Steering wheel controls - aftermarket unit NO ANSWER
10-17-2006, 09:25 PM
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Steering wheel controls - aftermarket unit NO ANSWER
I'm an active user, and I looked hard. I've searched the C class and A&E forum for more than 2 hours, and I still can't find an answer.
Is there a way to use the steering wheel volume +/- buttons with any aftermarket units? I've found a lot of references in other threads saying that it can be done, and the answer is in another thread, but I can't find the thread with the actual solution. Who makes a button retrofit kit for our cars?
Is there a way to use the steering wheel volume +/- buttons with any aftermarket units? I've found a lot of references in other threads saying that it can be done, and the answer is in another thread, but I can't find the thread with the actual solution. Who makes a button retrofit kit for our cars?
10-17-2006, 10:41 PM
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W203 slightly modified
I'm an active user, and I looked hard. I've searched the C class and A&E forum for more than 2 hours, and I still can't find an answer.
Is there a way to use the steering wheel volume +/- buttons with any aftermarket units? I've found a lot of references in other threads saying that it can be done, and the answer is in another thread, but I can't find the thread with the actual solution. Who makes a button retrofit kit for our cars?
Is there a way to use the steering wheel volume +/- buttons with any aftermarket units? I've found a lot of references in other threads saying that it can be done, and the answer is in another thread, but I can't find the thread with the actual solution. Who makes a button retrofit kit for our cars?
10-17-2006, 11:08 PM
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So . . . can anyone answer my question? Which kit works with our steering wheels. I've still been searching, and find TONS of references to steering wheel kits, but I still haven't found an actual model or brand that works
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10-18-2006, 03:10 AM
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2005 C Wagon (No snickering please!)
Makes sense Frank, Alpine is the OEM for many MB head units on USA cars.
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
Last edited by Moviela; 10-18-2006 at 03:24 AM.
10-18-2006, 03:27 AM
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2003-c230K 2001-c230k sportcoupe - 1998 A190 - 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus
Check out bluespot.co.uk
They offer a full integration kit with Blaupunkt head units, including the interface for the steering wheel controls, ipod adaptors, facia adaptor for fitting the headunit correctly, as well as speaker adaptors...
The prices are in GB pounds but I am sure you can find some of these units for better prices on eBay... As for the adaptors they are only available through Blaupunkt...
I will recommend the Blaupunkt Bremen MP74 - Top of the line, including the equaliser setting up with microphone usage and process of the audio system with provided software in order to better optimize the system...
Hope this is helpful
They offer a full integration kit with Blaupunkt head units, including the interface for the steering wheel controls, ipod adaptors, facia adaptor for fitting the headunit correctly, as well as speaker adaptors...
The prices are in GB pounds but I am sure you can find some of these units for better prices on eBay... As for the adaptors they are only available through Blaupunkt...
I will recommend the Blaupunkt Bremen MP74 - Top of the line, including the equaliser setting up with microphone usage and process of the audio system with provided software in order to better optimize the system...
Hope this is helpful
10-18-2006, 09:37 AM
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Makes sense Frank, Alpine is the OEM for many MB head units on USA cars.
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
10-18-2006, 11:19 AM
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W203 slightly modified
Makes sense Frank, Alpine is the OEM for many MB head units on USA cars.
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
The switches in the wheel are not connected directly to the head unit. The switch signal is first routed to the CANbus, then as a series of pulses to the head unit. There are numerous other signals riding on the CANbus. Aftermarket interfaces would need to leave the bus alone, except for head unit signals. You don't want the trunk to pop open when a cop asks you to turn down the radio.
The Alpine interface is here, for C class after 3.2004, but only for Alpine head units. I know it is in the UK, but if you want it, just click and it will come!
http://www.edworthys.co.uk/product~prodID~806269.htm
OEM Alpine headunits work on CAN-bus signals not adapters.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canbus
Product DescriptionAlpine Steering Wheel InterFace - KCE-853B Integrated Interface for Mercedes c-class, 40 Way BMW Connector 
10-18-2006, 01:41 PM
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Thanks for the info guys.
Too bad it's only out there for Alpines. Alpine doesn't offer a high end double DIN navigation system like I want. I was looking at the Pioneer AVIC-Z1, but don't want to loose steering wheel volume control. I can live with losing all the other stuff.
Too bad it's only out there for Alpines. Alpine doesn't offer a high end double DIN navigation system like I want. I was looking at the Pioneer AVIC-Z1, but don't want to loose steering wheel volume control. I can live with losing all the other stuff.
10-18-2006, 01:58 PM
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'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Pioneer apparently does have one, but I couldn't get a straight answer out of them over in the UK. If you can (and you want to pay for the toll charges), try calling one of their dealers over in the UK. They say they won't talk to me since I'm not from the UK; of all the kinds of bullcrap.... 
Below is the pdf and the UK site dealing with this adaptor, though I've never seen it anywhere on the web besides the different language versions of Pioneer's site. You can see Mercedes W203 CAN-BUS clearly marked in the Mercedes section of the document. If you can find it, please let us know.
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/files/pdf/H...ptersChart.pdf
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products...%20/index.html
Below is the pdf and the UK site dealing with this adaptor, though I've never seen it anywhere on the web besides the different language versions of Pioneer's site. You can see Mercedes W203 CAN-BUS clearly marked in the Mercedes section of the document. If you can find it, please let us know.
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/files/pdf/H...ptersChart.pdf
http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/products...%20/index.html
10-19-2006, 03:26 AM
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2003-c230K 2001-c230k sportcoupe - 1998 A190 - 2008 Smart Fortwo Brabus
For Blaupunkt (and perhabs Becker) check the website below...http://www.bluespot.co.uk/install/show_model.asp?id=155
10-19-2006, 02:23 PM
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02' C230k Sport Coupe
ok, you need one for the AVIC Z1 and the final answer is NO, there are currently nothing working for models 2003 and older (you can get one from Pioneer in Europe for w203 2004+), For older models in the US there are no solutions available "YET". There's been some testing in which I was involved and apparently a new product will be released with no estimated time of deployment. To make your life easier get it from me that I just did the DIY for the AVIC Z1.
Some people here that are 'old school' here thinks that they really need the Bose, Phone or Tele-aid... well, you have a better system than the Bose with the AVIC, get the bluetooth adapter so no need to get an old TDMA cellular phone and Tele-aid? does someone still pays for that? BTW, if you need a tow truck the AVIC can get 1 for you and also you get a year of Roadside assistance with it. So don't feel bad about loosing some of the OEM stuff, looks much better than the COMAND and works 100% better (sad but true)
Some people here that are 'old school' here thinks that they really need the Bose, Phone or Tele-aid... well, you have a better system than the Bose with the AVIC, get the bluetooth adapter so no need to get an old TDMA cellular phone and Tele-aid? does someone still pays for that? BTW, if you need a tow truck the AVIC can get 1 for you and also you get a year of Roadside assistance with it. So don't feel bad about loosing some of the OEM stuff, looks much better than the COMAND and works 100% better (sad but true)
Last edited by fanito; 10-19-2006 at 02:30 PM.
10-19-2006, 05:34 PM
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W203 slightly modified
ok, you need one for the AVIC Z1 and the final answer is NO, there are currently nothing working for models 2003 and older (you can get one from Pioneer in Europe for w203 2004+), For older models in the US there are no solutions available "YET". There's been some testing in which I was involved and apparently a new product will be released with no estimated time of deployment. To make your life easier get it from me that I just did the DIY for the AVIC Z1.
Some people here that are 'old school' here thinks that they really need the Bose, Phone or Tele-aid... well, you have a better system than the Bose with the AVIC, get the bluetooth adapter so no need to get an old TDMA cellular phone and Tele-aid? does someone still pays for that? BTW, if you need a tow truck the AVIC can get 1 for you and also you get a year of Roadside assistance with it. So don't feel bad about loosing some of the OEM stuff, looks much better than the COMAND and works 100% better (sad but true)
Some people here that are 'old school' here thinks that they really need the Bose, Phone or Tele-aid... well, you have a better system than the Bose with the AVIC, get the bluetooth adapter so no need to get an old TDMA cellular phone and Tele-aid? does someone still pays for that? BTW, if you need a tow truck the AVIC can get 1 for you and also you get a year of Roadside assistance with it. So don't feel bad about loosing some of the OEM stuff, looks much better than the COMAND and works 100% better (sad but true)
Tell that to the dealer who rapes you on resale.
10-19-2006, 07:09 PM
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2002 C230 K, 6 speed
Why do you need to tell anything to the deeler. Just sell your car to someone that apreciates a nice moded MB.
Well I guess it is harder to sell a newer C class because they are pricy but, still you can try and sell on autotrader or something like that.
Well I guess it is harder to sell a newer C class because they are pricy but, still you can try and sell on autotrader or something like that.
10-19-2006, 07:16 PM
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ok, you need one for the AVIC Z1 and the final answer is NO, there are currently nothing working for models 2003 and older (you can get one from Pioneer in Europe for w203 2004+), For older models in the US there are no solutions available "YET". There's been some testing in which I was involved and apparently a new product will be released with no estimated time of deployment. To make your life easier get it from me that I just did the DIY for the AVIC Z1.
10-19-2006, 07:23 PM
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Hmmm. I see what you mean now. It says Jun-04 and up, so that probably means 2005+ models. There is one for ISO connector and one for Fakra connector. The one I ordered has the Fakra connector.
10-20-2006, 04:23 AM
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'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
Originally Posted by fanito
ok, you need one for the AVIC Z1 and the final answer is NO, there are currently nothing working for models 2003 and older (you can get one from Pioneer in Europe for w203 2004+), For older models in the US there are no solutions available "YET". There's been some testing in which I was involved and apparently a new product will be released with no estimated time of deployment. To make your life easier get it from me that I just did the DIY for the AVIC Z1.
jgsx, could you please let us know where you were able to order this adapter from, and for how much? It would be much appreciated by those of us looking to get the same item.
Last edited by jedcred; 10-20-2006 at 04:43 AM.
10-20-2006, 04:58 AM
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'04 Mars Red C230K Sport Coupe (not Coup-EH)
I did a bit of quick research on the matter. Unfortunately, it looks like you may have to send your connector back if you have a pre-facelift 04 (as all the 04s are). Below are the manuals (which I was finally able to find off the UK site) for the ISO version and the Fakra version. It looks like the ISO version works with the 04s and below, while the Fakra works for the 05s and above.
ISO Connector
Fakra Connector
ISO Connector
Fakra Connector
