Is there a way to purchase just the OEM wiring harness so that I can have the capability to add the phone system at a later date? I have a 2006 E350. I've looked at eBay and the full OEM kits are $1k+. I don't have the money to shell out over $1k at the moment but do want to enable my car to have the additional components (puck, voice control) added at a later date. I've looked at aftermarket parts but have heard mixed reviews on them. Thanks!

 

I can speak to my experience with after market gear. I went with an Alpine head unit and replaced what was in my case a decade old command unit with features from the same era. In return I got BT audio and hands free built in along with a pile of other things, HD radio, Pandora, etc. I had it professionally installed and I could not be more pleased. When the phone rings the music stops automatically,and the conversation is clean and clear on both ends. Voice dial works great as well. This was all at a fraction of the cost of simply replacing the oEM head unit with OEM. Good luck.

 

Thanks! I want to keep the stock look of the car and did consider a couple of systems on Amazon. There's the OttoNavi MB0308EC-Dymbenax for $799.00; the SDB Car DVD Player With GPS Navigation for $629; the Movewell EC-H7 for $718.49; and the Koolertron for Mercedes Benz E-W211 for $699.99 (touchscreen) & $599.99.

Also, I've found W211 bluetooth antennas, OEM telephone modules, and car phone computer modules on eBay but I'm not sure what I would need to do to put together a complete "stock" system. I was originally in contact with Keith Valentine who is a wealth of knowledge, but he seemed disinterested to sell me only components to the full set (which I totally understand). I want to see whether I can put something together myself and save a couple dollars.

Again, thanks for any suggestions/input.

 

Additionally, this is what I got in response to asking a question about the aftermarket BT systems (NavTV and M.O.S.T.):

"There's a NavTV that others are having problems..I've not tried either..The aftermarket kit's I've tried for a 2nd gen M.O.S.T. cars like '06 E class are the iTronics/Cartronics and mObridge..Almost 50% failure and former dealer for iTronics,and 20% failure on mObridge..In the past I'd only sell those if the car was not pre-wired for the superior OEM/MBZ Bluetooth Kit..

Once the OEM/MBZ Kit is installed,then there's at least 20 choices of what can snap onto the connector in the arm rest..Most choices were a specific phone-in-cradle combo,Bluetooth will be cheapest as the special MBZ software phones are pricey and hard to source(plus are all at least 8 years old)..But no need to break down the kit pricing further..I've quoted with and with out VCS,and either with 2nd or 3rd gen BT Module...

That OEM/MBZ installation is only a 1 on the 1-10 difficulty scale,I've done it in 20 min..A bit unfair in that I've worked on almost a thousand of that 211 body,but it's the easiest of all '06 MBZ for a DIY install..Now,the mObridge is not so easy,takes me 1 1/2 to 2 hrs..No advantage to the aftermarket,expect glitches and consider it 2nd rate..Mickey Mouse in that you have to splice(read hack) into the dash harness for power,not plug-and-play..Beware that the BT/iPod combo kills your CD Changer,bad engineering..I stock the mObridge(BT only),but for local install only as too difficult to help a mail order customer..Since the OEM/MBZ parts are drying up,aftermarket will then be the only option..I'm dreading those coming days..Whether for me or others,stick with the actual MBZ Kit.."

 

I don't know any of those brands. If I were you I would go to Crutchfield.com and work their site. Lots of selection. If you get stuck they have advisors that can help you put together a package. The products they carry are all known brands which they have test installed themselves. They warranty their products and stand by the warranty. If you want to diy they will send you step by step instructions. Good guys to work with, no affiliation just a satisfied customer.

 

I got this one or $300 and works great with my ML as phone, iPod, streaming and USB: http://www.ebay.com/itm/271395945115