Custom Ipod install
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
Custom Ipod install
I want to first start by saying I followed the IPOD D.I.Y. (https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration)
I set my IPOD up so that it rests in my cup holder. I used the cable mentioned in the IPOD D.I.Y. and instead of routing it to the glove box, I routed to the center console. My total cost was about $75. Here is what I used:
Parts:
Mercedes Audio Cable Part Number. A 203 540 61 07 $32.00 I used a $10 coupon. $22.00
Belkin Auto Kit for iPod and iPod mini with Dock Connector $39.00
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Belki...oductDetail.do
6-Ft. Shielded Cable, 1/8" Stereo Plug to 1/8" Stereo Plug $5.49
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search
I chose to use the Belkin adapter mentioned above because it has an audio output that works much better than the headphone output on the IPOD. It also provides a cleaner install because the only cable you have showing is the 30 pin connector that attaches to the bottom of the IPOD.
So here is how I did it:
1. Followed the IPOD Integration DIY thread to locate the AUX Input Cable.
2.Instead of routing the cable to the glove box, I left it in the kick panel and routed my 1/8" stereo cable from the kick panel to the center console. (when routing the cables to the center console, you should loosen the bolts in the bottom of the center console to give you more room)
3. Installed a 12V power source in the center console by tapping into the rear cigarette lighter.
4. Hid all of the wires and put everything back together.
Finished Product
Locate Factory AUX Input harness.
Route 1/8" stereo cable under carpet to center console.
Tap into rear cigarette lighter.
Inside the center console.
I set my IPOD up so that it rests in my cup holder. I used the cable mentioned in the IPOD D.I.Y. and instead of routing it to the glove box, I routed to the center console. My total cost was about $75. Here is what I used:
Parts:
Mercedes Audio Cable Part Number. A 203 540 61 07 $32.00 I used a $10 coupon. $22.00
Belkin Auto Kit for iPod and iPod mini with Dock Connector $39.00
http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Belki...oductDetail.do
6-Ft. Shielded Cable, 1/8" Stereo Plug to 1/8" Stereo Plug $5.49
http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...entPage=search
I chose to use the Belkin adapter mentioned above because it has an audio output that works much better than the headphone output on the IPOD. It also provides a cleaner install because the only cable you have showing is the 30 pin connector that attaches to the bottom of the IPOD.
So here is how I did it:
1. Followed the IPOD Integration DIY thread to locate the AUX Input Cable.
2.Instead of routing the cable to the glove box, I left it in the kick panel and routed my 1/8" stereo cable from the kick panel to the center console. (when routing the cables to the center console, you should loosen the bolts in the bottom of the center console to give you more room)
3. Installed a 12V power source in the center console by tapping into the rear cigarette lighter.
4. Hid all of the wires and put everything back together.
Finished Product
Locate Factory AUX Input harness.
Route 1/8" stereo cable under carpet to center console.
Tap into rear cigarette lighter.
Inside the center console.
Last edited by 05-MB-C230K; Dec 21, 2006 at 07:39 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 6,665
Likes: 4
From: Boston
2004 C32 ///AMG
yeah..thts perfect for 05+ cars since you dont have the pop-up cupholder
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
Yeah my car does have the pop-up cup holder. I actually use them a lot. The install took me about 3 hours only because I couldn't make up my mind. I also solider all of my connections. I had to redo the cig tap because I did not leave enough room / slack in the wires to close the cig door tight. Also before I decided on the center console I experimented with the glove box. If I had to do it all over again, I could do it in an hour or less. It was worth it. The sound is great. The audio out from the Belkin adapter is adjustable, but once you set it, it is fixed. So you don't have to worry about messing up the volume every time you touch the wheel like you would if you used the headphone jack. Now I just need to get a new IPOD.
Also note the glove box is a lot cleaner than the shot that I posted. I have to figure out how to post more pics in the original thread. I posted that on to show how I routed the wires. The final product is neat and clean.
Also note the glove box is a lot cleaner than the shot that I posted. I have to figure out how to post more pics in the original thread. I posted that on to show how I routed the wires. The final product is neat and clean.
Last edited by 05-MB-C230K; Dec 22, 2006 at 11:54 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: redondo beach, ca
2005 C230 SS
Yeah my car does have the pop-up cup holder. I actually use them a lot. The install took me about 3 hours only because I couldn't make up my mind. I also solider all of my connections. I had to redo the cig tap because I did not leave enough room / slack in the wires to close the cig door tight. Also before I decided on the center console I experimented with the glove box. If I had to do it all over again, I could do it in an hour or less. It was worth it. The sound is great. The audio out from the Belkin adapter is adjustable, but once you set it, it is fixed. So you don't have to worry about messing up the volume every time you touch the wheel like you would if you used the headphone jack. Now I just need to get a new IPOD.
Also note the glove box is a lot cleaner than the shot that I posted. I have to figure out how to post more pics in the original thread. I posted that on to show how I routed the wires. The final product is neat and clean.
Also note the glove box is a lot cleaner than the shot that I posted. I have to figure out how to post more pics in the original thread. I posted that on to show how I routed the wires. The final product is neat and clean.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: redondo beach, ca
2005 C230 SS
Oh yeah i know that, Mine charges my ipod too, but when i plug in the belkin to the ipod i get background 'noise' kind of like when something is not grounded. does your belkin give u the same results? or it might just be a bad belkin charger, who knows. i found this while searching:
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration
dod u get the same problem?
https://mbworld.org/forums/showthrea...od+integration
dod u get the same problem?
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 13,969
Likes: 0
From: Florida
In the market
i have to be honest..i am kind of diappointed...i was waiting to see a custom-fabbed interior piece to blend an iPod into the interior of the car. 
Nicely done with the electronics though
Nicely done with the electronics though
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
I do not get any feedback or hissing. I did have to adjust to output level from the Belkin and also made sure i had a good connection on both ends with the 1/8" stereo cable. I was also careful when routing the wires. I tried to stay away from anything that might cause interference.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
2005 C230 K - 4 Door Sedan
Yeah. I thought about fabing up a permanent holster or docking station, but I couldn't commit to anything. I prefer to have the flexibility that the loose cable provides. It is easier to read and the passenger can look through the Ipod as well. I can also hide every thing when the car is parked.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: redondo beach, ca
2005 C230 SS
Ok here some pics of my set up:
This is the wireless remote.
Better shot of position:
here is the ipod, thing on top is the wireless transmitter for the remote.
closer look at ipod with w/l transmitter:
Thats it for now. Eventually i want to put the ipod on the 2nd level of the armrest. Just hanvent figured out how to route the cables.
This is the wireless remote.
Better shot of position:
here is the ipod, thing on top is the wireless transmitter for the remote.
closer look at ipod with w/l transmitter:
Thats it for now. Eventually i want to put the ipod on the 2nd level of the armrest. Just hanvent figured out how to route the cables.
Last edited by drho2004; Dec 26, 2006 at 04:59 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 258
Likes: 1
From: redondo beach, ca
2005 C230 SS
no, with this you control the ipod from the ipod or you can use a w/l remote like im doing. but u will not be able to use the steering wheel controls or see the track titles on the dash display. the only way for that is the MB ipod kit
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
From: Brussels, Belgium
C-Class (S204 - 2011 facelift)
2.Instead of routing the cable to the glove box, I left it in the kick panel and routed my 1/8" stereo cable from the kick panel to the center console. (when routing the cables to the center console, you should loosen the bolts in the bottom of the center console to give you more room)
Where are the bolts you talking about?
Thanks
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
O7 c230, O7 335 E90
Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 185
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, B.C
2007 C280 Avantgarde
do you guys think it's worth it to get one of these, I have the 6 disk CD player - which means 594 songs?
So is it worth putting in the effort of putting an IPOD in? I have a 1 GB 1st gen Nano... and I aint getting a new one
So is it worth putting in the effort of putting an IPOD in? I have a 1 GB 1st gen Nano... and I aint getting a new one
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
O7 c230, O7 335 E90
I have the cd changer too but still fell cds are getting outdated and its much easier to fly through 500 songs on the ipod than going through cds trying to find the song your looking for!
Ive ordered the part and will be installing it tommorrow thanks for the DIY!
Ive ordered the part and will be installing it tommorrow thanks for the DIY!
