A lot of questions, speculation, and discussion has started since the announcement of January 11th 2005, which showed the iPod integration to the Mercedes' systems.

Many people are asking questions which have been answered in the press release or are not answerable yet because there's no information. Let's start off with a few basic facts that have been announced, maybe this will answer most questions.

AVAILABILITY

- The iPod interface will be available starting in APRIL 2005

(This means, they aren't out yet. If you contact your dealer, it won't be there, and they might not know anything about it. Maybe you can convince your dealership to get a "list" going or something.)

- It will first be available in the new M-class.

(If you want one first, you gotta get a new car.)

- It will be available for some 2005 and 2006 vehicles LATER ON.

(If you don't have a 2005 or 2006 car, you probably will not be able to get one from the dealership.)

- It will cost $300 + installation, price subject to change.

TECH

- We don't know exactly how it operates yet. There is information on the MBUSA site with a demo, but it isn't very detailed.

- It requires a vehicle with an auxiliary input jack.

(What 2005 cars don't have or support addition of auxiliary input jacks... hmm. S-class, SL-class, CL-class. If your 2005 car can have a jack added, then it may work for you.)

- It works through the multifunction display and steering wheel controls.

(Your radio is in auxiliary input mode... no control options there.)

AFTERMARKET/MODS

- Will my [non-supported car] work with it?

(Probably not without a lot of modification, and it's unlikely any dealership will perform a modification to make it work. Check out the speculation section on how it may work to see what you could do.)

- My car doesn't have an auxiliary input jack. Can I add one?

(Depends on your car. If you have a non-supported car, adding the auxiliary input jack won't make it "one that works". As of right now, the C-class and CLK-class for 2005 can have the aux jack added. The SLK can have one too, but it may already have one.)

CONCLUSIONS/SPECULATION

- The system probably works on CANBUS, not MOST. This is because it is controlled through the steering wheel/instrument cluster and not the head unit. Why is this? Because the newer instrument clusters are easily reprogrammable and adding such a system would be easier than making a change to a head unit (or a number of different head units). The instrument clusters are manufactured by one company, where the head units are still sourced from three different companies, with completely different models. As you've seen, Mercedes has moved towards a unified style/operation for the 2005 cars... except the S-, CL-, and SL- classes.

To add it to your car probably requires a new flash upgrade for the instrument cluster (unless yours is already new enough). The iPod interface probably hooks into CANBUS (two wires... how simple) and the auxiliary audio input jack. The programming of a CANBUS interface is REALLY SIMPLE compared to a MOST or D2B. The hard part is the interface on the instrument cluster, and that's now done.

- How do I add this to my non-2005 car? You can switch out your incompatible components to compatible ones. If you have a car with an incompatible instrument cluster, you have to do all it takes to get to a new instrument cluster (and that may entail a lot). If you don't have an auxiliary jack, you need to add one and all that entails. So on.

ALL INFORMATION HERE MAY BE BASED ON ASSUMPTION AND PRODUCT INFORMATION WHICH IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

-s-

 

You simply amaze me with your knowledge.

 

After you have digested Scorchie's superb post above and determined either 1) your Mercedes cannot be retrofitted, or 2) you don't want to wait until it can, check these posts:

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...ghlight=Skylaw

Adam Winer has done a superb job showing the Dension IceLink installation in his '03 CL55; I have contributed some info on my '00 S500 installation; Scorchie has contributed, and so has Dension itself.

You can also check out the tech publication at http://www.benzworld.org/publications/pub.asp?id=330 where I have written up more details of the installation in the S500.

The IceLink integration in my car allows full control through the steering wheel. It also allows voice control, to the extent that the CD changer did. In the D2B integration, information displayed on the COMAND and instrument cluster displays is only CD (playlist) number and track number. Dension may be able to provide more information (possibly with addition of a device called the Screen Link, still under development) but that remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the integration is very good.

 

Great write up Dean

 

Sounds like a great option. Would be better if it is integrated into COMAND (May be for 2006+ models) so you can choose playlists, artists, albmums, etc. via COMAND.

 

Yes, if you want COMAND integration, IceLink is the way to go right now! The MOST version doesn't really compete with Mercedes' offering, so I hope that development continues. Adam and Skylaw have lots of great pictures to help integrate your own IceLink.

-s-

 

But it seems to be at least integrated into the multifunctional steering wheel according to the little blurb they have:

 

Right T... You can use your MFD it looks like... But can't use COMAND to do it

CANBUS vs D2B

 

Dean,

I too am amazed by your knowledge base. Thanks for the write-up. You da man!

Jeff

 

after reading the MBUSA home page, I never thought that they would actually offer it for older cars...

Generally, once a car model comes off the assembly line, its usually history and the company moves on...

Hello Dennison

 

MB just released an FAQ pdf on the iPod integration kit. Here's the text from it:

"iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz
Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz?
A. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is an integrated system solution that provides connectivity between a customer’s iPod device and the electronics and audio systems of the Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The solution offers the ability to connect and stow the iPod device with a specially designed interface in the glovebox, which charges the iPod device while allowing the driver to manipulate iPod menus and device functions via the steering wheel Multifunction thumb buttons. Also, the driver can conveniently reference iPod menu, Playlist, or artist/title information on the Multifunction display on the dashboard.

Q. What is included with the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz?
A. The Kit includes a unique physical interface for the glovebox, as well as all software to support vehicle system integration and interface functionality. The iPod device is sold separately, and is not included with the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz.

Q. Can the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz be used with other MP3 or other audio devices?
A. The iPod Integration Kit is engineered with specific software that interprets the data from the Apple iPod device. Other MP3 players or other audio devices will not be compatible with this solution.

Q. For which iPod devices will the solution be compatible?
A. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is compatible with any iPod device equipped with a dock interface and the latest iPod firmware installed. This includes iPod, iPod Mini, and iPod Photo.

Q. For which vehicles is the solution available?
A. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will initially be available for the newly redesigned 2006 M-Class SUV (164). Market availability for additional model year 2005 and 2006 Mercedes-Benz vehicles will also follow: C-Class (203), CLK-Class (209), B-Class (245), E-Class (211), SLK-Class (171 – vehicles equipped with COMAND system only), R-Class (251), CLS-Class (219).

Q. Where is the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz available for installation?
A. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz will be available as dealer-installation or VPC-installation.

Q. What is the price of the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz?
A. MSRP for the dealer-installed solution begins at $299 plus installation.

Q. How long does dealership installation take?
A. Dealership installation times vary by model. MBUSA suggests installations will range between one to three hours.

Q. Is the solution covered under warranty?
A. If installed at the time of initial vehicle delivery, the iPod Integration Kit is covered under the standard term of the MBUSA new vehicle limited warranty (4 years/50,000 miles). If installed after initial vehicle delivery, the iPod Integration Kit is covered for the remainder of the new vehicle limited warranty or one year, whichever is greater.

Q. How is the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz different from aftermarket solutions?
A. The Mercedes-Benz solution is specifically engineered for Mercedes-Benz vehicle systems. This solution provides increased functionality over aftermarket solutions, such as device function manipulation via the Multifunction steering wheel controls, and view of iPod device data on the Multifunction display. Because the Mercedes-Benz vehicle systems do not recognize the iPod device as a CD changer component, as in most aftermarket solutions, customers can still use both the CD changer and the iPod device, without sacrificing one for the other. Also, unlike aftermarket solutions, the Mercedes-Benz Kit is covered under warranty.

Q. How is the Mercedes-Benz solution different from solutions offered by other vehicle manufacturers?
A. The iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz offers increased functionality. For instance, the Mercedes-Benz solution will allow the driver to play and view any Playlist that has been created – not having to make a special new Playlist for the vehicle solution, as in other manufacturer’s solutions. Also, song title information can be viewed in the dashboard multifunction display, allowing the driver to “See What You’re Hearing”.

Q. If the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz is installed, will other devices such as CD changer be nullified?
A. No. Because this solution recognizes the iPod device as a unique input, other audio inputs such as CD changers, can still be utilized.

Q. Is there customer overlap between the Mercedes-Benz owner and the iPod owner? A. Absolutely. There are over 6 million iPod devices sold through September 2004, accounting for over 90 % of the hard disk based MP3 market. In addition, Mercedes-Benz has sold approximately 219,000 vehicles in 2004 alone, or about 4% of domestic US new-vehicle sales. Given these rising statistics, currently about 5% of Mercedes owners also own an iPod -- a population that increases every day.

Q. Where can I find more information about the iPod Integration Kit for Mercedes-Benz?
A. Please visit www.MBUSA.com/iPod."

Interesting how some classes are completely absent in the compatability section.

Jeff

 

Boy, they're going to have a lot of angry 2005 SL customers. One of the most expensive cars and no integration!

J

 

I'll be the first!

Jeff

 

Hmm, notice the "S-, CL-, SL-" point in the first post. both and

-s-

 

Jeff, there are probably a lot of angry 2004 SL owners with CD-navigation and crummy phone choices. And a lot of angry 2003 S-class owners with CD navigation. And a lot of 2002 CL-class owners without widescreen. And 2001 M-class owners without fibre optic CD drives. And 2000 C-class owners with TeleAid that makes an annoying startup beep. And 1999 E-class owners without steering wheel controls.

None of those people could upgrade. They are probably all angry about it. And people still keep buying new Mercedes. Do you think, with sales at all time highs, that it is the time for Mercedes to start reengineering the cars they've already sold?

(Personally, on one hand I wish they would; on the other hand I like to figure out and do things that are said to "not be possible".)

-s-

 

For those not familiar with the details of the S, CL, and SL systems, how do they differ technically from other lines? What would be the limitation preventing implementation into these models that is not present with other models?

 

As stated in the first post... no auxiliary input jack, nor provision for it. These systems are manufactured by Siemens, but using Becker internals.

-s-

 

nice write up scorchie. any idea when youre going to get your hands on one to mess around with?

 

Dean,

I hear what you are saying. It's that from my perspective, I haven't gotten my car yet. So, sure, if you have the car prior to the announcement, well bummer, but one would think that if you bought a car after the announcement, then they should make the change to encompass the new technology. That having been said, I do realize that my car was produced about 10 days ago.

Anyway, given that there is no intended announcement of future availability for the SL, I would think that they would not change the head unit going forward (?from Siemens to HK?).

Therefore, it leaves it in the hands of creative guys like you and Steve to go through and figure out how to help those left out in the cold. I have faith that you guys will figure something out. And if not, it's not the end of the world...it's still a great car.

Jeff

 

Averaging about one new car per year, I can understand your pain! But yes, you're right... you should just enjoy the car for what it is, and what it was when you decided to get it. Just be glad you didn't get an SLR... you'd be stuck with an Audio 30 cassette and a Motorola V60 (TDMA or CDMA).

-s-

 

scorchie- any thoughts on why the German manual says ther are 2 AUX jacks on the 2005 SL COMAND? Have you ever taken one of these things apart with your bare hands?

http://www4.mercedes-benz.com/e/cars...ben/audio.html

 

LOL! Yes, you are right! It's interesting that BMW seems to have a slightly different take on things. They have a lot more "retrofit" kits available and since their systems seem to be more common across the cars (pre i-Drive), there are a lot more people who figure out how to retrofit various items. I just successfully retrofitted a brand new Bluetooth module into my '97 540i with Mark I (currently they are on Mark IV) navigation! Sorry for the blurry pic but you can even read SMS messages off the phone via Bluetooth in a 8 year old car!

Jeff

 

All I want is a live AUX port. I couldn't give a $#@* about seeing my song selection displayed. Hell, I may ditch my SAT input and use it for my iPod/AUX input.

 

Jack, with all due respect... do you read my answers to you in other areas? Because you've asked two questions here that I've already answered! If you're going to not accept my previous answers, I will not give you answers anymore.

1) I believe the two aux inputs (referenced in both Audio and Video sections) refers to the inputs on the TV Tuner. Do you get AUX1 and AUX2 when you select audio on your head unit?

2) You can get aux inputs. I've offered you a TV tuner for your car that will give you aux inputs. You don't have to wire up the antennas or anything, the installation will be quite easy if you just want auxiliary inputs. Pay the airfare for me or Steve and one of us will install it for you.

3) There's no "satellite input" to use. Everything is on a fibre optic network. The TV tuner will convert the audoi/video input into data on the fibre optic network.

I'll go look in a 2005 SL500 tomorrow. The same one I tried the "presets from steering wheel controls" after a bunch of people said theirs worked (and they didn't).

-s-

 

Yes scorchie, I do read your responses to my questions in other areas. I certainly appreciate the thought you put into responses, your knowledge in these areas is prodigious. However, in the same thread that you recommended the TV tuner option to me, you suggested that my '05 SL would be compatible with the new iPod interface.

https://mbworld.org/forums/showpost....9&postcount=34

Since then I have read on these boards that the iPod interface will not work on the '05 S, SL or CL, so I am a bit confused.

Obviously using the SAT input is not an option.

This leaves me with the TV tuner option. How much would it cost? Once installed, will AUX 1 and AUX 2 show up on my COMAND unit? How will I access these AUX ports? How well does the TV tuner work in urban areas?