jacekdm

Hi,

I'm new to this forum. Recently got myself an ipod and now I'm looking to be able to play it in my car.

I was wondering if there is a way to connect it using aux in. I checked out the forums here and it seems like there is a aux in for the 05+ models, but I haven't really seen anything for 2002.

If anyone point me in the right direction about doing this.

Saprissa

so why is this thread in the W204 forum ?

Buellwinkle

It's real easy, just get Comand Navigation, it has aux in. The cassette radio does not have it natively but people have tapped and aux in jack into the cassette heads and then disabled the belts so the motor doesn't spin, you lose cassette, gain aux in.

C2304Bunz

There's a bunch of fm transmitter based ipod kits that are out there for under $100, but they get static interference easily, and are clunky in setup and appearance. You are correct, the MB ipod integration kit is for 05+ models to my knowledge. Have you checked out the harmon kardan (sp?) drive + play ipod kit?

Buellwinkle

There is an iPod integration kit for the older 2001-2004 W203, the Dension Icelink. You can control the iPod from steering wheel controls, stuff displays on MFD, charges the iPod as you go, has bracket to hold iPod. I just wasn't sure if he was asking about iPod integration or how to get aux in which is a totally different question. I figured he already searched forum (afterall, who wouldn't have searched first, no?) and went that route and was dissapointed by the price.

C2304Bunz

How much is the Dension Icelink?

EnkeiDynamics

I don't think they sale them in the US anymore do they?

C230 Sport Coup

Sh*t. I didn't even know something like this existed, and it's already gone?

EDIT- Well I did find it, in the UK...only $565 + shipping and whatever else is entailed + the Ipod.
Hmmm, well ONLY about $1000 + the Aux input.

http://www.ipodcarkitdirect.co.uk/iP...2B_fiber_optic

C2304Bunz

Jesus, $1k is a bit steep for an ipod kit....

Buellwinkle

Haha, you are funny. Back in the early days of the W203 the only way you can play a CD was to get the MB CD Changer and most dealers want $1,200 for it installed. So now you can play the equivalent hundreds of CDs and do it all for $1,000, that's a steal.

So to recap -

Poor man's approaches
- hack cassette player to add aux port instead of cassette. Don't know what will happen when you resell the car costs, a few bucks.
- use cassette adapter, hide wire, listen to cassette motor noise (bothers some like me more than others), costs $15.
- get a good wired FM modulator (not wireless junk) + antenna adapters. costs - $50-100.
- get a wireless FM transmitter, listen to static and constantly change FM stations during longer trips. Costs $10-80.

Nav approach - get MB Comand Nav, has Aux In, about $1,000 but you get nav which adds resale value

Aftermarket approach - get aftermarket radio that either has Aux In or direct iPod support, $200+ and install kit (wiring harness and plate). Down side is you may have to get amp and speakers if you have bose.

Dension Icelink - $600 for iPod control, best deal if you really want to use it with iPod

Sell car and get new one with iPod support - most expensive solution but gives you an excuse to buy a new car. I recomend the new BMW 335i with iPod option. The 300HP twin turbo will help add some zing to your music and free maintenance means not having to do your own oil changes for a few years.

C230 Sport Coup

I like the last option best
Actually, I saw a device out there somewhere, that ties into the DB2 loop,
as acts as an aux input. I think there was something about the CD changer though....maybe not able to have it connected, so the 2 items may not integrate. Sorry, don't have the link.
It was about $350.
I think I'd just as much add those $$ towards the price of a used command.

slammer111

Actually you can also buy a Bluetooth phone with mp3 playback, then buy the TEL kit from Steve. Then you get the phone option too!