your $650 installed or was it $650 just for the speakers?

Definitely agree that B&O sound system is very good.

Mike5215

They were $650 for the speakers (woofer and component tweeter, plus cross overs.) Install was $300, including Hushmat on the door interiors. That alone is a big improvement.

gusshr

The B&O system is standard on the S600.

gusshr

I am hopeful that one of the 2012 S class would confirm email and sms reading capabilities of the media interface plus.

Mike5215

Possibly in 2012. Earlier years the 600s had either Harman/Kardon or the B&O upgrade.

Nuru

so would I

Jason B

Nope, but it should be

Here is a 2012 S600 and no B&O

http://www.southlakemotorcars.com/we...s/12672668/#00

.

gusshr

It does have B&O (scroll down and see the pictures of the speakers)

gusshr

It seems like no one want to confirm that year 2012 S does not work with the Media Interface Plus. I think I will be ordering one and take a chance.

Any suggestions?

gusshr

I found this, it has the answer in it:

https://www.mbusa.com/vcm/MB/Digital...x_7_1_2011.pdf

Mike5215

It looks like with the MIP you'd have to choose between BT audio streaming and SMS, since either solution excludes one or the other.

Mike5215

Yeah, all of the '12 600s I've seen have the B&O. I've only seen both on prior years. Good to know when it's time for my next CPO W221, because I'd love a 600 with the B&O package.

Nuru

Geez, if I ever got a 600, I would have to breakout the old mechanics clothes and also buy me a car lift for my garage so I could really work on my car.

Nuru

Well I have yet to attach a USB drive to my USB cable, but when I attached my phone to it, it started charging, but every 20 minutes or so, the car would try to read the phone as a drive and that would cut off the radio sound to whatever I was listening to SAT or HD local - is that normal

Mike5215

Yes. The USB port in the car acts like a USB port on your PC. When it senses a connection it presumes it's a new external USB storage device that you wish to access, and it over rides your current source. You'd want to get a simple 12v USB charger in one of the 12v receptacles in the car to charge the phone. (One in the ashtray, two on the back side of the console.)

Nuru

Thanks Mike, Yeah I have a couple of different options along those lines. BTW, the thing that stinks is that I expected the car to act like my PC which once you establish the connection and it determines what you want it does not keep asking like the car does LOL!