I've searched nearly the entire internet, looking for what type of COMAND I have and what is supported. I' havent been able to find any type of confirmation to what mine is. So I found a picture online and this is the one I have.



The reason I ask is because, I dont know what type of things my COMAND supports.

I dont know if I can install/update the firmware/software and unlock some more controls so if I were to want to install lets say an AUX IN or iPOD Interface or maybe even a Dension Gateway 500 it would support it.

Basiclly what Im asking is, what type/version of a COMAND do I have?

If I were to go ahead and install a Gateway 500 would my COMAND be able to display whats playing on my iPod and Control it?

I've already read that theres only one AUX/CD FiberOptic port so i'd have to make a choice between using my 6 DISC CD-Changer or an AUX IN/Gateway 500/iPod Connector or whatever. Is there any way I can have BOTH things working? Such as an adapter or anything?

What it comes down to, is I have an Apple iPhone and I want to be able to plug in my iPhone to play music off and onto the stock stereo.

I've already looked at Cassette/FM/AUXIn Installs/Gateway 500 whatnot.

And as of now I am being pushed in every direction and I dont know what on earth I should do.

 

Your COMAND is pictured on http://www.whnet.com/4x4/radios.html with some information about it. You'll have to scroll a bit. the link beside the picture provides more info. Basically, it is an Alpine MCS (Modular COMAND System) that is unique to the M-Class. It has a CD-based navigation system (Wolfgang's ML page also lists the latest navigation CD set). Your MCS unit was the original one, and since release of MCS 2, it is sometimes referred to as MCS 1. Confusing, because MCS 1 was also upgraded to a DVD based nav system starting in the '03 model year, and is still called MCS 1.

There is a wealth of information about COMANDs for all Mercedes versions at http://www.mercupgrades.com/ - be prepared to do some reading. Fortunately, RichardA provides a search tool on the home page.

You can also find a great deal of information on Mercedes, and the ML especially, at http://home.earthlink.net/~phdwebsite/index.htm

Dension's compatibility page (http://www.dension.com/oem1.php) shows that the D2B version of the Gateway 500 is compatible with your D2B MCS unit; however, your D2B MCS is not text-capable and will not provide song titles on the display. It will provide track number, but I will tell you that is is useful mainly only to let you know you changed a track. There are two user interfaces; the first (the "Dension" UI) provides greater steering wheel control, but disables the iPod controls. Much better for your situation is the "iPod UI" option, which enables the iPod controls and screen, allowing full sort and song/album/artist/playlist sorting capability on the iPod itself, and then permits volume control and scrolling (changing tracks within an already-selected list) on the steering wheel. You select the UI on the COMAND unit (after installation), and you can change from one to the other easily.

D2B refers to the type of fiber optic bus in your car. It stands for Digital Data Bus, and is proprietary to Mercedes; few other manufacturers used it. It has been succeeded by the now-industry standard MOST Bus, and equipment designed for one type of bus is not compatible with the other.

In almost all Gateway 500 installations in Mercedes, you keep your CD Changer. The D2B unit makes fiber optic connections between the CDC and the MCS; a switch selects between the CDC and the iPod. With the newest GW 500 (Version 3 hardware), the change can be made "on the fly." In older units, the COMAND had to be re-initialized (which required turning the ignition off in most of the cars). The only CD capability losses in Mercedes were players built into some COMAND units themselves.

You can download the Gateway 500 installation manual and user guide from the Dension support page at http://www.dension.com/product_support.htm - see "manuals & updates" and be sure to get the D2B versions.

You don't say whether you have a phone system already installed. The Gateway 500 will not, by itself, allow use of your iPhone as a handsfree device. However, there is a Bluetooth module sold with it that will allow a handsfree capability - I am not certain of its iPhone compatibility. However, it doesn't provide as full a set of integration options as does the OE Mercedes equipment. However, because it is largely limited to placing and receiving calls, muting audio, and feeding phone audio through your car's system, it would probably work with the iPhone.

You can use an OE MB handsfree system (the V60 bluetooth puck) for better integration of the iPhone (phone book downloads, voice dialing if you have a Voice Control System, etc.) and also use the Gateway 500 for music playback. Just be sure your iPhone isn't set for "airplane" mode, which turns off the phone capabilities. You may have to upgrade your handsfree phone system if you have one installed. See https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...77#post2788377 especially posts 1, 3, and 6.

 

Thank's so much for the wealth of information you replied with.

You pretty much answered all my questions, and especially the part in which the Dension 500 will not disable the CD Changer when installed into my car.

I really like the information that the 4x4 site had, I went through almost the entire page.

I have pretty much decided to use the Dension Install, do you know if I can find a place to do the install for me? It seems pretty complicated, and I dont want to be the one tearing out the interior of the car. I'd much rather have a professional do it even if it costs a bit more.

I ask this, because this whole FiberOptic system in our Benz seem's to be really not standard, as my friends all have cars and have replaced their headunits & speakers/subs and its fairly simple installs and I know for sure that they aren't using FiberOptic systems.

 

I found this :
http://formymercedes.com/mb_results....ry=MP3+Adapter

It looks to me like, with this I can use both a LINEIN/AUX AND the CD-Changer.

Does this look like it would let me do that?

 

sparkyblue,

I don't know where you are located, so it's tough for anyone to help you with an installer. My general advice would be to avoid the big box audio stores like Best Buy and Circuit City, and stick to folks who know high-end cars. If you let us know where you live, perhaps someone knows a better option.

You are quite correct that the ML doesn't always follow other Mercedes models in terms of what is copper wired and what is fiber optic. I do know that the Dension site indicates compatibility of the Gateway 500 with your head unit, and I know the head unit (MCS 1) is fiber optic. However, the phone bulletins on Paul Dick's site to which I gave you the link, will tell you what is on the fiber optic loop in your car.

I have no experience with the mp3 adapter you queried us about, and no idea if it will work with your car. Some of its writeup seems to indicate that it is for copper wired cars, that it is not fiber optic. if that is true, it probably wouldn't work with your head unit. Whether it could be adapted for use elsewhere, I have no idea.

 

Thank's again for giving your advice, I live in the California Bay Area.

More specifically near San Jose (ZIP 95131), but I wouldnt mind driving an hour or two for a high-end car audio installer. Which is what i'd actually prefer more, since their the guys I have to trust tearing into my dashboard.

 

Hi i have the same issue with my vehicle, wondering if you found a solution so I can follow as well I have an i phone and would love to be able to plug it in. I hate the standard radio my ml comes with! actually my am fm is not even working im getting no sound out of it. But the cd and changer does work with sound. Im so frustrated as to what to do! any help would be great!

Thks Jay