Floobydust

Audio quality issues with the MB iPod interface have been discussed on other threads. Low volume level, lack of bass response, and CAN buss only display (e.g., not on the Command display) have all come up, but low volume seems to be the most common issue.

The audio issues can be traced to the fact that the MB iPod adapter is really just a kludge that simply routes the iPod fixed level audio outputs through the AUX input on the Command. That's where the trouble begins. MB deliberately limits both the input level and rolls off the bass response all to protect the audio system against potential warranty claims from "excessive" sound levels from whatever analog source in connected to the AUX input (I confirmed this with MB, Montvale, NJ).

The CAN buss kludge was a way to avoid having to develop new firmware for the Command system (my opinion). This also makes sense because rumor has it that MB will be dropping H-K in favor of another vendor (back to Bose?).

I was talking at length with an MB technician the other day and bemoaning the sorry state of affairs with the iPod adapter. He said that there isn't much they can do about the bass response, but the level can be adjusted through a hidden MB setup menu. He wouldn't tell me the details (MB is paranoid about information that leaks onto the internet, with appropriate punishments for those who divulge). but he did say that if you complain, the technician can "open a case" with MB and they will provide the procedure to adjust it to the local technician. The tech I spoke with has done it for other people and hinted that it involves using the steering wheel controls to enter the setup mode. He also said that this menu is different from the so called "engineering" menu everyone in the US seems to want to find.

I didn't pursue it because since the whole MB iPod setup is such a piece of crap I am replacing it with the Dension unit. But this information may be helpful for those who don't want to go to such extremes. If the gain is increased the sound quality should improve because you will have more of the built in level-dependent loudness compensation curve to help the low end response.

For what it's worth,

- FD

Moviela

I used the AUX IN for the many audio sources I seem to find useful on the road. I find little use in seeing the data from an MP3 player on the screen, telling my eyes what my ears already know. So I saw no value in the Ipod kit. I noticed the low volume and lack of bass response, so I grabbed a couple of LM386's and cobbled an amp with bass boost in the feedback loop. I started with a nine volt battery, but when it died in the middle of "Little Duce Coupe", I added a 7809 and a wire to the battery voltage. It only draws 8ma when idle.

I am using the IC's contra to the datasheet that prohibits the use in life support equipment. I consider music in the car required for life support.

Floobydust

Ironically, I was considering the same concept with the same Nat Semi chip. I even looked into a custom circuit board with the appropriate Apple connectors (the multi-pin, not the headphone jack) to allow it to just be simply inserted in-line and draw power from the iPod itself. But I decided on the Dension instead.

BTW, if you still have an original National Semiconductor Audio Handbook, you will indeed find the origins of my screen name.

- FD

kjb55

Here is the info regarding the volume adjustment (level).

jbondox

I just did the NavTv iPod interface and called it a day, it is on the optical loop, have to get rid of the changer though, and the unit has a true aux in, and text is on the command and cluster

Got sick of messing with the iPod crap from the factory

largeal

Thanks for the Posting. i am trying to make sense of it. wondering... why is removal of the Head Unit and Integration kit necessary? i understand the procedure to adjust the Factory Aux Limit using the buttons... so, does the Ipod Integration kit NEED to be disconnected First in order for the system to go into DIAG mode or something? .i have a 2007 vehicle and Ipod kit. Thanks for the add'l info.

largeal

Thanks again for Posting those instructions, ONLY Step 2 APPLIES to this, so i successfully was able to get into the DIAGNOSTIC mode and was able to add a slight amount of volume to my Aux input/ipod but it is still Not up to the same level as the CD player or radio.. and i am convinced the Factory HKardon unit has a DB Mute/Pad on the Aux input so it can not be affected enough for the ipod to ever match the CD/Radio levels. i imagine an In-line amp/ipod booster is probably the only was to ever bring the levels up using the Aux input...
i ALSO did this - even though i have a US Ipod - i downloaded the Freeware GOPOD software which is used to Unlock European Ipods which ALL ship with VOLUME limits built into them, then i hooked my ipod up to my computer and ran Gopod and it indicated my Ipod was "CAPPED" (Limited), so i UNCAPPED it, plugged it back into the MBenz and it was a little louder again... go figure! It is still NOT quite as loud as the CD player - but it IS Better than it was before the 2 Tweaks and i think i can live with it now.
If i find any other solutions i will post em. i am tracking some info down now about a Factory MB INLINE booster that hooks up to the ipod/aux input to combat this low volume issue... to be continued.

kjb55

Thanks for the information, I'll try the GOPOD software as well.

I'm not sure why MB wrote the instructions as they did, as I did not have to remove the head unit. I exchanged the ECU that is mounted in the footwell at the bottom of the a-pillar, behind the kick panel.

As you discovered, the ECU didn't need to be disconnected to access the volume adjustment. The entire ECU does need to be exchanged if the part number installed isn't the updated version (that allows volume adj.) that is listed. PN B6 782 42 52.

I'll keep an eye out for your MB INLINE booster update.

UKEvo

Hi all,

I have the same problem with the latest Classic Ipod and my new S-Class.

I have just tried to access that menu via the MSC, and whilst I can get the HW and SW (versions?) there is no volume menu, just HW & SW. I gather it should go to a third menu mentioning volume?

Does this mean that my ECU is out of date, or that the MB IPOD Kit is out of date?

This is really annoying, especially when switching to the radio which literally blasts my ears off if I'm at full volume on the Ipod to get a volume thats anywhere near acceptable..

Any ideas or help? Should I just get a refund and install a Gateway 500 or a NavTV?

Thanks!

kjb55

This means that the iPod ECU is out of date. This provides a modest gain, I'm more interested in the MB inline AMP that is mentioned above.

e1000

in-line amp works GREAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!

kjb55

Come on... details! Is it an MB amp - what't the part number? Cost?

Richard

I;ve documented this (the hidden menus, with pictures, and the in-line amp part number) here: -

http://www.mercupgrades.com/iPod+Vol...rticle-45.html

I'm waiting for a batch of inline amps to arrive to add a photo, but they are about the size of a cigarette packet. The amps are much cheaper than replacing the iPod kit control unit, and the setting on the control unit gives some gain, but its still slightly quieter - so the inline amp part is a very good fix.

Cheers

Richard

e1000

chinhster

I accessed the hidden menu but unfortunately, mine goes back to the normal audio display after the hardware version is displayed; the volume setting is never displayed. Not that big of a deal since I rarely listen to CDs or the radio but the difference in volume is annoying.

kjb55

I just picked up part number 204 870 39 94. It is a small black box with a cat-5 female receptacle, and a pig-tail male cat-5 dongle to allow it to fit in-line with the wiring of the ECU component. It is labeled as an iPod amplifier.

Get this... are you ready? It is the MB OEM part, supplied by Peiker. Are you sitting down? The cost is... (drum roll) .10¢. This is not a misprint. The cost was (10) Ten Cents. 10 pennies. A dime.

I did the install, and my results concur with the other positive posts. Definitely a fix, and the volume easily matches the other outputs such as the radio or cd.

Richard

Thats a mess-up - because its 25 odd pounds in UK

R

kjb55

I would agree, except that the dealer insisted on confirming the price with MB before they would sell it to me.

Powerplay

I am interested in putting an ipod kit into my E500...Does this "Low Volume" problem happen in all models with the Command system? Or just a few??

Thanks guys for your help!

kjb55

It is my understanding that it is a universal complaint. The latest ECU helps a little bit, the inline amp solves the problem completely.

weinschela

This is great news -- but I'm not clear where the amp goes. Is is in line with the iPod? Ipod connectors are not cat 5, which is what is confusing me. Thanks. If not in line with iPod can you provide a decription of how to install or photos? Thanx.

slowrey

I've been told this amp is only for the W204 chassis however I picked one up today and it wasn't $.10 as indicated above. It was $.11 with tax

I'll take pictures of it tonight and let you guys know what I come up with. I also just installed the newest version of the iPod kit and it is quieter than the normal radio and CD player. I've accessed the loudness menu in the iPod kit but it's already maxed out.

Richard

The other end of the lead that plugs into the iPod is a RJ45 that plugs into the iPod control box - just have to follow it to work out where the installer put it. On C class often you can just pull off the side of the dash and see it, on others just pop off the panel above the passenger feet (2-3 screws) - on ML/GL probably under the COMAND unit (behind the aircon controls)
- info on how to disassemble is in my iPod retrofit doc at www.mercupgrades.com

Cheers
R

slowrey

Well the dealership told me it was for W204 cars without the MM radio in their cars and that it wouldn't fit on a W203. I PM'd KJB55 and he stated he used it on his W203 so tonight I will install it on my W203 with my newest version of the iPod kit to see if it works. I'll report back.

slowrey

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.