MB Bluetooth is finally here in US and available
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MB Bluetooth is finally here in US and available
I went by my dealer today after getting a part number off the mbclub.co.uk website, and can report that the MB Bluetooth cradle that we've seen on this site is now available and in supply. I ordered it today for $474.00 US and should have it on Tuesday. The part number is Q67875839 and is shown on the dealer's 2007 Telematics part list in the system. I was given the same part number on the UK site but instead of a "Q" it began with a "B". I have the UHI interface in my 2006 CLK 350 that I got and self-installed from Steve at mBenzNL, and have been using the cradle for the SE 630 phone. Its been working fine. I've been using bluetooth with my other phone, Moto V600, in my Touareg and so now I should be able to use either phone in the CLK. I'm hoping some setup instructions will come with the part, but if anyone has any leads on that I'd appreciate it in case it just comes in the box by itself. Thanks and I"ll keep you posted.
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From: College Station, TX
2015 GL350, 2015 750i
I checked out their website and understand that installations vary but was it difficult to install the UHI yourself? And what was the cost? I'd like BT in my 2006 ML but don't want to spend $2K total for the MHI, BT, and installation (by MB). If it's an easy install and the price is right, I'd definitely go for it.
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I thought the install in my CLK was easy, it took about 2 hours. I don't know what it would be like in your car. I used the MB installation instructions on Paul's website (http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/) for my vehicle. I would assume the price would be the same, or really less since you wouldn't need the cradle for your phone which comes with Steve's kit since you would be buying the bluetooth cradle from the MB dealer. I think the cradle would normally be about $100 or so, but that's a guess. I think I paid about $675.00 for the UHI kit but I can't remember for sure. It was substantially less than what MB would be selling and you save on the installation and its a better system because its not limited to MB branded phones. Its my understanding that you have to have the UHI kit vs. the U.S. MHI kit in order for the MB bluetooth cradle to work. I could be wrong about that, but that's what I've seen on the forum discussions.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Los Angeles
w211 E55
Originally Posted by wsscott
I went by my dealer today after getting a part number off the mbclub.co.uk website, and can report that the MB Bluetooth cradle that we've seen on this site is now available and in supply. I ordered it today for $474.00 US and should have it on Tuesday. The part number is Q67875839 and is shown on the dealer's 2007 Telematics part list in the system. I was given the same part number on the UK site but instead of a "Q" it began with a "B". I have the UHI interface in my 2006 CLK 350 that I got and self-installed from Steve at mBenzNL, and have been using the cradle for the SE 630 phone. Its been working fine. I've been using bluetooth with my other phone, Moto V600, in my Touareg and so now I should be able to use either phone in the CLK. I'm hoping some setup instructions will come with the part, but if anyone has any leads on that I'd appreciate it in case it just comes in the box by itself. Thanks and I"ll keep you posted.
Thanks for the info!
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
UHI Interface Standard on US GL
At the NAIAS in Detroit, the UHI interface is listed as standard equipment!!!
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Its the puck that replaces the cradle for my Sony Ericsson phone. I don't know if you can purchase the UHI in the U.S., it may be standard for newer models replacing the MHI interface that will only work with MB branded phones.
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Joined: Dec 2005
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From: Los Angeles
w211 E55
Originally Posted by wsscott
Its the puck that replaces the cradle for my Sony Ericsson phone. I don't know if you can purchase the UHI in the U.S., it may be standard for newer models replacing the MHI interface that will only work with MB branded phones.
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From: Los Angeles
w211 E55
Originally Posted by Fly Low
I'll check with my stealer, thank you
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
How Retro will it go???
Does anyone have the AWS website; i've seen it posted here, but can't seem to find it now. I want to know how far back the bluetooth will integrate. Even if i have to upgrade compensators or something and then install the puck, it may be worth it.
2000 E320 with the lovely startac (da&n thing STILL WORKS, so i shouldn't complain too loudly)...
2000 E320 with the lovely startac (da&n thing STILL WORKS, so i shouldn't complain too loudly)...
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
Nevermind, But Good News
Just got off the phone with AWS (I found their #)...in ANY Mercedes which already has the hands-free system, AS LONG AS IT IS AT LEAST A DIGITAL Startac, then their are two steps to follow:
1) Upgrade to the V60 cradle
2) purchase the bluetooth dongle from AWS when it arrives sometime this 1st Q. She says they are building for inventory now.
WOOHOO!
1) Upgrade to the V60 cradle
2) purchase the bluetooth dongle from AWS when it arrives sometime this 1st Q. She says they are building for inventory now.
WOOHOO!
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
Well, the AWS main site is http://www.getaws.com/ . They're MB-specific site is http://www.wireless4mb.com/ . I spoke with them on Thursday and was told they had received inventory but didn't yet have prices updated in their systems.
One thing I notice in this thread that I don't think was mentioned on the similar thread in BenzWorld is that the part mentioned here is for UHI (non-US). The part you will find on the AWS site is for MHI (US). They are not the same.
If you got the handsfree installation from the factory on a US model, then you will want to be sure to order the MHI puck. From what I can gather so far, the MHI puck supports both the Handsfree and Object Exchange profiles. That is, you use your handsfree setup as if it were a headset (no use of the car's antenna) and it will transfer the phone book (though from phone's directory or SIM isn't clear just yet).
On the UHI puck, it supports something called the SIM Access Profile. This is really cool, because it actually enables the puck to take on the SIM identity of your phone (essentially becoming your phone), and thus uses the car's cell antenna, etc. You do, of course, need to have a phone that supports this profile as well... but it is cool stuff.
One thing I notice in this thread that I don't think was mentioned on the similar thread in BenzWorld is that the part mentioned here is for UHI (non-US). The part you will find on the AWS site is for MHI (US). They are not the same.
If you got the handsfree installation from the factory on a US model, then you will want to be sure to order the MHI puck. From what I can gather so far, the MHI puck supports both the Handsfree and Object Exchange profiles. That is, you use your handsfree setup as if it were a headset (no use of the car's antenna) and it will transfer the phone book (though from phone's directory or SIM isn't clear just yet).
On the UHI puck, it supports something called the SIM Access Profile. This is really cool, because it actually enables the puck to take on the SIM identity of your phone (essentially becoming your phone), and thus uses the car's cell antenna, etc. You do, of course, need to have a phone that supports this profile as well... but it is cool stuff.
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Update
My dealer has been staying in touch with me since my initial post and has been trying to get the bluetooth puck from AWS, and today called me to say that he talked to AWS and the part will not be made available to dealers but will have to be purchased directly from AWS. Further, S-Class is getting preference in distribution. So I'm not able to get it, and if anyone wants it it may be a real hassle. Sorry for the news to all of us who wanted integrated bluetooth.
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From: White Lake, MI
04 C320 Coupe MT
Originally Posted by aceman
WTF does that mean??? Talk about BS.
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From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
UHI vs. MHI
does either one allow me to use a non-MB phone? I hate my V600. I have a new Samsung D600 and I'd assume that since we could use bluetooth that you could use any bluetooth phone.
Which one allows me to use my Samsung or another phone next year when I upgrade again?
does either one allow me to use a non-MB phone? I hate my V600. I have a new Samsung D600 and I'd assume that since we could use bluetooth that you could use any bluetooth phone.
Which one allows me to use my Samsung or another phone next year when I upgrade again?
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
AWS is under contract to sell to public
call them and get on their list...they are very helpful; just press 0 if you get the message system. bluetooth puck is being produced and is retrofittable back through 2000...they are just building inventory at the factory for the S class and themselves.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
It means that they didn't plan this rollout very well (MBUSA or AWS). Instead of quietly allowing the inventory to build so they could satisfy demand, they launched info about it on their site before they'd even logged receipt of their first shipment. 
Now, they're caught by an edict from MBUSA that only 2007 S-class VINs can be used to order for the time being -- no end date determined yet, but probably based on inventory levels. 
I strongly suggest that you voice your opinions to MBUSA about this situation. Maybe it won't change much, but they need to get a clear message that those of us who patiently waited (some upwards of a year or more) for this to come out are now being told we're second-class citizens to those buying a car that hasn't even really built up any sales volume yet. My dealership laughed when I told them about this restriction -- "Oh, you mean 4 or 5 in the next two months?" hahaha sad
Even worse is that AWS is sticking to their line of "you must have one of the 12 certified phones with certified firmware level or we can't sell you the puck... or you need to buy the puck with a phone." Total and utter bullsh*t.
Like I said on the benzworld forum.... if anyone knows of another source of these MHI pucks, I want to know about it. And a lot of other people as well, I suspect. This situation does not appear to be benefitting owners in any way shape or form.
Now, they're caught by an edict from MBUSA that only 2007 S-class VINs can be used to order for the time being -- no end date determined yet, but probably based on inventory levels. I strongly suggest that you voice your opinions to MBUSA about this situation. Maybe it won't change much, but they need to get a clear message that those of us who patiently waited (some upwards of a year or more) for this to come out are now being told we're second-class citizens to those buying a car that hasn't even really built up any sales volume yet. My dealership laughed when I told them about this restriction -- "Oh, you mean 4 or 5 in the next two months?" hahaha sad
Even worse is that AWS is sticking to their line of "you must have one of the 12 certified phones with certified firmware level or we can't sell you the puck... or you need to buy the puck with a phone." Total and utter bullsh*t.
Like I said on the benzworld forum.... if anyone knows of another source of these MHI pucks, I want to know about it. And a lot of other people as well, I suspect. This situation does not appear to be benefitting owners in any way shape or form.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
Originally Posted by gmdebruyn
UHI vs. MHI
does either one allow me to use a non-MB phone? I hate my V600. I have a new Samsung D600 and I'd assume that since we could use bluetooth that you could use any bluetooth phone.
Which one allows me to use my Samsung or another phone next year when I upgrade again?
does either one allow me to use a non-MB phone? I hate my V600. I have a new Samsung D600 and I'd assume that since we could use bluetooth that you could use any bluetooth phone.
Which one allows me to use my Samsung or another phone next year when I upgrade again?
MHI on the other hand is supposed to support the Headset and Obex profiles only. The lowest common denominator -- based on a few owner reports, esp on Benzworld -- seems to be headset. Obex isn't always working, but it's not clear why. In my case, Obex would be nice, but headset is crucial... and that seems to work with at least two Treo650's I've heard of.
I recall seeing the list of 12 for MHI compatibility on Benzworld... but someone may want to repost it here. I believe it had the certified firmware levels, too. To my knowledge, it should *NOT* *NOT* *NOT* require custom firmware.
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I'm surprised that there isn't a European source for the puck that works in British and European models. They're much farther ahead than the U.S. in this stuff, and they've been handsfree for several years. I would think they're using bluetooth in a lot more situations too. I wonder if Steve at MbenzNL has any leads. I bought my UHI unit from him and installed it and it works great. I can't believe a solution doesn't exist.
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From: Sydney, Australia
W203 slightly modified
Originally Posted by taroliw
I honestly don't know whether the certified device list is different between them, but I suspect it would have to be. Why? Because UHI (which is generally only availabe in Europe, unless you've had MbenzNL whisper at your car) supports several additional features that the MHI version doesn't. Most important of these is the SIM Access Profile (bluetooth profile), which enables the puck to take on the SIM identity of your phone and thus use the car's antenna, etc.
MHI on the other hand is supposed to support the Headset and Obex profiles only. The lowest common denominator -- based on a few owner reports, esp on Benzworld -- seems to be headset. Obex isn't always working, but it's not clear why. In my case, Obex would be nice, but headset is crucial... and that seems to work with at least two Treo650's I've heard of.
I recall seeing the list of 12 for MHI compatibility on Benzworld... but someone may want to repost it here. I believe it had the certified firmware levels, too. To my knowledge, it should *NOT* *NOT* *NOT* require custom firmware.
MHI on the other hand is supposed to support the Headset and Obex profiles only. The lowest common denominator -- based on a few owner reports, esp on Benzworld -- seems to be headset. Obex isn't always working, but it's not clear why. In my case, Obex would be nice, but headset is crucial... and that seems to work with at least two Treo650's I've heard of.
I recall seeing the list of 12 for MHI compatibility on Benzworld... but someone may want to repost it here. I believe it had the certified firmware levels, too. To my knowledge, it should *NOT* *NOT* *NOT* require custom firmware.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: NC
2019 Volvo XC90 Magic/Amber, '95 E320 Cabriolet Midnight,'14 GL350 Lunar/Almond was '07 GL320CDI
In this, I have to back MBUSA
Firstly, they've got a new model to support. Secondly, they've got a bluetooth solution that is late to market, but integrates the items that have kept them from that market (the glass used, etc. etc.) and they seem to have developed (or had developed) a really useable solution. The REAL KICKER and the reason I have to back MBUSA is that for the first time EVER, and this is truly big to MOST of us on this forum, they are going to offer a RETROFITTABLE SOLUTION, back to MY2000. THat is huge. So, kudos to them, and while i assure all of you i have been waiting for bluetooth for as long as anyone, I have to be glad that when it does arrive, it will not only work in my new GL, but it will be applicable to my 2000 Startac'd wagon, as well as my 04 E320. THAT is pretty cool. 
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From: Lawrence, KS (USA)
S500/W220/2000
Originally Posted by carpersn
Firstly, they've got a new model to support. Secondly, they've got a bluetooth solution that is late to market, but integrates the items that have kept them from that market (the glass used, etc. etc.) and they seem to have developed (or had developed) a really useable solution. The REAL KICKER and the reason I have to back MBUSA is that for the first time EVER, and this is truly big to MOST of us on this forum, they are going to offer a RETROFITTABLE SOLUTION, back to MY2000. THat is huge. So, kudos to them, and while i assure all of you i have been waiting for bluetooth for as long as anyone, I have to be glad that when it does arrive, it will not only work in my new GL, but it will be applicable to my 2000 Startac'd wagon, as well as my 04 E320. THAT is pretty cool.
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Joined: Sep 2005
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
Originally Posted by wsscott
I'm surprised that there isn't a European source for the puck that works in British and European models. They're much farther ahead than the U.S. in this stuff, and they've been handsfree for several years. I would think they're using bluetooth in a lot more situations too. I wonder if Steve at MbenzNL has any leads. I bought my UHI unit from him and installed it and it works great. I can't believe a solution doesn't exist.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 SLK350
Originally Posted by benzmodz
The bluetooth conversation is a data stream in a particular format. The idea of a sim access profile is something entirely differrent to a 2 way BT link to the phone. As far as I know there is no way known to pass SIM information over bluetooth (please advise me of otherwise) and that would limit the sim version of BT in any car to being a proprietary system.
The UHI module works in a similar fashion (using SAP), basically causing your BT-enabled phone (that must support SAP) to turn it's radio off, then takes the SIM data from it, and turns on it's own radio -- thus utilizing the car's cell radio while you're in it. Neat huh? And it all happens wirelessly.
The MHI module, on the other hand, must work in the land of Buffalo, where we don't believe in things so silly as technology.
The MHI puck only offers the Handsfree and Obex profiles. The latter *should* support transferring one's phonebook to the car, but this feature tends to not be implemented consistently and thus will likely not work on a lot of phones -- it's already been observed not to work on the Treo 650, for example.
