fleurs511

Hi,

I am new to this forum and came across it while researching about the IPod Integration kit. I have the 2006 C230 sedan. I contacted my dealership and they told me it will cost me around $600-800 (incl. installation). Is this the best option? I want to install an IPod int. kit that allows me to access the ipod via steering wheel controls.

Please give me some info!
Thanks!

shahedC

When I had the 2004 C230K Sport Sedan, I had a 6 CD changer in the glove compartment, I didn't have any iPod option.

Note that this CD changer was actually a cheap plastic shell with plastic CD casings....

However, I am getting my 2007 SLK350 in a few weeks, and i have the main in-dash CD plus a 6 CD changer in the glove compartment.

From the booklet, it looks as it's a single slot multi-disc player.... it also says that there is an input jack for the iPod. I suspect that this is just a generic audio input for any audio device.

Try to find out if you already have this option... if so, then this is your cheap option!

In the meantime, I have been thinking about getting the iPod kit as well, but haven't added it to my order. I guess I can always do it later.

Right now, I am ok with 7 CDs and Sirius satellite radio... :-)


p.s. another option is a CD player that plays MP3 audio CDs that you can control via the car controls... but the dealership tells me that this only comes with the S-class.

pookie

https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration

e1000

you can buy the MB iPod Integration kit for about $300. It should take you about 2hrs to install (pretty easy).

You can also buy the kit from MB and take it to a stereo shop to install. It will most likely be a lot less than what MB is charging.

IsaacRN

Cost me 300 at the dealership. THat price included the install. Mind you, from what i hear, the sound isnt the best...and you hear like a background hum with most of the songs.....at least on mine anyway

IsaacRN

Cost me 300 at the dealership. THat price included the install. Mind you, from what i hear, the sound isnt the best...and you hear like a background hum with most of the songs.....at least on mine anyway

SUNILP

Your dealership is wrong. The w211, has had this feature for quite some time. 2006 C/clk also have this feature. I am pretty sure your new SLK would have this as well if you ordered a changer.

MercedesFTW

My 2006 is supposed to have the ability to play MP3 CDs...haven't tried it yet...I'm quite fond of the Satelite Radio!

The new S is the only one that can play audio DVDs.

14cue

i have this optiona nd it sounds fine.

volume might be a bit low for some songs but overall i have no complaints.

TruTaing

Is this ipod integration unit (w/ steering wheel controls) only available if you have command?

-j0hn

e1000

nope - works well with the stock radio


I believe this only works with the CD-Changer - the single slot CD will not play MP3-CD's

drho2004

I was going to go for the ipod integration kit. dealer wanted $767 including install. Whatever with that!! waaaaaay too much $$ IMO!!! So i researched and got the AUX in working. Cable was only $40. ran a mini stereo plug to center arm rest, got a Scoche w/l remote for my steering wheel. bam. for less than $100. sound is great. ipod out of sight. i can control all the ipod functions from the remote. only thing i cant do is see the tracks, but i just listen.

BigSis

That's not exactly true. MB's integrating iPod kit can be connected to Audio 20s in facelifted W203s and W209s (for instance). But if you have a W211 E-class with Audio 50 - thus without AUX - you won't be able to get the iPod kit installed unless you upgrade to DVD comand.

Also, the R171 SLK Audio 20s don't have AUX, either. They can't 'just' get the iPod kit installed, unless you have MBenzNL do it.

The facelifted CLs and SLs, for instance, don't come with AUX input. No matter if they have a factory fitted comand already in dash. It's not possible to get the integrating iPod kit retrofitted in these models.

greetingz,

BigSis

e1000

- I completely didn't notice he had a 2001 C320

shahedC

Well, I did order the changer, and the car will be available in 3 weeks... the booklet indicates that the 6-CD player in the SLK, is a 1-slot CD device.... doesn't say whether it plays MP3s or not

so maybe the dealership was thinking of the in-dash CD player? maybe that single CD player is audio CD only? and the 6-CD player is MP3-capable?

benzmodz

All current CD players support MP3. But only 99 tracks per CD.

1mean55

Any links you can think of for the install of the integration unit. I have a 2004 E55, I just got the kit, and i have no idea where to start with the install?

BadAssC230k

Good thread. Though I've read the Aux Input thread as well. And now that I have my car, I'm trying to figure out what would be better. I had front side 'audio jack in' on my honda [aftermarket deck] that connected to the headhphone jack of my ipod. And I know that I can do pretty much the same thing with the 'cheap' ipod kit. [btw, I have the bose stereo with tape and 6 disc changer in glove box].

My debate is sound quality and whatnot. I know that I can run an audio auxiliary line to anywhere I choose. Yet would the 'REAL' ipod kit be something better to get? I wouldnt care if I had to use the actual stereo controls on the console to change tracks on the ipod. Just the fact of connection and quality is my main concearn.


any input?

e1000

AFAIK, the iPod installation on the E-Class is much harder and very different from that of the C-Class.

Moviela

Boy, is that the truth, in a C class it takes about 40 minutes after you have done one.

The E class took me all day. I don't think I'll try a second one.

Moviela

You probably cannot add an Aux in jack easily. Only 2005 up cars have the wiring in the door sill, and the function built into the head unit.

The $ 40. cable will do you no good. There is a thread explaining how to add an Aux in to the older cars. You will loose the cassette deck function, because you must use the tape head input for your ipod. This is not a simple mod unless you are a technician.

On the newer cars, even with the factory ipod kit, the audio still gets into the system through the Aux in function of the car audio system.

Sound quality is the same with the $ 40. cable or the $299. kit. The kit does allow use of the wheel controls of the ipod, and displays the song in the instrument cluster display. Some people like that, and are willing to pay.

BadAssC230k

damnit... time to look into a newer OEM deck.... or just jump to a pioneer deck. that sucks. oh well... chalk it up as another mod. lol

gens

I tried the AUX solution first, but later changed my mind and installed iPod integration kit for 'round $550 (installed). To me, the sound quality is noticeably different. Integration with steering wheel works sweet. I'm happy.

If anyone is interested, I can sell my AUX cable for $30.

METC240

so which is the kit or part number that I would need to get the tracks to show on my 2005 C240 with HK systems. I know I can us the Aux but the issue I see is how to control the track and the lost of using the buttons on my remote.

e1000

the factory MB iPod kit for the C-Class will work for your car. do a search for the exact part number, or you can call your dealer and they can find it as well.