Media Interface Plus
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
190E Cosworth; 2012 C250
Playing Pandora on 2012 C250
I can connect my iPhone to the iPod Media Interface that came with the car and Pandora will through it.
This morning I tried it all three ways -- Bluetooth Audio Streaming; through iPod Media Interface; and through Media Interface Plus.
The volume actually came through loudest (keeping iPhone Pandora volume steady) using the Bluetooth streaming, but I will try it again listening more to quality of sound.
By the way, I called MB Customer Care again this morning and simply asked: "I have a 2012 C250 with the Part Code 518 iPod Media Interface and Comand System with hard drive NAV. Is the MIP, part code 515, compatible with my car?" Product Specialist again replies "Yes."
My experience suggests otherwise, unless someone tells me they got it working with a 2012 C-Class. Even the tech at the local MB dealership gets confused because when he plugs it in, he can play Pandora (just the music -- no controlling Playlists through Comand system) so he thinks "See, it works". But, he doesn't get that, with the 2012 C-Class, Pandora streams through fine without the MIP.
Oddly, it would seem, if you have a 2011 C-Class, you would be able to connect iPhone to MIP and you would see Pandora Playlists and song titles.
Oh, well, wait 'til next year (and arrival of iPhone Interface Plus).
This morning I tried it all three ways -- Bluetooth Audio Streaming; through iPod Media Interface; and through Media Interface Plus.
The volume actually came through loudest (keeping iPhone Pandora volume steady) using the Bluetooth streaming, but I will try it again listening more to quality of sound.
By the way, I called MB Customer Care again this morning and simply asked: "I have a 2012 C250 with the Part Code 518 iPod Media Interface and Comand System with hard drive NAV. Is the MIP, part code 515, compatible with my car?" Product Specialist again replies "Yes."
My experience suggests otherwise, unless someone tells me they got it working with a 2012 C-Class. Even the tech at the local MB dealership gets confused because when he plugs it in, he can play Pandora (just the music -- no controlling Playlists through Comand system) so he thinks "See, it works". But, he doesn't get that, with the 2012 C-Class, Pandora streams through fine without the MIP.
Oddly, it would seem, if you have a 2011 C-Class, you would be able to connect iPhone to MIP and you would see Pandora Playlists and song titles.
Oh, well, wait 'til next year (and arrival of iPhone Interface Plus).
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 591
Likes: 17
2019 GLC63, 2020 M2 Comp, 96 Miata M Edition & 19 Forester
I have a new 2012 C63 AMG. Do I have the MIP, its fully optioned and has bluetooth audio? What I want to do is be able to play my video from my Ipod/Iphone through the Nav screen. I'm reading different answers here. On my manual it says you cant use Aux Video if it has a back up camera. Is this right? anyway around it?
Super Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 591
Likes: 17
2019 GLC63, 2020 M2 Comp, 96 Miata M Edition & 19 Forester
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
190E Cosworth; 2012 C250
Playing iPod® Video Files
IzzyAMG ... here's what the MIP manual says:
Playing iPod® Video Files
General Notes
For proper playback of iPod® video files, the
iPod® "TV-Signal" setting must be set to
"NTSC". (Please refer to the iPod® User's
Guide.)
If a video is playing when the vehicle is shifted
from park position (P) into neutral position (N),
drive position (D) or reverse gear (R) the picture
is faded out automatically and the following
message appears in the display: In order
not to distract driver, picture is
faded out while the vehicle is in
motion. When the vehicle is shifted back into
park position (P), the picture comes on again.
Play iPod® Video Files
1. Connect the iPod®. (Please refer to
page 10.)
2. On COMAND or the audio system, select
Audio Media Interface
Music Playlists iPod video.
3. Select the desired iPod® video file.
Playback starts after 10 seconds.
4. Switch to the Video basic menu and
select AUX to activate the video image.
Playing iPod® Video Files
General Notes
For proper playback of iPod® video files, the
iPod® "TV-Signal" setting must be set to
"NTSC". (Please refer to the iPod® User's
Guide.)
If a video is playing when the vehicle is shifted
from park position (P) into neutral position (N),
drive position (D) or reverse gear (R) the picture
is faded out automatically and the following
message appears in the display: In order
not to distract driver, picture is
faded out while the vehicle is in
motion. When the vehicle is shifted back into
park position (P), the picture comes on again.
Play iPod® Video Files
1. Connect the iPod®. (Please refer to
page 10.)
2. On COMAND or the audio system, select
Audio Media Interface
Music Playlists iPod video.
3. Select the desired iPod® video file.
Playback starts after 10 seconds.
4. Switch to the Video basic menu and
select AUX to activate the video image.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
190E Cosworth; 2012 C250
MIP does not work with 2012 C-Class
MB Customer Care Product Specialist checked with Development Engineer and confirmed my experience: "The MIP does not work with the radio in that car" (verbatim quote).
However, the newest Pandora App will Bluetooth stream song info to NAV screen. But not playlists and so you cannot switch playlists using car controls.
I hook up iPod to regular Media Interface built into car and stream Pandora from my iPhone without having to plug it in.
I can easily switch back and forth using car controls and each turns on and off according to what I have playing.
izzyAMG ... My understanding now is that you can't use MIP on 2012 C-Class radio systems but I didn't specifically ask about C63. I was able to return my MIP, so I guess you could try it and see.
However, the newest Pandora App will Bluetooth stream song info to NAV screen. But not playlists and so you cannot switch playlists using car controls.
I hook up iPod to regular Media Interface built into car and stream Pandora from my iPhone without having to plug it in.
I can easily switch back and forth using car controls and each turns on and off according to what I have playing.
izzyAMG ... My understanding now is that you can't use MIP on 2012 C-Class radio systems but I didn't specifically ask about C63. I was able to return my MIP, so I guess you could try it and see.
Last edited by TurboMerc; Nov 4, 2011 at 07:49 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
GL450
Hello All,
Just got a GL450 2012 with P1 and bought the MIP. Have few questions.
1. From reading this thread, I see that regular cable that comes with P1 does not work for video ? I need a different cable ? Does anyone have a part number or a link to it ? I have been looking and cant find it anywhere, called my dealer and they cant find it eather....
2. The SMS and Email reading is still not possible on iPhone 4S with iOS 5 ?
3. The MicroUSB slot is only for upgrades and charging ? It doesnt actually recognize the device ?
First time poster, but seems like this might be my new home for a while... Really appreciate the help.
Just got a GL450 2012 with P1 and bought the MIP. Have few questions.
1. From reading this thread, I see that regular cable that comes with P1 does not work for video ? I need a different cable ? Does anyone have a part number or a link to it ? I have been looking and cant find it anywhere, called my dealer and they cant find it eather....
2. The SMS and Email reading is still not possible on iPhone 4S with iOS 5 ?
3. The MicroUSB slot is only for upgrades and charging ? It doesnt actually recognize the device ?
First time poster, but seems like this might be my new home for a while... Really appreciate the help.
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Super Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, CA
2005 E55, 2010 ML350
Hello All,
Just got a GL450 2012 with P1 and bought the MIP. Have few questions.
1. From reading this thread, I see that regular cable that comes with P1 does not work for video ? I need a different cable ? Does anyone have a part number or a link to it ? I have been looking and cant find it anywhere, called my dealer and they cant find it eather....
2. The SMS and Email reading is still not possible on iPhone 4S with iOS 5 ?
3. The MicroUSB slot is only for upgrades and charging ? It doesnt actually recognize the device ?
First time poster, but seems like this might be my new home for a while... Really appreciate the help.
Just got a GL450 2012 with P1 and bought the MIP. Have few questions.
1. From reading this thread, I see that regular cable that comes with P1 does not work for video ? I need a different cable ? Does anyone have a part number or a link to it ? I have been looking and cant find it anywhere, called my dealer and they cant find it eather....
2. The SMS and Email reading is still not possible on iPhone 4S with iOS 5 ?
3. The MicroUSB slot is only for upgrades and charging ? It doesnt actually recognize the device ?
First time poster, but seems like this might be my new home for a while... Really appreciate the help.
2) so far - no - and release notes state blackberry only (though it was not obvious to me when i first bought it either - really had to dig through the notes to find it).
3) correct.
other notes
a) pandora - connect it physically and start pandora - then you'll be able to control it from the car
b) bluetooth streaming - phone is not physically connected to the car - however you control phone via phone interface (i.e. your passenger). my wife and i actually prefer this method.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
GL450
1) yes, there is a special cable. go to www.parts.com and email them for help - not only will they give you the part #, they'll sell it to you at a discount. i just don't remember the part # otherwise i'd give it to you.
2) so far - no - and release notes state blackberry only (though it was not obvious to me when i first bought it either - really had to dig through the notes to find it).
3) correct.
other notes
a) pandora - connect it physically and start pandora - then you'll be able to control it from the car
b) bluetooth streaming - phone is not physically connected to the car - however you control phone via phone interface (i.e. your passenger). my wife and i actually prefer this method.
2) so far - no - and release notes state blackberry only (though it was not obvious to me when i first bought it either - really had to dig through the notes to find it).
3) correct.
other notes
a) pandora - connect it physically and start pandora - then you'll be able to control it from the car
b) bluetooth streaming - phone is not physically connected to the car - however you control phone via phone interface (i.e. your passenger). my wife and i actually prefer this method.
I didnt get that only blackberry worked with MIP, but now I do get it.
I also started looking in to VIM (Video in Motion) and I guess I`ll start posting in the proper thread but if anyone here know quick and to the point answer on Navi with VIM please let me know.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
GL450
Parts.com replied to me its a $27 cable. Not sure if its worth it, since can only use it during Park.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Pointe Claire, QC Canada
2012 E550, 2008 Rav4, 2007 Tundra
Where's the Media Interface?
I just picked up my 2012 E550 last Friday. Canadian edition. The sales documentation as well as the owner's manual state that there is a media interface connection in the center compartment, that uses one of three cables depending on what you are trying to connect. The dealer gave me the cables. Problem is - the center compartment has a USB plug, and an audio plug, but nothing that resembles the ends of these cables. I plugged a regular iPod cable directly into the USB plug with an iPod on it and it works as a simple USB storage device. i.e. you can play music, but have very little control. Any ideas on what I'm missing? Did the plant forget to install something? Am I looking in the wrong place? Did they just delete the real iPod interface?
The rest works great. The BT interface to my Blackberry is great, my text messages come through to the screen, and I can play music from my BB that sounds terrific, with full control over folders, songs, etc. Just wish I could use my iPod as easily. In the meantime, I'll just listen to the V8.
The rest works great. The BT interface to my Blackberry is great, my text messages come through to the screen, and I can play music from my BB that sounds terrific, with full control over folders, songs, etc. Just wish I could use my iPod as easily. In the meantime, I'll just listen to the V8.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
GL450
So after using the Media Interface Plus for 2 weeks I think I will be selling it. If anyone is interested please let me know. It is like new and works, but I dont think its something I need. If anyone wants it price is $250 + shipping to you or pick up.... PM me. I really wanted to like and use this thing, but I think its pretty useless to me.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
2012 Mercedes E550 4matic
MontrealMerc:
Check with your sales manager, apparently there are close to 100 cars that are affected by missing media interface plus, my car is also one of them, anyways I am trying to see what the dealership able to do for me on this, I have also contacted the Mercedes Head office in toronto...
Check with your sales manager, apparently there are close to 100 cars that are affected by missing media interface plus, my car is also one of them, anyways I am trying to see what the dealership able to do for me on this, I have also contacted the Mercedes Head office in toronto...
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 18
Likes: 0
GL450
I read all of these very helpful post, but I am still confused and the MBUSA website is not helpful so I would appreciate your views. Just picked up a 2012 GL450 with the Premium 2 package and I am having a hard time figuring out if I need MIP or what it gives me that I don't already have. I seem to already have both Mobile Device Charging and Phonebook Download. Just got the car last night so not sure if I have Pandora, which is not important to me, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, which is also not important to me given the battery drain on the iPhone if it isn't plugged in, and iPhone Audio, which is important to me since I want to be able to control the iPhone via the GL's controls. I would think this would be something that is part of the P2 package given that I can do this on my BMW M3, but I guess it would not be surprising to me if it is not since based on a few hours of use, the BMW iDrive is a lot more user friendly than the COMMAND system.
Again, appreciate your thoughts and thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Again, appreciate your thoughts and thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, CA
ML350 4Matic and CLK 430
First, make sure a 2012 would even work w. MIP.
From your interests per your posting, I don't think you'd benefit much from mip. Also, your 2012 may already have Bluetooth audio for music built in. I know 2012 c class does.
For an iphone Pandora would be the main benefit...but seems like you don't have interest in it.
Your p2 package should already have the iPod connection and if you use it, your playlists will push to the command screen.
Additionally, your command already does pull phone book info, so mip won't add value there.
I have a p2 09 ml, so MIP gives me Bluetooth for music, pandora controls (pulls pandora playlists onto command when physically connected) and if I desired, ability to play video using a special cable.
I do have a blackberry for work, so I can read emails and texts, but I've found no value in that. Plus, you can only connect one device at a time, and my iPhone is my main device.
From your interests per your posting, I don't think you'd benefit much from mip. Also, your 2012 may already have Bluetooth audio for music built in. I know 2012 c class does.
For an iphone Pandora would be the main benefit...but seems like you don't have interest in it.
Your p2 package should already have the iPod connection and if you use it, your playlists will push to the command screen.
Additionally, your command already does pull phone book info, so mip won't add value there.
I have a p2 09 ml, so MIP gives me Bluetooth for music, pandora controls (pulls pandora playlists onto command when physically connected) and if I desired, ability to play video using a special cable.
I do have a blackberry for work, so I can read emails and texts, but I've found no value in that. Plus, you can only connect one device at a time, and my iPhone is my main device.
I read all of these very helpful post, but I am still confused and the MBUSA website is not helpful so I would appreciate your views. Just picked up a 2012 GL450 with the Premium 2 package and I am having a hard time figuring out if I need MIP or what it gives me that I don't already have. I seem to already have both Mobile Device Charging and Phonebook Download. Just got the car last night so not sure if I have Pandora, which is not important to me, Bluetooth Audio Streaming, which is also not important to me given the battery drain on the iPhone if it isn't plugged in, and iPhone Audio, which is important to me since I want to be able to control the iPhone via the GL's controls. I would think this would be something that is part of the P2 package given that I can do this on my BMW M3, but I guess it would not be surprising to me if it is not since based on a few hours of use, the BMW iDrive is a lot more user friendly than the COMMAND system.
Again, appreciate your thoughts and thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Again, appreciate your thoughts and thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Last edited by johnnr; Mar 20, 2012 at 03:26 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 1
From: Orange County, CA
ML350 4Matic and CLK 430
Keep in mind the "Japanese" may be errors because without the addition of mip, your pandora playlists will not upload:push to command.
You can actually connect your iPhone to the iPod connector (the standard one that came w. your car- without mip) and launch any music application- even iheart and tunein radio and play the audio through your system. The track information may get a little crazy though - because those apps weren't designed to function w. your Benz.
The mip will specifically enable you to control pandora, and avoid the "Japanese" characters from command
Additionally if your car has Bluetooth for music already, you can totally launch ANY music application and just play through Bluetooth. Most apps are now designed to push the track info straight to your command screen and you can change tacks too! The only thing ou won't get is the app playlists (like pandora) uploaded to your command. Mip would do that for you, but only for pandora.
So if you do have Bluetooth audio already,
I almost say forget the mip. The overall only thing it will do for you is push pandora playlists. Again, you can still connect without mip as launch many music apps. If you care about crazy Japanese on your screen, jut play via Bluetooth audio! My iPhone doesn't die quickly at all usin it! And the audio quality is amazing.
You can actually connect your iPhone to the iPod connector (the standard one that came w. your car- without mip) and launch any music application- even iheart and tunein radio and play the audio through your system. The track information may get a little crazy though - because those apps weren't designed to function w. your Benz.
The mip will specifically enable you to control pandora, and avoid the "Japanese" characters from command
Additionally if your car has Bluetooth for music already, you can totally launch ANY music application and just play through Bluetooth. Most apps are now designed to push the track info straight to your command screen and you can change tacks too! The only thing ou won't get is the app playlists (like pandora) uploaded to your command. Mip would do that for you, but only for pandora.
So if you do have Bluetooth audio already,
I almost say forget the mip. The overall only thing it will do for you is push pandora playlists. Again, you can still connect without mip as launch many music apps. If you care about crazy Japanese on your screen, jut play via Bluetooth audio! My iPhone doesn't die quickly at all usin it! And the audio quality is amazing.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 41
Likes: 12
Was MB 2009 E350 AWD. Now 2016 MB E350 AWD
I did a search but couldn't found the right "hit".
So I upgraded to the iPhone 5. Everything music related works with my 2 yr old Media Interface Plus ( MIP) .
1 Only prob is that Bluetooth calling quality is so so now. While the phone rings when calling someone, I hear static the majority of the time. While talking to someone, it is a 40% chance I have to turn off the phone's Bluetooth since we can't hear each other. Note: I did experience the latter using my iPhone 4 only a few times.
2 I did notice that on the 5, "MB Bluetooth" is used now instead of "MI Plus" within the phone's audio when in a call. When I had the 4, MI Plus was always automatically selected.
3 The MIP page has been buried in MBUSA.com. Anyone have a direct link? I trying to see whether either firmware were updated. I have 00.57.2.00.47 (device) and 15-14-4 (boot loader).
So I upgraded to the iPhone 5. Everything music related works with my 2 yr old Media Interface Plus ( MIP) .
1 Only prob is that Bluetooth calling quality is so so now. While the phone rings when calling someone, I hear static the majority of the time. While talking to someone, it is a 40% chance I have to turn off the phone's Bluetooth since we can't hear each other. Note: I did experience the latter using my iPhone 4 only a few times.
2 I did notice that on the 5, "MB Bluetooth" is used now instead of "MI Plus" within the phone's audio when in a call. When I had the 4, MI Plus was always automatically selected.
3 The MIP page has been buried in MBUSA.com. Anyone have a direct link? I trying to see whether either firmware were updated. I have 00.57.2.00.47 (device) and 15-14-4 (boot loader).
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
GL450
I did a search but couldn't found the right "hit".
So I upgraded to the iPhone 5. Everything music related works with my 2 yr old Media Interface Plus ( MIP) .
1 Only prob is that Bluetooth calling quality is so so now. While the phone rings when calling someone, I hear static the majority of the time. While talking to someone, it is a 40% chance I have to turn off the phone's Bluetooth since we can't hear each other. Note: I did experience the latter using my iPhone 4 only a few times.
2 I did notice that on the 5, "MB Bluetooth" is used now instead of "MI Plus" within the phone's audio when in a call. When I had the 4, MI Plus was always automatically selected.
3 The MIP page has been buried in MBUSA.com. Anyone have a direct link? I trying to see whether either firmware were updated. I have 00.57.2.00.47 (device) and 15-14-4 (boot loader).
So I upgraded to the iPhone 5. Everything music related works with my 2 yr old Media Interface Plus ( MIP) .
1 Only prob is that Bluetooth calling quality is so so now. While the phone rings when calling someone, I hear static the majority of the time. While talking to someone, it is a 40% chance I have to turn off the phone's Bluetooth since we can't hear each other. Note: I did experience the latter using my iPhone 4 only a few times.
2 I did notice that on the 5, "MB Bluetooth" is used now instead of "MI Plus" within the phone's audio when in a call. When I had the 4, MI Plus was always automatically selected.
3 The MIP page has been buried in MBUSA.com. Anyone have a direct link? I trying to see whether either firmware were updated. I have 00.57.2.00.47 (device) and 15-14-4 (boot loader).
