iPod Low Volume
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 16
From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
Well I pulled apart my car again and tried the iPod Amplifier in my car and it was totally distorted. I can only assume that this unit is for older iPod Kits.
My iPod kit was: B6 782 4256
So I'd say it doesn't work correctly with the newest iPod kits only with the older one. Thank goodness it was only $.11 so I'm not out much money.
My iPod kit was: B6 782 4256
So I'd say it doesn't work correctly with the newest iPod kits only with the older one. Thank goodness it was only $.11 so I'm not out much money.
R
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,511
Likes: 267
From: Chicago
2025 AMG E 53; 2018 GLC300 4Matic; 2003 360 Modena
I do have the Harmon-Kardon system.
I can definitely say that it solved the problem for me, the audio from the iPod matches the other selections such as CD or Radio, and the sound is clear.
Super Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: Austin, TX
2006 Mercedes C55 AMG
Well I do have the HK system and I did play with the volume setting and lowered it to the ----- instead of the ++++. However I think it actually sounds better without the inline amp for some reason.
Do you all think because I have a 2006 that somethings different??
Do you all think because I have a 2006 that somethings different??
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2008 E 350
Anyone install this in a W211 yet or have any idea how to install? Would appreciate any feedback. I am very disappointed with the ipod integration/volume in my 08 E 350 which was factory installed. I would have much rather had the AUX in; at least the volume would have been consistent. Steering wheel controls on the MB kit are very slow and cumbersome as well.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,578
Likes: 7
04 S430 (sold),05 X5 4.4i, 02 325i, 87 560SL, 85 Alfa Romeo
This is great!! its about time... I think the only reason the price is so low is that they ( Mercedes or Peiker) messed up in the first place and are basically giving th thing away.. Either way great to hear they have a fix for this long standing issue. I posted many threads and work arounds for this in the past but this is nice to see. I might purchase a few of these just because....
lep354...
This will work on the W211 as well. You simply remove the RJ45ish plug from the module and plug it into the amp. Then the plug from the amp goes back into the module. That's it. Inline amplifier...
lep354...
This will work on the W211 as well. You simply remove the RJ45ish plug from the module and plug it into the amp. Then the plug from the amp goes back into the module. That's it. Inline amplifier...
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
g500
ipod amplifier
...got mine too, paid .11, installed it today in my 2007 G500 - SAVED the day - it fixed my low volume issue... if anyone is having Distortion with the New AMP, TRY setting your iPod EQ setting to OFF, that MAY help. i experimented and got a CLEANER sound with the ipod EQ OFF.
So i can still hear the Fidelity/Volume attenuation that was INTENTIONALLY built into the AUX channel, when compared to the CD or RADIO, but Now that the ipod has MORE volume, i can LIVE with the lower Fidelity Bandwidth the AUX channel has. I Just wish that the Freakin MB mechanics KNEW what we did. They INSTALLED my Ipod KIT just a month ago, and handed me the keys, those idiots never even noticed the difference in volume, i always feel like a TEST pilot when i buy New Cars, and its always at MY expense.
i INSTALLED the New AMP in my 2007 g500, it took a bit of effort to get at the wiring, but it all worked out great.
ALSO NOTEWORTHY - i MADE the dealer install a 2008 Instrument cluster in my 07 truck so that the Ipod kit would work... when i bought the truck back in april, they installed the kit but it NEVER worked, again - IDIOTS - they NEVER tested the Ipod kit, just charged me $900 and handed me the keys... it NEVER worked, then it took about 6 months of Pestering them but they FINALLY agreed and replaced my Instrument Cluster with a new 2008 unit, which ALLOWED the Ipod integration kit to function, albeit, poorly with low volume! it made me wonder why i had fought for something that SUCKED so badly .but NOW after many many months of VERY Frustrating Rounds, i finally feel i have what i was supposed to, but ONLY Thanks to my OWN efforts, diligence and time invested. Lucky for MB, the g500 is in a class by itself or i would likely NOT buy another MB product, but i am hooked now!
So i can still hear the Fidelity/Volume attenuation that was INTENTIONALLY built into the AUX channel, when compared to the CD or RADIO, but Now that the ipod has MORE volume, i can LIVE with the lower Fidelity Bandwidth the AUX channel has. I Just wish that the Freakin MB mechanics KNEW what we did. They INSTALLED my Ipod KIT just a month ago, and handed me the keys, those idiots never even noticed the difference in volume, i always feel like a TEST pilot when i buy New Cars, and its always at MY expense.
i INSTALLED the New AMP in my 2007 g500, it took a bit of effort to get at the wiring, but it all worked out great.
ALSO NOTEWORTHY - i MADE the dealer install a 2008 Instrument cluster in my 07 truck so that the Ipod kit would work... when i bought the truck back in april, they installed the kit but it NEVER worked, again - IDIOTS - they NEVER tested the Ipod kit, just charged me $900 and handed me the keys... it NEVER worked, then it took about 6 months of Pestering them but they FINALLY agreed and replaced my Instrument Cluster with a new 2008 unit, which ALLOWED the Ipod integration kit to function, albeit, poorly with low volume! it made me wonder why i had fought for something that SUCKED so badly .but NOW after many many months of VERY Frustrating Rounds, i finally feel i have what i was supposed to, but ONLY Thanks to my OWN efforts, diligence and time invested. Lucky for MB, the g500 is in a class by itself or i would likely NOT buy another MB product, but i am hooked now!
Last edited by largeal; Jan 10, 2008 at 12:41 AM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 16
From: Berkshire, UK
2004 SL55, 2015 A250d, 2016 GLC250d
However, it is most likely to be above the passengers feet (above that panel there) - 2-3 screws to undo and have a look
R
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Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 5
From: Corona, CA
2004 E55 AMG; 1995 Porsche 993 Cab.
Just a "heads-up" in case there are folks intending to get these inline amps from your local Mercedes dealer.
I went to my local dealer yesterday to order one, correct part number, shown as in stock at the distribution centre and price.... yep... $0.10 each.
Parts guy couldn't believe the price
and so he called Mercedes to check...
Guess what... the online Mercedes price is WRONG!!! These things are supposed to retail @ $35.00 each
and Mercedes will be adjusting the price... soon I guess...
The parts guy would therefor NOT order me any at $0.10 each
saying he'd have to charge $35.00 each.. 
I politely declined and for that price point said I'd roll my own....
Having said that, I drive a few extra miles to the next delear and ordered @ $0.10 (plus tax) no questions asked.
So, get 'em while you can, if you are even "thinking" about it.... might save you a few bucks...
I went to my local dealer yesterday to order one, correct part number, shown as in stock at the distribution centre and price.... yep... $0.10 each.
Parts guy couldn't believe the price
and so he called Mercedes to check...Guess what... the online Mercedes price is WRONG!!! These things are supposed to retail @ $35.00 each
and Mercedes will be adjusting the price... soon I guess...The parts guy would therefor NOT order me any at $0.10 each
saying he'd have to charge $35.00 each.. I politely declined and for that price point said I'd roll my own....
Having said that, I drive a few extra miles to the next delear and ordered @ $0.10 (plus tax) no questions asked.
So, get 'em while you can, if you are even "thinking" about it.... might save you a few bucks...
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 5
From: Corona, CA
2004 E55 AMG; 1995 Porsche 993 Cab.
It's a simple plug and play solution... will be fitting mine tonight I hope.
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Rhode Island
2004 E500 4Matic
I went today to buy the inline amplifier at my dealer. The parts guy asked me what it was for? He said he had no idea what it was.
The funny thing was, (just like you guys said in this thread!) he had to ask his manager to double check the .10 price!!! HA! Too funny! He couldn't believe it!
Thanks for the advice guys! I'll let you know how I make out after the install.
The funny thing was, (just like you guys said in this thread!) he had to ask his manager to double check the .10 price!!! HA! Too funny! He couldn't believe it!
Thanks for the advice guys! I'll let you know how I make out after the install.
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 5
From: Corona, CA
2004 E55 AMG; 1995 Porsche 993 Cab.
Fitted mine today.... WOW! What a difference.
Volume level considerably raised... I now notice that switching back to CD or Radio gives a lower volume than the Ipod...(yes I switched the volume to --- on the display as at +++ it was distorting).
Quick 5 minute exercise.
Remove two torx T25 (?) bolts in the panel above the passengers feet.
Pull down the panel (slight side twist to clear air vent connection)
Unplug existing lead into Ipod Controller.
Switch in new amp box/cable
Put it all back.
Not bad for $0.11 (with tax).
Volume level considerably raised... I now notice that switching back to CD or Radio gives a lower volume than the Ipod...(yes I switched the volume to --- on the display as at +++ it was distorting).
Quick 5 minute exercise.
Remove two torx T25 (?) bolts in the panel above the passengers feet.
Pull down the panel (slight side twist to clear air vent connection)
Unplug existing lead into Ipod Controller.
Switch in new amp box/cable
Put it all back.
Not bad for $0.11 (with tax).
Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 161
Likes: 5
From: Corona, CA
2004 E55 AMG; 1995 Porsche 993 Cab.
Easy... I did mine kneeling on the floor outside the car.
Space is tight for the inline amp thing... but it fits.. Bear in mind though that mine was an post-production fit, so maybe not the exact position that Hans or Gruber might have put it according to the AMG specs...
Also, the airvent thing is pretty much just an outlet deflector that you just line up and then bolt the panel (of which it is a part) back up.
EASY! DO IT!
Space is tight for the inline amp thing... but it fits.. Bear in mind though that mine was an post-production fit, so maybe not the exact position that Hans or Gruber might have put it according to the AMG specs...
Also, the airvent thing is pretty much just an outlet deflector that you just line up and then bolt the panel (of which it is a part) back up.
EASY! DO IT!
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
g500
Distorted Sound
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I just ordered one one; be picking it up on Thursday. The parts man chuckled; 10 cents. I told him it was a piece of cable and a very cheap part. No further questions. Let's see how it goes on Thursday.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Yesterday I had my local dealership install a new MP-Designs wheel in my E55. I asked them to install an iPod amp too and I gave them the part #. I told my service adviser to sit down and brace himself when he checked the price on the amp. He said, "No kidding. 10¢???"
My total bill was $91.27. Not bad.
My total bill was $91.27. Not bad.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
10c is what I paid for it today; no doubt the salesman said it can't be right etc. etc; he spent 20 minutes with accounting and MBUSA and returned saying his instructions were to sell at computer displayed price; 10c 
I was so tempted to order about 10 of them but I would have no use for more.
Get them while you can!
I was so tempted to order about 10 of them but I would have no use for more.
Get them while you can!
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Big problem. After the dealer installed my iPod amp, the sound quality of my Bluetooth phone is AWFUL. Even if the iPod is unplugged. It does not sound like alternator whine you might hear with a ground loop, it's just full of static. Almost not usable.
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,063
Likes: 26
From: Tampa, FL
2005 S500 4-Matic, 1978 450SL
Big problem. After the dealer installed my iPod amp, the sound quality of my Bluetooth phone is AWFUL. Even if the iPod is unplugged. It does not sound like alternator whine you might hear with a ground loop, it's just full of static. Almost not usable.
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
Yes. I used the hidden menu to set the Comand amp to (---). That make the iPod sound better, but no change to the garbled, static sounding Bluetooth. Is there something else I missed? (Thanks for the quick reply)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
Big problem. After the dealer installed my iPod amp, the sound quality of my Bluetooth phone is AWFUL. Even if the iPod is unplugged. It does not sound like alternator whine you might hear with a ground loop, it's just full of static. Almost not usable.
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
I get full signal strength on the phone. I wonder if they loosened a connection or if the iPod amp is not compatible with Bluetooth phone usage?
I use a regular 80GB Ipod and a Blackberry World Edition 8830 for Bluetooth phone use.
Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 18
From: Blaine, WA
07 E320 Bluetec
I think because it is a common device; phone + Ipod and the new amp connector voltage is dropping when using the phone (phone, when in use, pulls more current than just the Ipod), resulting in intereference. All this is hypothetical ofcourse; being an electronic and communication engineer permits me to make this hypothesis.
I spoke to my son who has the iPhone and he frequently sticks it into the plug (instead of my Ipod) when he rides with me; he says use the Iphone in 'Airplane' mode to reduce the intereference. He also admits the Iphone suffers from interference though I don't have many details yet. I will experiment with his Iphone in my car to replicate your issue and report my findings.
I spoke to my son who has the iPhone and he frequently sticks it into the plug (instead of my Ipod) when he rides with me; he says use the Iphone in 'Airplane' mode to reduce the intereference. He also admits the Iphone suffers from interference though I don't have many details yet. I will experiment with his Iphone in my car to replicate your issue and report my findings.
