sprink49

Does anyone know if this can be or has been done? I would like to give it a try if it's feasable.

benzmodz

I dont see any problems. Just needs all the relevant parts and then it will need some diagnostic coding.

steve@mbenznl.com can assist.

sprink49

Thanks for your quick reply...any idea as to a source for the parts list(s)?

NJS430

Purchase the cellphone completer kit B Q 682 0878 and the cradle B Q 682 0882 from the dealer. The completer kit includes the VCM and all the necessary hardware you need. It also includes the linear compensator for the phone system. Some people say it doesn't do anything, but I have it installed and my phone works great. You can probably do the install yourself. You can get the info on how here:

http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsit..._bulletins.htm.

The 2004 S-class phone system is somewhat unique. The PSE is already in the car. It's built into a module known as CP-High. The CP-High module also provides the Tele-Aid function. The car cradle will work with the V60 bluetooth puck from AWS or if you want, I can give you the name of someone who can modify it to work with the "Mercedes" V600 which is what I have. What's nice about the VCM is that it also works the NAV system.

Hopes this helps answer your other post as well.

Good Luck!

sprink49

Thank You....any ideas on prices for the completer kit?

NJS430

The completer kit was around $800, and the cradle kit around $240. Converting the cradle to the V600 was $150, and the MB V600 phone was $500. I had the VCM working with just the module for a couple of months before I finally installed the phone, (I refused to accept using the V60) so I know it works perfectly without the phone.

Just as an aside - you'll need the dealer to configure the most loop and turn on the phone using the star diagnostic (not a big deal for them to do).

I did this two years ago and everthing still works great.

sprink49

I think that I can do the completer kit and then install the new Blue Tooth puck for the '04 S class(available from AWS in October) and use any Blue Tooth phone that is on the market. Is this true? Also...how good is the voice recognition system relative to the Command/Nav system?

NJS430

The best thing about it is that you can always just pull the handle and say "Navagate Home" or "Navagate" to any of your stored destinations. But you can also say or spell the name of a town - it then displays a list and then you pick a line number. You can even tell it to Zoom in on the map. VCM should no have been an option given the cost of the module vs. the cost of this car. It's well worth the cost of the completer kit.

MagicO309D

I'd also do the Voice Control mod now and then wait for the new '04 S-Class specific Puck (puck with tail). It'll free up more space in your center console and is more cost efficient than buying a cradle and a Puck.

Only caution is that it's best to use a current recommended phone with the Puck to ensure bug free operation and you'll also know what BT features you will get before you buy.

sprink49

I've got to do this...my wife is the primary driver of this car and like most women, she is "geographicaly challanged". She already uses the Tele Aid turn by turn service when she gets lost. I would really feel good about her having the Voice Recognition feature. She has a tough time with the NAV system and perhaps this will simplify it for her.

You know how it is...we have to watch out for our women.

sprink49

I think I'll go ahead and do the Voice Control and save the phone untill the puck becomes available.

NJS430

I didn't realize AWS was coming out with a puck with a tail that would eliminate the need for the cradle. If you are going to go that route, then you might try ordering just the Voice Control Module B Q 682 0881 and the PTT stalk B Q 682 820. That's all you need and it's probably cheaper than the completer kit. Because of the glass issue on the S-class, I'm reluctant to go that route since it does not make use of the external antenna or the signal amplifier (linear compensator). It may be a non-issue.

Another option you might want to try to help your wife is the remote control for the comand. I have one that my 15-year old son uses from the back seat. Sort of a non-electronic Voice Comand system. He can control every function on the comand system including the NAV system with the remote. The fastest way to find and enter a new destination into the system is to tell him to do it. He’s lightning fast with the remote! Must be all the video games he played growing up.