New US MB UHI
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
New US MB UHI
I was at the dealer today and saw a document showing current UHI availability for the US market. I only got a brief look but the v600 and v710 were listed as well as a lot of other models.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Washington, DC
2001 C240 (W203), COMMAND, NAV, TeleAid, Blue-lit sills
Where is the UHI?
Originally Posted by jeffreyy
I was at the dealer today and saw a document showing current UHI availability for the US market. I only got a brief look but the v600 and v710 were listed as well as a lot of other models.
I live in the Washington DC area, and I actually ordered the v710 cradle (for my new v710 phone), hoping that it would come with UHI. I guess I'll know in about a week ...
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
Any idea on the timing? My '05 was ordered with the telephone preparation and has been waiting for the new telephone. My sales guy keeps telling me 2-weeks-to-go. It would be nice to know the truth.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
Availability
All the dates on the sheet were 7/2004. So, they should be available. There were more phones than the v600 and v710. Those were the only 2 I was interested in, so that is all I remember.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
My telephone conversation with MB USA today revealed that, for the '05 vehicles, the telephone handset is currently available, but the cradle is not yet ready. They are currently 3 - 4 weeks out.
Member
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: New York
2002 C320
I am very interested in integrating V710 into my 02 W203 (currently Timeport Installed). Can anyone confirm that if new PSE and the cradle are the only parts I will be needed for integration and if new PSE will work on current CANBUS based system?
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Trending Topics
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Interesting...
After a conversation with a technical support person at MBUSA (not a dealer) it was confirmed that the V600 will be offered (CDMA, TDMA, GSM), but that it would continue to be a proprietary phone like the V60, not a generic one.
The GSM version is supposed to be out in November. He also stated that UHI will NOT become available in the US because it does not support CDMA or TDMA.
This is somewhat contradicting information and while this wouldn't be the first time I hear incorrect info from MBUSA directly, I thought I share this info...
Wolfman
Jeffreyy, can you get your hands on the mentioned release document and post it here?
After a conversation with a technical support person at MBUSA (not a dealer) it was confirmed that the V600 will be offered (CDMA, TDMA, GSM), but that it would continue to be a proprietary phone like the V60, not a generic one.
The GSM version is supposed to be out in November. He also stated that UHI will NOT become available in the US because it does not support CDMA or TDMA.
This is somewhat contradicting information and while this wouldn't be the first time I hear incorrect info from MBUSA directly, I thought I share this info...
Wolfman
Jeffreyy, can you get your hands on the mentioned release document and post it here?
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes Teases Updated EQS With Steer-By-Wire and a Yoke
Verdad Gallardo
8 Mercedes Models With Poor Reliability Records
Verdad Gallardo
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Studio City, CA
2009 BMW 750i, 2008 Toyota Prius
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Interesting...
After a conversation with a technical support person at MBUSA (not a dealer) it was confirmed that the V600 will be offered (CDMA, TDMA, GSM), but that it would continue to be a proprietary phone like the V60, not a generic one.
The GSM version is supposed to be out in November. He also stated that UHI will NOT become available in the US because it does not support CDMA or TDMA.
This is somewhat contradicting information and while this wouldn't be the first time I hear incorrect info from MBUSA directly, I thought I share this info...
Wolfman
Jeffreyy, can you get your hands on the mentioned release document and post it here?
After a conversation with a technical support person at MBUSA (not a dealer) it was confirmed that the V600 will be offered (CDMA, TDMA, GSM), but that it would continue to be a proprietary phone like the V60, not a generic one.
The GSM version is supposed to be out in November. He also stated that UHI will NOT become available in the US because it does not support CDMA or TDMA.
This is somewhat contradicting information and while this wouldn't be the first time I hear incorrect info from MBUSA directly, I thought I share this info...
Wolfman
Jeffreyy, can you get your hands on the mentioned release document and post it here?
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by freakinfreak
Motorola only manufacturers the v600 in GSM form.
The issue I have is that the tech specifically stated that it will be a MB proprietary phone and I just couldn't believe what I heard...
Wolfman
Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area
2004 E500
Originally Posted by Wolfman
I guess that's where the V710 comes into play (CDMA). I only inquired on the V600 because of my provider (GSM). I assume it's the same footprint anyway.
The issue I have is that the tech specifically stated that it will be a MB proprietary phone and I just couldn't believe what I heard...
Wolfman
The issue I have is that the tech specifically stated that it will be a MB proprietary phone and I just couldn't believe what I heard...
Wolfman
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 372
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu, HI
06' E500 Estate, '08 S65, '05 S430
Sheet
Wolfman,
I can try but I won't push too hard if it is dealer-confidential or internal use only. I was just glad they let me peruse it briefly. I don't want to abuse their trust.
I may have over-stated it being UHI. It did not specifically say UHI on it, I sort of surmised that given that it seemed to be a cradle with different handsets. I am still not 100% clear on what exactly UHI implies. So, sorry if that caused any confusion.
Let's just say I saw a sheet which detailed new handsets for multiple US carriers with release dates at the VPC and in dealers of 7/2004. If that date has slipped since the things were printed, that is beyond my knowledge.
Jeff
I can try but I won't push too hard if it is dealer-confidential or internal use only. I was just glad they let me peruse it briefly. I don't want to abuse their trust.
I may have over-stated it being UHI. It did not specifically say UHI on it, I sort of surmised that given that it seemed to be a cradle with different handsets. I am still not 100% clear on what exactly UHI implies. So, sorry if that caused any confusion.
Let's just say I saw a sheet which detailed new handsets for multiple US carriers with release dates at the VPC and in dealers of 7/2004. If that date has slipped since the things were printed, that is beyond my knowledge.
Jeff
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Rudegar, Jeffreyy
Thanks for the info. Btw, I have only seen the V600 in person and wanted to switch to it as it had the options I am looking for.
I am sure that many on the board feel the same way in not wanting to be locked into a proprietary outdated phones that are simply overprized. This is not a question of being able to afford it either, just the feeling of being ripped-off (same feeling I have when I have to pay $20 for a quart of oil at a gas station in Europe)...
The UHI solution that MB has implemented across the world (besides the US of course) is the best step forward. Using standard, not proprietary phones, people can switch between phone makes/models by simply pulling the cradle from a standard connector and replace it with the fitting cradle of the new one (provided they make cradles for it, but the selection so far is not bad at all).
Switching phones is also easy with GSM as the key info is on a small chip that can be transferred to any other GSM phone (not so with CDMA or TDMA).
I was of course hoping that MBUSA would consider the same UHI approach in the US which would make the upgrade an easy and local event, but it appears that this option may not be the case.
Wolfman
Thanks for the info. Btw, I have only seen the V600 in person and wanted to switch to it as it had the options I am looking for.
I am sure that many on the board feel the same way in not wanting to be locked into a proprietary outdated phones that are simply overprized. This is not a question of being able to afford it either, just the feeling of being ripped-off (same feeling I have when I have to pay $20 for a quart of oil at a gas station in Europe)...
The UHI solution that MB has implemented across the world (besides the US of course) is the best step forward. Using standard, not proprietary phones, people can switch between phone makes/models by simply pulling the cradle from a standard connector and replace it with the fitting cradle of the new one (provided they make cradles for it, but the selection so far is not bad at all).
Switching phones is also easy with GSM as the key info is on a small chip that can be transferred to any other GSM phone (not so with CDMA or TDMA).
I was of course hoping that MBUSA would consider the same UHI approach in the US which would make the upgrade an easy and local event, but it appears that this option may not be the case.
Wolfman
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
66 230S 111.010 02 G500 463
Originally Posted by Wolfman
Rudegar, Jeffreyy
Thanks for the info. Btw, I have only seen the V600 in person and wanted to switch to it as it had the options I am looking for.
I am sure that many on the board feel the same way in not wanting to be locked into a proprietary outdated phones that are simply overprized. This is not a question of being able to afford it either, just the feeling of being ripped-off (same feeling I have when I have to pay $20 for a quart of oil at a gas station in Europe)...
The UHI solution that MB has implemented across the world (besides the US of course) is the best step forward. Using standard, not proprietary phones, people can switch between phone makes/models by simply pulling the cradle from a standard connector and replace it with the fitting cradle of the new one (provided they make cradles for it, but the selection so far is not bad at all).
Switching phones is also easy with GSM as the key info is on a small chip that can be transferred to any other GSM phone (not so with CDMA or TDMA).
I was of course hoping that MBUSA would consider the same UHI approach in the US which would make the upgrade an easy and local event, but it appears that this option may not be the case.
Wolfman
Thanks for the info. Btw, I have only seen the V600 in person and wanted to switch to it as it had the options I am looking for.
I am sure that many on the board feel the same way in not wanting to be locked into a proprietary outdated phones that are simply overprized. This is not a question of being able to afford it either, just the feeling of being ripped-off (same feeling I have when I have to pay $20 for a quart of oil at a gas station in Europe)...
The UHI solution that MB has implemented across the world (besides the US of course) is the best step forward. Using standard, not proprietary phones, people can switch between phone makes/models by simply pulling the cradle from a standard connector and replace it with the fitting cradle of the new one (provided they make cradles for it, but the selection so far is not bad at all).
Switching phones is also easy with GSM as the key info is on a small chip that can be transferred to any other GSM phone (not so with CDMA or TDMA).
I was of course hoping that MBUSA would consider the same UHI approach in the US which would make the upgrade an easy and local event, but it appears that this option may not be the case.
Wolfman
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Originally Posted by mb230s
MikBox will give you that for $200. www.mikbox.com
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by mb230s
MikBox will give you that for $200. www.mikbox.com
But I think the mikbox is a really great idea worth supporting! Maybe we can get him to design an iPod interface next
Wolfman
Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
66 230S 111.010 02 G500 463
Originally Posted by Wolfman
I know that and have been on the waiting list, but will opt for the UHI setup instead. We switch phones often enough that I really like the plug-n-play cradle option. This way software compatibility is also ensured (provided Motorola gets their act together)
But I think the mikbox is a really great idea worth supporting! Maybe we can get him to design an iPod interface next
Wolfman
But I think the mikbox is a really great idea worth supporting! Maybe we can get him to design an iPod interface next
Wolfman
Not sure what you mean by the plug-n-play cradle option, but I think the Mikbox basically does the same thing. Plus you can buy cradles online from much cheaper sources than your MB dealer! The MikBox does not need a proprietary cradle to work.
Obviously I'm a big fan of the MikBox, it works very well.
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 429
Likes: 1
From: New York Area
'14 E350 wagon; BMW G12 (2020) G01 (2019)
Originally Posted by mb230s
Scorchie or Sunman could probably correct me if I'm wrong - BUT - I think the UHI PSEs aren't really "universal". The Motorola one may work for many Motorola non-MB branded phones, but not for Nokia, Siemens, etc. So if you switched to a phone built by another company you would need a new UHI PSE, cradle, cable, etc. Granted right now the MikBox is only for Motorola, but Mik is going to integrate the other major phones as well. I believe he is working on the Timeport PSE first.
Not sure what you mean by the plug-n-play cradle option, but I think the Mikbox basically does the same thing. Plus you can buy cradles online from much cheaper sources than your MB dealer! The MikBox does not need a proprietary cradle to work.
Obviously I'm a big fan of the MikBox, it works very well.
Not sure what you mean by the plug-n-play cradle option, but I think the Mikbox basically does the same thing. Plus you can buy cradles online from much cheaper sources than your MB dealer! The MikBox does not need a proprietary cradle to work.
Obviously I'm a big fan of the MikBox, it works very well.
Super Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 911
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
Debadged 6-Speed '05 C320 Sports Coupe
All I want is full support for all the features. That is, I want my phone book downloaded to the COMMAND, when I snap it into the cradle. I want caller ID names for stored numbers. The COMMAND keypad and controls should operate as intended. And, of course, the steering wheel controls should work to answer or hang up a call.
The $765 hands-free telephone preparation kit was added at the factory for my '05 C320.
Yes, if a non-MB phone will work, then good. But, if the only way to get this to fully integrate is with the MB phone, then that is my choice.
My problem is the waiting game, for MB and Motorola to get this system working.
The $765 hands-free telephone preparation kit was added at the factory for my '05 C320.
Yes, if a non-MB phone will work, then good. But, if the only way to get this to fully integrate is with the MB phone, then that is my choice.
My problem is the waiting game, for MB and Motorola to get this system working.
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by mb230s
Scorchie or Sunman could probably correct me if I'm wrong - BUT - I think the UHI PSEs aren't really "universal". The Motorola one may work for many Motorola non-MB branded phones, but not for Nokia, Siemens, etc. So if you switched to a phone built by another company you would need a new UHI PSE, cradle, cable, etc. Granted right now the MikBox is only for Motorola, but Mik is going to integrate the other major phones as well. I believe he is working on the Timeport PSE first.
Not sure what you mean by the plug-n-play cradle option, but I think the Mikbox basically does the same thing. Plus you can buy cradles online from much cheaper sources than your MB dealer! The MikBox does not need a proprietary cradle to work.
Obviously I'm a big fan of the MikBox, it works very well.
Not sure what you mean by the plug-n-play cradle option, but I think the Mikbox basically does the same thing. Plus you can buy cradles online from much cheaper sources than your MB dealer! The MikBox does not need a proprietary cradle to work.
Obviously I'm a big fan of the MikBox, it works very well.
Plug-n-play means that you open your armrest, snap out the cradle (no cables, no tools), snap in the new cradle, plug in the new phone. Done... Switched to another phone with full capability in 20 seconds.
Costs: currently all cradles cost about 140 Euros, but are already selling on Ebay (Germany) for 30-40 Euros. Either way you go, not a significant cost.
Again, mikbox is a great idea and an excellent low cost solution, especially as it may support phones not covered by UHI (like the "not compatible with anything" Samsung phones). The probem I see is software compatibility moving forward and the cost being close to UHI if you don't already have a MB phone kit installed and have to get one from Ebay.
I see it as finally having more than one choice...Pick the one that fits your needs
Wolfman
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by wingless
All I want is full support for all the features. That is, I want my phone book downloaded to the COMMAND, when I snap it into the cradle. I want caller ID names for stored numbers. The COMMAND keypad and controls should operate as intended. And, of course, the steering wheel controls should work to answer or hang up a call.
The $765 hands-free telephone preparation kit was added at the factory for my '05 C320.
Yes, if a non-MB phone will work, then good. But, if the only way to get this to fully integrate is with the MB phone, then that is my choice.
My problem is the waiting game, for MB and Motorola to get this system working.
The $765 hands-free telephone preparation kit was added at the factory for my '05 C320.
Yes, if a non-MB phone will work, then good. But, if the only way to get this to fully integrate is with the MB phone, then that is my choice.
My problem is the waiting game, for MB and Motorola to get this system working.
Wolfman
Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Its true, for cars that don't have any phone kit installed, it might be cheaper to go UHI, and ensure support for more phones.
I don't know why MB is not selling the UHI in the US, but I can only think of two possible reasons. Either its true what someone else mentioned on this forum before, that they have a long time contract with Motorola that prevents them from supporting any other phone, or they realize that in the American market people are much more willing to pay top dollar for such a feature than in any other country, especially Europe, where hands free cellphones have been common for much longer (as have laws regarding the use of cellphones in cars).
Anyways, I think its great if we can just use the European UHI cradles in the US spec cars. But I am afraid that MB won't build cradles for phones like the V710 or any Nextel phones, since those can't be used in Europe. And since the phone interface electronics now sits in the cradle, it won't be as easy as it is now (for the D2B vehicles) to build a homemade cradle out of some professional hands-free-kit cradle.
The mikbox project is not really trying to provide a lowcost alternative to the original MB kit, or the UHI. Its primary goal is to let people use newer phones, who already have a carkit installed and are bound to their ancient phones, or want to use non-MB phones. The second goal is to work with phones that are not at all supported by MB, even in the newer cars or UHI.
And also...its a fun project
I don't know why MB is not selling the UHI in the US, but I can only think of two possible reasons. Either its true what someone else mentioned on this forum before, that they have a long time contract with Motorola that prevents them from supporting any other phone, or they realize that in the American market people are much more willing to pay top dollar for such a feature than in any other country, especially Europe, where hands free cellphones have been common for much longer (as have laws regarding the use of cellphones in cars).
Anyways, I think its great if we can just use the European UHI cradles in the US spec cars. But I am afraid that MB won't build cradles for phones like the V710 or any Nextel phones, since those can't be used in Europe. And since the phone interface electronics now sits in the cradle, it won't be as easy as it is now (for the D2B vehicles) to build a homemade cradle out of some professional hands-free-kit cradle.
The mikbox project is not really trying to provide a lowcost alternative to the original MB kit, or the UHI. Its primary goal is to let people use newer phones, who already have a carkit installed and are bound to their ancient phones, or want to use non-MB phones. The second goal is to work with phones that are not at all supported by MB, even in the newer cars or UHI.
And also...its a fun project
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 10,498
Likes: 3,649
From: Land of 10,000 lakes
AMG GTC Roadster, E63s Ed.1, M8 Comp. Coupe
Originally Posted by Mik
The mikbox project is not really trying to provide a lowcost alternative to the original MB kit, or the UHI. Its primary goal is to let people use newer phones, who already have a carkit installed and are bound to their ancient phones, or want to use non-MB phones. The second goal is to work with phones that are not at all supported by MB, even in the newer cars or UHI.
And also...its a fun project
And also...its a fun project
This is an awesome project and truly the first alternative for Mercedes owners besides the european GSM Phone Installs for MB's. Definitely the way to go if people want to stick with Sprint, Verizon or Nextel
Wolfman
Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 80
Likes: 0
From: Las Vegas
2001 SL500, designo blue and 2004 C320S
Patiently Waiting
You can add me to the list of people waiting for UHI.
Thankfully, my job has me deskbound and relying more on my cellphone/PDA combo while I'm not in a car. On the other hand, my wife's real estate career here in Las Vegas has her on the road a lot with a Sony-Ericsson GSM cell phone stuck to her ear.
For several reasons, mainly DBz decision not to import the 2005 C320S to the US, we had to buy a 2004 late in the year and couldn't find one with phone support installed. On top of that, my wife is extremely particular about the functions of her phone as a handheld. Even though we'll be replacing her T39M World Phone with a new phone, it has to be one she'll be comfortable using while not in her car.
We're probably strange in that we're just not blindly leaping ahead and saying, oh boy MBZ has a cell phone we can get in our car, but are instead saying here's the cell phone we're going to use, now somebody find us a way.
So we're committed to working with Steve since it looks like his phone kit is the way we were seeking. Getting the install kit and UHI we need when it becomes available is for us a good way to go, even if we have to wait a few months for the UHI to be commonly available.
In the mean time, we're reading a lot, listening to comments about various phones and trying several out so we confirm that the $400 we will spend on the phone alone is wisely invested.
Chuck
Thankfully, my job has me deskbound and relying more on my cellphone/PDA combo while I'm not in a car. On the other hand, my wife's real estate career here in Las Vegas has her on the road a lot with a Sony-Ericsson GSM cell phone stuck to her ear.
For several reasons, mainly DBz decision not to import the 2005 C320S to the US, we had to buy a 2004 late in the year and couldn't find one with phone support installed. On top of that, my wife is extremely particular about the functions of her phone as a handheld. Even though we'll be replacing her T39M World Phone with a new phone, it has to be one she'll be comfortable using while not in her car.
We're probably strange in that we're just not blindly leaping ahead and saying, oh boy MBZ has a cell phone we can get in our car, but are instead saying here's the cell phone we're going to use, now somebody find us a way.
So we're committed to working with Steve since it looks like his phone kit is the way we were seeking. Getting the install kit and UHI we need when it becomes available is for us a good way to go, even if we have to wait a few months for the UHI to be commonly available.
In the mean time, we're reading a lot, listening to comments about various phones and trying several out so we confirm that the $400 we will spend on the phone alone is wisely invested.
Chuck
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 597
Likes: 7
From: San Jose
2016 C450 AMG, 2009 C300, 2001 C320 2001 CLK430, 95 E500
does anyone know pricing?
I wasn't able to find anything on their web site, and all my emails go unanswered.
There was some quote in the beginninog of this thread, that it was on the website, but seaching their site yielded no results.
anyone?
There was some quote in the beginninog of this thread, that it was on the website, but seaching their site yielded no results.
anyone?
